Topic: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B

[kingdong]

Has anybody used both of these?  Any comments about how they compare? 
TIA, Don

[kirk97132]

I've never seen or used the 170's but I'd think the new pricing of $99 VS $365 is an indicator of quality especially since they are both made by AKG.  Then there is the option to switch out capsules on the 391's.  Plus I have a brand new pair in the YS for less than you get them anywhere else

[rjp]

I can't speak for the 391s, but I've been very happy with the results I've obtained with the 170s. It figures that they'd go on sale long after I got mine, though.

Keep in mind that they are Chinese-built to AKG's design, which explains the low price. It would be interesting to hear comparisons against the 391s, and also against competing Chinese mics like the Avantone CK-1.

No interchangeable caps. Look elsewhere if you need them.

Some specs, lifted from the AKG site:

	Perception 170	C 391 B
Sensitivity	12 mV/Pa	10 mV/Pa
S/N	73 dBA	77 dBA
EIN	< 21 dBA	17 dBA
Pad	-20 dB	-10 dB
Bass Filter	None	12 dB/octave @ 75 Hz
Max SPL	135/155 dB SPL @ 0.5% THD	132/142 dB SPL @ 1% THD
Phantom power	48 V, < 2 mA	9 - 52 V, < 2 mA

So, the 391 gives you lower noise, a bass filter, more flexible powering, and interchangeable capsules, while the 170 can handle insane SPLs with lower distortion, and has greater sensitivity.

[taperj]

I really liked my Perception 170's, here's a comparison of them next to Neumann km84i's if interested:

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=520224
http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=520186

Cheers,
J

[rjp]

Nobody's seeding the KM84i source. The 170 source had a seeder when I started the torrent, which quickly vanished.

Edit: The seeder for the 170 source reappeared, and I managed to get a full copy. I just listened to "So Weak So Strong," and while I can hear a difference between the KM84i and the 170, it's hard to determine how much of that is due to mic placement and pattern. In any case, the 170s made a very nice pull!