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