After having owned the Grado RS2e (with upgraded "G Cushion" Over-Ear pads............when I mention the RS2e, just know that I am referring to them WITH these pads on, not the smaller On-Ear stock pads they are boxed with), I thought I had come to the conclusion that the incredible "neutral but fun" sound the RS2e offers is what I'd always wanted. Are they the best headphones I've owned yet? Yes, because after going through so many mostly closed-back and a few open-back headphones, these took things to the next level for me that even the open-back Sennheisers I'd owned (HD 598 & HD 598 SE) in the past couldn't match. But there was always something appealing about the AKG K702 to me (as I've had it on my headphone list for a while now), based on info & advice from others, pro reviews, and its looks as well.
You see, the first time I was ever really "blown away" by a pair of headphones was back when I listened to some songs in the Magnolia section of my local Best Buy on the closed-back AKG K550 they had on display there using a cheap portable amp (not even a DAC/amp really, just an amp). Besides a wide selection of rock songs, including some Meg Myers, one of the songs I listened to was Fleetwood Mac's "Crystal" (using my phone as the source), and the first chorus of that song, and even more so the outro part (3:15), just had a really "epic" sound to it. For the most part what I mean there is, the soundstage seemed really wide (especially for closed-back 'phones), but also, the drums had such a "punch" to them...........weighty, but very lively! Almost like they were being played on and amplified from outer space. It was so cool...........but over the years, I wanted to be open to other kinds of sound signatures, so after owning the K550 for months, I sold it, and went on to own many other headphones thereafter.
This leads me to now. For 6 months now, I've really enjoyed the Grado RS2e, but I wondered if maybe the also open-back K702 could somehow match or beat it, at least to me. I knew this wasn't all that likely given the RS2e runs for $495 (not including the $45 upgrade pads), while the K702 just recently went down in price from around $220 to $162 here on Amazon. But seeing that price drop made me think "why not"? So I did.................and here is my short review:
Design/Layout/Comfort:
Where normally I would talk about the unboxing experience here, I'm just going to forego that. The experience for both was satisfying though. No complaints.
The RS2e's ear cups can be rotated to make the headphones lay flat, while the K702's can't (which means the K702 needs the bigger box). While I would prefer it that the K702 could lay flat, I'm really fine with how it is. The RS2e comes with beautiful wooden ear cups, and the standard on-ear pads, which are not all that comfortable really, especially for long periods, which is why I got the G Cushions. The G Cushions offer more treble and a wide soundstage, as well of course as added comfort.
The K702's ear pads are labeled as "comfortable, specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads", which feel like velour to me. They are super comfortable, definitely more than even the Grado G Cushions are, which are more like a regular upgraded styrofoam. The headbands on both are fine, but I prefer the K702's because it adjusts to your head, where the Grado's are manually adjustable, but don't lock into place like many of the Sennheiser ones do. They just kinda slide into place, but the problem is, they can easily slide out too sometimes. So I find myself constantly re-adjusting them. Many won't mind this, and I didn't really for the most part, but it's still something to note.
Sound Quality:
**Note: These headphones both have neutral enough sound signatures to where a custom EQ for either pair would be highly unnecessary. Therefore, please read on knowing that the EQ setting in my Poweramp app was turned off.
The amp/DAC used was my trusty iFi xDSD, which utilizes a semi-wireless setup. Also, this comparison was done over a period of 2 weeks, and was comprised of 4 separate listening sessions that lasted at least 1-2 hours each time.**
Bass - While the Grado and the AKG both render bass very well, they DO handle it differently. The AKG offers a more powerful and "present" bass sound than the Grado, yet it doesn't sound bloated or bleed out over the mids and treble at all as far as I could tell. Both have much bass detail though. For me, I preferred how the AKG rendered it, especially on "Crystal" during the outro section, which features that great sounding drum part.
Mids - Both headphones were fantastic with the mids. Hard to say which one was better. For me, I'd say it was equal. Every detail I heard regarding vocals etc on one headphone I could clearly hear on the other as well.
Highs - This is where I have a minor issue with the Grado. Using the G Cushion Over-Ear pads for the added (and for me, necessary) comfort, I noticed a slight spike in not only soundstage, but also treble too. This wasn't an issue when I first bought them really, but later on it slowly became so. At times, this would also add in a bit of unwelcome sibilance to the sound (aka, that high-pitched "sssss" sound), which can be somewhat fatiguing after a while. The AKG however didn't have this issue at all. Though both generally sound great and this is more of a minor issue which doesn't happen often at all really, I still prefer how the AKG rendered the highs in this case.
Soundstage - Both headphones offer an incredibly wide sounding soundstage. It's POSSIBLE the AKG's might be slightly wider, but honestly, to me, they were both equal here as well like with the mids.
Volume - Due to the K702's impedance/sensitivity rating vs. the RS2e's, I found that the K702 required a little more power to hit the same volume that the RS2e does at a lower power setting. But it wasn't much of a difference really.
Conclusion:
This had to have been one of the toughest of my MANY headphone comparisons that I've ever done. Where in the past I've had some real easy comparisons to judge, these two headphones really DON'T mess around! Based on the comfort, and more pleasing (to my ears anyway) sound signature of the AKG headphone, I have decided to keep the K702 and sell off my Grado RS2e and the upgrade pads as well. Maybe it's not all that surprising, given how much these remind me of the AKG K550, though these are definitely on a higher playing field!
Though this wasn't an easy decision, in the end, it made the most sense. The fact that the K702 is only a fraction of the cost of the RS2e + the G Cushion Over-Ear pads made it even more impossible to merit keeping the Grados. Again, I really believe though that if you generally prefer a more "fun" sound signature, that perhaps the Grados with those pads would be better suited to your musical taste actually. But if not so much, though you still want a very enjoyable and more "epic" sound signature like I apparently do lol, then the K702 is the one for you!
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From the manufacturer
AKG K702 Reference Open-Back Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The K702's are reference, open, over-ear studio headphones for precision listening, mixing and mastering.
Specifications
- Headphone type - open
- Sensitivity headphones - 105 dB SPL/V
- Rated Impedance - 62 Ohms
- Detachable cable - yes
- Cable Length - 3 m
- Earpads replaceable - yes
- Maximum input power - 200 mW
- Audio frequency bandwidth - 10 - 39800 Hz
Reference Studio Headphones
For Precision Listening, Mixing and Mastering
The K702's are reference, open, over-ear studio headphones for precision listening, mixing and mastering. They combine an extremely accurate response with agility and spaciousness. This is achieved by using revolutionary flat-wire voice coils and a Varimotion two-layer diaphragm. A totally open design and a high-performance cable complete these reference headphones.
The K702's comfortable, specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads and a genuine-leather headband ensure a perfect fit. They provide a professional mini XLR connector for quick replacement of the cable. The K702s are individually checked and serial-numbered.
AKG K702 Reference Open-Back Over-Ear Studio Headphones
AKG Varimotion Membrane
The heart of any headphone or microphone is the diaphragm. It’s the component that handles the challenging task of turning its mechanical motion into the electrical signal that delivers the sound. Varimotion from AKG is a unique technology that allows the production of a diaphragm whose thickness varies along its diameter. With the help of this innovative diaphragm, AKG is able to precisely tune the capsule for the highest level of performance to provide powerful, accurate, clear and feedback-free sound.
AKG Flat-Wire Voice Coil Technology
AKG’s flat-wire voice coil technology is what gives the K702 reference headphones the transient response that delivers amazingly accurate and spacious sound. Conventional voice coils use round wires, but AKG’s flat-wire technology allows the company to build very rigid yet lightweight voice coils, which improves the pulse response. Furthermore, using flat wires provides higher packing density in the magnetic gap, which increases the efficiency because less power is lost to heat.
Phenomenal Comfort for Complete Immersion
Nobody wants to endure pain or discomfort when working in the studio or listening to music. That's why the K702 Headphones were built to fit you. Unique 3D-Form ear pads and an ergonomic padded genuine-leather headband ensure that you remain pain-free and comfortable, even during the longest of sessions. The ear pads feature an innovative gel construction with a super-soft lining. Plus, with the self-adjusting headband design, you'll never have to worry about fiddling with positions ever again.
The AKG Legacy - Inspiring Greatness for Decades
For more than 65 years, AKG has helped create the iconic sounds of some of the world’s most well known recording artists, engineers and producers. Our designers and engineers have made it their life’s passion to find new ways to deliver breakthrough experiences for artists of all levels. Whether in the studio or on stage, when you wear AKG headphones, you’re seconds away from creating history.
K612 Pro
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K701
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K702
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K712 Pro
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| Customer Reviews |
619
|
83
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4,287
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1,857
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| Price | $139.11 | $209.00 | $188.00 | $254.83 |
| Headphone Type | Open | Open | Open | Open |
| Detachable Cable | no data | no data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Replaceable Earpads | no data | no data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rated Impedance | 120 Ohms | 62 Ohms | 62 Ohms | 62 Ohms |
| Net Weight | 238g | 235g | 235g | 235g |
| Wearing Style | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Audio Frequency Bandwidth | 12-39500 Hz | 10-39800 Hz | 10-39800 Hz | 10-39800 Hz |
Compare with similar items
This Item  AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $178.00 | $279.99 | $109.00 | $220.23 | $98.00 | -61% $184.88 List: $469.00 |
| Delivery | Get it Mar 31 - Apr 14 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 21 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 21 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 21 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 21 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | makana1001 | Northeast Legacy Distribution | HIFIMAN | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Easy Eagles |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | — | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | XLR | 3.5mm Jack | 6.35mm Jack | 1/4-inch, 3.5mm Jack | — | — |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm and 1/4 inch Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | 9.8 foot cord | Tangle Free |
| control type | Media Control | Touch Control | Media Control | control | Noise Control | Media Control |
| water resistance | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | — | not water resistant |
| material | Plastic | Plastic, Fabric | Plastic | Velour | Copper, Gold, Neodymium | Revolutionary |
| model name | K702 | HD 650 | HE400SE | HD 560S | Sony MDR | K701 |
| frequency range | Wide frequency response | 10 Hz – 41 kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 6 Hz to 38 kHz | — | 10 Hz to 39.8 kHz |
| frequency response | — | 41000 hertz | — | — | 20 KHz | 38000 hertz |
Videos
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i was super ocd about what i wanted in my next set ...
i was super ocd about what i wanted in my next set of headphones as I am a music industry professional (producer/engineer) working with club/rave music and trap/hip hop so a lot of bass heavy material, i'll unload my thoughts on these after owning them for about 3 weeks, forgive me for tangents i may stray off on. I wear cans for about 8 hours a day so i naturally became very picky about my headphones, and these are definitely my favorite pair of cans, and AKG proves that in the audiophile game $1000 dollar headphones dont always equal better, the super low price threw me off as i was looking to spend around 500, but i've seen these elsewhere for 300 usd, i was shocked they were so low and some others have commented that the k701s listed here are counterfeit, the comments didnt seem to have any stories with this model so i bit and purchased them, was choosing between these and the hifiman 400i since they were planar and my last set purchased was the oppo-pm3 and i wanted to stick with the planar sound but the reviews on these convinced me to try open-back/dynamic and wow AKG is on their A game, these are for studio use and i would definitely not wear these in public as being open back of course the entire plane or bus will hear your music, and the size, they are quite large and i feel like i'm about to signal in a navy fighter jet in top gun when i put them on, but oh so light! i see why they had to make them this light at this size. The size quickly became a non issue once you hear the sound stage on these, the stock pads are great but they do allow more air to escape being a breathable material and i purchased the brainwaves XL (make sure you get xl) pleathers which fit perfect and i notice much more low end now, they keep your ear from touching the driver which i love, makes the sound stage much more immersive. About the bass issue, these are definitely tailored to the engineer/producer demographic, the bass is there and plenty of it if the track was produced to be sub heavy, i work with a lot of dubstep and trap and the low 808s you can feel vibrating your temple, house/trance sounds fantastic where the emphasis is a punchy kick, I did perform the sticker mod on these (youtube akg bass mod) that does make difference for sure.With that being said, if you are purchasing these be aware that even at 62 ohms you still need a decent amplifier for these, i thought my fiio a3 could handle it as it does a decent job on the pm3 but those are 25 ohm, these it does ok but you still feel the cans are begging you to go louder, got an objective2 from jds labs for 100 bucks and it has enough drive to get them cranking, was going to go with the magni3 from schiit but was too impatient to wait for backorder for a month, but im sure that one will sound great too as the two are often compared. From my experience portable amps won't be able to drive these to the best potential you'll need a proper desktop amp with an output impedance of less than 1ohm imo to get these singing.The clarity/soundstage on these are so accurate and detailed it will reveal stuff about your music that you didn't notice before, example for me was that i could now hear compression artifacts a lot more noticeably on mp3's especially in the low end, i thought initially the 702's were not able to handle certain low frequencies but upon listening to the same song in flac vs mp3 it was night and day, you can crank it LOUD without distortion just make sure your source music is lossless for best experience, but yes that does mean i'm looking for all my tracks in flac to replace my mp3 collection, i've never really heard about this "burning in" myth but 3-4 weeks in i definitely hear a difference as far as tracks that were a bit hot/distorted when i listened 3 weeks ago at a loud but capable level are now cleaner and can take the same volume levels, might be placebo who knows, the china move to have these made over there from Austria must be why the price is so low as they do initially lightweight and "plastic" but keep in mind these are meant to be used in studios not thrown in backpacks and worn on public transportation, the brainwaves pads added some weight that makes them feel more "expensive" in a way, however the key component, the driver seems to not have been compromised for cheaper parts like the housing/build as i a/b tested these with an Austrian built pair my buddy has and it is exactly the same, as is the q701 and 712 driver, anyways enough of my ramble, for this price these destroy anything similarly priced imo, the site lists them at about 350 and that would be a price i'd still say is a steal for the performance of sound they deliver. GET EM!
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
- Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
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- Soumya MReviewed in India on December 5, 2024
AKG is the GOAT !
This is my first akg product, I'm blown away by the sound quality of these headphones, truly hifi audiophile grade headphones for sure. Having owned the hd598,hd599,hd6xx,dt770/880/990,t1-1stgen, amiron home and many other headphones but I can safely recommend these and I will admit that these are my favourite all rounder for various genres of music. But remember, you will need a dedicated hifi headphone amplifier with a good DAC to run this at their full potential. My setup is still average but it somehow does the job but somehow I believe the sound will scale up with more better equipment. These have low impedance only 62ohms written on the box but don't get misleaded by that. You cannot get even 50% sound quality(not loudness) out out these by using cheap amp/dac or portable amps so kindly forget about using these with smarphones(not even iphones) and laptops.Soumya MAKG is the GOAT !
Reviewed in India on December 5, 2024
Build wise the headphone feels a bit fragile compared to my sennheisers and beyers(coz it does not have a solid headband structure) but its not too bad either. You have to take good care of it and it will last for a long time. Believe me guys, people nowadays are hating too much on made in China stuff whereas most all around products that are widely used are made in China and guess what they all work fine and so is this one. Don't read believe everything you believe online or at least go for someone who has in hand product experience like I have.
These are overall flat sounding headphones - natural and neutral but is still very musical headphone. The timbre quality is very realistic and life like. Unlike some headphones this headphone is not screaming music into your ears and doesn't demand your attention, rather the music is being played all around you so u just sit in the centre and enjoy the music and relax. I feel the bass is slightly boosted and has very good extension with a good body and a slight thump. It is not at all overpowering and never bleeds into the mids or interferes with other frequencies and destroy the musicality of the audio track unlike some headphones. People have been complaining about the lack of bass from these headphones which is not true at least with my hearing experience on my particular pair with my setup. These have proper audiophile quality bass which I instantly appreciated out of the box but it is not a bassy headphone so bass lovers stay away from it, u might consider the beyerdynamic dt990 if u want bass.
These definitely have more airy sound presentation than the senns hd600/hd650/hd6xx and beyer dt880 and slightly more than the beyer dt990. But soundstage is not ultra wide and lost like some ppl described online. Vocals still feel imtimate and full bodied but not as foroward and initmate as the sennheisers but not very distant or far away as some reviews have stated. Very few headphones can beat the senns in the vocal department so if u want really lush nd smooth and initmate vocal presentation then go for the hd600/650/hd6xx. The K702 has just the right amount of vocal presentation which is neither recessed nor too close or shouty like other headpones(especially with the senns hd/600/650/6xx the vocals can sound a bit shouty on some tracks) but is very balanced and neutral. The timbre quality is very realistic and life like their is no doubt about that. Vocals still feel slightly warm and not dry and the extremely analytical like the beyers except for the amiron home which a different type of beast. The dt880/990/t1 are not dry sounding or bad its just in comparison the akg I think the k702 does better.
Treble extension is not bad but is not exceptional like the beyerdynamic t1. Treble is present but its neutral and definitely not at all a brighter headphone at all as mentioned in some reviews on hradfi/reddit. Beyers are definitely brighter(except for amiron home) than the k702. But in comparison to the hd650/6xx yes it might feel brighter cause the later is a very darker sounding headphone. Although the treble can be a bit sibilant and over pronounced with some tracks. idk if this headphone is having a treble spike on a particular freq but its mostly the fault of the track which is badly mixed/mastered or u r listening to bad quality mp3. Unless you have flaq, spotify,itunes or other loseless audio or really good quality mp3 its useless to get these because u will never realize their full potential. Detail wise these are on par with senn hd600/650 and beyer dt880/dt990 lineups but I do find the beyers to be slightly more detailed which maybe due to their extended treble response.
Soundstage is quite big and airy but lacks the pinpoint precision imaging of the beyerdynamic dt 880/t1. In terms of imaging the beyers and senns are slightly better by a slight margin but in no way the akg is bad. You can distinguish instruments playing left right front center of you basically as if you like you are sitting in a concert hall.
Now lets come to a absolute deal breaker thing of this headphone which is the current pricing as of late 2024(when I bought these). If you do a bit of research online then you will know that these are compared to the senns hd6 and beyer dt line ups and all of them are having a minimum price of 15k and upwards till 22k and above for the senns which makes the akg and incredible value for the price at which I bought which is only 9k ! Both sennheiser and beyerdynamic counterparts cost at least 9k-10k more than the akg so it is an incredible value at the current retail which is 10k or slightly below that.
Just make sure you have a proper headphone amplifier before u get these. If you dont have an amp or a small dac/amp setup, better get the hd599 or hd560s. They will run fine out of small/portable setups. If u r listening to classical, jazz,acoustic, live perfomances and some rock then these do pretty good. I may update this review furthur on as I experience and compare it with other headphones.
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MPReviewed in France on December 14, 2022
Un casque exceptionnel pour un son envoutant
