Home Headphone Comparisons AKG K701 vs. AKG K702 [Definitive Guide]

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If you’d like to see the final shootout of all K600/700 AKG models, go here: AKG K612 vs. K712 vs. K702 vs. K701 vs. Q701 In there I give my all impressions and rankings in one place!

3,438-word post, approx. 5-6 min read.

Updates:

  • 9/7/19.
  • 9/22/19. Added updated JDS Atom to the mix of good amp pairings.
  • 9/24/19. Article/link cleanup.
  • 1/6/20. Article cleanup. Removed Magni and D1 from the list. Added Bravo Audio Ocean and AudioQuest DragonFly Red.
  • 1/22/21. Article/link cleanup.
  • 6/10/21. Article update.

Hey there friend, and Welcome aboard!!

First, we’ll begin with a quick comparison if you were looking to make a decision right away! 🙂


Comparison Chart


Preview
Better For Gaming
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
More Bass
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Title
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Color
Maroon/Grey/Silver
Blue/Black/Silver
Impedance
62 Ohm
62 Ohm
Sensitivity
105dB/V (Around 91dB/mW)
105dB/V (Around 91dB/mW)
Primary Use
Gaming, Mixing, Mastering, Reference
Gaming, Mixing, Mastering, Reference
Amplification Required?
Austrian Model
Open Back
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$162.99
$145.00
Better For Gaming
Preview
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
Title
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1
Color
Maroon/Grey/Silver
Impedance
62 Ohm
Sensitivity
105dB/V (Around 91dB/mW)
Primary Use
Gaming, Mixing, Mastering, Reference
Amplification Required?
Austrian Model
Open Back
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$162.99
Details
More Bass
Preview
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Title
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Color
Blue/Black/Silver
Impedance
62 Ohm
Sensitivity
105dB/V (Around 91dB/mW)
Primary Use
Gaming, Mixing, Mastering, Reference
Amplification Required?
Austrian Model
Open Back
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$145.00
Details

I have also written an informative article on the AKG Q701 vs. K701, if you were looking for that comparison, but clicked on this out of curiosity. If you were looking for the AKG K702 vs. K712, I have that one too!

Now with that, grab a snack, sit back and relax friend,

You’ve come to the right place!!

What I will bring you in this review

Given that both of these headphones have very similar sound signatures, I’m going to review the K701 and then compare it to the K702 towards the end. 🙂


Table of Contents

Click any of these to navigate the page!


Introduction
Specifications & Summary
Pros & Cons
Video Review
Who these headphones benefit?
Consensus/Conclusion
Amp/DAC Section
Similarities & Differences
Final Word
Sources


Introduction


Both of these models have been around for a while and both have gotten generally favorable reviews. As of late, however, the AKG brand is now being designed in Austria and assembled in China. Please keep this in mind before purchase. Both sets still get very good reviews to this day, but there are some people who have noticed a slight difference in build quality since they made the switch to China. Even with that said, the headband bump issue has been resolved, and no longer will the headphone leave you with a lumpy dome! It was a serious problem, lol.

Generally speaking, the K701 and K702 are still to this day highly regarded in the category of mid-tier audiophile reference headphones. The best audiophile headphones! In my estimation, the HD600 comes in first, the DT880 second, and the K701/K702 third. The main differences are that the K701/702 and HD600 have a darker treble than the brighter sounding 880 with its fairly standard peak of around 10k.

The K701/702 has a much wider Soundstage than the HD600 and DT880. Some people have called it “unnatural” but for Gaming, it’s absolutely ideal. The Best Headphones for Gaming!

The 880 also has a very good Soundstage, but it won’t provide you with that out-of-your-head sound where you can hear stuff happening behind you like the K701/702.

Lastly, the HD600 provides the narrowest imaging and Soundstage out of these 3. Its instrument separation and general imaging capabilities are tremendous, but the image itself is fairly small with regard to width. Learn more: Sennheiser HD600 Review!

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With that, let’s get into specs…

AKG K701

Note: The Specifications on both the K701 and K702 are identical, and they both use the same driver. What is a headphone driver?

Specifications

  1. Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay!
  2. Type: Open back.
  3. Color: Grey & Maroon.
  4. Fit: Circumaural.
  5. Frequency response: 10 to 39800 Hz.
  6. Impedance: 62 Ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
  7. Sensitivity: 91dB/mW.
  8. Material: Leather headband, plastic, velour padding.

Summary

These babies will provide you with a flat, close to neutral reference sound conducive to mixing in the studio. The bass is somewhat lacking, but the mid-range is really their strong suit. Some bullet points:

  • The Soundstage on them is exceptionally wide, but some say so wide that they may start to sound a bit unnatural. Others love the 3-D like presentation that the K701 supplies. What is Soundstage?
  • They are very even sounding across the spectrum, with no frequencies overpowering each other.
  • They will require a good amp but aren’t as power-hungry as some people claim.
  • They aren’t really plug-and-play type headphones, even at a modest 62 Ohm impedance.
  • They also won’t sound too good playing back low-quality audio, being that they are so honest.
  • Finally, being open back, these will leak quite a bit of sound. Closed back vs. Open back headphones

The sound is pleasant from your mobile devices, albeit a bit on the weak side. One thing to note is that there are two different models of the K701: The Austrian made, and now the Chinese made. A lot of people are saying that the overall quality has suffered, but some including Metal571 on YouTube said he didn’t see much difference. Still some things to keep in mind:

The early 2008 Austrian model (as seen in Metal571’s review)

  • The cable terminates into a 1/4″ adapter rather than the standard 3.5mm.
  • Has a 7 bump headband. The later models had 8 bumps. The newer models don’t have any bumps, which I found interesting.

What about the good and bad?

Pros

  • Very comfortable. You may forget you’re wearing them. The ear cups are also very large and fit all sizes.
  • Voices sound true to life. The treble is rendered beautifully.
  • The headband is made of leather, and self adjust to the size of any melon, big or small.
  • Very even sounding across the spectrum.
  • Particularly great mid-range. There is a 5dB bump at 2khz (just a spike if you will), but it gives the 701’s a certain energy that makes the music sound really enjoyable to an otherwise very flat headphone.
  • Good body, airiness, and clarity.
  • Does a good job of handling sibilant sound. What does sibilant mean?
  • Solid construction.
  • Great for mixing down tracks.
  • Extremely wide Soundstage. Gives a very nice 3-d image. Sound can be heard all around you, which can be very exciting and enjoyable! What is Soundstage?
  • Great for gaming, as you can hear the sound all around you, and can therefore make quicker snap decisions. The Best Headphones for Gaming!

Cons

  • The bass is very light and lean. Lacks impact. The quality and extension are there, but there just isn’t a lot of it.
  • The sound may have a “tinny” quality until they are burned in for a certain amount of hours (upwards of 100). There is a spike in the treble range which can be off-putting to some. Others say this makes it sound more detailed, extended, and quite gorgeous.

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Let’s take a break to watch a good anime!

Video Review

Credit to my boy @Metal571. Check him out on Twitter!

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What are its uses?

Who these headphones benefit?

If you’re looking for a wide, expansive Soundstage, these are among the best for that specific purpose. They would make fantastic gaming headphones as well. They are also pretty darn good for mixing and will give you a fairly balanced and even response. The bass is a bit more rolled off than some would like and could prove a bit more difficult to compensate for if you’re trying to mix Hip-Hop or something with a greater emphasis on the low end.

The mid-range on these is particularly good as well, as they render acoustic instrumentation with startling realism. They are also great for FPS gaming as they have that 3D Soundstage. Learn more: The Best Headphones for Gaming

This is a headphone that will do well with a variety of genres. Some notables include:

  • Jazz
  • Classical
  • Acoustic
  • Folk
  • Rock
  • Metal
  • Hip-Hop
  • Pop
  • R&B
  • World Fusion
  • Country

As you can well guess, the K701 does well for nearly any genre, as its resolution, clarity, and strict attention to detail becomes apparent the moment you put them on.

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The Consensus?

Consensus/Conclusion

The K701 excels in providing a flat, even sound conducive to mixing, but some may find that they will have to overcompensate due to lack of bass impact. Even so, they have a great Soundstage, mid-range, as well as good clarity and instrument separation as well.

The Austrian model does lack comfort as far as the bumpy quality of the headband. The newer Chinese models don’t have any bumps on them. They also may be a bit awkward-sounding, since they will expose tiny human flaws in musicianship that other headphones gloss over. In a nutshell, they are about as revealing as it gets in this general price range.

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So what is the best headphone amp for the AKG K701 and K702?


Amp/DAC requirements


I did an exhaustive amount of research on this matter, and I will continue to do so until I’m satisfied. You can find links to my sources at the bottom!

With a low impedance and low Sensitivity rating by mW (Around 91dB), the K701 and K702 both need some power from an amp to reach peak loudness (around 110dB is the standard). Neither are very efficient at all. Related: What is Sensitivity in Headphones?

Even though they both need quite a bit of power, they aren’t really amp picky like a lot of people will tell you. You should have no problems with an entry-level desktop Amp like the Atom or Objective 2. Both provide plenty of power and sound fantastic with all headphones.

You can also opt for an Amp/DAC combo; something like an E10K, or Audioengine D1. More on these in a jiffy!

Note: This section is still in progress, but let’s get into it!

  • Sources: Tidal (FLAC & MQA), Spotify Premium.

Desktop

Entry Level

JDS Labs ATOM/Objective 2

AKG K701 vs. K702

The Objective 2 has long since been a staple in the beginning audiophile diet. Fortunately for us, JDS Labs has recently released their next-generation update in the fantastic Atom.

6/10/21 Update: JDS Labs has discontinued The Objective 2.

More power, more options, and in my opinion a slightly better sound but it’s kind of marginal. The add-on features of the Atom are what make it better. We’ve now got a pair of RCA outputs as well as RCA inputs on the back, enabling it to output audio to a pair of studio monitors. You can also use the inputs to connect a separate DAC. The familiar 3.5mm input makes another return as well, proving to be most useful with a myriad of different DAC options.

In the picture above I have it paired up with a K3 for the DAC portion of the rig. An all-around fantastic investment and head bangin’ good time!

Video Comparison

Don’t forget to leave me some love! <3 🙂

 

 


Amp/DAC Combo


FiiO E10K or K3.

The Best Headphone Amp for the AKG K701 & K702

2 peas in a pod.

After spending a lot of time with the E10K/K3 and various headphones like the HD600, 650, Aeon Flow, K702, Black Mage, SHP9500, etc. I can say without a doubt that there really isn’t a reason not to own one of these. They work as a desktop solution as well as a portable Amp/DAC solution. With a gain switch and bass boost, there really isn’t anything more you could ask for. The gain switch helps out tremendously with more power-hungry headphones, and the bass boost is cool if you want to get all hardcore and rebellious.

I would call the sound very crisp, neutral, and clean, which will work with the majority of headphones without issue. Build on both is excellent for an Amp/DAC in this price category, and the K3 only improved on that. It’s a bit more robust and modern looking, with the inclusion of the more rugged Type-C USB cable vs. the E10K’s micro. The only complaint I had on the E10K was the jiggly jack on the back. It wiggled and piggled a little too much for my tastes.

That said: If you only have about $100 or less to spend, take a look at these first!

Comparison Video

Don’t forget to leave me some love! <3

 

 

AudioQuest DragonFly Red

AudioQuest DragonFly Red

DF Red goes to the beach.

This is perhaps my favorite all-around combo Amp/DAC because it’s really small and convenient. Just plug it into a USB slot and go! I’m finding the combo of K702 + DF Red to be quite fantastic as well.

Every time I listen to the Red, the Soundstage opens up and everything sounds more smooth and expansive. There’s a liquid effortlessness to the sound overall, with instruments sounding more lush and clean too.

You’re not getting any onboard features here, but the DAC does light up different colors according to the source file and sounds fantastic with Tidal MQA tracks specifically.

My Video Comparison/Shootout

Here I did an in-depth A/B comparison of the Black & Red version, as well as a Shootout between the FiiO E10K, DragonFly Red, and HA-2! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my growing channel. Any support is much appreciated!

 

 


Presonus HP4.

Another often overlooked choice, the Presonus HP4 has a ton of headroom, and a clean, crisp signal, and plenty of power to drive a K701. Many users report this one pairing very well if you’re looking for an entry-level Amp.

You can plug up to 4 different headphones so it’s cool for movie sharing or demoing headphones as well. Like the Audioengine D1, you can use this with your studio monitors too, so it becomes versatile in that regard. What are studio monitors?

This is an amp that will not only work with a K701 but a lot of other headphones as well. If you’re familiar with the original AKG K240, it was notorious for being extremely hard to drive. Not so with the HP4. A sound investment indeed (no pun intended).

 

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Tube Amps

Bravo Audio Ocean

Hybrid Tube/Solid State

AKG K701 vs. AKG K702

The Ocean.

The Bravo Ocean is a great first foray into the world of Tubes if you want to get your feet wet. It’s a class A Tube Hybrid, and sounds wonderful with the DragonFly Red as the DAC fed into a K702. I’m only using the gain at around 7 ‘o clock so you won’t have to worry about power at all.

The Ocean is versatile in that it has a pair of RCA Outputs and Inputs, as well as a Line Input. This essentially means that you can pair it up to almost any DAC. I used the E10K and DragonFly Red and I found that I liked the DF Red pairing a little more.

With Jazz specifically, I’m noticing better resolution and clarity through the Ocean. I listened to a Master of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” through Tidal, and I started hearing subtle details that I have not heard before. Little voices in the background became more apparent and easily distinguishable from what was going on in the forefront.

Part of this surely has to do with the K702 itself; there’s much better Soundstage depth and width when you have these headphones on, and that’s really not debatable. Even so, I was finding the album to come through with a much greater degree of immediacy and pinpoint accuracy than I remember out of other setups.

There’s a smooth sense of detail apparent, with bass notes sounding less hazy and wooly, and the overall sound is more enjoyable. I personally have always had a hard time with Jazz. It’s one of the most difficult genres to reproduce accurately and realistically. A lot of the time stuff gets muddied up quite easily, but with the Ocean I found the opposite to be true: there’s a crisp rumble to the tracks that now have plenty of room to breathe and pulsate without sounding muddy.

 


Little Dot MKIII.

This little beast pairs extremely well with a Topping D3 DAC, and has RCA outputs on the back for some added flexibility. You can use it as a preamp to power some studio monitors or you can hook it up to your Turntable for some fresh Vinyl snacks! Like the Darkvoice, this Little Dot also benefits from some tube rolling but the stock tubes sound fine too if you don’t want to upgrade right away. This will do very well with the K701 because like the WA6, it tends to smooth out the rough edges in that 2k area. The Dot has a rock-solid build and lots of power as well. If you’re coming from a cheaper solid-state amp, get ready to have your mind blown!

 

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The Rest


As mentioned above, I did a lot of research on this. Here I will list out everything I came across, with the amps towards the top getting the most mention followed by the ones toward the bottom with the least amount of mention.

  • Heed Can Amp. This seems to be one of the most recommended pairings with the K701, but it’s much harder to find nowadays.
  • Creek OBH-11.
  • Vioelectric V200.
  • Asus Xonar STX.
  • Questyle Audio CMA 800R.
  • Benchmark DAC-1.
  • Musical Fidelity X CAN V3/V8.
  • Matrix M Stage.
  • Aphex Head Pod.
  • Woo Audio WA-6.
  • SPL Phonitor.
  • Schiit Valhalla.
  • Burson HA160.
  • Auralic Taurus.
  • Leben CS300XS.
  • Cary SLI-80.
  • Lake People G103P.
  • Schiit Lyr.
  • Neco Mosfet V2.
  • Neco Portable V2.
  • JDS Labs cMoy.
  • Titanium HD
  • Trends Audio PA-10.
  • Tascam UH7000.
  • Mix Pre-D.
  • Meridian Explorer.
  • RSA Intruder.
  • RSA Raptor.
  • Val E10 Vacuum Tube Amp.
  • Corda Classic.
  • Meier Aria
  • Darkvoice 337.
  • Art 406.

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Let’s discuss the similarities and differences!


Similarities & Differences


AKG K701 vs. K702

Blade Runner approved.

Similarities

  • Both are open back, and people will be able to hear what you’re listening to. This also means that your mixes will be better because the music has room to breathe and doesn’t get trapped inside your head. This is also a big reason why mixing on closed back cans can get very tiring in a hurry.
  • Both benefit greatly from a good headphone amp. How to choose a Headphone Amp!
  • Both have the bumpy headband issue that a lot of reviewers have complained about. However, the newer Chinese model does not have any headband bumps.
  • Both have a neutral and flat sound, great for mixing, mastering, and reference.
  • Both need adequate time to break in.
  • Neither headphone sounds particularly “fun.”

Differences

  • The pads on the K702’s are thicker, which supposedly allows more of an “around the head” speaker-like experience.
  • The 702’s have a detachable cable, the 701’s do not.
  • The 702’s do not come with a stand, the 701’s do.
  • Bass. The 702’s bass response gets generally more favorable reviews than the 701’s. It rolls off a bit less than the K701, but the difference is fairly marginal.
  • Mid-Range. The K701 seems to have some extra presence and emphasis around 1k, while the K702 does not. Both also tend to rise at around 2k.
  • Treble. The K702 has some extra presence around 9-10k, while the K701 is fairly darker by contrast.
  • One reviewer noted a vast improvement in comfort and sound when he replaced the 701’s with the 702’s. The bass was stronger, and the mid-range was closer.

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Do keep in mind that these sound signature differences are kind of subtle.


Final Word


I would say if you desire a bit more bass and warmth with your headphone experience, the K702 may be the better fit (no pun intended). The 702 is my current go-to all-around headphone; for gaming, film, music, etc.

 

 

If you dig a more clinical sound, with a wider Soundstage that’s more conducive for Gaming, I would definitely opt for the K701. The differences between them are very subtle though.

 

 

Interested in learning about all of my final impressions of the 600/700 series?

 

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Well that’s about it for today my friend! Hope you enjoyed my comparison review of the AKG K701 vs. AKG K702 and came away with a better idea of the similarities and differences between the two.

Which one of these headphones are you most likely to purchase? Let me know!!

If you have any other specific questions, please leave them in the box below or Contact me! I very much look forward to speaking with you.

All the best and God Bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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50 comments

Kerry Bramham July 20, 2015 - 3:42 am

Hi Stu,
Thank you for pointing out the differences between to 701 and 702. It is interesting that the 702 clearly comes out in front and yet, it is cheaper. I wonder why that is?
They both look like really good options but I would go with the cheaper 702’s.
Nice post
Kerry

Reply
Stu July 21, 2015 - 1:33 am

That is a good question Kerry! I don’t really know the answer other than I know in the past it was more expensive than the K 701. Both are great options, but buyers should be weary of the fact that they are now designed in Austria but assembled in China.

Thanks for your comment!

-Stu

Reply
San July 20, 2015 - 3:43 am

Hello Stu,

I have to agree with those that say the quality suffers when things get made in China. I have seen it time and time again.
On the 701’s I can see where they would dig into your head a bit, I have a large head 7 7/8 to be exact and it is hard to find good headphones, do these expand to this size?
On the 702’s what are the ear cups made of, I have had a few that just made me sweat while they were on my head I do not like the leather or vinyl type?
Great review of both headphones I am not sure which one is better value, I will have to try them to find out.
Thanks,

San

Reply
Stu July 21, 2015 - 1:50 am

Hey San! Thanks for stopping by.. The pads on the 702 are made of velour as well. And yeah man anytime. Glad to help

As far as expanding in size, I’m sure both models do, but you may want to look at the Audio Technica ATH M50’s. I’ve had them for 2 years and they are the best purchase I’ve ever made. They are the most comfortable by far of anything I’ve tried, and fit snugly around my melon. I can wear them for hours! I just took them off in fact to see how far they stretch. You won’t be disappointed! Lol.

-Stu

Reply
Maarten July 21, 2015 - 2:55 am

Hi there,

These look like 2 decent headphones, thanks for giving the pros and cons to give us some ideas of what we need 🙂
They lack a bit in quality since they moved the manufacturing to China, where were they made before? And where is the lack of quality to be found? In use of material or the actual sound?
Also I like to wear them for a long time.. Which one would you consider more comfy?

Cheers!

Reply
Stu July 22, 2015 - 12:27 am

Hey man!

They used to be designed AND built in Austria, but for some reason they outsourced to China, which has many folks disappointed.. The lack of quality is mostly in the construction of them. They tend to fall apart and break a bit easier. All of the Austrian models had near flawless reviews.. Overall the headphones still get great reviews, but you will find some people complaining about lack of quality in this area.

However, the sound is still stellar by most accounts..

I would say the K702’s are more comfy.. They have updated pads which contour to your ears better. Both are made of velour though so you can’t go wrong on the ears.. The complaints mostly stem from the headband.

Thanks for stopping by!! Hope you decide to purchase! By the way, if you want another great recommendation, and a pair that I’ve had for 2 years, check out the Audio Technica ATH M50! They just may be the best headphones you can buy for about $150!

-Stu

Reply
Daniella July 23, 2015 - 4:52 am

Hi Stu,

I really like your review, there are great comparisons, which make it easier to choose .
To be honest with you, I don’t know nothing about headphones, this is not my branch, but I would love to buy one because of the capacity to enjoy high sounds without bothering anyone!
I would have chosen the more expensive one, because I am almost sure it’s the best quality.
I personally don’t like stuff made in chine, it does not last long!

Thank you for this great article

Reply
Stu July 23, 2015 - 9:48 pm

No problem Daniella!

If you need any affordable recommendations, let me know!

Thanks for stopping by,

-Stu

Reply
Jay July 23, 2015 - 4:58 am

Hey Stu, thanks for the post. I was especially interested in your article because I review gadgets, namely wireless headphones and speakers. Your article is laid out really well and the comparison between AKG K701 and AKG K702 was easy to understand by your use of pros and cons. So have you got a pair of either of the headphones that have been manufactured in China?

Reply
Stu July 23, 2015 - 9:47 pm

Hey Jay!

No I don’t. My next purchase is either going to be The Sennheiser HD 600’s, the Beyerdynamic DT880’s, or The AKG K701 or 702. It’s a tough call for sure…

Thanks for stopping by!! Come back anytime

-Stu

Reply
Benjamin July 23, 2015 - 5:38 am

Sup Stu,

I really like this positively produced article comparing the AKG K701 to the AKG K702 headphones.

Just a minor note though, Your vertical social media icon on the left side covers content as you scroll up and down which is annoying and could lead to less traffic engagement.

I’m looking into a new set of headphones so I might click that awesome link you designed and check em out.

Laters,

Benji

Reply
Stu July 23, 2015 - 9:45 pm

Hey Benji!

I had the same problem. Just zoom out a bit on your monitor (Cntrl -) and it should fix the problem..

Hope you purchase an awesome set of cans!!

Thanks for stopping by,

-Stu

Reply
Katerina Markakis July 24, 2015 - 1:23 am

Hey Stu!
I loved your reviews so I checked this post too. My best recently was talking about buying one of these but I am not sure which one. I think he was considering buying the cheaper one.
I didn’t know what the difference between those is. I will show this article to him even though I m sure he is familiar with both products.
Thank you for sharing! Your reviews are thorough and very helpful!

Reply
Stu July 24, 2015 - 1:40 am

Hey Katerina!

Thanks for stopping by!! Let me know if you have any questions about these, or if your friend does! Definitely link him to my article!!

-Stu

Reply
Jeff July 25, 2015 - 2:35 am

Your review on the AKG-K701 vs AKG-K702 is very informative. Based on what you’re saying it sounds like the K702 is the better value – and the better overall choice. Do you see a specific instance where someone would want the K701 over the K702? I mean there must be a reason why the company offers both models?

Reply
Stu July 25, 2015 - 2:41 am

Hey Jeff!

As far as that goes, I would say that people may choose the 701’s because of familiarity, and the fact that they are more prevalent in searches, and have been around for awhile. That signature grey and magenta really stood out to me when I was searching.. the 702’s fly a little more under the radar.. As the saying goes “Outta sight, outta mind” When you actually search for these in google, the grey ones ALWAYS pop up..

Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for dropping by!

-Stu

Reply
Dominic July 28, 2015 - 9:38 am

Hey Stu, what a cool looking headphones. It has the classic look but at the same time still look great despite the fact that these two models has been around for awhile. I understand that the bass for this may not be that great, which is a bit dissapointing I guess, especially at their price point. Nevertheless, since this AKG series has now been manufactured in China, has the prices gone down or still about the same? You said that quality may not be as good as before as well. In your opinion, why is that so? Thanks in advance Stu!

Reply
Stu July 29, 2015 - 3:04 am

Hey Dominic!

The bass is a tad light on the 702’s, but people scouting this model will buy it for it’s mixing prowess, and not so much for that boom factor. The 702’s do have a tighter, more controlled, and punchier sound. But it’s still very natural. Hardly disappointing no?

As far as price, I believe they have been at or around the price of $300 for quite some time. I just finished reading a review from 2006 on amazon, and he mentions that price.

As far as quality, the gripe seems to be of false advertising, and people generally complaining about a lack of build quality comparatively vs. the model that was originally made in Austria.

People are put off by the fact that the newer models still say “Made In Austria”, when clearly they aren’t anymore.

Hope that helps! Any other questions let me know..

-Stu

Reply
Levi Kaus July 31, 2015 - 4:06 am

I thoroughly enjoyed your site :). It has very helpful and informative information. You targeted your audience well too.
I will be back to see this page again for sure.

If you could go to my website and leave a comment that would be greatly appreciated as well. If not then thanks again for the information.

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Stu July 31, 2015 - 11:59 pm

Hey man, one comment was fine, but a duplicate comment asking me to go to your website without a link provided is a bit spammy..

-Stu

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Jyl August 4, 2015 - 6:17 pm

I was reading your review and I was thinking that the AKG K702’s definitely sounded like the better option for exactly the same reasons that you ended up using in your conclusion! Bass, reviews and cost. And they look way cooler too (to me at least). Really great review you’ve done here. Plenty of great info just in case someone focuses on something that the 701 has that the 702 doesn’t (but really, do you NEED a stand…?) Also, you gave the long cable of the 702’s as a negative. Not if you dance about the house like I do!! 🙂 You clearly know what you’re talking about. Refreshing. Great review 🙂

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Stu August 4, 2015 - 10:55 pm

Hey Jyl!

Thanks for dropping by. When I do decide to take the plunge and upgrade, this headphone will definitely be near the top of my list!

It gets quite a bit of praise from the community as being incredibly neutral as well as having one of the best sound-stages in it’s price range.

As for the stand? Yeah. Who needs it 😛

Hope to hear from you again!

-Stu

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Shawn August 31, 2015 - 7:09 pm

Thanks for the article. I was really interested in seeing these two side by side.
They both sound a bit light on the bass, but the 702 sounds like it has everything you need from a good set of phones for mixing, and that would;d explain the lack of low end.
The price works for me.
Have you spent any length of time using the 702?

Shawn>>

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Stu September 1, 2015 - 10:00 pm

Hey Shawn!

Thanks for stopping by, and no I have not but have done quite a bit of research on the 702. It’s a great option for mixing. The biggest complaint these days with the AKG models is that they are now made in China.

-Stu

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Gesit Ramadyan September 25, 2015 - 8:38 am

Hi Stu, awesome review! The 702 seems to be better but unfortunately it doesn’t have a case. By the way, you were saying that 702 is great for classical or opera music, but does it perform well as a DJ device? I don’t know much about Khz. Will the bass be adequate enough for a DJ? The price looks to be very good.

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Stu September 26, 2015 - 3:25 pm

Hey Gesit! The K702’s are great as a precision and critical listening device. They do really well in mixing and mastering environments. DJ’s may appreciate these qualities in the headphone. They are also conducive to long listening sessions, as they are very comfortable and lightweight. While the bass is tight, it isn’t overly boomy, and allows you to hear other elements in the mix very clearly. I would say yes, they are a great option for a DJ!

If you have any other questions just ask!

-Stu

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Marc Cantave November 20, 2015 - 5:42 pm

Both of these headphones look great and it would be a tough choice. I would lean towards the AKG K701 mainly because I like the gray color, it looks nice. It’s also great that these can fit anyone as many people I know have a big head lol. But to be serious, these headphones are great and I would be interested in purchasing either one. Thanks

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Stu November 22, 2015 - 4:44 am

Sup Marc!

I’m partial to the 702, I really do like that black design. The only thing that would steer me in the other direction would be the comfort factor. Many have complained of that bumpy head band issue. Sound wise? These are some of the best mixing/reference cans you can buy. They have a remarkable sound-stage as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Stu

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Billy Hunter December 29, 2015 - 10:24 pm

Whoa, it’s pretty wild how you can point out all the single details about the 701 and 702! You really know your headphones. Which one would be better for my guitar amp? I need a heaphone set for my new amp for my electric guitar. Well even my acoustic guitar for that matter. It would be nice to have a real nice set. Would I be able to use one for my apple mac? I feel like the quality of spotify would be pretty nice!

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Stu December 31, 2015 - 2:39 am

Hey man!

I did some research and saw people had recommended the Shure SRH 840’s. Check out my comparison review between those and the M50’s! Audio Technica ATH M50 vs. Shure SRH 840.

For a slightly more affordable option, you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser HD 280’s! They are built like a tank and are very neutral.

Hope that helped. If you have any other questions let me know brother!

-Stu

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Daniel Lara January 24, 2016 - 2:40 am

Great review on the k701 and k702! I own a much cheaper AKG model, the k44, and I think it is a very good benefit for the money. Now, I see all the time the discussion between objective and subjective audio measurements. Do you believe the preamp makes a significant difference in the headphone listening experience?

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Stu January 24, 2016 - 2:40 am

Hey Daniel!

Sweet! I’m gonna have to research your headphones. I always love discovering new gear and potentially doing reviews on it. As for an Amp/DAC making a difference, it really depends on the impedance of the headphone. Now for the K701’s and 702’s this can be a bit tricky. At 62 Ohm, you wouldn’t think they need an amp, but they do! Add to that they are also a bit amp picky. The Vioelectric V200 does extremely well, but is a bit pricey. One amp that I’ve found consistently does well with nearly every headphone is the JDS Labs 02.

So to answer your question, if a headphone requires an amp, then yes the sound will most certainly benefit in sometimes extraordinary ways. Generally speaking, 250 Ohm and up absolute need an amp, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes you may be able to get away with not having one, it just depends. Check out my article How to choose a headphone amp for more information! Any other questions just ask..

Thanks for stopping by brother,

-Stu

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bioelectrobot January 31, 2016 - 12:08 am

Wow, these headphones are remarkably advanced. I didn’t watch the videos, so forgive me if this question was answered in the videos: What is the physical weight of each product? When you say these need to be driven by an amp, is an amp absolutely required, or highly recommended?
These headphones are definitely for serious sound enthusiasts. I really enjoy study the physics behind sound and the processes that are used to construct these fascinating products.
Thanks for the very interesting review.

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Stu February 1, 2016 - 2:21 am

Hey there,

No problem at all. The weight of both of these headphones is 235 grams.

Also, I would say that an amp is never required, mostly because 1) any headphone will still power out of a standard jack and 2) Some people will not buy one regardless, until they hear the headphone for themselves to determine if in fact it does need one. It’s a valid stance. You can always add one later if need be.

As far as the K701 and 702. Yes. An amp is HIGHLY recommended to get the most out of these models. At 62 Ohm, they are very deceptive in that you wouldn’t think you need one. They are also pretty picky as well. The Vioelectric V200 and SPL auditor both do remarkably well, but are a bit pricey.

The JDS Labs 02 has been getting a lot of positive buzz, and works wonders for a variety of different headphone set ups as well.

Any other questions just ask!

-Stu

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Holly April 25, 2016 - 10:22 pm

Wow that was a lot to take in, but I loved it. I’m not much on headphones, but my kids are. They love to listen to music. You really made the decision clear for me on which one to choose. I enjoyed your post and I can not wait to see what is next. Thank you for the information. Much appreciated.

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Stu April 26, 2016 - 3:15 am

Thanks Holly! Glad you enjoyed it. Stay tuned..

Blessings,

-Stu

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Brenna July 20, 2016 - 11:57 pm

My husband and I have started up a little home recording studio to capture us playing, writing and recording. These headphones seem pretty awesome for a set up like that… However, I’m afraid that it’s a bit expensive for us with such a small set up. We use a nice pair of speakers to play our recordings through right now. Would you recommend a less expensive model that these? Say in the 100-150 dollar range??

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Stu July 22, 2016 - 9:50 pm

Hey Brenna!

Honestly if you’re just starting out, I would go with either the Sony MDR 7506 or MDR V6. For tracking I wouldn’t recommend an open back model, which is what the K701 is. Sony MDR V6 vs. MDR 7506. Both of these are standards in the industry, and will serve your purposes quite well. Both also happen to be below your price range (less than $100) too. If you have any other questions let me know!!

Blessings,

-Stu

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1984 September 23, 2016 - 7:38 am

“They are very even sounding across the spectrum, with no frequencies overpowering each-other.”
Not really, at least when it comes to 701, which has a raised treble and laid-back rolling off bass. The result is that S and T sound more than usual and this can quickly lead to listener-fatigue.

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Stu September 25, 2016 - 10:43 pm

I agree about the bass but not really on the treble. They are pretty good with handling sibilance. Also most headphones place emphasis on treble.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Steve May 6, 2017 - 9:05 pm

Hi Stu,
Thanks for the very detailed review; it helped me decide which model to chose. Do you believe that K701 or either K702 can be easily driven by Dragonfly RED DAC/amp?

Thanks

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Stu May 6, 2017 - 10:05 pm

Hey man no problem!

The K701 is very amp picky so I wouldn’t bank on that. Try one of the options mentioned in the review for best results. 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Stu

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Andre August 20, 2017 - 6:01 am

Hi Stu,
I have read your review and you did a really good job on breaking down everything. I was wondering what you think about on my current situation.

I am a competitive fps player and I want the best competitive headphone (not headset) I can use to track position (footsteps). I read a few other forums and it lead me to the AKG K701/K702s and AD700s. (But people say the K701s have a bigger sound stage).
I have a pair of Beyer DT 770 Pros which I use for “fun” so I will not care if the sound signature is lacking in bass etc in the one I will buy. I am also using a xonar essence STX sound card to power my headphones. (using dolby headphone to simulate virtual surround sound)
Any recommendations? thanks 🙂

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Stu August 20, 2017 - 8:55 pm

Hey Andre!

The Audio Technica ATH AD700x or 900x is what you’re after if you’re looking for something cheaper. The 700x’s may be better because they have slightly less of a bass response, and they’re also more affordable. I love the 900x’s though. Both are perfect for gaming.

Let me know what you think and what you decide!

-Stu

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Andre August 25, 2017 - 6:25 pm

Hello Stu,
I got the AKG K701 before reading your reply. All I can say is the performance is great and I do not regret my decision. I can absolutely hear almost all footsteps around me when I game with Dolby headphone activated on my sound card. Directional positioning is great as well. The only downside like your review said is that the headphones are flat and are not fun. (my DT 770 Pros will fulfill this 🙂 ) Another mention is that the treble on these are really sharp and can hurt (I have heard they break in over time).
Thanks again Stu

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Stu August 25, 2017 - 7:40 pm

Yeah man!

In all honesty, the differences between the three (K701, 702, and Q701) are kind of minuscule in the grand scheme. The 702 adds a bit more bass, and the Q701 cleans up the unnatural soundstage present in the K701, as well as add a bit more bass.

For your needs, I think you chose the correct headphone however. For gaming you don’t really need the extra low end boost. 🙂

So glad you’re enjoying them! Did you get a good deal?

Blessings,
-Stu

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Alan April 3, 2018 - 10:58 pm

Hi, Stu. I’ve enyojed your review of these headphones, but I got one question.

I’m looking for a good headphones for mixing. I know that you said that these models aren’t the best option for genres like hip-hop or electronic, the genres that I produce the most.

The Q701 and the HD600 are out of my bucket, and I feel that any of these will be the best option for me.

Whatever, not for listening but for mixing, the K702 are a good option or you will search another headphones? I do not only produce hip-hop or electronic and I mix projects for other people in diverse genres.

Thanks!

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Stuart Charles Black April 3, 2018 - 11:16 pm

Hey Alan!

What do you mean by out of your bucket? I would suggest the HD600 as the top choice for mixing, but you can’t go wrong with a K702 or Q701. The Q has a bit more bass, and both are fantastic headphones. The Runner Up to the 600’s are the DT880’s, and third would be the K701/702. The K701’s Soundstage is a bit unnatural, and I’ve yet to update the article to reflect that. But here it is: The Best Studio Headphones for Mixing. Let me know what you think! The DT880 is always the headphone I recommend people if they don’t want to spend the money for the 600. Please keep me posted on your decision.

Best Regards,
-Stu

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Pep May 7, 2021 - 5:56 pm

Hi Stu!
I currently have HD6xx, DT880 600 ohms…
Which (701,702) could best complete my collection? Which one provides a more different sound signature to what I already have? None?Another one?
Any suggestion is welcome

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Stuart Charles Black May 7, 2021 - 8:48 pm

Hey man! I’d def go 702. Check this article: https://homestudiobasics.com/before-you-buy-an-akg-k702-read-this/ And let me know what you think!

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