Home Headphone Comparisons AKG K702 vs. K712 [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!

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The AKG K702 vs. K712? An exciting comparison indeed. Do they sound identical? Let’s dive in and find out.

Greetings comrade, Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music, (NOT gear) all over again, so…

At A Glance

Preview
Best For Mixing
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
Best For Casual Listening
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones,Black
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Color
Blue
Black/Orange
Impedance
62 Ohms
62 Ohms
Sensitivity
Around 91dB/mW
Around 84-88dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Type
Open Back
Open Back
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Casual, Fun, Gaming, Reference
Prime
Amazon Prime
-
Price
$145.00
$297.99
Best For Mixing
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
Impedance
62 Ohms
Sensitivity
Around 91dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Type
Open Back
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$145.00
Details
Best For Casual Listening
Preview
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Color
Black/Orange
Impedance
62 Ohms
Sensitivity
Around 84-88dB/mW
Amplification Required?
Type
Open Back
Primary Use
Casual, Fun, Gaming, Reference
Prime
-
Price
$297.99
Details

AKG K702

In The Box

K702 Headphone

Detachable Mini-XLR cable

1/4″ Adapter

Warranty Card

Specs/Graph

AKG K702

Shoutout to Crinacle for the wonderful graph! This is Crinacle’s graph. There are many like it, but this one is his. ?

 

Specifications

  • Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay!
  • Type: Open back.
  • Color: Black/Blue & Silver.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Frequency response: 10Hz to 39,800 kHz.
  • Impedance: 62 Ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
  • Sensitivity: 91dB/mW.
  • Material: Leather headband, plastic, velour padding.
  • Material: Leather headband, plastic, memory foam.
  • Audio Connector to Source: 1/8″ / 3.5mm TRS
  • Adapter Included: Yes, 1/4″
  • Cable: Detachable Mini-XLR
  • Cable Length: 9.8′
  • Weight: 8.3 Oz. / 235g

Summary

The K702’s are very honest and analytical. They accomplish what they were set out to do, and that is to 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 its 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. I don’t personally agree with this, but your mileage may vary.
  • 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 many people claim.
  • They aren’t 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.

Learn more: Closed back vs. Open back headphones

Pros

  • Bass is tight, controlled, and not overpowering. Very natural sounding.
  • Transparent mid-range, and crisp highs.
  • Clean, neutral, and honest, flat.
  • Nice sound-stage, very wide.
  • Light and comfortable.
  • Perfect for mixing, translates to speakers/monitors very well.
  • Great for classical music/opera.

Cons

  • Bass lacks a bit of impact.
  • Can be cold to some. Be wary of your sound source, as these are very revealing.
  • Headband bumps can be an issue.

Neutral

  • Bumpy, somewhat uncomfortable headband. This is now neutral because it didn’t bother some people, and the newer models resolved the issue. The Chinese models do not have headband bumps.

Amp/DAC requirements

Even at a somewhat low impedance, these will need to be driven by some sort of amp as they aren’t very efficient. The Woo Audio A5 will do the trick, but if you are looking for a more affordable solution, hang tight.

Don’t go mortgaging away your life savings on an amp with these. Just about anything decent will work just fine. Yes, they do need an amp. But the people who want to get all fancy about it and make it way more complicated than it needs to be are likely just audiophile snobs who think they know everything.

I’ve had plenty of experience with various Amps and headphones to know what needs a lot of power and what doesn’t. It’s simple math. Generally speaking:

The only thing that you really need to understand is that a headphone with a lower Sensitivity will require more power from the Amp to reach optimal listening levels (around 110dB is the standard for loudness), and vice versa. A high Sensitivity headphone requires hardly any power to sound loud enough. This is also why it’s important to have an amp that can output a good amount of power at all Impedance levels.

The K702 has a low-ish Impedance and a very low Sensitivity. The K712’s are even lower. We do need to find something with enough power, but we also shouldn’t sell our Kidney to make it happen. Just find something that provides a lot of power and is relatively affordable.

The JDS Labs Atom or Objective 2 comes to mind as a couple of really clean and powerful options.

JDS Labs Atom

As seen here paired with the FiiO K3 Amp/DAC.

Some of my recommendations can be found here on the AKG K701 vs. K702 article and also The Best Headphone Amp for the AKG K701 & K702!

I’ll quickly run them down.

Desktop (Solid State/Neutral Sound)

Amp/DAC Combos

Tube

  • Woo Audio WA6
  • Little Dot MKIII

I did a ton of research on the matter and came to the conclusion that a lot of pairings will work great with the K701/K702. Don’t get so carried away that you end up not making a decision at all! 🙂

With that…

Who do these headphones benefit?

If you’re looking for a wide, expansive Soundstage, these will do very well. They are also good for mixing (like the 701’s) and will give you a flat, even response. The mid-range on these is particularly good as well, as they render acoustic instruments to great effect.

They do well with:

  • Jazz
  • Classical
  • Vocals
  • Opera
  • Rock/Alternative (from a good source)
  • Electronica
  • Folk

Just keep in mind, they lack a certain bass presence, and may not do as well with hip-hop, reggae, etc.

Video Review

Make sure to subscribe to Alexander’s channel!

Consensus/Conclusion

Amazing sound and clarity with a lively profile, the K702 is sure to please. Some may not like its somewhat colder nature, but this to me gives it some much-needed energy in the mid-range.

Onto…

AKG K712

In The Box

AKG K712 Pro Reference Studio Headphones

Mini XLR Connector Cable

Mini XLR Coiled Cable

Carrying Bag

Limited 2-Year Warranty

Do note: This is a loaner unit lent to me by a good friend Marko from Finland. He wasn’t able to/didn’t have everything to send which is completely fine! The cable and case pictured are aftermarket as well. 🙂

Specs/Graph

AKG K712

Shoutout to Crinacle for the wonderful graph! This is Crinacle’s graph. There are many like it, but this one is his. ?

 

Specifications

  • Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay!
  • Type: Open back.
  • Color:  Black & Orange.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Frequency response: 10Hz to 39,800 kHz.
  • Impedance: 62 Ohms.
  • Material: Leather headband, plastic, memory foam.
  • Audio Connector to Source: 1/8″ / 3.5mm TRS
  • Adapter Included: Yes, 1/4″
  • Cable: Detachable Mini-XLR
  • Cable Length: 9.8′
  • Weight: 8.3 Oz. / 235g

Summary

These headphones are pretty highly regarded, although they kind of fly under the radar. The K712 has more bass than all of its predecessors and siblings – specifically more mid-bass rise. The roll-off is more or less the same below 30Hz.

Far and away these are open-back headphones meant for mixing and reference. They are clinical and revealing, but not COLD. The K702 (and the 701 for that matter) have both been accused of being a bit cold and heartless at times. I can certainly empathize with those sentiments; at least in comparison to the K712. The K712 by contrast is definitely not cold. It does sound warmer and has a somewhat glossier sheen over top of the music.

It thrives in an isolated studio and home environment, away from distractions. You won’t really want to wear these out in public, as they leak sound and people will be able to hear what you’re listening to. You’ll also look like a goofball walking around with them on, so it’s not advised.

The K712’s have a great Soundstage. Like the K702, there are lots of out-of-your-head moments and you’ll frequently be whipping your head around to make sure Jason Voorhees isn’t about to chop your f’ing head off. What is Soundstage? Some say the mid-range is its strong suit, a couple of people pointed out that they may be a bit recessed, grainy, or muddled.

I tend to agree with these sentiments to an extent. I found the K712 to sound mostly correct and absolutely very natural, but there are times you’ll get the sense that there is this ever so slight layer of sheet across the music. It’s not a blanket or comforter, and it’s fairly subtle, but it is there. Thankfully this is a minor nitpick and not at all a deal-breaker as it doesn’t ruin the overall wonderful experience.

Overall, these are very very accurate headphones, with great balance, smoothness, and a natural Timbre. What is Timbre?

Pros

  • Great Soundstage with a phenomenal sense of space.
  • Extremely accurate, balanced, and smooth.
  • Full, accurate, and tight bass response. I came across something really neat when reading about this. If you take the M50x’s bass and compare it with the 712, you may hear the same subtle sounds, but the 712’s have this way of really jumping out at you, while the M50’s are more subdued. The 712’s have this really nice texture and nuance to them.
  • Natural Timbre. Very similar to the Sennheiser HD 650 in this regard.
  • Auto-adjusting leather headband.
  • Lightweight and extremely comfortable. Great for long listening sessions.
  • Comes with 2 cables, coiled and straight.
  • Detachable, replaceable cable.
  • Replaceable ear pads.

Cons

  • Ever so slight veil we discussed above.
  • Quality control issue? Only saw this once in about 13-14 pages on Amazon, but it’s noteworthy nonetheless. A particular reviewer said that his left headphone driver kept going out. He sent it back and received a new pair only to suffer the same issue. What is a headphone driver?

Neutral

  • The velour carrying bag is nice, but given that the headphones are very lightweight and somewhat fragile, a hard case would have been ideal.
  • Mid-range. As mentioned earlier, a lot of people said the mid-range was the highlight of these headphones. Some didn’t and called it recessed/muddled. Still, it’s been compared favorably to the HD 600’s fantastic mids.
  • Easy to drive? I will get into this more in a jiffy, but some said the 712’s are a pain to amplify. Still, as I read each and every review on Amazon, I came across a plethora of different amp setups that people were using to fine effect. 
  • They aren’t very forgiving in the upper mid-range and treble. Be aware of your source files, and try to use lossless, .wav files as well as high-quality Mp3’s (320 Kbps).
  • Not actually manufactured in Austria, but rather Slovakia. Most didn’t see an issue as the sound quality is still top-notch. Others found it deceptive to deliberately put the wrong location inside of amazon.
  • Good build quality despite its lightweight construction, but some have noted that they do feel a bit fragile and dare I say “cheap”.

Amp/DAC requirements

The same applies to the K702 here! Learn more: How to choose a Headphone Amp!

Who these headphones benefit?

These do remarkably well with most genres. They are perfect for mixing/reference in an isolated studio environment and have been endorsed for gaming quite a bit. In fact, they just may be the best gaming headphone out there. The Best Headphones for Gaming [In Depth Guide]

One chap even said that his online gaming community attempted to ban him because he could actually hear the enemy from such a great distance, that it gave him a distinct advantage over his opponents. Everything became so crystal clear that the game seemed easy!

So yeah, top marks as a gaming headset, but it doesn’t stop there. Good with all of the following:

  • Jazz
  • Classical
  • Acoustic guitar
  • Drums
  • Vocals
  • Electronica
  • Funk
  • Classic Rock
  • Progressive
  • Timpani.

Not for:

  • Bass-heads. Yes, its bass is quite impressive, but I wouldn’t get these headphones solely for Rap/Hip-hop.
  • Hard Rock. May have a bit too much bite and up-front sounding mid-range. This will diminish over time, however.

Video Review!

Make sure to subscribe to Lachlan’s channel!

Consensus/Conclusion

The K712 is a great all-around headphone if I had to sum it up quickly. It does well with most genres, and its bass has more impact than the K702. Overall, it’s a remarkably musical headphone that has that “fun” factor. Some have said it needs a burn-in period to open up, and ultimately does need amplification to power correctly.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Both have the exact same specifications.
  • Both are open-back headphones that leak sound and thrive in a studio environment.
  • Both are very similar in build quality/construction.
  • Both have an almost identical aesthetic/look.
  • Both do well with a similar range of genres.
  • Both are very revealing. Consider your source material.
  • Both have detachable mini XLR cables as their connection.

Differences

  • Color. The K702 is black/blue while the K712 is black/orange.
  • Sound. The K712 is more musical and fun, while the K702 is cold and analytical. While both are perfect for mixing, the 712 is not overly critical and does function nicely in a casual setting. It’s also more engaging, with a slightly fuller mid-range, and an overall more extended and slightly less harsh treble range.
  • Soundstage. The K712’s are much improved over the 702. No longer too wide, it feels more realistic.
  • Ear padding. The K712’s are memory foam vs. the velour of the 702’s.

Final Word

The sound signatures of these 2 headphones are very very similar.

Neither are without their shortcomings, but the 712’s improve on all of the 702’s flaws, and come packaged with bass that has impact! One of the biggest gripes in the 701 and 702 was the lack of bass. The 701’s had virtually none, while the 702’s improved upon it a little bit. The 712’s have a bit more than all of their siblings, but it still manages to be tight and controlled. Ultimately this isn’t a bass-heads can by any stretch, but an exciting headphone nonetheless.

Even with that said, the differences are fairly subtle. In the grand scheme of things, the 712 does have a bit more bass, but overall the frequency responses are nearly identical. The main takeaway is that the K702 is going to be a bit better for mixing/reference, while the K712 is more of a kick-back and relax type of sound. It’s more of a casual headphone but still does very well for reference, movies, and gaming.

Out of the 10 or so headphones I currently own, the K702 most certainly is getting the most use lately. It’s a near-perfect sound signature and in fact never gets fatiguing, from a musical standpoint or otherwise.

I found the differences to be subtle but still noticeable. The K712 can sometimes sound a bit too relaxed, warm, laid back, or syrupy, while the K702 is definitely more neutral and snappy sounding. It’s crisper and some say “colder.”

Which you go with really depends on if you absolutely want that warmer, more laid-back tone. If that’s the case, go with the 712.

 

 

If you’re after something a bit livelier, the 702 is perfect.

 

 

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

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve come away with some valuable information in this AKG K702 vs. K712 comparison review!

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I leave something out or get something wrong? Leave a comment below or contact me! I would love to hear from you…

Does the K712 strike YOUR fancy? Do you prefer the K702? Let me know!

Until then, 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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25 comments

Cranky April 16, 2018 - 6:57 pm

I’ve just received the K702, and the descriptions here and elsewhere for them being “cold to some” as well as “very even sounding across the spectrum” does not coincide with my experience.

The K702 that I have (even after approximately twenty hours of pink noise burn-in time) has plenty of bass, although sub-bass is quite dramatically rolled off. It sounds more high-fidelity than cold and analytical, and produces a warm sound due to a wide bump from 80Hz to 500Hz (as shown on the Golden Ears frequency response graph) which effectively causes a recess in the lower-mid frequencies. I’m also finding that the K702 does not ruthlessly expose flaws much more than my relatively very cheap Samson RH600 headphones, although the latter has a lower (but still audible) bass response.

After performing a mix with my K702, I find the result through my monitors (Sony MSP5 + sub-bass unit) to lack the same warmth, and to be more forward in the mids, which is not particularly nice nor desirable.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 21, 2018 - 12:14 am

Hey Cranky!

Have you ever played Donkey Kong Country?

Haha. Anywho, I appreciate your findings on the 702. I do think that most headphones in the “balanced” category tend to be somewhat cold because they render the song as is, meaning if it was recorded bad it will likely sound bad. What are you running the 702 through?

Regards,
-Stu

Reply
Carlos July 19, 2018 - 11:01 pm

Hi, how do you compare K712 vs Philips SHP9500?

Regards,
Carlos

Reply
Stuart Charles Black July 21, 2018 - 7:26 pm

Similar signature although the K712’s treble is much darker. You’re not going to get that sizzle/brightness with it which depending on your tastes could be good or bad. One thing about the 9500 to keep in mind is that it can be a bit metallic in the upper mids/low treble area but for me it’s a very minor thing and can be EQ’d out if need be. That said, the K712 is a great headphone regardless. Very balanced and great for Gaming as well. Let me know your thoughts!

Reply
Theophan Konstantinov July 18, 2019 - 10:07 am

Hi!
Thanks for your post – it’s been very helpful. What I still can’t figure out is the following: I got the k712 and use them for mixing with an Audient iD4 interface which has a max level into 60 ohms of 80mW. Which seems enough (I never needed more power from them), but is there anything else to gain from an extra HP amp? I’m just not sure a Magni for example would benefit the sound in any way. Your advice is most appreciated!

Cheers,
Theo

Reply
Stuart Charles Black July 18, 2019 - 11:20 pm

Hey Theophan!

I do think a a dedicated Amp/DAC would enhance the sound, but it may not be a huge upgrade over what you already have. If I were you and looking for something long term, I would consider a JDS Atom or Objective 2 to start. Lots of power and great options/customization with the Objective 2 in particular. Both can drive the K712 very easily and will serve you well down the road. Both are also very affordable. Another option is the DragonFly Red which I always recommend to people. Amazing sound.

If you really wanted the most out of the K712, something like an xDSD from iFi or a Chord Mojo would be a step up. The Mojo really does make headphones sound their absolute best, and the xDSD isn’t far behind + it has a lot of customization options as well.

Check out my Shootout/Video with the Mojo: and let me know your thoughts man! The main takeaway is that you want something with a lot of power for the low Sensitivity of the K712.

Reply
John March 12, 2021 - 11:52 am

I don’t agree that a headphone amp will offer any more improvement over the Audient ID4 one. It drives headphones up to 600ohms; the AKGs are one tenth of that

Reply
Stuart Charles Black March 12, 2021 - 3:21 pm

Ayyye. A man after my own heart. Exactly right. My current stance on Headphone Amps is that I cannot stand them lol. people ask me all the time for advice and my default urge is to just say “Close your eyes and pick one” because it really doesn’t matter that much. Find one powerful enough for your headphones and decide if you want a neutral sound or warmer (low output impedance vs. higher) and then just get one and be done with it. I’m doing a final shootout of all the 700/600 line very soon! Def check out my YouTube Channel and subscribe as well. 🙂 I’ve been talking quite a bit about this whole thing you allude to and I believe you’re absolutely correct. I can’t stand the obsession and wank fest with DACS these last few years. It’s sickening and frankly bizarre.

Reply
Henry November 14, 2019 - 6:12 am

and about HD600 vs K712 pro? HD600 are better than k702, but k712 seems like really improved k702. Its really hard to me to decide between these headphones. (I’m eletronic music producer)

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 17, 2019 - 5:46 pm

Hmm… Between the K712 and HD600, I think for production the K712 would yield a better result. This is because it’s Soundstage is better and you’ll be able to hear more going on in the mix. I also am not a huge fan of the 600’s mid-range at times; They are actually on my melon right now and though I really like them, the 3k area still bugs me. I think the K712 is a flatter representation of the music and the bass doesn’t roll off too hard either. Let me know if that helps!!

Reply
Peter February 1, 2020 - 3:22 am

Would you recommend the K702 or the K712 for (solely) competitive gaming? Only interested in hearing every single detail (footsteps etc) and having accurate location placement of sounds. Read somewhere that K702 only has sounds completely to the left or completely to the right with nothing in between (a bit exaggerated), i.e. no 12 ‘o clock image, is this true?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 1, 2020 - 10:03 pm

Wow that’s a great question man! I’ve been going back and forth chatting with a fella about Gaming headphones and specifically the K702 and how it fares in Single Player vs. Multi. I personally love it for Single but he actually likes it better for Multi-player and wants me to get a closed back for single. But: you are definitely onto something with the imaging left vs. right. I did notice that it does sometimes seem a bit exaggerated now that I think about it, but: The Soundstage is so good that you may not care. I was hearing things that I perceived to be outside of my apt. and on the 1st floor to my left (Crazy good depth and width, yeah). Before you mentioned the 12 ‘o clock image, I was thinking that exact thing to myself – that the center image seems a bit missing at times with certain types of music, but I can’t really say that for Gaming. It doesn’t happen all the time, but with certain songs, yes.

My other friend really loves IEM’s specifically for sound whoring purposes (like a Tin Audio T2), and told me he may sell the K712. Not that he doesn’t like it, but rather that a closed back or an IEM works better for him. I’m going to try and get the other fella (Ron) in here to also discuss with us.

You can also check out our convo here @ The Best Headphones For Gaming

Let me know your thoughts!!

Reply
Ron February 3, 2020 - 2:48 pm

Hi Peter,
At the end of the day, all headphones have only 2 speakers, right and left. To get a continuous soundstage that almost pans 360 degrees, it is imperative to:
A) Select 5.1/7.1 audio settings in game
B) Enable Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos for Headphones in Windows
Step B is needed to downmix the surround sound into HRTF stereo.
Being a K702 owner myself, which i only use for competitive gaming, I never noticed this issue that you described. For around $150 this was a great deal. The HE-4XX also happens to have great imaging and good detail retrieval when used with an amp. I now use them both interchangeably when playing Battlefield 1. The ultimate open-back headphone for competitive gaming would be the Sennheiser HD800 but that’s over $2k.
Not to brag,here are 2 screenshots from today for the K702 and HE4xx, just to make a point that if the k702 really had the issue you are describing I wouldn’t perform so well.
K702 today: https://imgur.com/a/LML5Qme
HE-4XX today: https://imgur.com/a/oosBdL0
Using Windows Sonic.
I am also exploring more options that further improve positioning, including headphones, software VSS, and hardware VSS, and my next headphone to study is the modded T50RP.

And finally, you can always perform these tests on any stereo headphone to diagnose any problems with imaging, channel imbalance, etc…Here: https://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php

Reply
Alejandro Schmidt February 5, 2020 - 5:02 am

Hi my friend, I’m wondering which of the two are better for mixing… you mentioned something about this topic on the 702 pros description (Perfect for mixing, translates to speakers/monitors very well.) but you didn’t say anything specific about the 712, thanks a lot!!!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 6, 2020 - 3:21 am

Hey bloke! You may go with the K702 as overall it’s a bit more neutral sounding than the K712. I own the K702 and absolutely love it for flat, even frequency response (for the most part). Treble has some sparkle but isn’t sibilant or harsh, mids are darn near perfect, and there is bass roll off but it’s a textured and detailed bass. The K712 rolls off a tad less, but does have some extra coloration in the lower mids. Honestly though you can’t go wrong with either but I’d go with the K702 for mixing. The K712 is more for pure musical enjoyment.

Let me know what you decide mate! If you do end up purchasing using one of my links I will receive a small commission which is much appreciate and helps the site out a lot!

Reply
Alejandro Schmidt February 6, 2020 - 1:33 pm

Hey my friend , thanks a lot for your reply!!! So the thing is that I do have the 712 right now, I’m happy with them, but you know… we are always looking for new concepts and considerations and upgrade our gear and skills. So you could compare both at the same time, 702 and 712?

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 9, 2020 - 2:17 pm

Hey man! You’re most certainly welcome brother. If you do have the 712, the 702 may be better for mixing but I don’t know if I’d just stop everything and buy it since you have something already. I didn’t know you already owned a 712! 🙂 I’m actually trying to get my hands on a 712 so I can do a video comparison of the 2. I will keep you updated. The 712 is just going to be a tad more colored sounding overall, but the differences are kind of subtle.

Reply
fernando February 27, 2020 - 9:09 am

Fernando

Among the k712 – Sundara – HD600 which has more micro details,sound more clear ,accurate,better texture,

Reply
Stuart Charles Black February 28, 2020 - 3:39 am

Hmm. That’s really tough! I did a video comparing the big 4 (4XX, 400S, 400i, and Sundara), and I found that the planars do tend to be a tad better with micro detail and resolution. Did a lot of back and forth with the K702, 4XX, and 400S (wasn’t able to get a Sundara for the shootout but I’ve heard it many times), and I have to say that I prefer the planar sound over the K702 by just a bit. The HD600, while still good, is probably 3rd. So ranking them: 1) 400 series (Sundara), 2) K702/712, 3) HD600. What do you think? Now keep in mind, you are taking a bit of a risk in buying a Sundara because it has been known to have some cabling issues. I personally haven’t had any but I’ve also never owned one. Check out my video though and let me know what you think! It’s very helpful and should aid greatly in your decision making process: https://youtu.be/tRx2bZPNGdw

Reply
Fernando March 1, 2020 - 7:24 pm

I saw the video very rich in information. I found it useful but the truth is a risk to buy hifiman, the k702-712 is a solid option I think and read your review of the nighthawk, I think you do not like me much, as you compare it with the k702. clarity resolution details and textures of the voices, sound in general. I have weeks looking for information on which headphones to buy and this page has been very useful for me

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Stuart Charles Black March 2, 2020 - 3:35 pm

NightHawk is okay but I preferred the NightOwl over it. the NightHawk sounded kind of thin and overly artificial to me. The bass was “needley” (like pins and needles/overly punchy) and not very good. The NightOwl is a great headphone but polar opposite to the K702/712. Much warmer sound, more bass, etc. The 702 is going to provide a more detailed, intimate sound but probably won’t be as “enjoyable” as something like a NightOwl. NightOwl is a fun headphone while I would consider the 702 more for picking apart small details and nuances in the music. Keep me posted for sure and if I can help out further!! Are we going to go ahead and omit the 400 series/Sundara because of reliability? Let me know.

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adrian August 9, 2020 - 12:51 pm

Hi Stuart,
Just wanted to thank you so much for the comments on k702, and also k702 vs other hp’s out there, which are anyway out of my budget range so far. Now I also have a few questions regarding internal soundcards vs usb soundcards vs dedicated dac/amp – sorry if I am asking already asked questions… 🙁 .
I already own a Creative X-Fi from 2005 (maybe you know it).
1. What should I upgrade to (I may also get k702 in the near future…) and do i need to upgrade to smth ?
2. Can this internal soundcard or some other (like the Z series or AE series from Cr[…]e) drive very well these headphones or others even more difficult to drive ?
3. Is a Fiio K3 enough for these or the K5 pro will make much more of a difference ?
4. Will an audient id4/presonus studio 24c be best ?
I am not creating music so far (just an audiophile probably 🙂 ) but who knows…Thanks so much in advance man, and keep up the good work !!! God bless you !

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Stuart Charles Black August 10, 2020 - 3:23 pm

My pleasure man!

Haven’t heard the X-Fi. I currently have a G6 and G3 here at the house. I really love the G6 for gaming and music!! Check out my article and video which will guide you: https://homestudiobasics.com/creative-soundblasterx-g6-amp-dac-review/
I don’t have any experience with Soundcards other than the internal ones on various laptops over the years. I would go out on a limb and say yes, they’d likely be just fine, but I personally prefer external 🙂
Listening to the K702 + K3 right now. Great combo! You will likely use gain and be mostly maxing out, but there is still some headroom there. I’m at about 5 ‘o clock and the max is around 8 ‘o clock (the knob turns all the way to 8). So you have some room. You’re never going to be on 8 as it’s very loud, so I wouldn’t worry too much 🙂 That said, I love the K5 Pro because it does have more power and is more versatile. Both can run Tidal files above 48kHZ (light will turn yellow), and both can play DSD. Did you see my comparison of the 2 + video? https://homestudiobasics.com/fiio-k3-vs-k5-pro-review-comparison/
Haven’t heard the id4 but have heard good things about it. I’m mostly a Focusrite guy lol. I had a 2i2 and I’m planning on getting a Solo, but I’ve also been looking into the Motu M2.

Hope that helps! Let me know your thoughts and we can go from there 🙂 God Bless You as well!

-Stu

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Andrea September 5, 2020 - 10:06 pm

Hi Stuart, the Akg 702 with the chord mojo or ifi hip dac can be a good combination?

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Stuart Charles Black September 6, 2020 - 5:56 pm

Hey there Andrea! Did you also happen to comment on the video?

Here’s what I wrote.

Yeah for sure. Listening to the combo right now (702 + hip-dac) and loving it! Sounds super smooth and still immensely detailed. Great match!

I would say yes on the Mojo as well, though I haven’t actually sat down and listened to the 702 with it. I’ve heard it enough to know it would be fantastic, as it’s my favorite sound out of an Amp/DAC right next to the Bryston BHA-1. 🙂 Hope that helps!

Check out my hip-dac review. Should help you pull the trigger if you’re still on the fence. Great little dac! https://homestudiobasics.com/ifi-hip-dac-amp-review/

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