AKG K702 Review
Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 128,023 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the AKG K702. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the AKG K702. For example, 88% of 54,969 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the AKG K702 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 50 Reviews
Great Headphones, Mediocre Build Quality
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I waited a bit before writing this to really get a good view of these headphones. I had some issues along the way with them but everything is now sorted. Sound Quality: These headphones sound great for all kinds of things. I listen to a lot of music across a lot of types and the 702's have no issues sounding great for just about anything and everything I put through them. I will say it takes some time to break them in and you should be cautious for the first few weeks of listening as they can be initially harsh like any headphone out of the box. I was coming up from a pair of 240's and can really hear the difference. Comfort: The 702's are really easy to wear all day be it at work or for a recording session or if you are just lying around. They are on the bigger side but sit nicely on the head and dont weigh you down at all. The cups are soft and unobtrusive. Build Quality: While the headphones are made as well as any other consumer grade product these days mine were not issue free. First off I must say that I understand there are duds in any batch and if that was the only issue then so be it. However AKG (Harmon) ultimately serviced the headphones and did a very poor job which was somewhat frustrating I would still recommend these headphones considering the sale prices and the quality but I do feel I should share this story. Heres what happened so you can decide for your self... Initially I had no issues with the headphones, they worked flawlessly for 2 months out of the box. At about the 2 month mark i started having some intermittent issues with the left ear, moving around tended to fix it but ultimately the ear cut out all together. I initially thought it was the cable and ordered a replacement only to find it was not the cable so off to the service center it went. I will say AKG was quick and responsive getting me the shipping info and a pre-paid box to send them in which i greatly appreciated. The headphones came back a few weeks later in working order and i was excited. ~3 weeks later the left ear got intermittent again! Same issue, same remedy and it ultimately cut out a week after that. I decided to dive in and pop the side open to see what was going on. There are other repair videos online and the headphones are easy to open up. I was somewhat appalled at what I found. It was clear that the connection wire had been ripped of the solder point the first time and was re-connected during the service. However the wire case was all mangled and melted from the re-solder job and during re-assembly two of the wires were pinched in between some plates which prevented the cup from properly moving and also caused the wires to be ripped out of the joints again if the cup was moved. I was easily able to re-solder the wire and decided to add some heat shrink covering to remedy the case melt issue but I was pretty appealed at the quality of the repair. A proper re-assembly allowed full motion of the cup as well. I have been using the headphones since my own repair for the last 3 months with absolutely no issues. Aside from the issues with the service which I was ultimately able to sort out these are great headphones that I would still recommend. ... More
Great Sounding Cans on the Computer!
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Taser on B&H Photo Video
After 90 hours of use, I can confidently say I don't regret this purchase one bit. The sound stage is already bigger than I'm used to and the sound quality is already excellent. Many claim that it only gets better once you reach the 150+ hour break-in period. These headphones shine when combined with a headphone amplifier. I'm using the K702 in combination with a ASUS Essence STX sound card (which has a decent headphone amp) since I only listen on the computer and couldn't be happier. If you use onboard audio (without amp), cranking the volume to 100% still won't push these headphones to adequate volumes. A note of caution, X-Fi sound cards won't give you the same level of clarity and detail as a musically dedicated sound card with the K702 (I tested this with Creative and Auzentech X-fi cards and it couldn't compare to the Essence ST/STX). Of course, a dedicated headphone amp would be ideal should you go that route. The details in the sound tracks are remarkable, most noticeably the cymbals. Instrumental sounds are more natural and linger in the air longer than with my previous headphones. I can easily separate the individual instruments without giving it much mental focus when listening with these. Now that's great resolution! You'll be able to tell the difference between lossless and 320 kbps MP3 files from just subjective listening. The only downside, if you can call it that, is the fact that poor quality recordings will show their inferior aspects in all its detail for your listening pleasure/displeasure. Static and background noise, if at all present on the EQ spectrum, will be heard clearly even at low volumes. The bass sounds great, but isn't as strong as bass heads would prefer. If you like your bass levels at the low setting (like I do), these are perfect for you. The bass sounds precise and accurate without overwhelming the rest of the instrumental sounds on the track. Lastly, the K702 (like the K701) are very comfortable on the head. The earpads and cable are replaceable so that gives me a better piece of mind. ... More
Great cans for the money
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I love everything about these headphones. They have about 140 hours of break in time so far and they're really starting to open up. There's a giant soundstage that really creates this out of head imaging. Bass and dynamcis are good but not too bassy, which is what I like. I'm a midrange fanatic with vocals being my favorite instrument. I use these when the wifey goes to bed on me early and I have to shut down the floor standers. I run these headphones through a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum tube amp and that does a fair job of powering them. You definately want some sort of amplification for these to hear them at their best. As far as comfort, there is no other headphone that's as comfortable as these. I could sleep with them on. I've read a couple of reviews from people who said that their head was too large for the K702's. I can't imagine what these people must look like because my head is the size of a medicine ball and they fit me just fine. They may have very low ears on a head shaped like a watermelon. Overall, these were a great purchase and you can't beat the price at B&H. I bought an aftermarket 15ft cable from Blue Jeans Cable and it's a nice addition and allows me a little more distance from the amp. It's very good quality altough not as flexible as the cable that came with the phones. I'd like to add that these are very very light weight. I can't believe how light they are. The headband is real leather too. ... More
Amazing Detail
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Lectral13 on B&H Photo Video
I have been listening for these headphones for almost a month now and they are amazing, the level of detail is mind blowing. The ear pads are comfortable and I am able to wear them for hours without discomfort. They have great sound stage, and you can hear people if you need to because they have an open design that will not block any sound. The only two problems that I can find with these headphones are that the rods that go over the top of the headphones are plastic and I could see them breaking after many years of use and the headphones themselves are huge! The ear pads are almost 4 1/2 inches across. With the sound I can't fault them for the size but the plastic is a little cheap for this price. These are the best headphones I have ever listened to period. ... More
You will hear all of the bad stuff in your mix!
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I am completely blown away by the clarity of these headphones. I heard some distortion on my tracks and I was sure that it must be the headphones. I then listened to classical music on a public domain sample FLAC test track site, and sure enough these are truly AMAZING headphones. Note: They are bulky but they give plenty of room for air between the phones and your ears. These are not for wearing in a laying down position, but rather for sitting upright and actively listening to the music. The clarity is absolutely stunning! Im sure there are more expensive headphones out there, but the law of diminishing returns makes these headphones difficult to beat for the money. I highly recommend these cans for anyone who mixes music in their home studio. If for no other reason, to find the subtle bad stuff that you cant hear from your speakers. For audio enthusiasts, its a no brainer for the money. Just get these and let your ears be the judge.... if you dont like it, just return it! But you wont, because you will immediately fall in love with these headphones! ... More
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High-End sound
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
New king on the throne. After good amount of burn in time, these headphone exceed my HD600 in all areas (please, don't take it personally). I regard that veiled sound in Sennheiser HD6xx range doesn't mean character; I consider it (now) as a distortion. I know that it is maybe hard statement, but it's how I feel it after experience with AKG. Senns are great until you hear AKG701/2. If you want to hear exactly what is going on recording (that is what headphones listening is about) and not to your headphones character, then you should choose AKG. I don't like too much color of both models but it is sound what really matters. These are great cans for even greater price. Do not hesitate to purchase them, you will not regret it for sure. Good head amp is necessary to enjoy full potential of AKG702 Desktop line is wonderful. Sorry for my English. Rasto from Slovakia. ... More
Very accurate, excellent headphones
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Armchair music producer on B&H Photo Video
I product music using a small studio setup in my home office. Even though I prefer to use my monitors there are times that I need to use headphones (especially later at night). After doing a lot of research I finally settled on these phones as most reviews talked about the accuracy of their reproduction. I have to say that I am very impressed with the results. I can mix and master using these phones and the results when checked on my monitors are nearly identical. This has been a real problem solver for me, and I have to say that I am quite pleased. My only complaint (and the only reason it is not 5 stars all around) is that I find the band that rests on my head to be quite uncomfortable after about an hour of usage. I have some AKG K240's and I don't have the same issue with its band. Still, as the audio results are so good, I make due by just readjusting from time to time. All in all, I can highly recommend these phones to anyone who is interested in an accurate set of phones for mixing/mastering purposes. ... More
Awesome sound
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use these for monitoring recording in my home studio and also for editting and QC playback. I occassionally use them with my iPOD (but don't tell anyone). The sound is awesome. My studio is very quiet so I can use the open design without a problem and it produces much better sound. You hear the bass rather than just feel the cans vibrating on your head. These are absolutely the best headphones I have used. Extremely comfortable as well. The only faults I can come up with are 1) for some reason, unlike some of their lower priced models, these come with only a straight cable. You have to buy a coiled cable separately. Also, no case. I wish AKG would provide a case similar to the ones they provide with their Perception 220 microphones. For the price, I think a second cable and a case should be included. ... More
Not Quite There
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by In Pulse Studio on B&H Photo Video
We've put close to 80+ burn in hours on these so far, and have seen a noticeable change in audio reference. I've read that a solid 300 hours is needed in order to get the true performance of these phones. When they were pulled out of the box they sounded quite muddled. The mids were very held back. Vocals were forward but not quite where they should have been. I've seen a lot about the lacking bass of the K 702 and found that out of the box the bass was noticeable. I'm also a very big fan of 1/4 termination instead of the 3.5 on the cord. I was disappointed to see it had a 3.5 to 1/4 adapter screwed on it. After burn in mids have opened up exponetially. Guitars, horns, etc are much more forward. To me it seems the vocals and bass have fallen off since. There is virtually no umph in the bass at all. All headphones have different sounds and is really up to the listener on preference. IMO I would recommend Seinheissers 598's in that price range over the K 702's. I referenced HE-400's, HD600's and the HD598 for comparison running on the NuForce HDP2, uDac2, and HiFiman EF2A tube amp. ... More
Just great
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Art on B&H Photo Video
Bought these from B&H when the price was still $. What a steal! First impression was disappointment and confusion, lots of hi-mids and highs. Now, with more hours (100?) the real face of them start to show. Great balance, bass is waking up. Already clearly better than my HD600. A golden ear friend ranked them better than a pair of ($2000)Stax electrostats. Never thought that burn in would be needed, but have to believe it now. Only negative thing is the headband comfort. It should be without the pads, like in the 240 model. Perhaps also more pressure to the earcups would be needed. ... More
Bought them based on reviews - Worth it!
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
These K702s are the most comfortable headphones that I have ever owned. As an amateur musician with a home studio, most good monitors are out of my price reach, but the K702s are very affordable in comparison. Stereophile magazine was highly impressed with the K701s that this model replaces. I was looking for well balanced and detailed sound. Look no further! Yes, in comparison to some others, they are slightly bass shy, but they are accurate in what they reproduce. They are big, but most studio quality cans are as well. Fitting completely around the ear, they do not put any pressure on your ears and being open air, they do let sound escape, but do not put that aggravating pressure on your ear drums! If you audition them when new, realize that they truly need 150 hours or so of use to break in. Starting at about 100 hours they really start to loosen up and get great! ... More
Truly remarkable
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by fullie_dialed on B&H Photo Video
Con - They are massive but if you are looking at these for their audio quality, you are probably not one that realizes you need the size to get the sound. Pro - Fantastic sound quality through a stereo. It is like being in the studio for the original recording. I play drums and it feels like I could be sitting there playing, except I'm not as good. ;) Through the ipod they are definitely better than anything else I've heard but you really wish you were listening to your stereo. These headphones will spoil you!
Excellent detail after lengthy burn-in.
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Search these on the web. You'll find plenty of reviews, almost all glowing. And they really do deserve all the praise, with two notes: 1. they require a decent amp. Don't expect to drive them directly from your iPod. 2. they need a lot of burn-in time. They're still improving daily, after almost 200 hours so far. The detail is incredible. You'll hear every subtle aspect of the mix, as if you're in the studio control room with the recording engineer. Things you've likely never heard before will appear on all your favorite recordings. Amazing !!
This Headphone Blows Me Away...
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by techyf on B&H Photo Video
Initially, the sound came out from this headphone is below my expectation. This is even more so for me because I imported it from the U.S. to my home country, Singapore. Fearing my existing headphone amp (V-Can from Music Fidelity) is not sufficient to bring out the best from this headphone, I even bought a better model from Burson Audio (HA 160) to drive it but still, very disappointed. However, after burning it for about 100 hours, the sound keeps getting better and better. The music is playing outside my head not inside. I can really hear every details coming out from my humble CD player (Cambridge Audio - Azur 650C) when I play 'Matsuri' from Kitaro. The bass is out of this world especially, almost at the end of the song. ... More
Flat response for accurate mixing
AKG K702 Professional Studio Headphones
Reviewed by Cstew on Guitar Center
I use these for mixing and mastering. I produce hip hop music. The sound is low, wide and crisp. You can tell these are strictly for mixing and mastering, not for casual listening. Once you hear the sound, its very flat and crisp. Warm. Highs, mids and bass are balanced, nothing higher. There comfortable, light, and big. No ear fatigue. You can hear your mess ups: example if an instrument or drum is to high, low, or under recorded. Overall it has the flat response and sound you would pay $1000 bucks for.
Pleasant Sound but Lacking Dynamics and Detail
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Albert on B&H Photo Video
I have old fully enclosed Stax SR30 headphones, driven through Mark Levinson components, that sound dynamic and detailed, lacking only slightly at the lower end. In comparison these AKGs sound reserved, lacking in high end brilliance and in base gravitas, even more so than provided by my small Stax. The listening experience, to be fair, is pleasant enough and non-tiring, though I would not describe these headphones as reference quality in terms of providing a fully engaging musical experience. I bought mine on sale (significantly reduced) and consider that I got my money's worth. At its current list price I would be auditioning other candidates. . ... More
great bang for the buck
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by andre paul on B&H Photo Video
i am using these headphones mostly with my ipod and computer with a art headamp4 amplifier. ocasionaly with my portable jvc sound micrsystem and ocasionally with mcintosh c32 preamplifier. it just works great, nice low and high frequencies to my ears. the headphones are light enough to keep a few hours using them. i still think they will improve as i have used them for just about 10hours. i still might prefer the high frequencies of the r1 grados, but this akg is a better bang for the buck imho. overall i am quite pleased with this purchase.
Comfy And Tuneful
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Beware. They take a couple-hundred hours to break in. Until then, they can sound thin and a bit top-heavy. Once they settle down, these are first-rate. Transparent, revealing, musical, transporting.
I want to like them but they are not my sound...
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed by Stephen on B&H Photo Video
The AKG K702 headphones are comfortable enough and seem reasonably well-made for this price point. I have no issues with the build quality but the sound is not for me. Admittedly, I like speakers/headphones that lean to the warmer side but wanted something a bit more open and revealing than the Sennheiser HD650. Unfortunately, the AKG K702 are too cold and bright for me. While they do emphasize small details especially in the high frequency region, they sound musically lifeless. Additionally, there is near zero low frequency response. The K702s play very light in the mid and bottom ends. I tried driving them with multiple amps which did make the sound somewhat different but their inescapable sonic DNA is not for me. Too bad, I had such high hopes. Back to the Sennheiser HD650s. ... More
Fantastic headphones when you feed them!
AKG K702 Reference-Quality Open-Back Circumaural Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
My trusty Denon AH1001 just died on me one day and I was looking to replace them and to go to a next level. After a lot of reading I decided to go for AKG 702 but didn't at first bought the proper amplifier (I was using total bithead ) so i was little bit disappointed. Then after tons of additional reading I decided to get Bellari HA540 headphone amplifier and wow... Properly fed AKG 702 will melt your soul.. Especially if you are after guitars and soul..
