Name: AKG K701
Brand: AKG
SKU: B000EBBJ6Y
Price: 278.53 USD

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- Notoriously difficult to drive and require a dedicated, powerful amplifier to sound their best
- Bass response can sound thin and lack impact without proper amplification
- Not portable due to large size and inability to fold
- Open-back design provides no noise isolation
- Not ideal for Rock, Pop, or Heavy Metal due to leaner bass signature
- Require 50-200 hours of burn-in to reach optimal performance
- Older models had bumps on headband that caused discomfort for some users
- Sound character is very dependent on volume levels and amplifier used

- Fairly pricey with usual retail price of approximately $350
- The 3D foam can cause discomfort for some during extended use
- Require a break-in period of around 300 hours for maximum sound performance
- Non-replaceable cable compromises durability
- Not ideal for hard rock and heavy metal due to deeper bass response

- Some offer a little more outright excitement

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- Exceptionally large and detailed soundstage with precise imaging
- Very balanced and accurate frequency response ideal for analytical listening
- Class-leading clarity with excellent detail retrieval
- Extremely comfortable for extended wear with lightweight design
- Excellent build quality and durability with replaceable ear pads
- Non-colored, flat response makes them true reference headphones
- Vocals and string instruments rendered with sublime quality
- Responsive to amplifier quality, allowing for significant performance scaling

- Very precise and accurate sound delivery with revolutionary flat-wire coil technology
- Very accurate bass response with very lively highs from patented Varimotion 2 layered diaphragm
- Comfortable and close to perfect fit with 3D-formed ear padding and genuine leather headband padding
- Very solid and durable construction that feels well balanced without excess weight
- Lightweight design allows hours of wear without discomfort
- Aesthetically striking modern design with smooth finishes

- Impressively analytical sound
- Build and comfort are both top class

The AKG K701 is a highly regarded reference-grade open-back headphone known for its exceptional soundstage, analytical sound signature, and excellent clarity. While they require a dedicated amplifier to reach their full potential and may not suit rock/metal listeners, they deliver outstanding value and performance for detail-focused listeners and studio professionals.

The AKG K701 is a world-class reference headphone that excels for analytical listening, Classical music, Jazz, and studio monitoring when properly amplified. They offer staggeringly good value for money, delivering clarity, detail, and soundstage that competes with headphones several times their price. However, they are not for casual listeners seeking entertaining, bass-heavy sound—they demand a quality amplifier and listener who appreciates transparency and detail over coloration.

The AKG K701 Studio Reference are among the best in over-ear headphones, offering high-quality sound, ultimate comfort, and lightweight design. Despite a few shortcomings such as the non-replaceable cable, you will find overall that the AKG K701 Studio Reference headphones will not disappoint.

These AKGs are for detail fanatics: they offer staggeringly good insight for the money. At the price of £250, there is no single pair of headphones that reveal as much musical detail, insight and control. They are a fully deserved five-star product.

K701

Buy if you need it — at $278.53, this is within $139 of the all-time low.

AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1

Head-Fi

Headphoneslab

What Hi-Fi?

Wait — at $249.99, this is 88% below the 365-day average, within $156 of the all-time low, and drops this low about 4 times a year.

AKG K701

Key specs

Connectivity

Design

Sound

Features & Opinions

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