When the HD600 first came out in 1997, I was a poor teenager and never thought I will be able to afford an 'endgame' headphone like the HD600. No I own TOTL headphones several times more expensive than the HD600. The world changes, we grow up. Yet, some products like the HD600 and these AKGs deserve attention, as they keep hanging around despite the changing world. Engineers nailed something with these models.
I softened the headband with my hands. Crushing it to get a curve from front to back. I haven't needed to glue cushions. To take the weight off of the top of the head and to the side by 1"/25mm. That is the option, if after softening it is still an issue.
I agree friend they did nail it with the AKG 701. Mine used for mixing and checking...
Před 4 měsíci+7
I have had a pair of K702's for about a decade now and I'll say this; For the price and unless you're willing to fork ten times more for a pair of HD 800s, you'll have a really, really good pair of headphones for competitive gaming. They are top of the line when it comes to soundstage and paired with a simple/reasonable DAC/headphone amplifier (I used a Fiio K3 and now a K7), you won't find anything at a similar price point.
"I have huge ears!" LOL... And so have I! But: I love My K702s. I first met with AKG Headphones back in 1975, with the Flagship back then. I forgot the number they had, but they were Flagships. And I wanted AKGs my whole life! So, when I found the Audiophile lifestyle again, I was happy about the prize of the 702. I bought mine from Amazon for 100,- Euro straight! Warehouse-Deal. And perfect for me! They remind me of my old friend that owned the AKGs back then. He was my audiophile Friend and Tutor when I was a young man. He has been gone now from us for almost 20years, and I miss him. If I could turn back time.... It was the best time of my life. The first great 3-way Speakers with Ribbon tweeters... All this great analog stuff that came up that time... What a great time that was...The high time of Turntables too! The first developed DUAL Flagship TT with Direct Drive... What an engine...
Same. I left the gaming garbage for the K712 Pro's 7 years ago. Love them. I got a PS5, a DAC/Amp and the HiFiMan Sundara specifically for the console. I tried them on my PC (same brand DAC/Amp) and was not super impressed. I prefer the K712 on PC for music and games. On the PS5, however, Callisto Protocol sounds amazing with the Sundara.
@@GeraltOfRivia69 Nope. Not an upgrade IMO. I've been using the AKG for 8 years now and love it. The Sundara is nice on my PS5 for single player games...that's about all so far. AKG is much better for music so really I guess it depends on your use. I wasn't a fan of the Sundara on my PC for music and prefer the AKG over it.
Very good and helpful review. Excellent English! A year later now and I just bought a pair for $134. I'm convinced that I made a proper choice. Thank you.
Thanks for another interesting review! I just upgraded my AKG K701 (made in Austria). This evening I put on Dekoni Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin's and I implemented the bassport modification (sticker removal). WOW!!! Next up: upgrade from M2Tech HiFace USB DAC to a decent Amp/DAC combination and upgrade the stock cable. That will be a few more WOWS!
I have two pairs of 702 AKG reference mixing headphones, They're way more comfortable for recording music I use like a PA type arrangers the PA 1000 and pa5x I do recording full songs with vocals everyday most I do it everyday hours on end sometimes the way I use them is a little different I use them with my monitor speakers on there are on the edge of the keyboards they're on low volume in the headphones are filling in all the frequencies that they pull it I can't explain it that makes it clear it allows me to do mixing of my songs way way better with the vocals settings and stuff oh yeah big time better plus I can keep the volume to a really moderate kind of level so I don't bother the whole neighborhood
Bought these for 120€ for my father 3+ years ago. For the price they are exceptional, especially the detail and treble. If you get used to them they are really comfortable too - didn't break at all after 3+ years (only the headband has some strings sticking out, but it's nothing to worry about). I appreciate lightweight headphones (especially compared to ultra-heavy planars :D).
I haved 712 pro until last year when I purchased meze 109 pro. I really liked them with the orange color accents. The headband on them had steel wire under the orange cover and the part that get over your head was from comfy real leather. The sound was really great as the exceptionally confort. You could tweak them for more bass, I think the same as for 712..You should open them and remove one sticker on each, that cover a hole behind the drivers...also they are another 2 stickers if U want ever more bass start just with the one circle in center it is enough. Also for even more clarity you should remove the round sponge inside ear covers...or experiment with other materials there. Besides that with an eq you could make them really great.
Got K702, done bass reflex mode, changed pads, cable and added some acoustic material at the back of that white central circle as suggested by guys on the forum and OMG, they sound terrific.
@@rtrtrtrt4790they're pretty good sound wise i've been using them since december mostly for mixing and producing but i'll say they lack in low end around 30hz and below. for comfort, like the video said, they feel cheap for the price point and aren't very comfortable. the top band that holds them on your head feels like an overly stiff leather belt and you have to move them around fairly often so your head doesn't start hurting. for making music i recommend, for casual listening you would just be better off buying beyerdynamic dt 990s
@rtrtrtrt4790 I ended up returning them. At first, I was blown away by the clarity, but after a few days, I ended up sending them back. I think it was because the sound was new and different in a good way, but at the end of the day, I just love the sound of the Elegia. It's that mid Forwardness that I truly enjoy. I would keep them for classical music, but I'm not the type of person to say "today I want to listen to classical music." I just need a good all-rounder and the Elegia's are it. I'm still looking for a good deal on a Clear OG.
French "aux" sounds like the "o" in "so". Not like the "au" in "autumn". Hard to be sure on CZcams, but Srboljub might have pronounced it somewhere in between. Not knocking him -- native English speakers may rarely speak the word, may not even know it!
I softened the headband with my hands. Crushing it to get a curve from front to back. I haven't needed to glue cushions. To take the weight off of the top of the head and to the side by 1"/25mm. That is the option, if after softening it is still an issue.
Last year I was looking for a good headphones (Hifiman Ananda, Meze 109 Pro, Audeze LDC2,...) and finally I bought AKG 712 Pro in an offer for 198 €... and I am really very happy. Good bass, medium, highs, precission, good soundstage,... A very good option
The elastic for the headband isn't incredibly hard to replace if you don't do it the manufacturer way (there is a reddit post about it) but yeah, they break
Have them and really like them. My usual choice for jazz. You can actually find them cheaper in the EU. Amazon Spain has them for 141,30€. Thomann has them B-Stock for 119.
I have been an AKG K701/7XX owner for a long time and I just got the Verum 1 mk2 and they are on another level compared to AKGs. I will say on tube speaker amps the AKGs.
ive had my q701 since 2013?? cant remember exactly when and they still hold up. had to replace the cable and the elastics have worn down but they still go on my head and sound great. They dont get much head time recently but they are still in my rotation whenever i have a listening session.
well , the build .. OK 701 , they were designed and build as tool and still do , so aesthetic definitely not part of the package , they are mean to allow the user to discern what's in the sound stream and what need to be corrected in the master and mixing , and FYI , AKG still made and sell all the parts and while they might look flimsy , they just are not , I've been using them for tracking , recording monitor , mastering and mixing since my student days back in the early 70's and they still serve
Dear Mr Srboljub Stojanović [in Poland it's not that hard 2 pronounce 😉] I would really like You to dive into ancient history and take a while to compare the once crucial in Your reviews AKG K92 (as You said Your then champions), because it would be nice to know how in Your Eyes N' Ears (not to be mistaken with Guns N' Roses) they hold ground against much more expensive headphones like those K702 or other recently reviewed cans - just curious and wish You well on the road ahead 🎃
Used these for a bit, but while they were tight, I found them rather flat and even though they did improve with soundid, it was not enough that they were worth keeping. Amplification did not do too much for them either. That's just my ears and my experience though.
I have had an AKG K702 for almost 10 years. But I think it's time is over. Mine had a crack in the headband.! And are impossible to repair. Yes the lack of bass is not the best. For critical listening, one should pass on the AKG K702. For certain uses, I think the AKG K701 (Quincy jones edition is better) for example for monitoring musical instruments like a piano, very nice and bright. If one had the - a collection would be great - an AKG K701, AKG K702, Senn HD 600, Senn HD 650, but I think more modern designs have replaced these dinosaurs, and there are more options now, but not cheaper options. Anything better is also likely to cost more. So from a budget perspective these dinosaurs are still value for money., if you insist on an Over the Ear headphone.
The actual K702 are not made in Austria anymore, as far as I know, and soundwise they have nothing really to do with the original ones. I have an original pair, and they do not look and feel plasticky at all! They sound great, especially with a good headphone amp. With a mediocre amp they can sound thin. Nowadays we have to use Austrian Audio headphones, made by people originally worked for the original AKG company. I also have a K240 studio from newer production (in China?) and it is way off the original ones we have been using in studios and at home in great numbers with great pleasure.
Absolute bullshit. I have an Austrian made K702 and a Chinese made model. They look/feel/sound THE SAME. They were ALWAYS made of plastic, with a bit of metal and leather. Stop spreading lies. The new K702 are just as good as the old ones, in fact, they measure slightly better.
Pad swap! I use Brainwavz XL-Perforated pads. Better sound all around and much-needed bass is added. I started with these (made in Austria) version, many years ago. I have graduated many levels up from the AKG 702s (my #1 can is the HE1000v2) and have sold many cans along the way. Yet I still have and enjoy the 702s. A good warm source, amp &/or DAC, with good power, helps a lot. I really enjoy watching streaming movies and tv shows with the 702s - very comfortable for long listening periods. BTY, the build quality, for the money, is just fine on the OG Austria version. IMO. I'm out.
I used to have akg k702's too and I miss that wide sound. Then I switched to Ananda stealth which played warmer and fuller but no longer had that wide stage. Then I switched to the Arya stealth and I realize that I am not experiencing the pleasure I once had with the akg. Stage width is important to me. How about the he1000v2, they say they have a wide stage too unlike the arya stealth. Is it any match for akg k702?
You can't really compare the HE1000 to the AKG k702 - apples to oranges. The He1000 is a far superior headphone is every way and the price differential reflects that. The HE 1000 is a much better listen with a wider soundstage than Arya and Ananda - I had owned both of these and graduated up to the HE 1000 v2. Among all these headphones mentioned, price does a good job reflecting listening quality and enjoyment - imo.
When I compared the Arya Stealth and Arya Organic directly, I didn't hear any significant difference in sound, it was the nuances. There wasn't that wider stage in the Organic, as various video reviewers have said. They were such similar headphones that to catch the differences, you had to sit down and listen to the difference. It wasn't like you put the headphones on and they played differently and significantly better. I was thinking of upgrading to the he1000v2 as well, but I'm afraid the sound signature itself will be the same. I just probably like the akg k702 stage, it's a special kind of headphones, where you are really surprised by the width of the stage, and the appearance of sounds that you start to check "is it the sound in the music/movie or someone walked into the room". I think I should keep my Arya stealth, and not upgrade to the he1000v2, but just get myself a k702 and have them as a second headphone when I want to listen to something quiet, jazz, classical or meditative music.
Good morning from Greece bro. I like your channel that's why I subscribed. I have ifi xdsd and xcan. Do you think k702 would be compatible with ifis? Thanks a lot for your help!
I have had K501 for quite a while. They are related to these - the cord is *fixed* and their weak point is the elastic cord that is the adjustable part of the headband. And it sounds like their sound signature is quite similar. Bass is not their forte, and yes they are a bit "hot" in the upper midrange. The HE4xx are a better headphone - they are very low impedance, and can really tax the amp. And they have a physical weak point - there are *tiny* screws that hold the pivot rods on to the earcups, and on an early batch anyway, these had to be replaced with much better sized screws. And those don't look great. I agree that the Verum One is a much better headphone. The only "non-premium" part of their build is the plastic cans, themselves.
If you can get them in your neck of the woods it might be fun to compare them the Superlux HD681, a well reviewed cheap AKG knock off. I've listened to them before and they sounded pretty good to my ears.
I had them few years ago. Pretty good for the price, so are the Samson SR850. However they are not a match to this AKG, this one is even better with soundstage and deteils.
@iiWiReviews This comment convinced me to get the K702s. They were $99 used on Amazon, and my set of ATH-AD500X were literally falling apart. Not a big fan of the headband but otherwise comfortable, much more so than the knock offs. And I really do like the sound. Unfortunately I have to return them, one of the drivers cuts in and out. But I'll probably will pick them up again.
I shot my 702's for €65 from Amazon, because the box was damaged (actually the box was very damaged, but I listen to headphones not boxes:)). I like it a lot with classical music and the width is really impresssing. But yeah, you need an amp. They need a little less power than the Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohms, but not much less. Btw. I prefer the Beyerdynamic, but I payed almost twice as much for them (Beyerdynamic's B-wares, ~€135).
Your facial expression said it all when you were talking about talking these out of the box... You looked like you were expecting a Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with Gravy….and instead you were served Cold Bologna on White Bread. 😀😀😀
I disagree with "better" sound in the modern luxury cans, most of them sounds V tuned and most don't upscale, the AKG upscales and upscales the better amp / dac you add to tje audio chain I have the K712 since the pandemic at first i was not impressed since before i had the austrian k240, it was like the same soun, but the more they burned in they started to perform better, i noticed more resolution, then purchased a cheapo amp and they get better, tried so many dacs and all sound horrible until i get some philips and wolfson dacs omg that sound! That match! I think i was in the paradise but no... Later on i get a Lehmann amp and it take the AKG to another dimension nothing to compare with my cheapo amp! People think only susvara and stax can do this and that, that only with those you can get ultra resolution and speed, and thats a big lie, AKG gets you to the same level, even more natural, more fullbodied, if you feel weak or thin your akgs is sign of a very bad amplification
Rails are plastic, hollow, and there's a copper wire going trough those hollow rails. At least on my model they are. Maybe some older versions had metal rails. Anyways, that's not how you send the signal even if they are metal.
I haven't tried that exact combination but I generally don't recommend K702 and dingles. These are very insensitive headphones and sound kind of dead with most DAC dongles.
I've tried more expensive models from AKG, Beyer, Grado and Sennheiser....currently using Sennheiser HD560S though and they're great for the price (and beyond). For a brief time the 560S were available in the UK for £113. For that price I cant think of a better audio bargain (they need to be heard before being dismissed as "just another 500 series Senn model"). ....I do, of course, realise that a RRP of £169 means they won't appeal to price snobs....too cheap for them 🤑
Ja sam se prvo dvoumio da li da uzmem K702 ili Senn HD560s, i odlucio sam se za HD 560s i odlicne su. Sad se razmisljam da li se isplati uzeti Hifiman Edition XS. Volim sveje Senn sluske ali hocu jos malo soundstage i tesko mi je da se odviknem od planar sluski koje sam pre koristio (hifiman 4xx).
My AKG Q701's shine playing flac, etc. mp3 for the most part sound like trash. oh, and using ifi "XBass" adds that good bass to them. I have since moved on to the HD600 and my Q's are my go-to gaming/movie HP... don't forget, those cans were originally for music studio production...
I think that Fiio DACs and amps with their full bodied sound are a good match. For example Fiio K5 pro ess. If you want to keep a very open and highly resolving sound and your budget can handle it... Maybe Topping DX5 lite.
I heard Q701 briefly and they sounded almost the same. It was not a direct comparison to notice some minor differences if there are any... But generally speaking it's the same sound signature.
I never compared them head to head but I feel that Sundara is more neutral, not as bright, and it will pair better with wider selection of DACs and Amps.
oh man I had these a couple of months ago, I wanted to like them, but I returned them to Amazon because they are so flat and not special at all. I so wanted to like them, it's too bad.
When the HD600 first came out in 1997, I was a poor teenager and never thought I will be able to afford an 'endgame' headphone like the HD600. No I own TOTL headphones several times more expensive than the HD600. The world changes, we grow up. Yet, some products like the HD600 and these AKGs deserve attention, as they keep hanging around despite the changing world. Engineers nailed something with these models.
I softened the headband with my hands. Crushing it to get a curve from front to back. I haven't needed to glue cushions. To take the weight off of the top of the head and to the side by 1"/25mm. That is the option, if after softening it is still an issue.
I agree friend they did nail it with the AKG 701. Mine used for mixing and checking...
I have had a pair of K702's for about a decade now and I'll say this; For the price and unless you're willing to fork ten times more for a pair of HD 800s, you'll have a really, really good pair of headphones for competitive gaming. They are top of the line when it comes to soundstage and paired with a simple/reasonable DAC/headphone amplifier (I used a Fiio K3 and now a K7), you won't find anything at a similar price point.
"I have huge ears!" LOL... And so have I! But: I love My K702s. I first met with AKG Headphones back in 1975, with the Flagship back then. I forgot the number they had, but they were Flagships. And I wanted AKGs my whole life! So, when I found the Audiophile lifestyle again, I was happy about the prize of the 702. I bought mine from Amazon for 100,- Euro straight! Warehouse-Deal. And perfect for me! They remind me of my old friend that owned the AKGs back then. He was my audiophile Friend and Tutor when I was a young man. He has been gone now from us for almost 20years, and I miss him. If I could turn back time.... It was the best time of my life. The first great 3-way Speakers with Ribbon tweeters... All this great analog stuff that came up that time... What a great time that was...The high time of Turntables too! The first developed DUAL Flagship TT with Direct Drive... What an engine...
One of my first HP's was the AKG K712 PRO. Got it for gaming and it didn't disappoint. Most realistic gun shot sounds ever
Same. I left the gaming garbage for the K712 Pro's 7 years ago. Love them. I got a PS5, a DAC/Amp and the HiFiMan Sundara specifically for the console. I tried them on my PC (same brand DAC/Amp) and was not super impressed. I prefer the K712 on PC for music and games. On the PS5, however, Callisto Protocol sounds amazing with the Sundara.
@@nated5355sweet, getting 712s for Christmas
@@nated5355 hey bro, I am currenty using Akg k712pro with Aune t1s Dac amp, do you think sundara is that much upgrade, or any upgrade at all?
@@GeraltOfRivia69 Nope. Not an upgrade IMO. I've been using the AKG for 8 years now and love it. The Sundara is nice on my PS5 for single player games...that's about all so far. AKG is much better for music so really I guess it depends on your use. I wasn't a fan of the Sundara on my PC for music and prefer the AKG over it.
@@nated5355 I use mine mostly for games and movies due to good soundstage. How'd you compare the soundstage between the two?
Very good and helpful review. Excellent English! A year later now and I just bought a pair for $134. I'm convinced that I made a proper choice. Thank you.
Thanks for another interesting review! I just upgraded my AKG K701 (made in Austria). This evening I put on Dekoni Elite Fenestrated Sheepskin's and I implemented the bassport modification (sticker removal). WOW!!! Next up: upgrade from M2Tech HiFace USB DAC to a decent Amp/DAC combination and upgrade the stock cable. That will be a few more WOWS!
Legendary headphones. Classical music on them is sensational
I got them between 2014. Still awesome with my sound cart SSL2+ .When You combine both is the heaven of sound in Your head.
I had them and loved them, such a fantastic soundstage-
I have two pairs of 702 AKG reference mixing headphones,
They're way more comfortable for recording music I use like a PA type arrangers the PA 1000 and pa5x I do recording full songs with vocals everyday most I do it everyday hours on end sometimes the way I use them is a little different I use them with my monitor speakers on there are on the edge of the keyboards they're on low volume in the headphones are filling in all the frequencies that they pull it I can't explain it that makes it clear it allows me to do mixing of my songs way way better with the vocals settings and stuff oh yeah big time better plus I can keep the volume to a really moderate kind of level so I don't bother the whole neighborhood
Though I have some of the top latest models, I still love listening to my 701’s. 😁
Bought these for 120€ for my father 3+ years ago. For the price they are exceptional, especially the detail and treble. If you get used to them they are really comfortable too - didn't break at all after 3+ years (only the headband has some strings sticking out, but it's nothing to worry about). I appreciate lightweight headphones (especially compared to ultra-heavy planars :D).
I haved 712 pro until last year when I purchased meze 109 pro. I really liked them with the orange color accents. The headband on them had steel wire under the orange cover and the part that get over your head was from comfy real leather. The sound was really great as the exceptionally confort. You could tweak them for more bass, I think the same as for 712..You should open them and remove one sticker on each, that cover a hole behind the drivers...also they are another 2 stickers if U want ever more bass start just with the one circle in center it is enough. Also for even more clarity you should remove the round sponge inside ear covers...or experiment with other materials there. Besides that with an eq you could make them really great.
too expensive
Got K702, done bass reflex mode, changed pads, cable and added some acoustic material at the back of that white central circle as suggested by guys on the forum and OMG, they sound terrific.
I just ordered these on Amazon for a $147. I'm excited to try them out and compare them to my Focal Elegia
Let me know please
yeah pls let us know
@@rtrtrtrt4790they're pretty good sound wise i've been using them since december mostly for mixing and producing but i'll say they lack in low end around 30hz and below. for comfort, like the video said, they feel cheap for the price point and aren't very comfortable. the top band that holds them on your head feels like an overly stiff leather belt and you have to move them around fairly often so your head doesn't start hurting. for making music i recommend, for casual listening you would just be better off buying beyerdynamic dt 990s
@rtrtrtrt4790 I ended up returning them. At first, I was blown away by the clarity, but after a few days, I ended up sending them back. I think it was because the sound was new and different in a good way, but at the end of the day, I just love the sound of the Elegia. It's that mid Forwardness that I truly enjoy. I would keep them for classical music, but I'm not the type of person to say "today I want to listen to classical music." I just need a good all-rounder and the Elegia's are it. I'm still looking for a good deal on a Clear OG.
@@eh7378 understood, thanks for your response!
Cheers Serb, allocating genres of music to 'phones is always helpful. I will stick with my Senn 560s for now.
They're on Amazon for $146 right now. I picked them up because of it.
Your pronunciation of "faux" is on point. 🙂
French "aux" sounds like the "o" in "so". Not like the "au" in "autumn". Hard to be sure on CZcams, but Srboljub might have pronounced it somewhere in between. Not knocking him -- native English speakers may rarely speak the word, may not even know it!
I softened the headband with my hands. Crushing it to get a curve from front to back. I haven't needed to glue cushions. To take the weight off of the top of the head and to the side by 1"/25mm. That is the option, if after softening it is still an issue.
Last year I was looking for a good headphones (Hifiman Ananda, Meze 109 Pro, Audeze LDC2,...) and finally I bought AKG 712 Pro in an offer for 198 €... and I am really very happy.
Good bass, medium, highs, precission, good soundstage,...
A very good option
The elastic for the headband isn't incredibly hard to replace if you don't do it the manufacturer way (there is a reddit post about it) but yeah, they break
Have them and really like them. My usual choice for jazz. You can actually find them cheaper in the EU. Amazon Spain has them for 141,30€. Thomann has them B-Stock for 119.
The 701 (orig.) had a pleated head band, that left raw dents on your head. The 7XX is a fun phone from Drop.
i pimped mine with window seal tape between the ripples😁😅
Upgrade of some good cable make from 702 really beast! Aaa, open bass reflex!
I have been an AKG K701/7XX owner for a long time and I just got the Verum 1 mk2 and they are on another level compared to AKGs. I will say on tube speaker amps the AKGs.
ive had my q701 since 2013?? cant remember exactly when and they still hold up. had to replace the cable and the elastics have worn down but they still go on my head and sound great. They dont get much head time recently but they are still in my rotation whenever i have a listening session.
Hey, what about detail retrieval compared to the 600 series and 560s or Sundara?
How they compare to Hifiman HE400se? Because I have K701 and look into HE400se.
I have those $30 wired ones for my Samsung S20 phone they work great .
I have q701 which are like k701 and inlove jow wide scene they have they even start me thinking about modd my hd650
well , the build .. OK 701 , they were designed and build as tool and still do , so aesthetic definitely not part of the package , they are mean to allow the user to discern what's in the sound stream and what need to be corrected in the master and mixing , and FYI , AKG still made and sell all the parts and while they might look flimsy , they just are not , I've been using them for tracking , recording monitor , mastering and mixing since my student days back in the early 70's and they still serve
Just purchased a pair after watching your video for £110 on Amazon. For 20 cups of coffee it’s a no brainer !
For those (including myself) who want softer headband, there is a plastic sheet in there that is making you uncomfortable. I took mine out.
Dear Mr Srboljub Stojanović [in Poland it's not that hard 2 pronounce 😉] I would really like You to dive into ancient history and take a while to compare the once crucial in Your reviews AKG K92 (as You said Your then champions), because it would be nice to know how in Your Eyes N' Ears (not to be mistaken with Guns N' Roses) they hold ground against much more expensive headphones like those K702 or other recently reviewed cans - just curious and wish You well on the road ahead 🎃
Used these for a bit, but while they were tight, I found them rather flat and even though they did improve with soundid, it was not enough that they were worth keeping. Amplification did not do too much for them either. That's just my ears and my experience though.
That's why they're made for producing and mixing
Thank you, man. Just bought a pair for $144 brand new.
I have had an AKG K702 for almost 10 years. But I think it's time is over. Mine had a crack in the headband.! And are impossible to repair. Yes the lack of bass is not the best. For critical listening, one should pass on the AKG K702. For certain uses, I think the AKG K701 (Quincy jones edition is better) for example for monitoring musical instruments like a piano, very nice and bright.
If one had the - a collection would be great - an AKG K701, AKG K702, Senn HD 600, Senn HD 650, but I think more modern designs have replaced these dinosaurs, and there are more options now, but not cheaper options. Anything better is also likely to cost more. So from a budget perspective these dinosaurs are still value for money., if you insist on an Over the Ear headphone.
The actual K702 are not made in Austria anymore, as far as I know, and soundwise they have nothing really to do with the original ones. I have an original pair, and they do not look and feel plasticky at all! They sound great, especially with a good headphone amp. With a mediocre amp they can sound thin. Nowadays we have to use Austrian Audio headphones, made by people originally worked for the original AKG company. I also have a K240 studio from newer production (in China?) and it is way off the original ones we have been using in studios and at home in great numbers with great pleasure.
My Q701 are Austrian made...
Absolute bullshit. I have an Austrian made K702 and a Chinese made model. They look/feel/sound THE SAME. They were ALWAYS made of plastic, with a bit of metal and leather. Stop spreading lies. The new K702 are just as good as the old ones, in fact, they measure slightly better.
The K702 is my favorite headphone for jazz and fusion.
Pad swap! I use Brainwavz XL-Perforated pads. Better sound all around and much-needed bass is added. I started with these (made in Austria) version, many years ago. I have graduated many levels up from the AKG 702s (my #1 can is the HE1000v2) and have sold many cans along the way. Yet I still have and enjoy the 702s. A good warm source, amp &/or DAC, with good power, helps a lot. I really enjoy watching streaming movies and tv shows with the 702s - very comfortable for long listening periods. BTY, the build quality, for the money, is just fine on the OG Austria version. IMO. I'm out.
I used to have akg k702's too and I miss that wide sound.
Then I switched to Ananda stealth which played warmer and fuller but no longer had that wide stage.
Then I switched to the Arya stealth and I realize that I am not experiencing the pleasure I once had with the akg. Stage width is important to me.
How about the he1000v2, they say they have a wide stage too unlike the arya stealth. Is it any match for akg k702?
You can't really compare the HE1000 to the AKG k702 - apples to oranges. The He1000 is a far superior headphone is every way and the price differential reflects that. The HE 1000 is a much better listen with a wider soundstage than Arya and Ananda - I had owned both of these and graduated up to the HE 1000 v2. Among all these headphones mentioned, price does a good job reflecting listening quality and enjoyment - imo.
When I compared the Arya Stealth and Arya Organic directly, I didn't hear any significant difference in sound, it was the nuances. There wasn't that wider stage in the Organic, as various video reviewers have said. They were such similar headphones that to catch the differences, you had to sit down and listen to the difference. It wasn't like you put the headphones on and they played differently and significantly better.
I was thinking of upgrading to the he1000v2 as well, but I'm afraid the sound signature itself will be the same.
I just probably like the akg k702 stage, it's a special kind of headphones, where you are really surprised by the width of the stage, and the appearance of sounds that you start to check "is it the sound in the music/movie or someone walked into the room".
I think I should keep my Arya stealth, and not upgrade to the he1000v2, but just get myself a k702 and have them as a second headphone when I want to listen to something quiet, jazz, classical or meditative music.
I too have a he1000 v2 coming soon and will buy the k702 again, they have their own soundstage magic.
I remember my brother had the Quincy jones edition many years ago
Good morning from Greece bro. I like your channel that's why I subscribed. I have ifi xdsd and xcan. Do you think k702 would be compatible with ifis? Thanks a lot for your help!
I have had K501 for quite a while. They are related to these - the cord is *fixed* and their weak point is the elastic cord that is the adjustable part of the headband. And it sounds like their sound signature is quite similar. Bass is not their forte, and yes they are a bit "hot" in the upper midrange.
The HE4xx are a better headphone - they are very low impedance, and can really tax the amp. And they have a physical weak point - there are *tiny* screws that hold the pivot rods on to the earcups, and on an early batch anyway, these had to be replaced with much better sized screws. And those don't look great.
I agree that the Verum One is a much better headphone. The only "non-premium" part of their build is the plastic cans, themselves.
The leather on the headband is actually real leather, not faux.
If you can get them in your neck of the woods it might be fun to compare them the Superlux HD681, a well reviewed cheap AKG knock off. I've listened to them before and they sounded pretty good to my ears.
I had them few years ago. Pretty good for the price, so are the Samson SR850. However they are not a match to this AKG, this one is even better with soundstage and deteils.
@iiWiReviews This comment convinced me to get the K702s. They were $99 used on Amazon, and my set of ATH-AD500X were literally falling apart. Not a big fan of the headband but otherwise comfortable, much more so than the knock offs. And I really do like the sound. Unfortunately I have to return them, one of the drivers cuts in and out. But I'll probably will pick them up again.
Thank you very much for your nice review. 🌠
You should give the HarmonicDyne Athena a Try
I shot my 702's for €65 from Amazon, because the box was damaged (actually the box was very damaged, but I listen to headphones not boxes:)). I like it a lot with classical music and the width is really impresssing. But yeah, you need an amp. They need a little less power than the Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohms, but not much less. Btw. I prefer the Beyerdynamic, but I payed almost twice as much for them (Beyerdynamic's B-wares, ~€135).
Your facial expression said it all when you were talking about talking these out of the box... You looked like you were expecting a Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with Gravy….and instead you were served Cold Bologna on White Bread. 😀😀😀
Yeah, I didn't expect anything luxurious at this price but I tought it should feel just a bit more solid and sturdy than this.
I disagree with "better" sound in the modern luxury cans, most of them sounds V tuned and most don't upscale, the AKG upscales and upscales the better amp / dac you add to tje audio chain I have the K712 since the pandemic at first i was not impressed since before i had the austrian k240, it was like the same soun, but the more they burned in they started to perform better, i noticed more resolution, then purchased a cheapo amp and they get better, tried so many dacs and all sound horrible until i get some philips and wolfson dacs omg that sound! That match! I think i was in the paradise but no... Later on i get a Lehmann amp and it take the AKG to another dimension nothing to compare with my cheapo amp! People think only susvara and stax can do this and that, that only with those you can get ultra resolution and speed, and thats a big lie, AKG gets you to the same level, even more natural, more fullbodied, if you feel weak or thin your akgs is sign of a very bad amplification
...that elastic band though...?
Thanks !
THANKS SRBJ .🙏😎🤗💚💚💚
The rails are metal (how do you think the signal comes to the other side) and the leather is real, however only 0,2mm thick.
Rails are plastic, hollow, and there's a copper wire going trough those hollow rails. At least on my model they are. Maybe some older versions had metal rails. Anyways, that's not how you send the signal even if they are metal.
Hello. For classical music (19th and 20th century), both chamber music (quartets, etc.) and orchestral works or lieders, are these headphones good ?
Can be driven K702 from a dongle such as RU7? Thanks!
I haven't tried that exact combination but I generally don't recommend K702 and dingles. These are very insensitive headphones and sound kind of dead with most DAC dongles.
I've tried more expensive models from AKG, Beyer, Grado and Sennheiser....currently using Sennheiser HD560S though and they're great for the price (and beyond).
For a brief time the 560S were available in the UK for £113. For that price I cant think of a better audio bargain (they need to be heard before being dismissed as "just another 500 series Senn model").
....I do, of course, realise that a RRP of £169 means they won't appeal to price snobs....too cheap for them 🤑
Is it nore comfortable now? Also any problems with the headphone plastic clip? I seen people saying it fall off
Ja sam se prvo dvoumio da li da uzmem K702 ili Senn HD560s, i odlucio sam se za HD 560s i odlicne su.
Sad se razmisljam da li se isplati uzeti Hifiman Edition XS.
Volim sveje Senn sluske ali hocu jos malo soundstage i tesko mi je da se odviknem od planar sluski koje sam pre koristio (hifiman 4xx).
Where did you get cool lamp in background?
Great video thank you
$149 on Amazon rn
I got em for under 100 euros 3 years ago👍👍👍
Great timing😂
My AKG Q701's shine playing flac, etc. mp3 for the most part sound like trash. oh, and using ifi "XBass" adds that good bass to them. I have since moved on to the HD600 and my Q's are my go-to gaming/movie HP... don't forget, those cans were originally for music studio production...
can i use these with my mac pro output jack or do you need an amp?
Nope, low volume only, you really need an Amp.
Could you offer some good amps suggestions for k702?
I think that Fiio DACs and amps with their full bodied sound are a good match. For example Fiio K5 pro ess. If you want to keep a very open and highly resolving sound and your budget can handle it... Maybe Topping DX5 lite.
How do the K702 compare with Q701 and K712 Pro?
I heard Q701 briefly and they sounded almost the same. It was not a direct comparison to notice some minor differences if there are any... But generally speaking it's the same sound signature.
How do they sound compared to Sundara?
I never compared them head to head but I feel that Sundara is more neutral, not as bright, and it will pair better with wider selection of DACs and Amps.
like stax,,, fast risetime,,, after 200 hours lotsa bass
Try this AKG Kxxx Mode:
czcams.com/video/LcNhn8gF1NQ/video.html
Lewis Susan Taylor Steven Brown Mary
oh man I had these a couple of months ago, I wanted to like them, but I returned them to Amazon because they are so flat and not special at all. I so wanted to like them, it's too bad.
Just use hd600 with class a amp and be happy.
....thespian leather....
_Translator:_
I don't like the silver elements. They look cheap. The entire headphone should be black.
The Frequency response is rubbish.