Are you a music producer looking for monitoring headphones to mix and master your track? Perhaps you’re an avid music fan searching for a new pair of headphones to listen to your music in high quality. The AKG K701 and the AKG K702 are fairly similar in most aspects, but which one is for you?
Picking a winner between the AKG K701 and the AKG K702 is difficult due to their similar performance. The AKG K702, on the other hand, comes out on top due to its better bass monitoring than the AKG K701, which helps monitor any muddy frequencies while mixing and mastering. It also has a more vibrant and distinct mid-range, which is crucial for mixing.
AKG K701
The K701 will turn perception into pure delight, whether you favor a holistic approach or want to listen analytically. When combined with bright-sounding highs and powerful bass, this level of versatility and spaciousness is nothing but astonishing.
Sound quality
The AKG K701’s audio frequency bandwidth is 10 to 39800 Hz. They provide a lot of detail in the highs. The highs are highly precise and clear but not harsh or unpleasant. The soundstage simply serves to enhance the highs.
Mid frequencies are a little off. Despite the incredible clarity, they sound thin compared to most other headphones at higher gain. The thinness can be linked to 701’s frequency response chart, which shows a slight drive increase.
These headphones have a very tight bass. It is precise, controlled, and has a long reach. The bass’s only flaw is its lack of impact, but you can fix this with post-processing. The bass has a wide soundstage, making it ideal for movies.
Build quality
The K701 headphones are comfy. The well-padded ear cups fit comfortably over most ears and are surprisingly lightweight, given their size. They don’t make you tired even if you listen for a long time, but the overall construction quality is suitable for its intended use.
But these headphones aren’t designed to be carried around or brought outside regularly. These won’t fall apart if you use them on your head or keep them on your desk. They have thick ear cups, and the headband is flexible enough to withstand more physical stress than typical.
Unfortunately, the adjustable cushioning on the headband contains many moving components. These are possible weak places where wear and tear might cause harm to the headphones.
Key Features
These open headphones allow some ambient noise to mix with the headphones’ output. Another important characteristic worth highlighting is that these over-ear headphones are designed to protect your ears.
Pros and Cons
These pros and cons might not be true for all users. Although, they can be worthy of notice as a reference if you want to get a pair of AKG K701 headphones for yourself.
Pros
- Clarity
- Dynamics and response are terrific
- Flat response
- Comfortable
- Firm plastic build
- Good bass
- Good timbre
Cons
- Poor headband construction
- Not portable
- Thin build
AKG K702
The K702s are open-back studio headphones with over-ear cups for accurate monitoring, mixing, and mastering. They combine mobility and space with a very accurate response. Many often compare them to models in the similar price range of Audio-Technica.
Its accuracy is achieved by employing revolutionary flat-wire voice coils and a Varimotion two-layer diaphragm. An open design and a high-performance cable round out these reference headphones.
The K702’s plush, custom-molded 3D-foam ear cushions and a genuine-leather headband ensure a secure fit. For quick wire changes, they offer a professional micro XLR connector. K702s that have been individually tested and serialized
Sound quality
The higher frequencies sound bright but not too harsh and have a light, transparent character. A greater focus has been made on safety in this area to lessen the strain.
Mid frequencies on these headsets lack a touch of assertiveness and give the impression of being washed out, but it’s not that noticeable. Still, the AKG K702’s are clear and balanced overall.
A slight push in the upper mids gives them liveliness, although occasionally with too much commitment and aggression (at increased volume).
The bass and sub frequencies aren’t very exciting in terms of quantity, and it wouldn’t be very useful if you distort the bass during mixing or mastering. It sounds cold and dry, but it has a lively character, with a hint of warmth or slight analog distortion to hide the defect.
Most users say it doesn’t belong in the ultra-low frequency range. Either that or finding the ultra-low frequency is difficult. If you put your palm on the ear cups or press them closer to your ear, you could feel it.
The design of open headphones often offers them an advantage in terms of stage extension, as does the K702, which is rather large.
However, you may detect minor flaws in the vertical and depth. But the K702 cuts an excellent figure in terms of breadth. Due to its lack of isolation, you may only use the headset in the studio or within your four walls. Hence its high price.
Vocal stereo layers are placed in the background rather than the foreground, giving the impression of stereo wideness. Wind instruments are more prominent and louder than other instruments.
The stereo picture (width) has more sound, but there aren’t as many layers in height or depth, so you still get a well-structured 3D image. On the left/right axis, the separation is a little too strong and could be a little more differentiated.
You may not know much about frequencies used in music or audio in general. If that’s the case, you can learn more about the frequency spectrum here.
Build quality
At first glance, these headphones might look intimidating to people unfamiliar with music production.
The matt black surface of the earpieces, black velour padding, black leather embellishments, and silver plastic parts combine to produce a piece of gear with a futuristic and modern look.
Despite its wide ear cups, the AKG K702 looks relatively elegant and of great quality. It also has a substantial feel, which is vital for every day (professional) music production.
The K702’s ear cups cover the full ear without rubbing against the casing or the velour padding (can squeak when wearing glasses).
The open design doesn’t assist with isolation (it’s almost non-existent), but it does give decent wearing comfort, at least for the ears; nevertheless, the pads could be a little more soft/yielding.
Plastic components, rather than metal ones, make up most of AKG’s structure. Other high-quality materials are included to produce a smooth surface that feels great to the touch, such as 3 mm thick leather.
You won’t have any problem listening on the move with the matt black wire, which has a good grip and is tangle-free.
The detachable cable has a 3.5mm connector that may be changed to a 6.3mm connector, adapter included. The headphones are connected through a mini-XLR connection. The “L” and “R” labels on the headband ensure that you don’t make a mistake when putting on the headphones.
The K 702 is handcrafted and thoroughly tested in Austria, as seen by the build quality, fit, finish, and durability. However, AKG forgets to include a storage case in the package, which is a bit of a misstep in this price range.
The K702 is a large over-the-ear pair of headphones with velour-covered cushions that is far from portable. No one wants to be in agony while working in the studio or listening to music. That’s why the K702 Headphones were created specifically for comfort.
The ear cushions are constructed of a special gel substance with a plush lining. They offer a superb fit, enclosing your ears in maximum comfort while providing the most powerful sound conceivable.
Thanks to the self-adjusting headband design, you’ll never have to bother with positions again. Simply place the headphones on your ears and enjoy an immersive listening experience.
Key Features
These open headphones come with a detachable cord and a tiny XLR cable. Its earpads are easily interchangeable for easy upkeep or modification. The over-ear design allows for natural sounds, resulting in greater monitoring.
Pros and Cons
These advantages and disadvantages may not apply to all producers, sound designers, or music enthusiasts. They’re nevertheless informative as a reference if you’re thinking about buying a pair of AKG K702 headphones.
Pros
- Clarity
- Thorough monitoring
- Large stage
- Neutral tuning
- Great quality
- Lightweight and Comfortable
- Detailed midrange and treble
Cons
- Mid-range frequencies are slightly volume sensitive.
- Less punchy low frequencies
- No noise isolation.
- Requires an external amplifier
Which is better?
The AKG K702 headphones are slightly better than the AKG K701, but they are similar. The K702 has a detachable cable that you can easily replace if it breaks, which makes it marginally more durable and well-built, but that’s about it.
The majority of people will be unable to distinguish between the two models. The AKG K701 is a large yet comfy headset that is not suitable outdoors. A generous quantity of plush cushioning supplements the big circular ear cups.
The headband strap adapts to different head sizes and shapes automatically. It’s fairly tough, but don’t drop it too frequently.
Similarly, the AKG K702 sports a classic design and wide circular ear cups that are highly cushioned and quite comfy. The dimensions and weight of the AKG K701 and AKG K702 are identical. The AKG K701 and the AKG K702 have a similar appearance and an old-school vibe.
The suede-like cloth on the ear cups of the AKG K701 and AKG K702 give them a luxury appeal. The AKG K702, which comes in a two-tone color combination of navy blue and silver, exemplifies the aesthetic contrast.
The AKG K702 has two improvements over the AKG K701: a detachable cable and replaceable earpads, both of which add significantly to its usability.
Which is better for mixing?
Individually, the AKG K701 provides a stable and reasonable bass, great mid-range, and above-average treble. The AKG K702 offers a solid bass, a good midrange, and a decent treble. When the AKG K701 and the AKG K702 are compared, the AKG K701 and the AKG K702 are distinguishable.
In terms of bass, the AKG K702 offers a better low-frequency response than the AKG K701, with sub frequencies being responsible for a rumbly mix.
Even in the mid-bass, the AKG K701 isn’t behind the AKG K702, resulting in less kick and punch.
The AKG K701 outperforms the AKG K702 in terms of bass.
The AKG K702 contains stronger low-mid frequencies than the AKG K701, making sounds like acoustic guitars more detectable. The AKG K701 features a stronger mid-range boost than the AKG K702, which pushes the mid-range forward.
The AKG K701 and AKG K702 have a somewhat overemphasized low treble to make them sound more detailed and bright, particularly for vocalists and lead instruments.
Furthermore, the AKG K701 has a stronger mid-treble frequency response than the AKG K702, which increases presence and sibilance. Consequently, the treble in the AKG K701 and AKG K702 sound very similar in clarity and detail.
Conclusion
Given their equal performance, picking a victor between the AKG K701 and the AKG K702 is quite tough. However, the AKG K702 is the victor.
Compared to the AKG K701, the AKG K702 provides superior bass monitoring, which helps monitor any muddy frequencies during mixing and mastering. It also has more vivid and clear mid frequencies, which is extremely important when mixing.
