AKG Pro Audio K701 Over-Ear Headphones – A Studio Reference for Audiophiles

The AKG K701 headphones are high-end, open-back studio headphones known for their accurate and detailed sound reproduction. They utilize innovative flat-wire voice coil technology and patented Varimotion diaphragms to deliver pristine treble and mids with tight bass response. With an open-back design, these audiophile-grade headphones provide a wide, spacious soundstage. The K701 also features a lightweight design with padded leather headband and unique 3D-form ear pads for long-wearing comfort.

Key Features

• Revolutionary flat-wire voice coil for extremely accurate transient response
• Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for detailed highs and accurate bass
• Open-back design provides wide, immersive soundstage
• Circumaural design with padded leather headband and 3D-form ear pads for comfort
• 105dB sensitivity and 62 ohm impedance

Design & Comfort

The K701 has a stylish white and silver design accentuated by the exposed wire headband. The genuine leather headband is self-adjusting and well-padded for a comfortable fit. The unique 3D-form ear pads are also very soft and help surround the ears for long listening sessions. The open earcups allow your ears to breathe and prevent heat buildup. However, the non-detachable 9.8ft cable is quite long and prone to tangling.

Sound Quality

The AKG K701 deliver a reference-grade studio sound that is balanced, extremely detailed and analytical. The open soundstage gives music a sense of space and realism. The midrange and treble response is sparkling clean and pristine thanks to the flat-wire coils and diaphragm technology. The bass has good extension down to 16Hz but is a bit leaner than closed-back models. Overall, the sound signature is neutral, accurate and revealing - perfect for audio production but may lack oomph and excitement for casual listening.

Sound Signature

The AKG K701 headphones have a balanced, neutral, and analytical sound signature that is extremely accurate and detailed. The open-back design provides a very spacious and wide soundstage, giving music a sense of depth and realism. The midrange and treble are crystal clear and pristine thanks to the advanced diaphragm and flat-wire voice coil technology. Bass response has good extension down to 16Hz but is a bit leaner than closed-back models. The overall sound is perfect for critical listening and audio production where a transparent and honest representation of the source audio is desired.

Comfort

The self-adjusting padded leather headband and unique 3D-formed earpads are very comfortable for long mixing or listening sessions. The earcups are circumaural and help surround the ears completely. The open-back design prevents heat buildup and allows your ears to breathe. The non-detachable 9.8ft cable is rather long though and may be prone to tangling.

Noise Isolation

As open-back headphones, the K701 does not provide any isolation from external noise. This allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, which can be beneficial in a studio environment. However, it also means outside noises will be audible to the listener. The open design prevents internal reverberations for a more natural listening experience.

Use Cases

The AKG K701 headphones are reference-grade studio monitors best suited for audio production applications like mixing, mastering, editing, and critical listening. The accurate sound reproduction allows engineers to make mixing decisions knowing the headphones won’t color the sound. The open, spacious soundstage also helps recreate the feel of studio monitor speakers. For leisure listening, the neutral signature may not be exciting enough for some.

User Feedback

After analyzing the user feedback for the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones, several key insights can be gleaned.

Firstly, users generally appreciate the comfortable design of the headphones, particularly noting the padded genuine-leather headband and specially shaped 3D-form ear pads. This emphasis on comfort is crucial, especially for users who engage in long listening sessions or professional studio work, where comfort can significantly impact productivity and overall satisfaction.

Secondly, users consistently praise the sound quality of the AKG K701 headphones. Many users highlight the exceptional clarity and detail in the sound reproduction, attributing it to features such as the Varimotion two-layer diaphragm and flat-wire voice coil technology. Positive comments about the headphones’ ability to accurately reproduce both highs and lows indicate that they are well-suited for critical listening tasks such as studio monitoring and audiophile listening.

However, some users have expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the headphones. One common criticism is the length of the non-detachable cable, with users finding it cumbersome and potentially prone to tangling. Additionally, a few users have mentioned a perceived lack of bass in the sound profile, suggesting that the headphones may not be ideal for those who prioritize bass-heavy music genres.

Overall, the user feedback paints a picture of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones as a high-quality product with excellent sound performance and comfort features. While there are some minor drawbacks mentioned, such as the cable length and bass response, these issues are outweighed by the headphones’ overall positive attributes.

Pros

• Wide and spacious soundstage provides an immersive listening experience
• Extremely accurate and detailed sound allows hearing every subtle nuance in the music
• Bright and airy treble without being overly sharp or sibilant
• Midrange is smooth and pristine for vocals and instruments
• Great imaging provides ability to pinpoint location of sounds
• Lightweight and comfortable design for long listening sessions
• Open-back allows ears to breathe and prevents heat buildup
• Ideal for studio mixing, mastering, and critical listening

Cons

• Bass response could be deeper and more impactful for some listeners
• Non-detachable long cable may be inconvenient
• Sound leakage due to open-back design
• Lacks noise isolation capability
• Not ideal for portable use due to open design
• Neutral signature may not be exciting enough for casual listening

Value

The AKG K701 headphones have excellent value for the price point. Given the reference-level studio sound quality, patented transducer technology, and premium comfort, they can compete with headphones costing significantly more. The neutral yet engaging sound makes them a wise investment for audiophiles and audio engineers. Considering the quality, comfort, and performance, the AKG K701 provide exceptional value and should be strongly considered if looking for open-back headphones in this price range.

Conclusion

The AKG K701 continue to be one of the best open-back headphone options for critical listening and pro audio applications. With an extremely accurate and detailed sound signature, they are a reliable reference monitor for mixing and mastering. For discerning audiophiles seeking a natural, spacious listening experience, the K701 should undoubtedly be on the shortlist.

Specifications

• Transducer principle: Varimotion two-layer diaphragm
• Diaphragm thickness: 80μm and 40μm
• Magnet type: Neodymium
• Maximum power input: 200mW
• Sensitivity: 105dB SPL/V
• Frequency response: 10Hz - 39,800Hz
• Impedance: 62 ohms
• Distortion: < 0.2% at 1kHz, 100dB SPL
• Sound pressure level: 116dB
• Cable length: 3m (9.8ft)
• Connector: 3.5mm with 6.3mm screw-on adapter
• Weight (without cable): 235g
• Earpad material: Soft leather
• Headband: Genuine leather
• Color: White with silver accents
• Included accessories: leather carrying pouch, 6.3mm adapter
• Warranty: 2 years

Box Contents

The AKG K701 headphones come with:

• K701 headphones
• 3m detachable cable
• 6.3mm screw-on adapter
• Leather carrying pouch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the design of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones?

The AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones feature an over-ear, open-back design. This design provides a wide, immersive soundstage, perfect for studio and audiophile listening experiences.

What are the key features of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones?

The AKG K701 headphones boast several key features:

• Revolutionary flat-wire voice coil technology for extremely accurate sound and transient response.
• Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for sparkling highs and accurate bass response.
• Comfortable, specially shaped 3D-form ear pads for a perfect fit.
• Padded genuine-leather headband for added comfort during extended listening sessions.

Is the cable of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones detachable?

No, the cable of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones is not detachable. It measures 3 meters in length, providing ample room for movement during use.

What is the impedance of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones?

The AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones have a rated impedance of 62 Ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.

Are the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones suitable for studio use?

Yes, the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones are suitable for studio use. Their open-back design and reference-class sound quality make them an excellent choice for producers, engineers, and audiophiles alike.

Tips

• When using the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones for studio monitoring or critical listening, ensure that you are in a quiet environment to fully appreciate their sound quality.
• Properly adjusting the headband and ear cups for a comfortable fit can enhance your listening experience and reduce fatigue during extended use.
• Consider investing in a headphone amplifier to unlock the full potential of the AKG Pro Audio K701 headphones, especially when using them with high-end audio equipment.