Headphones
AKG K 271 MK II
The well-known AKG k271 headphone has made a huge reputation in recording studios and with pro audio types--and it's no wonder why. The updated AKG k271-MKII model continues to produce an exceptionally clear sound with detailed musical extension into the upper midranges & highs. Comfortable full-size 'around-the-ear' fit and upscale pro looks complete the killer package.
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Product Features:
- Full Size Sealed-Back Design
- Detachable Upgradeable Cord
- Clear Sound with Cleanly Extended Highs
What's In The Box:
- 1pr leatherette earpads
- 1pr velvet earpads
- 3 m detachable straight cable
- 5 m detachable coiled cable
- 1/8" to 1/4" screw-on adapter
Applications:
The venerable AKG K271 headphone made its handsome reputation in recording studios and pro applications in the most demanding audio facilities around the world -- and it's no wonder why. This updated AKG k271S-MKII model continues to deliver a smoothly refined sound with clean extension in the upper mids & treble ranges. The sealed/closed 'circumaural' around-the-ear earcup fit provides a good degree of ambient noise isolation while preventing dreaded "leakage" from the headphones into the microphone during critical close-mic recording sessions or while listening in close quarters and noisy environs. It's an excellent sealed-back candidate for listening to acoustic/classic jazz recordings and for guitar-based folk or chillaxed jam-band music. Chorale music, string quartet, and symphonic chamber music will also come through clear and articulate with a spacious soundstage image that gives a lovely presentation of quality reference recordings. However, the K271-MKII's tightly damped bass response is probably not quite slamming or present enough for most hip-hop, funk, or techno/electronica fans, but should do just fine if big heavy bass is not your thing. Despite their larger earcup sizing, these are still fairly lightweight headphones offering an ergonomic, comfortable wear for the vast majority of users. The k271 MKII's fairly efficient 55-Ohm impedance rating makes them game for most mobile listening applications sans headphone amp, although no question a dedicated head phone amp will fully maximize the clarity of precise timbral/tonal textures, dynamic range 'quickness', and overall musical detail resolution of this remarkable full-size headphone.
These classic old-school looking cans live up to the long-standing tradition of durable, comfortable headphones from Austria's powerhouse AKG Acoustics. Along with the signature 2-point suspension 'auto-fit' system of the headband, these cans feature a high-quality, easily detachable 99.99% OFC headphone cable that exits the left earcup and terminates to a gold-plated 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug jack. The K271MKII cord has a 3-pin mini-XLR connection into the headphones and can be quickly owner-replaced and/or upgraded. AKG includes two 'stock' quick-detach cables in the MKII packaging; a coiled 5-meter cord along with a 3-meter straight cable. Both 271MKII headphone cords terminate to a mini-plug 3.5mm jack (1/8") and a full-size 1/4"-inch screw-on adapter is handily provided. The MKII packaging also includes two sets of K271 earpads, a pair in black leather & another pair of velour fabric pads. The headphones feature a unique 'auto on/off' switch built into the headband assembly that activates whenever you take the K271 on or off your head. An AKG 2-year product warranty remains standard with all their headphones only when purchase from true AKG-authorized dealer -- like HeadRoom! 100% manufactured and assembled in Austria.
Other Recommended Accesories:
For serious AKG K271-MKII listeners, HeadRoom highly recommends investing in an upgraded K271 replacement headphone cord from Cardas Audio. Although not inexpensive, Cardas headphone cords are widely renown for improving dynamic range 'quickness' & extension, soundstage imaging 'depth', and overall musical detail resolution/clarity. It's certainly a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles looking to make their beloved AKG k271 headphones perform at the very top of their game. Cardas Audio AKG headphone replacement cords are available in 10ft, 15ft, and 20ft lengths. Fully compatible with the AKG k702 and AKG k240 headphones too! Cardas AKG K271 Headphone Replacement CordSpecifications:
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Year
- Cord Type: Coiled and Straight Left-Side
- Coupler Size: Large
- Cord Length: 10 ft. (3 m)
- Weight: 8.5 oz w/o cable
- Isolation: -10dB
- Sensitivity: 91 dB SPL/V
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Connector Type: 1/8" with 1/4" adaptor
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Microphone: No
- Wireless: No
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 55 ohms
- Acoustic Seal: Closed
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Headphone Type: Full Size
Average Rating
Posted by CERBUU from Bucharest, Romania on 2010-07-03
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Accurate, lovely mids, do not need amplification
Cons: Some may find bass a bit weak, it's inconsistent at times
- Are they good for games? I asked.
- They're good for everything
- Are they "ruthlessly revealing" for lossy mp3s?
- What you put in you get out: garbage-in, garbage-out...
I found these "specs" to be true.
These aren't listed anywhere as best buys or top choices, except for professional sites for studio applications, mostly because that was their intended market.
First of all, they are great for jazz and classical music and would lack in some bass-heavy genres such as techno, rap, RnB.
After getting used to the bass (which is just true and quite a change from the commercial "bloatiness" we are so surrounded with) I came to appreciate it for what it is: true.
They improve with amplification although they do not need one to sound decent. Being a bit on the cold, analytical side, they go great with tube amps such as the Little Dot MkIII I have been using. I think it's a good match, although I haven't tried any alternatives other than my laptop and a minidisc deck in DAC mode.
They come with two cables (a coiled and a straight one) and two pairs of pads (pleather and velvet). I love that they also come with a 3.5mm standard plug and with the screw-on 5.5mm adapter.
These are my favorites amongst the ones I have/had (Koss PortaPro, Grado SR-80, Beyerdynamic DT990, Yuin PK3).
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Posted by AKGfan from Campbell, CA on 2010-06-28
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Comfortable, great sound, build quality
I listen to these at home and work and the isolation is good: not completely cut off from the outside world but I'm not going to bother anyone either. I use an airhead amp and lossless tracks on my computer and get great sound. I listen to rock and blues mostly so I boost the bass with the classical setting on the iTunes equalizer. Bass is tight with good depth although not as rocking as the Grado's. Everything else is clean and clear with a pretty wide soundstage given the closed backs.
Comfort is very good. I get a little warm around the ears after a while but I can easily listen to these for hours without issue.
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Posted by dave from Edmonton, Alberta on 2010-03-04
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Big, balanced sound
Cons: Price, Muting function
But, in comparison to the HD280's, these cans are way better in every way except maybe comfort. They're slightly less comfortable because of their circular ear cups. But, this is probably outweighed by the nice accessories that come with the headphones - extra cable, two sets of ear cups (leatherette and velvet). The detachable cables are a nice touch.
These perform very well with hip hop, electro and rock. The bass is so clear! Pricey, but, in the end, a good buy. Especially at the price stated on this site. If you're looking for closed-back headphones, I'd reccomend these ones over the HD280's any day, if you can afford the price tag.
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