Headphones
AKG K 702 Black
The long-time leader in recording studio headphones have given us the AKG K701 and K702 models, top-of-the-line, full-size headphones with fabulous punch, and an up-front presentation and competence across the audio spectrum. These cans are nowhere near their potential out of the box; patience and a long break-in period will be well rewarded with a head full of snappy tunes. A top-notch and world class headphone.
Product Features:
- Outstanding detail and impact from close tolerance aluminum voice coil design.
- Lightweight and comfortable, durable and well built.
- Easily replaceable ear-pads and cable for extended user life.
- Very well engineered by this excellent headphone maker.
- 2 Year Warranty
What's In The Box:
- 1/8" to 1/4" adapter
Applications:
AKG Acoustics in Austria has brought their considerable audio engineering skills into sharp focus on their high-end dynamic headphone designs and produced an astonishingly superb-sounding pair of cans in their flagship K701 and K702 models. Getting it absolutely right at this demanding level of reference-grade audio performance is tough and the K701/K702 get pretty darn near perfection. These headphones deliver a truly dynamic and texturally punchy sound, articulate and clear over the full audio spectrum. Precise musical detail connoisseurs should appreciate the clean punch and tightly focused bottom-end control of these headphones. Classical and acoustic music afficionados will likewise love the fact that the dynamic control moves right on up the frequency range to distinctly articulate every finger pluck and rosin-on-gut string texture present in the sound mix. About the only thing that we can possibly say bad about these headphones is that those who like a very laid-back, mellow-sounding, or heavy bass presentation might want to look elsewhere since these are certainly highly refined, audiophile-oriented headphones that deliver a deeply expansive soundstage image along with analytical detail and a liquid immediacy that demands your full attention. And... oh!... what a lovely musical demand it is!
The major difference between the K701 and K702 --other than the color -- is the K702 offers a detachable headphone cable while the K701 cord is a fixed hard-wired assembly. In the case of the K702, AKG has done a nice job equaling the audio performance of the world-famous K701 design. Both of these cans have a number of unique features that create a dramatic improvement over previous AKG 'best-of-category' headphones. Their dynamic range extension and clarity of musical detail & texture is directly improved by a revolutionary proprietary AKG Varimotion diaphragm that is designed to provide smoother pistonic motion and better acoustic resonance control. Further, AKG's revolutionary flat-wound voice coil design allows for greater concentrations of the magnetic field within the coil, thus driving the element diaphragm with more authority to deliver a cleaner and ultra-articulate response. Our own HeadRoom experiences with the K701 echoes the widely held assumption that the headphones require a REALLY extensive chunk of burn-in / play-time to fully 'relax' sonically & sound its very best, so assume a similar MINIMUM 300 hours of play-time with the K702 before the full audio pleasure of these cans is completely realized. The new black-fabric 'ergonomically-perfect' earcup earpads are a soft velour material, very comfortable, and are designed to point the drivers precisely at the ear for a more correct listening angle. The fully detachable cord links to the headphones using a 3-pin 'mini-XLR' plug system that offers secure connectivity plus ease of cable replacement should it ever become needed. The headphone cord terminates to a 1/8" [3.5mm] plug with a 'screw-type' 1/4" [6.3mm] plug adapter included. We love the K702's cool blue-black color scheme, which we think is understated and rather sleek-looking. We also think most listeners will enjoy how amazingly comfortable these headphones feel on the head with their well-designed, albeit slightly oversize ergonomics. By the way, the headphone stand included with the K701 is NOT provided with the K702 model. Conclusions: A world-class A-1 audiophile reference headphone and heartily recommended! ... Thanks, AKG!
FYI: For listeners wishing to use the AKG k702 with portable audio players like iPods, MP3 players, & PCs/laptops, a dedicated headphone amp of some sort is simply a must for maximized audio performance due to the headphone's VERY low sensitivity -- despite its fairly efficient 62-ohm impedance rating. Our entry-level HeadRoom 'Mobile Line' portable headphone amps ($99-$159usd) will do the trick nicely but the more powerful, accurate, and dynamically-quick HeadRoom 'Micro' series of products come very highly recommended for this superb headphone.
Other Recommended Accesories:
For serious AKG K702 listeners, HeadRoom highly recommends investing in an upgraded K702 replacement headphone cord from Cardas Audio. Cardas headphone cords are renown for significantly improving dynamic range 'quickness' and extension, soundstage imaging depth & spatiality, and overall musical detail resolution clarity. It's certainly a quick worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles looking to make their beloved AKG K702 headphones perform at the very top of their game.
Cardas Audio AKG K702 headphone replacement cords are available in 10ft, 15ft, and 20ft lengths:
Cardas AKG K702 Headphone Replacement Cord
Specifications:
- Cord Type: Straight Left-Side
- Coupler Size: Large
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 years
- Cord Length: 10 ft. (3 m)
- Weight: 235 g (8.3 oz.)
- Sensitivity: 105 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: 62 ohms
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Acoustic Seal: Open
- Headphone Type: Full Size
Additional Resources:
- Manufacturer's Website
- AKG USA website
- Product Reviews
- Tom Martin, Playback
Average Customer Rating: by ZoRz from Santa Cruz, Trinidad on 2010-01-04
Pros: Comfort, Value, Build Quality, Sound Quality
Cons: None that I can think of
Would you recommend this product: Yes
After breaking in these cans for about 400 hours now and listening to them through a Music Fidelity X-CAN V8P, it is with utter certainty that I can state the fact that the AKG K702 is the best headphone I have ever heard to date. Excellent comfort and build quality, sleek finish and made by a reputable manufacturer. From my experience, these cans are very well balanced, very detailed and exhibit excellent imaging characteristics. It is fair to say that HeadRoom's description of this headphone and it's audio characteristics are spot on. This is more than worth the MSRP. In short, buy this headphone if you are looking for a well balanced and detailed Reference Class headphone. I did and I found true joy.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?
by VinnieVidi from NYC on 2010-01-25
Pros: Clean Sound, Amazing Clarity, Solid Construction,
Cons: Needs a good amp
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Due to constant indecision, I have owned both the K701 and K702. They are identical in sound but not in finish.
I would say that the additional $50 for the K702 is worth it, if only for the following: material, color (Midnight blue, not really black. Either way, it's easier to keep clean of scuffs), and the replaceable cable. As mentioned in my K701 review, the pad on the headband have a better spacing than on the K701 in that there isn't a pad pressing down directly on the center of your head.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you?
by John from Ann Arbor, MI on 2010-01-19
Pros: Great sound, incredible imaging
Cons: Bass a touch weak, mostly plastic construction
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Allow me to preface this review by stating that I love these headphones, and I find them to be my favorite thus far. To get this out of the way, I will first address my only major complaint with these 'phones: I think the build quality is somewhat under par for headphones in this price range. They are made mostly of plastic parts; as a hobbyist carpenter and metalworker, plastic is like anathema to me, so it really bothers me that these headphones utilize so much of it in their construction. In addition, the automatic size adjusting feature of these headphones use a series of elastic cords to provide restorative force -- which is fine, but I question whether this is going to wear out sooner than I'd like. Also, the cable is a bit flimsy-feeling and underwhelming -- but fortunately the K 702s feature a detachable cable in case replacement is ever necessary. In spite of all these complaints on build quality and durability, these headphones have seen a couple hundred hours of use and look no worse for it, so I think I have to give AKG the benefit of the doubt until they actually break or wear out.
With that out of the way, I can now move on to the good things about these headphones. For starters, they are very comfortable. The big velour ear pads are pressed gently against the head with just the right amount of clamping pressure. This combined with the automatic size adjustment makes for a comfortable fit every time. I find that the headphones are comfortable even after hours of use, and heat is never an issue with these open cans.
As for sound quality, the K 702s are outstanding. The bass is extended, tight, and precise, but perhaps just a bit on the weak side (an interesting note: take a look at HeadRoom's frequency response plots, comparing the K 701s with the balanced K 701s with the Cardas Fat Pipe upgrade...if the cable change really boosts the bass like the plot suggests, then the Cardas upgrade might be worth the money). The mids are probably the best of any headphones I've yet heard -- they are beautiful, accurate, and prominent. I think that maybe the slightly recessed bass allows the mids to come forward and really shine. And the treble -- smooth! Very clear and accurate highs, with good quantity, but perhaps not as well extended as they could be into the very highest frequencies, as a quick look at the frequency response plot confirms. With the outstanding mids and the smooth, quick treble, I find that these headphones really perform well with acoustic tracks.
The imaging and soundstaging on these cans is incredible -- wide and spacious. The acoustics of the recording locale are captured perfectly, almost like you are there in person. Each instrument of a band or orchestra is placed exactly where it should be. And if you pick up a pair of these headphones, get your hands on a holophonic recording and have a listen -- it will blow your mind.
One should note that these headphones really do need good amplification to sound their best. With their open design and large size, the K 702s work best as a home reference headphone in a quiet listening room. Simply put, in terms of sound quality, I think that these may be the best headphones you can buy for the price. They really are exceptional, with or without the "for the price" addendum.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you?
by A HeadRoom Fan from washington, dc on 2010-01-20
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Exceptional clarity, air and detail. I personally have heard no headphone that has these qualities to the degree of the K 701/702. The sound is so crystalline and pure that listening to these headphones can be a revelation, particularly if you are coming from a more budget-level headphone. I love these headphones, and obviously gave them 5 stars, but I do find that I use them less over time than some of my other, similarly-priced models (HD 650, D2000, DT880), which give perhaps a richer presentation than the K 702 and are probably more versatile across genres. However, these undoubtedly belong in the top-tier of headphones, and I am very happy to own them.
Did you find this review helpful?
by A HeadRoom Fan from washington, dc on 2010-01-20
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Exceptional clarity, air and detail. I personally have heard no headphone that has these qualities to the degree of the K 701/702. The sound is so crystalline and pure that listening to these headphones can be a revelation, particularly if you are coming from a more budget-level headphone. I love these headphones, and obviously gave them 5 stars, but I do find that I use them less over time than some of my other, similarly-priced models (HD 650, D2000, DT880), which give perhaps a richer presentation than the K 702 and are probably more versatile across genres. However, these undoubtedly belong in the top-tier of headphones, and I am very happy to own them.
Did you find this review helpful?
by A HeadRoom Fan from washington, dc on 2010-01-20
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Exceptional clarity, air and detail. I personally have heard no headphone that has these qualities to the degree of the K 701/702. The sound is so crystalline and pure that listening to these headphones can be a revelation, particularly if you are coming from a more budget-level headphone. I love these headphones, and obviously gave them 5 stars, but I do find that I use them less over time than some of my other, similarly-priced models (HD 650, D2000, DT880), which give perhaps a richer presentation than the K 702 and are probably more versatile across genres. However, these undoubtedly belong in the top-tier of headphones, and I am very happy to own them.
Did you find this review helpful?
by SpendsTooMuch from St. Louis, MO on 2010-01-16
Pros: Very comfortable, very articulate
Cons: Take a while to break-in...seem bass shy until broken in
Would you recommend this product: Yes
I really like these headphones. What you may have read elsewhere is certainly my experience, the cans need some time to break-in. I have the Ultra Micro amp and I put the gain switch on "high" and ran them for hours with volume set at about 11:00...this is way too loud for listening, but great for speeding up the break-in process.
Treble and mid-range really sound spectacular. I can hear more detail than I am used to with my hi-fi. I have Monitor Audio GR60s and Rotel amplification and I think the bass is as clean and articulate as what I get from my hi-fi.
Did you find this review helpful?
by babbkutz from New Jersey, the Garden State on 2010-01-15
Pros: more comfort, better sound
Would you recommend this product: Yes
Man I love these 'phones right out of the box........if they get better with age so better! Gotta say like 'em better than the 701s which I have had since introduction.
Did you find this review helpful?
