Selection Guide
AKG K 271 MK II
The renown AKG K271 headphone has garnered a huge reputation in recording studios and with demanding audiophile types -- and it's no wonder why. This updated AKG K271 MKII model continues to produce an exceptionally clear sound for a closed-back can at this price with a very well-detailed presence into the midranges and even-toned, accurate upper highs. Very comfortable full-size 'around-the-ear' fit and upscale looks complete the killer package. Detachable cord.
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Product Features:
- Classic full-size sealed-back design is extremely ergonomic and comfortable
- Detachable headphone cord allows for easy replacement or Cardas cable upgrades
- Clear tone with cleanly extended highs impressive at this price
- Free 2-year AKG manufacturer's warranty
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The venerable AKG K271 headphone originally made its handsome reputation in recording studios and pro applications in the most demanding audio facilities around the world -- and it's no wonder why.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 outstandingly clean extension into the upper mids & treble ranges. The sealed/closed 'circumaural' (around-the-ear) construction provides a good degree of ambient noise isolation while preventing dreaded "leakage" from the headphones into the microphone during close-mic recording or while listening in quiet quarters; its also great for listening privacy in noisy environs. The K271S is an excellent sealed-back candidate for enjoying acoustic classic jazz recordings and for guitar folk or chillaxed well-recorded music of any stripe. Chorale, string quartet and symphonic or chamber genres will also come through full and articulate with a spacious soundstage image that gives an expansive presentation of high-end reference recordings. However, the K271 MKII's well-damped bass response is probably not quite slamming or big enough for most hip-hop, funk or electronica fans, but should be awesome if heavy bass is not what you seek. Despite the larger earcup sizing, these remain fairly lightweight sealed headphones with an ergonomically comfortable fit for most users. The AKG K271 MKII's 55 Ohm impedance rating makes them game for mobile listening with an iPod sans headphone amp, although a dedicated amp will improve the clarity, timbral/tonal precision and overall musical detail resolution of this long-running model.
These classic headphones 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 feature a 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 K271 MKII 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 K271 MKII 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, a nice plus for the studio or club. The AKG 2-year manufacturer's product warranty remains standard with all their headphones only when purchased from true 'AKG-authorized' dealers -- like HeadRoom! Manufactured and assembled 100% in Austria.
Recommended Accesories:
For dedicated AKG K271-MKII listeners, HeadRoom recommends investing in an upgraded K271 replacement headphone cord from Cardas Audio. Although not inexpensive, Cardas headphone cords are renown for improving dynamic range quickness, soundstage imaging depth and overall musical detail 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. AKG upgrade cords are available in 10ft and 15ft lengths. The AKG Cardas cords are also compatible with Q701, K702 and K240 headphones too! Cardas AKG K271 Headphone Replacement Cord
Specifications:
- Headphone Type: Full Size
- Weight: 8.5 oz w/o cable
- Isolation: -10dB ~ -14dB
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 55 ohms
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Cord Length: 10 ft. (3 m)
- Cord Type: Coiled and Straight Left-Side
- Coupler Size: Large
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Acoustic Seal: Closed
- Manufacturer Warranty: 2 Year
- Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL/V
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).
30 out of 30 people found this review helpful. Did you?
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.
16 out of 19 people found this review helpful. Did you?
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.
28 out of 28 people found this review helpful. Did you?
