Brandon SchockToday, we’ll be reviewing the AKG K371 closed-back studio headphones.
AKG has a 70-year long reputation for building high-performing, and innovative audio technology. Let’s see if their budget headphones hold up to our expectations.
Our verdict on the AKG K371
These are easily the best closed-back headphones you find in this price range. Incredibly flat, and accurate sound, with nearly no hype whatsoever.
The build quality and comfort may be less than ideal, but what more can you expect from a budget pair of cans.
Check availability and current price: SweetwaterAmazonPower and frequency response
The AKG K371s have a fairly wide frequency response, extending from 5 Hz to 40 kHz. They have an impedance of 32 ohms, so you won’t need to worry about having an amp or anything to get the best performance out of these – any standard interface should be fine.
The low end of these headphones is phenomenal. There’s a slight emphasis around the 20-60 Hz range, which will be more felt than heard, adding a bit more thump. Likewise, the midrange and high end are equally accurate.
There aren’t any notable inconsistencies until around 5 kHz, where we notice a dip of about 2 dB followed by some questionable peaks and valleys.
We don’t see this as a major issue though, as most of the response from this range onwards will not be audible to most listeners.
Build quality
These are decently made headphones, and are mostly made out of plastic.
There are a few parts made out of leather and metal to give the illusion of higher quality, but overall, they feel rather fragile and cheap.
Comfortability
Despite the questionable build quality, these headphones are very comfortable to wear.
The ear padding is soft and thick, and the headband doesn’t clamp so hard over the head. This will prove useful for longer sessions where fatigue may become an issue.
With that said, if you have larger ears, they may touch up against the drivers which might have the opposite effect.
Stability
Considering these are fairly light headphones with not a lot of clamping force, they are not the most stable.
We wouldn’t recommend going for a jog wearing these, as they will easily slip off.
Noise cancellation and isolation
Sadly, these headphones don’t do a great job when it comes to isolation.
They work fine when it comes to blocking out light chatter, but do absolutely nothing when it comes to cancelling out lower frequencies.
Any passing trains, planes, and automobiles will be noticed.
Accessories
When you buy your pair of AKG K371s, you will receive the headphones, a carrying pouch, a manual, an 1/8″-1/4″ adapter, a 10-foot cable, a 4-foot cable, and a coiled cable as well.
This is above and beyond what is usually to be expected. The fact that these have detachable cables is a huge plus for us as well.
Compared to other headphones
Here are a few alternatives to consider before hopping on the K371 bandwagon.
AKG K371 vs. AKG K361
There aren’t many differences between these two sets of cans despite their response to high end information.
The K371s are much warmer, where the K361s are brighter. In our opinion, we like the K371s better but this is a purely subjective take.
AKG K371 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Without a doubt, the AKG K371s are the superior headphones. They’re much better tuned than the Audio-Technicas so it’s a bit of a no-brainer for us.
AKG K371 vs. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
This really comes down to personal preference. The DT 770 Pros are rather sibilant heavy with how high the treble peaks, but this can be used to your advantage when it comes to highlighting problem areas in your mix.
The AKGs on the other hand, are much warmer, and have a much more neutral response. Pick your poison, they’re both great headphones.
Check out our Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review
For more great options, check out our recommendations for the best studio headphones to buy and the best headphones for mixing and mastering.
For cheaper headphones, check out our pick of the best studio-grade options under $100 and $50.
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