The differences between them are, however, staggering. There are low-end, middle income, high-end and elite ranges all depending on what tasks you would like to perform with them and how big your wallet is.

The more versatile and customisable the model it seems the more you will likely have to pay. 

Today we are going to look at the Akg n5005 and the Shure se846, which are two elite earbuds in the same price range. Users of these earbuds, in my opinion, will be looking for serious value in the sound quality, sound customisation, comfort and durability of these music playing devices. 

AKG N5005

The AKG N5005 is a well-rounded product with multiple features that would impress any user, and at this price, they should very well do so. These beautifully designed earbuds come wired with a durable gloss black ceramic finish, silicone ear tips that come in three sizes and spin fit ear tips that come in four sizes. 

The manufacturer has gone all out, in this case, to ensure that there is a perfect fit between you, your sound and your earbuds. Obtaining comfort with your earbuds is simply a case of finding the size that fits you best from the box and attaching them to the product! It is a useful inclusion for the consumers who struggle with earbuds that fall out during intense activities such as exercising or dancing. 

The sound delivered by the AKG N5005 is crisp and well balanced because it has a 5-driver configuration that provides the user with versatile sound tuning abilities. Each earbud contains quad balanced armature drivers that work to give a high-quality professional sound that is well worth the price for any audiophile.

That is all topped off with four sound filters that allow you to decide what level of the base is your preference. Essentially, this product gives power to the user to determine the best settings for the sound they want to hear. The manufacturers have included everything and it is only up to you to determine what you need.

The device is wired but can also go wireless by use of a Bluetooth 4.1 detachable cable and can last up to 8 hours which is more than enough time to run a marathon and take calls if you need to. Whether you want to produce music in the studio or get a right pump at the gym, this is one of the best alternatives to consider when it comes to Bluetooth earbuds.

Shure se846

The cheaper option between the two products is this one; however, as this review will show they are incredibly similar; therefore the price should not be your go-to in determining which is the better option for you.

Offered in a range of colours from blue, gold, black and even transparent this option similar to the AKG N5005 has quad drivers within each earbud to provide crystal clear sound but also has a low-pass filter design that allows for the genuine appreciation of your music’s bass. It comes with a Sound Isolating design that helps to enjoy your sound even in a populated or loud environment. 

It comes with several custom sleeves that allow you the best fit for long periods, meaning you can listen for hours comfortably with the right sleeve. Similarly, to the AKG N5005, it comes with an adjustable frequency response that allows you to choose the best frequency for the sound you want to hear. 

It comes with various cables for different models of cellphone or audio devices, allowing you more excellent connectivity wherever you are. 

Sound Quality 

For consumers of this product, the quality of sound is essential if not most important. It contains the ability to provide a positive and enjoyable music experience or a negative one. Comparing these devices we can see that they both have Quad drivers in each earbud which means the sound quality is good however the Shure se846 comes specifically with Sound Isolating technology that allows the user to listen in noisy conditions without affecting the quality of sound. For live performers, this is something to consider.

Sound Customization

The sound customisation abilities of the two models weigh heavily on consumer’s minds. That is because being able to customise your sound ensures that every sound you could listen to is fit to the device being used for playback. Certain levels of bass can make or break the sound experience you have. Both of these products have good customisation abilities. 

The AKG n5005 comes with four different bass filters allowing the user to select the one that provides them with the most satisfaction for the sound they want to listen to. The competitor Shure’s se846 also allows for customisation of the bass filter, however, to a much lesser degree. That is a favourable consideration for sound engineers who listen to many different sounds every day and need to be able to fine-tune their earphones to hear certain sounds best. 

Comfort & Durability

These two factors, when picking a pair of earphones, often go without saying because they heavily impact the user’s ability to listen for long periods. Buying earphones that do not last will mean continuously having to replace them, which at such a price is not sustainable. 

Both these products have premium grade cables for professional wear and tear as well as custom multiple sleeve option sizes therefore allowing you to pick the one that fits best and gives the most comfort during long listening sessions. In this aspect, the two products are quite similar. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a pair of earphones is no simple task in today’s modern world because everyone is looking for something different that suits them. These two products are very similar in the service they provide, allowing the high-quality user sound, customisable sound, high durability and comfort. The main differences are the colours, Bluetooth versions and the price. 

Impedance

The biggest distinction between an AKG k712 and the Sennheiser hd650 is the impedance. An AKG k712 has 62Ohm whereas the hd650 has 300Ohm. 238 is a very big number indeed. Impedance refers to electrical resistance or rather the amount of power your device needs to play. In this case, the AKG k712 needs more power to produce sound. More power means more volume. However, this might be a problem for some sources of audio as they cannot supply enough power needed at maximum volume as the sound might be still a bit quiet. You might need to experience this as a user so that you get to know what suits the type of source you are using to play your music.

Sensitivity

Every pair of headset should consider sensitivity as much as any user would do. An akg k712 has 105db whereas the hd650 has 103dB. A difference of 2dB might not be a big number but it counts. It comes with a  difference although a user can choose to ignore. Sensitivity measures the volume of any pair of headphones.

Given a certain power level, some headsets might get louder or lower. In this instance, an AKG k712 has higher sensitivity than the Sennheiser hd650 at a certain power level. The audio they produce is louder and is considered to be louder. Therefore, if you love playing your music at a higher volume you might go for an AKG k712.

Sound

An ak712 gives spacious and clear sound in both highs and mids. The headsets provide a complete low end which is a bit passive and does not cause lower mid frequencies to become unclear. The Sennheiser hd650 makes the subtlest audio to be perceptible. They try to give as neutral a sound as possible. Neutral is natural.

Frequency response

An akg k712 has a range of 10Hz to 40kHz whereas the hd650 has a range of 10Hz to 41kHz. The difference noted is not much. They both have a common frequency response. Some people believe that an akg k712 has better frequency consistency especially in the bass range. This may be due to the fact that it produces more detailed bass than any other musical instrument.

Similarities 

Both headphones can be used with an audio cable. The headsets are open-back and have an over-ear wearing style. Open back headsets allow foreign sounds to meddle with the music you are playing and at the same time your neighbour can actually hear whatever you are playing. The idea of making open-back headphones might be an advantage in the manner in which music will not be enclosed in your ears to the extent that it will affect your eardrums.

The fact that the backs of the headphones are left open cannot go unappreciated as they make the earcups breathable hence reducing a bit of heat and too much volume. Open-back headphones give an amazing sound in a quiet room but that does not mean that they are not ideal for outdoor use. 

Both devices cannot be folded which can be a bit inconvenient. Portability is quite essential when it comes to a pair of headphones. You would need to store them in a bag when travelling or when you are leaving home. You cannot make them fit certain cases because they cannot fold. However, folding might be a hindrance to durability as you will have to constantly fold them. 

An akg k712 and the hd650 does not come with a built-in microphone. I have seen people rushing for headphones with built-in microphones for some time but it becomes a matter of convenience and preference. If you are a constant user of the microphone that might be quite useful to you. In a way this might cause a bit of discomfort if you are not a fan of microphones. Your pair of headphones might look a bit big and clumsy if it comes with a built-in microphone.

Headsets that do not come with built-in headphones might be advantageous due to the fact that it gives you room to choose. If you want a microphone, you can buy a separate one but if you do not need one you do not buy it. If you get headphones with a microphone already and you dislike it what will you do since it is not detachable? A built-in microphone can be elegant and clumsy at the same time. It now depends on your choice. 

Both headphones do come with a carry case. This makes them look more handy. At least when you are not playing music you have somewhere safe to keep them. The weight difference between an akg k712 and the hd650 can go unnoticed.

Pros and cons

In as much as both heads have similarities in many ways, there are always pros and cons on every device. The Sennheiser hd650 is created to be used by both audiophiles and audio professionals. The earpads are made from fairly soft memory foam and embodied in a velour-like material which gives great comfort to the user. The breathable cushions are exceptional just as the AKG k712.

However, both devices allow sound to leak and meddle with the music playing. Unlike the AKG k712, it requires a bit more power. An AKG k712 has a replaceable cable and the adjustment is very easy and comfortable. The headband is so elastic that it perfectly fits in the natural position. They allow the user to hear every little detail in a mix with an accurate balance of frequencies. It is not ideal for sporting but good for indoors just like the Sennheiser hd650.

The above-mentioned devices offer similar characteristics but a few differences can be noted. It is now a matter of what works better for you as a user.

Here is the thing:

A lot of home studio owners make mistakes when it comes to choosing high-end headphones for their work. 

The first thought is getting high-end headphones that offer maximum comfort and easy to use in the studio. That’s quite the opposite. It only does a disservice when it comes to sound clarity. 

The best headphones need to be quite comfortable and offer excellent sound performance to the user. Now, what about AKG K701 Vs K702?

These two headphones are quite similar, and they are highly popular due to their sleek clarity. However, they tend to have some slight differences in terms of design, connectivity, and sound performance. 

Today, we want to share with you the list of things that help to bring out a clear comparison between AKG K701 and K702. 

Let’s cut to the chase.

Comparison Table of AKG K701 and K702

Understanding AKG K701 Vs K702

These two headphone models have been around for a few years, and this is the reason behind their popularity in the market right now.

Both models tend to get good reviews from users, but there are a few avid headphone users who have noted the difference between them. 

Well, is it true? We have compiled some information that will help you note the difference and be able to purchase without regret. Let’s find out:

Design of the Headphones

To kick things off, let’s start by discussing the design and build quality of both the headphones. The information will help to bring out a clear comparison between the two headphones with ease. 

AKG K701 Review

K701 is an adorable and comfortable headphone, but it tends to be bulky at some point. It is fitted with circular large ear cups that are enhanced with soft padding for comfortability.

If you are an outdoor person but an avid headphone user, then this model is not ideal for you. It has the reputation of soundproofing the sound from outside. 

Besides that, it has an auto-adjusted strap to suit different size and shape of the head. The materials used to design are highly durable. Do not drop it often. 

AKG K702 Review

K702 has a retro style that comes with circular large ear cups that are highly padded to offer maximum comfort to the user. 

The headphone is fitted with a self-adjusting headband so that it does not pose much pressure on the head. 

The main issue with the headphone is the bulkiness. The feature makes it not ideal for jogging or doing physical exercise. 

What Do People Say?

The two models of headphones have identical design besides equal weight and dimension. Also, they have a luxurious outlook, especially in the circular ear cups. 

The color scheme is what tends to make both models different from each other. However, many people prefer AKG K702 since it has a detachable cable and replaceable ear pads.  

Sound Quality of the Headphones

Audio performance is a vital feature to consider when buying any brand of headphones. These two models are mainly designed for the professional purpose of studio mixing and hi-fi critical listening.

The good news is that both K701 and K702 have high-end sound quality. Noting the difference can be quite hard. But all-in-all, let’s find out more here. 

AKG K701

The model has decent and consistent bass. The mid-range is topnotch, and the treble is above average. The low bass is known to be responsible for the rumble and thump. 

AKG K702

The model is marked with excellent bass. Besides that, the mid-range and treble are good. The mid-range feature makes the model ideal for making the acoustic guitar sound more prominent. 

What Do People Say?

The sound quality of the two models are quite hard to differentiate, and this is the reason why people around the world equally love them. 

However, avid users tend to focus more on the mid-range key, which helps to note the difference between the two models. 

Therefore, many will prefer AKG K701 due to the excellent bass performance and high mid-range key. The two features help to produce detailed and precise sounds. 

Noise Proofing and Sound Leakages

This another great feature to consider when shopping for headphones for your studio. The first thing to consider is accessing environmental noise intensity.

If you stay in a noisy environment, then you will be expected to soundproof your home studio to enjoy some of the impeccable services of these two models of AKG. 

AKG K701

K701 has an open back design, and the research shows that it will not curb the outside noise hence not ideal in a noisy environment. 

Besides that, it is designed to leak sound intentionally so that you can enjoy bigger soundstage while performing. 

AKG K702

The same here, K702 has an open back design which cannot help to reduce outside noise in case you are operating in a noisy environment. 

Also, the headphone model tends to leak sound to enhance better soundstage performance, and this is the reason why it is excellent for mixing. 

What Do People Say?

The sound isolation and leakage of the two models are almost the same. Spotting the different base of this feature can be quite tricky.

Therefore, there is no winner here. The two headphones are highly recommended for gaming and mixing. They are quite ideal in an environment with minimal noise. 

Cost of the Headphones 

One of the feature we always advise users never to follow when finding a comparison between two products.

We highly recommend the audio sound quality and sometimes on the variety of materials used to design model. 

However, many people believe that a high-quality model with better sound performance tends to be quite expensive. Well, let’s see here. 

AKG K701

The headphone model is made from high-quality material, and this is the reason why they tend to be quite durable. 

Besides that, the design is quite exceptional. The combination of these two features makes K701 be quite an expensive model of AKG.

AKG K702

K702 has a retro style that brings out that luxurious appearance and the sound performance is topnotch.

However, the material behind the design is fragile such that if they drop, they tend to crack immediately. For this reason, the price tends to be quite low. 

What Do People Say?

In the past, people tend to focus more on the price, and they would consider going for something affordable. But this is not the case here. 

Many users want something long-lasting regardless of the price. It is the reason why many people prefer AKG K701 over K702 despite the price differences. 

Pros and Cons of AKG K701 Vs K702

Now, let find out information about the advantages and disadvantages of each model so that you can make an informed decision when buying. 

Pros of AKG K701

• Has a comfortable grip due to the leather headband
• Suitable for mixing down tracks
• Has an inclusive headphone stand 
• Made from high-quality materials hence durable 

Cons of AKG K701

• Sound tends to be lean and light
• Bass lacks great impact 
• Too expensive 

Pros of AKG K702

• The grip can be controlled
• Ideal for opera sounds and classical music
• Has a high crisp and transparent mid-range key 
• Quite affordable 

Cons of AKG K702

• Made from inferior quality materials hence less durable 
• Not ideal for outdoor noise protection due to open back feature 

Final Remarks of AKG K701 Vs K702

According to our research, it is quite challenging to choose between AKG K701 and K702. The models have close similarities in design and sound performance. 

However, our top pick is AKG K702. It has a detachable cable and replaceable ear pads which are things absence in AKG K701. 

Besides that, K702 has an exceptional bass, more vibrant, and transparent mid-range key. These features do outstanding work when it comes to mixing down tracks. 

If you the two models of AKG tossing your mind, we recommend you consider AKG K702. Good luck.

You want to know if they’re durable, comfy and well-built. You also want to know how they sound, and what kind of playback you can expect. No matter how you plan on using them, these cans have quite a bit to offer.

Where do they stand out and where do they fall short? How do they compare side-by-side with similarly-priced open back reference cans? We’ll cover all of that and more below! Keep reading our AKG K702 Review to see if they have what it takes to be called the best open studio monitor!

Our AKG K702 Review

Features & Technical Specs:

• Circumaural (over-ear) open-back headphone design
• Features a genuine leather headband that automatically adjusts to the contour of your head
• Includes detachable mini XLR to 3.5 mm headphone cable
• Velvet-covered 3D ear pads
• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 39,800 kHz
• Impedance: 62 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/V
• Dimensions: 4.45 x 7.83 x 8.35 inches
• Weight: 8.3 ounces

Before you move on, take a quick look at the links below that you can use to navigate our review. Each section will provide an in-depth analysis of each individual performance aspect.

Here are the 5 most important performance features you’ll want to consider before making your decision:

1. Build Quality & Design
2. Comfort & Ventilation
3. Are They The Best Studio Reference Monitors?
4. Sonic Performance – How Do They Sound?
5. Who Are These Cans Perfect For?

Now that you’ve taken a quick look at the technical specs, let’s start by examining two of the most important features – build quality and design.

Build Quality & Design

Sometimes, lightweight headphones sacrifice build quality in order to cut down on wearing weight. Since these are so lightweight (compared to similar models) you might be wondering if they lack quality materials. Do they manage to combine a lightweight build and quality, or sacrifice one for the other? Let’s take a closer look!

Open Back Ear Cups & Clamp

The open-back ear cup design contributes to a lighter overall build as well as helping to minimize the amount of weight pulling down on your head. The dynamic drivers housed in either ear cup are also fairly lightweight. If you look in the mirror when you’re actually wearing these cans, you’ll probably be happy to see that they don’t stick out too far. 

(Sometimes open-back ‘phones stick out so far that you’re almost scared to walk through a doorway, or turn your head to the side too quickly.) Luckily, the headband clamp isn’t overpowering or too loose. It provides a nice balance somewhere in the middle.

Looking down, turning your head, or getting up to grab something doesn’t make them fall off or wiggle around too much. This is also partially due to the hybrid headband design that we’ll cover in detail below. 

Why Don’t They Have Any Headband Padding?

As you can see in the picture above, there is no padding on the actual headband. This serves two purposes. One, it cuts down on the overall weight. Two, it adds to the overall wearing comfort, which we’ll cover in more detail below. When you’re holding them in your hands, you’ll notice that they’re extremely lightweight – weighing almost a full ounce less than the Sennheiser HD 600. 

The HD 600 is known for their lightweight comfort (among other things) but these cans take a slightly different approach. They have a hybrid genuine leather headband that automatically slides to adjust to your specific head shape. 

There aren’t any adjustment notches on the actual headband since it will automatically slide and adjust accordingly. If you’ve never worn a pair of headphones without padding on the headband, you might be a little bit skeptical. In the section on comfort below, you’ll see whether or not the hybrid design pays off. 

Mini XLR to 3.5 mm Headphone Cable

The included 3-meter mini XLR to 3.5 mm cable is fully detachable and only connects to the left ear cup. If you ever lose or happen to misplace the cable, it can be more difficult to find a replacement, although they do exist and can be found fairly easily. 

If you’re not the biggest fan of specialized or proprietary cables, it’s important to keep this in mind. The cable itself feels pretty durable and you do have the option to switch it out for a coiled cable if you prefer that style instead. In some cases, using a single cable connection can have a noticeable effect on sound quality. Before we look at their sonic performance, let’s see if their unique design paid off in terms of comfort.

Comfort & Ventilation

One of the most stand-out features these cans have to offer is their ultra-comfy and lightweight build design. Since they are open cans, they provide a significant amount of ventilation. The ear cups are also much bigger than most other similar headphones (open or not). 

Memory Foam Ear Cup Padding & Improvements

The ear cup padding itself is made of what feels like memory foam. Each pad is covered with velour and provides a noticeably improved wearing experience. The material covering both ear pads is similar to the material used on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 (which are also one of the comfiest ‘phones in this price range). If you were to compare these against the AKG K701 – you would instantly notice how much more comfortable these cans are.

Any past issues you might’ve had with sweat or over-heating have been almost completely eliminated. Although the K701 and K702 are both designed to be used as studio reference monitors, there were quite a few complaints about the actual fit and feel of the previous model. The ear cups are circular (instead of oval-shaped) and are large enough that most ears will easily fit comfortably inside. 

After longer periods of use (more than an hour or two), the memory foam earpads and open back design follow through on their promise of providing long-lasting comfort. 

Hybrid Genuine Leather Sliding Headband

Since the headband features a hybrid sliding adjustment mechanism, you won’t need to make any manual adjustments. Instead of adjusting each notch until you find the perfect fit (like you would on most headphones) – the genuine leather strap will automatically adjust. 

The leather strap is shaped more ergonomically than the HIFIMAN HE 400i and provides an above-average amount of even weight distribution. When you put these on your head right out of the box, the hybrid leather headband will let you know why these cans are consistently named as one of the comfiest headphones you’ll ever wear. 

When you’re mixing/mastering tracks in the studio or just enjoy listening to music for hours on end, long-lasting comfort is absolutely essential. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s take a closer look at whether or not they’re actually the best studio reference monitors!

Are They The Best Studio Reference Monitors?

When you’re looking for a pair of reference monitors to use in the studio, most people prefer an even-keeled and neutral sound profile. For example, listening to the playback with cans that have a v-shaped sound signature can throw off your mix. Instead of hearing an accurate representation, the levels will be slightly off and won’t sound the same when you play the track on other headphones or speakers. 

These cans have a fairly flat, clean, and balanced sound profile. They take a no frills approach in this area and don’t over-represent lows, mids, or highs. They aren’t exactly what you would call ‘exciting’ or ‘forward’. This is why they’re a popular choice for use as a reference monitor. 

Are They The Best?

Are they the best? The answer will depend on a few different factors. As a reference headphone, they perform pretty much exactly as advertised. In the sub-$300 price range, there are very few headphones that offer similar sonic performance. Unless you want to spend almost twice as much, these cans are definitely a Top 10 studio reference candidate. 

There isn’t much else to comment on (for using them in the studio) aside from the sound leakage concerns you might want to consider. 

Sound Leakage – In The Studio & Walking Around

Sound leakage is always to be expected from a pair of open cans, but there are varying levels from headphone to headphone. The K702 allows a pretty significant amount of sound to leak out which is why they’re designed to be used in the studio – not as an everyday walk-around pair. 

This isn’t to say that you can’t use them out in public, but you might attract some weird looks or questions about what you’re listening to. Their open design is also another reason why they’re aimed at being used as reference monitors, not during the actual recording process. 

If sound can leak out, sound can also leak in. If you’re in the same room as the musician you’re recording, their playing or singing will interfere with the accurate playback you want to hear. Overall, they definitely perform best as reference monitors and not for recording (although this may vary slightly depending on your specific recording setup).

Next, let’s take a detailed look at how they perform for non-studio, casual or critical listening!

Sonic Performance – How Do They Sound?

If you don’t plan on using these for mixing or mastering, you probably want to know how they sound for day-to-day listening. Does their even-keeled sound signature make them ideal for critical listening? Do they have a wide and spacious soundstage, or is it condensed and narrow? Keep reading to find out!

Soundstage – Is It Spacious or Narrow?

One of the main reasons for using open headphones instead of closed is because we want our music to sound wide and spacious. We want the illusion that the music is playing around us – not being pumped directly into our ear canal. 

The soundstage on these cans is noticeably wider and more spacious than the slightly narrow soundstage of the Sennheiser HD 600. This makes them excellent for monitoring or listening to a wide range of genres. It also makes it much easier to pinpoint any problem areas on a track that need extra attention or adjustment. 

Detail Separation & Imaging Accuracy

Due to the wide and open soundstage, you can hear each individual element on a track playing around you. On certain tracks, vocals sound as if they’re slightly elevated above you. It creates an airy sensation that adds to the open back experience. 

On most tracks, the detail separation is fairly clean and well-balanced. On tracks across a wide range of genres, each element that’s present gets fair representation (without stepping on one another). There aren’t any peaks or audible dips in the lows, mids, or highs – which is another reason why they’re such great reference cans. 

Although the imaging isn’t quite as crisp and laser-focused as the Philips Fidelio X2, it provides adequate accuracy and separation. Most of the music you listen to will have a slightly warm tone that’s not too aggressive or laid-back. 

Do You Need An Amp?

These ‘phones have been called power-hungry, which is a little bit surprising since they are lower impedance cans. This means that you’ll probably want an amp that can drive power-hungry cans fairly easily. If you decide to use them without an amp, it will be much harder to utilize their full potential. 

If you don’t already have a quality amp – we recommend considering the Audioengine D1. The D1 easily drives most low/high impedance cans and works great as a compact desktop DAC/amp. If the sound card on your laptop or PC could use some improvement, it’s well worth the investment. 

Now that we’ve gone over all the features in detail, you probably want to know who these cans are perfect for. 

Who Are These Cans Perfect For?

These cans would be perfect for you if you’re looking for a sub-$300 pair of studio reference cans to use for mixing/mastering. They’re also a great open back option for you if you don’t want to sacrifice comfort for unnecessary features that add more weight.  

On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys critical or casual listening – the well-balanced and neutral playback might be exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re a fan of more exciting-sounding headphones, you probably want to look elsewhere. 

Overall, the main stand-out feature these cans have to offer is their ultra-lightweight and comfortable design. While there are other headphones that provide slightly more impressive detail separation and imaging accuracy – there are very few models that can compete in terms of comfort.

Take a look at the review table below to see the criteria we used to calculate our final rating out of 10. There, you can also see the most important pros/cons to consider before you make your decision. 

Now that you’ve read our AKG K702 Review, what do you think? Do they have what it takes to be called the Best Studio Reference Monitor? What do you value more: comfort or extremely authentic audio playback? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below! 

If you want to see more customer reviews and ratings before making your decision, click here!

If you have any questions about anything we covered here, feel free to ask below! We always do our best to respond as quickly as we can! Thanks for stopping by to check out this review, we hope to see you here again!

Sonic Elevation: Ride The Waves.