AKG K702 Headphone Review

After spending considerable time with the AKG K702 headphones, I’m excited to share my insights on this intriguing audio device. Known for their distinctive open-back design and retro aesthetics, these headphones are often praised for their sound quality and comfort.

I put them through their paces in various listening environments—from casual home use to studio sessions—to see how they truly perform. While they carry the AKG legacy, I wanted to find out if they live up to the hype in real-world scenarios. Join me as I dive into my experience with these headphones, exploring their design, sound quality, comfort, and more. Whether you’re an audiophile or just looking for a solid pair of headphones, I hope my review will help you decide if the K702 is the right choice for you.

Design & Aesthetics

The AKG K702 headphones embody a unique style that sets them apart in the world of audio gear. They share a similar design language with the AKG K701 and AKG K712 PRO, maintaining a cohesive look across the brand’s lineup. But this design very different from AKG Pro Audio K361BT which is the best model we have tested.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the K702 is its two-tone color scheme like Skullcandy Hesh ANC . The combination of navy blue and silver gives these headphones a sophisticated and modern feel. The colors are subtle yet stylish, making the K702 suitable for both casual and professional settings. This retro design has a nostalgic charm that many users will appreciate, especially those who favor classic aesthetics over flashy modern designs.

The open-back ear cups are another key feature of the K702. These large, circular cups not only enhance the headphones’ aesthetic appeal but also contribute to their sound performance. The open-back design allows for a more natural soundstage, making your audio experience feel more immersive. However, it’s worth noting that this design can also lead to sound leakage, which might not be ideal in noisy environments.

The ear cups are covered in suede-like padding, which adds a touch of luxury to the overall design. This soft material not only looks good but also enhances comfort during long listening sessions. The premium appeal of the K702 is apparent, and this padding helps to justify their price point.

Despite their attractive design, the K702 headphones are quite big and bulky. Their size can make them less practical for everyday use, especially if you’re looking for something portable. They don't fold up or compress for easy storage, which can be a drawback for those who want headphones that can travel easily. If you have a smaller head or prefer a more compact fit, the K702 might feel overwhelming.

Materials and Build Quality

The AKG K702 headphones are crafted with a decent build quality that balances durability and comfort. While they aren’t built like a tank, they offer solid construction for their intended use. 

One of the standout features of the K702 is the dense ear cups. These are designed to provide comfort while also maintaining a degree of sturdiness. The padding inside the ear cups is soft and plush, contributing to a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. However, the density also means they can withstand a fair amount of wear, making them suitable for regular use in studio environments or casual listening.

The headband design is another important aspect of the K702's build quality. It is flexible, allowing for a good range of adjustment to fit different head sizes. This feature is crucial for achieving a snug fit without causing discomfort. The headband can handle above-average physical stress, which is beneficial for users who might adjust their headphones frequently.

That said, the headband does have a lot of moving parts due to the adjustable padding mechanism. While this adds versatility, it also introduces potential weak points in the design. Over time, these moving parts can be subject to wear and tear. If not handled with care, this could lead to issues with the adjustability or even result in breakage. It’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the headphones extensively or adjust them often.

In terms of overall durability, the K702 headphones strike a balance. They are not designed for rugged use or extreme conditions, but they hold up well for regular listening and studio applications. Users should take care not to expose them to excessive bending or twisting, as this could compromise the integrity of the headband and its adjustable parts.

Comfort and Fit

The K702 features large ear cups that comfortably fit around most ears. This design is particularly beneficial for long listening sessions, as it helps to prevent soreness. The ear pads are made from soft materials that cushion your ears, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music without discomfort like Sony WH-CH520. Whether you’re in the studio or simply enjoying your favorite tunes at home, the K702s deliver a pleasant experience.

The headband design also contributes to their overall comfort. It doesn’t exert much pressure on your head, allowing for a secure fit without feeling too tight. This is a significant advantage for users who wear headphones for several hours at a time. The pressure exerted by the headband is about 0.9 lbs, which is gentle enough to keep the headphones in place without causing headaches or discomfort.

However, the size and bulkiness of the K702 headphones may be a concern for some users. They are not as compact as some other models, which might make them less portable. While the large ear cups provide comfort, they can feel cumbersome for users with smaller heads or those looking for a more discreet design.

It’s important to note that these headphones are not designed for active use, such as running or exercising. The clamping force is not strong enough to keep them securely in place during physical activities. If you attempt to wear them while jogging or even during some light movement, they may easily slip off. This lack of stability can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking for headphones that can keep up with your active lifestyle.

Another aspect to consider is the detachable cable. While this feature is generally advantageous, it can lead to the headphones being pulled off your head if the cable gets snagged on something. The cable locks securely into the ear cups, but if you’re in a situation where the cable gets caught, it could easily pull the headphones off before disconnecting. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to use them in a less controlled environment.

Durability and Portability

First off, these headphones are not exactly small. They measure 8.3 inches (21.0 cm) in length, 7.3 inches (18.5 cm) in width, and 4.3 inches (11.0 cm) in height. With a total volume of 253.74 cubic inches (4,158.04 cm³), these headphones definitely have a presence.

The K702s are quite bulky. They resemble the AKG K712 PRO in that regard. Unfortunately, this bulkiness makes them impractical for on-the-go use. They don't fold up into a compact format, which is a significant drawback for anyone looking to travel with them. Additionally, the ear cups do not lay flat, which means they occupy more space than necessary.

The retro-style headband, while visually appealing, adds to their size. It’s quite large and, as a result, makes the headphones feel cumbersome. If you’re hoping to easily slip them into a bag or carry them around, you might find it a challenge. They’re best suited for stationary use—think home studios or dedicated listening spaces—rather than commuting or traveling.

Another disappointment is the absence of a protective case or pouch. In this price range, many headphones come with some sort of carrying solution. This could help safeguard them against bumps, drops, and scratches. But with the AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear, you’ll have to be extra cautious when tossing them into your backpack. The lack of a case means you can’t just throw them in and go; you’ll need to ensure they’re protected in some way.

The AKG K702 headphones are durable in terms of build quality, but their portability leaves much to be desired. They’re designed for users who will mainly use them in fixed locations rather than for travel. If you're after headphones that are easy to carry around, you might want to consider alternatives. However, if you're primarily looking for a solid pair of headphones for home use, the K702s could be a great choice for you. Just remember, they might not be the best fit for a mobile lifestyle.

Sound Quality

The AKG K702 headphones are well-regarded for their sound quality, especially in the realm of open-back designs.

The headphones deliver a relatively balanced sound profile. With a bass amount of -4.24 dB, the bass is present but not overpowering. This means you can enjoy a variety of genres without feeling overwhelmed by deep lows. For bass-heavy music, you might find the low-bass at -6.13 dB and mid-bass at -1.54 dB to be slightly subdued. However, the high-bass does offer a boost at 2.03 dB, providing some warmth without muddying the mix.

Moving to the mids, the low-mid frequencies are slightly elevated at 1.46 dB, which adds warmth to vocals and instruments. The mid-mid frequencies sit at -0.43 dB, while the high-mid frequencies provide a pleasant boost at 0.87 dB. This results in clear vocal reproduction and a natural sound for most instruments.

The treble frequencies show a varied response, with low-treble at 2.85 dB and mid-treble at 3.75 dB. However, the high-treble dips to -5.79 dB, which may cause some high-end details to be less pronounced. While the overall treble is adequate, it could benefit from a bit more clarity, especially for genres that rely heavily on high-frequency instruments.

As I told you earlier the K702 is open-back headphones, which significantly affects their isolation and leakage unlike Sony WH-1000XM4. With an overall attenuation of -4.96 dB, they don’t provide much noise isolation. In fact, due to their open design, they struggle to block out external noise, especially below 1 kHz. This makes them less suitable for noisy environments, as you’ll likely hear outside sounds while listening.

Regarding leakage, the K702 has a leakage level of 60.55 dB at 1 foot. They tend to leak sound quite a bit, which is common for open-back headphones. Although the leakage profile is narrower than most open designs, it’s still significant enough that you might disturb those around you during quiet listening sessions.

The AKG K702 headphones offer a balanced sound quality that caters to a wide range of listening preferences. Their strengths lie in the clarity of mids and highs, making them an excellent choice for critical listening and studio work. However, the subdued bass response and limited isolation might not appeal to everyone. If you’re in a quiet environment and value accurate sound reproduction, the K702s are a solid choice. Just keep in mind their open-back design means they may not be the best fit for noisy settings or if you need privacy while listening.

Battery Life

This design choice means you won’t ever have to worry about charging your headphones. You can use them for hours on end without the anxiety of battery depletion. This is especially convenient for users who often forget to charge their devices or those who want a hassle-free audio experience.

The lack of a battery also allows for uninterrupted listening. Whether you’re deep into a music session, working on a project, or enjoying a long gaming marathon, you can rely on the K702 to deliver sound quality without interruption. There’s no need to plan your listening sessions around battery life or remember to bring a charger.

This feature makes the AKG K702 an ideal choice for users who primarily use headphones in stationary settings, like home studios, offices, or while gaming at a desk. You can plug them in and forget about power management altogether.

From an environmental perspective, not needing batteries is also a plus. There’s no concern about disposing of batteries or contributing to electronic waste. You can enjoy high-quality audio while feeling good about your choice.

Connectivity and Usability

The K702 headphones feature a 1/8" TRS analog audio connection. This is a standard connection that you’ll find on most devices, including laptops, desktops, and audio interfaces. It makes it easy to plug them in and start listening right away. The analog connection is reliable, providing consistent audio quality without the complications of digital conversions.

One of the standout features of the K702s is their detachable cable. The headphones come with a generous 9.80-foot (2.99 meters) cable, giving you plenty of length to move around comfortably while you’re connected. This feature not only enhances usability but also adds to the headphones’ longevity. If the cable gets damaged or worn out, you can easily replace it without needing to buy a whole new pair of headphones.

However, it’s important to note that this model does not support USB audio or Bluetooth connectivity. In today’s world, where wireless options are increasingly popular, this can be a drawback for some users. If you prefer the freedom of wireless listening or need to connect to devices without a headphone jack, you may find the K702s limiting.

On the plus side, the analog connection means there’s zero latency—that’s 0 ms—when you’re using the headphones. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that require precision, like music production or gaming. You won’t experience any lag between the audio and what you see on the screen, making for a seamless experience.

In terms of usability, these AKG Reference Studio Headphones are quite user-friendly. There’s no need to worry about pairing or charging, which can be a hassle with wireless headphones. This simplicity makes them an excellent choice for those who want a no-fuss audio solution.

The AKG open back headphones offer solid connectivity and usability features. The analog connection and detachable cable enhance their practicality, while the absence of USB and Bluetooth might be limiting for some. However, with zero audio latency and easy setup, they are perfect for users who value sound quality and straightforward functionality. Whether you’re a music lover, a gamer, or a professional in need of reliable headphones, the K702s deliver a satisfying experience.

Mic Performance and Call Quality

First off, the K702 headphones do not come with a built-in microphone. This means that if you’re hoping to use them for hands-free calls or online meetings, you’re out of luck. For many users, this lack of a mic can be a significant drawback, especially in today’s world where virtual communication is common.

If you need to make calls or engage in video chats, you'll need to invest in an external microphone. While the K702s provide excellent sound quality for listening, you won’t be able to rely on them for voice clarity during calls. This setup might not be ideal for those who prefer an all-in-one solution for audio and communication.

Gaming Performance

The AKG K702 headphones offer a solid gaming experience, especially for players who value accurate sound positioning. Their wide soundstage allows you to easily detect where sounds are coming from, which is particularly useful in competitive games like first-person shooters. You'll be able to hear footsteps, gunfire, and other subtle audio cues that can give you an edge over your opponents.

These headphones focus on delivering a clear, detailed sound with great midrange and highs. This means voices, dialogue, and environmental sounds are crisp, but the bass isn’t as powerful as some gamers might prefer. If you enjoy games with deep, booming sound effects, like explosions or heavy action scenes, the bass may feel a bit underwhelming. However, for games that rely more on audio detail, such as RPGs or strategy games, the K702 excels.

The open-back design adds a natural feel to the sound, making it more immersive. However, this design also lets sound leak in and out, so if you're gaming in a noisy environment or don't want to disturb others around you, it might not be the best option.

Comfort is where this AKG headphone truly shines. The lightweight design and large ear cups make them ideal for long gaming sessions like Sony WH-1000XM5. The headband automatically adjusts to your head, and the velour ear pads are soft, reducing pressure on your ears. Even after hours of playing, the comfort holds up, which is important for marathon gaming sessions.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing the AKG K702 headphones, it’s clear that they are designed for a specific audience. Their open-back design delivers an impressive soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and studio work. The comfort level is commendable, with plush ear cups that allow for extended wear without discomfort. However, the bulkiness and lack of portability might be drawbacks for those seeking headphones for everyday use or travel.

The build quality, while decent, raises some concerns about long-term durability, especially with the adjustable headband’s moving parts. If you handle them with care, though, they can last for many years.

Ultimately, the AKG K702 headphones shine when it comes to audio fidelity. They may not be the best option for everyone, particularly for those who prefer a more compact design or need noise isolation. But for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and comfort in a stationary setting, the K702 is a compelling choice that offers a premium listening experience. If you fit that profile, these headphones might just become your new favorite audio companion.