Short answer: the AKG K271 MKII, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.5/5 for sound quality (#418 and #422 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the AKG K271 MKII costs $198 against $219.95 for the JBL Live 770NC, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, and the Sennheiser HD 550, ranked #8 at $199.95, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the AKG K271 MKII: A closed-back studio design with 104 dB sensitivity at 55 ohms, so it plays loudly from a phone or laptop without an amp. The tradeoff: Bass is thin, with sub-bass about 15 dB and the 60 to 200 Hz region about 8 dB under target, so music lacks weight and punch.
What the JBL Live 770NC does well: Active noise cancelling and a claimed 65 hours of battery (50 with ANC on) suit long flights and daily commutes, and the 32 ohm drivers also work wired. The tradeoff: A 9.1 dB dip near 9.7 kHz right after a 5.5 dB peak near 6.9 kHz makes cymbals sound uneven, with some sharpness and then missing shimmer.
Buy the AKG K271 MKII. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $21.95 less than the JBL Live 770NC.
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A closed-back studio design with 104 dB sensitivity at 55 ohms, so it plays loudly from a phone or laptop without an amp.
Amazon $198.00 eBay
Active noise cancelling and a claimed 65 hours of battery (50 with ANC on) suit long flights and daily commutes, and the 32 ohm drivers also work wired.
Amazon $219.95 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K271 MKII | JBL Live 770NC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $198.00 | $219.95 |
| Ranked | #418 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #422 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 48 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 48 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.85 dB standard deviation | 3.61 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +1.16 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 168 Hz (-16.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+6.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wireless and wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 30mm dynamic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 55 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB SPL/V | 100 dB SPL @ 1kHz |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (240 g) | 0.6 lbs (256 g) |
| Frequency Response | 16Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Active Noise Cancelling | - | Yes |
| Battery Life | - | 65 hours (50 with ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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