Short answer: the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#43 and #47 of 134 over-ear headphones), and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro costs $154.99 against $209.95 for the AKG K612 Pro, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
What the AKG K612 Pro does well: A preference score of 81 in crinacle’s measurement shows a response that sits reasonably close to the Harman target with a slightly bright tilt. The catch: The open back leaks sound and gives no isolation, so it is best for quiet rooms.
The case for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. The tradeoff: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp.
Buy the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $54.96 less than the AKG K612 Pro.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K612 Pro | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.95 | $154.99 |
| Ranked | #47 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones | #43 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.27 dB standard deviation | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.33 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 120 ohms | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/V | 96 dB SPL |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (238 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 39.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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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The Two Headphones In Full
AKG K612 Pro: $209.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 81 in crinacle’s measurement shows a response that sits reasonably close to the Harman target with a slightly bright tilt. The open back gives an airy, spacious presentation at 238 g. At 120 ohms and 101 dB SPL/V it is workable from a good source.
Cons: The open back leaks sound and gives no isolation, so it is best for quiet rooms. The 120 ohm impedance benefits from a dedicated headphone amp rather than a phone.
Full AKG K612 Pro review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.27 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 39.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 120 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/V |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.33 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (238 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 175 Hz | -1.9 dB | 0.45 |
| Peak | 744 Hz | +2.9 dB | 1.70 |
| Peak | 2,519 Hz | -2.4 dB | 3.07 |
| Peak | 5,923 Hz | -2.8 dB | 6.00 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +1.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 67 Hz | -1.2 dB | 2.17 |
| Peak | 85 Hz | +2.2 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 1,518 Hz | +0.7 dB | 4.54 |
| Peak | 4,342 Hz | +0.9 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: $154.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 82 in oratory1990’s measurement reflects a lively closed-back sound with extra low end: sub-bass is about 3.4 dB above target, which adds weight to kick drums and bass lines. The closed back isolates well for tracking or noisy rooms. At 80 ohms and 96 dB SPL it works with most interfaces and decent amps.
Cons: A 7.8 dB dip near 3.75 kHz pulls back vocal presence, while a 5 dB peak near 8.1 kHz and treble about 2.6 dB above target make cymbals and S sounds sharp. The deviation of 2.3 dB is the least smooth of the group. The 80 ohm impedance is demanding for a phone alone.
Full Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -3.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,430 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.97 |
| Peak | 3,684 Hz | +6.8 dB | 2.88 |
| Peak | 213 Hz | +3.5 dB | 2.46 |
| Peak | 139 Hz | -3.9 dB | 4.92 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -5.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 93 Hz | +3.5 dB | 3.00 |
| Peak | 9,561 Hz | +2.3 dB | 1.86 |
| Peak | 45 Hz | -1.3 dB | 1.74 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | -2.1 dB | 5.83 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons