Short answer: the AKG K701. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#35 and #29 of 134 over-ear headphones), and the AKG K701 costs $249.99 against $259.99 for the AKG K702, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the AKG K701: A preference score of 83 with a deviation of 2.14 dB shows a smooth response. The catch: A 4.2 dB peak near 5.9 kHz can add some edge to vocals and sibilants.
The case for the AKG K702: A preference score of 85 with a neutral to warm balance, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz essentially on target and low mids within 1 dB. Watch for: A 7.3 dB dip near 9.5 kHz combined with a 4.3 dB peak near 5.6 kHz makes the treble uneven, so some sibilance and a slightly forward upper mid range are possible.
Buy the AKG K701. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $10 less than the AKG K702.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K701 | AKG K702 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $259.99 |
| Ranked | #35 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones | #29 of 134 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation | 2.24 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.31 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.10 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 62 ohms | 62 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 105 dB SPL/V |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (235 g) | 0.5 lbs (235 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 39.8kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 39.8kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
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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 K701: $249.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 83 with a deviation of 2.14 dB shows a smooth response. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 1.6 dB above target and low mids about 2.3 dB above, giving warm, full vocals and bass guitar, while treble from 6 to 10 kHz lands within 0.2 dB of target. At 62 ohms and 105 dB/mW sensitivity it runs fine from most sources, and 235 g is light. It costs less than the AKG K702 at the same rating.
Cons: A 4.2 dB peak near 5.9 kHz can add some edge to vocals and sibilants. Sub-bass is about 3.5 dB under target, and the low mids may sound slightly thick on busy mixes. The open back leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full AKG K701 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 39.8kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 62 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.31 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (235 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 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 | +7.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 131 Hz | -4.1 dB | 0.21 |
| Peak | 937 Hz | +3.7 dB | 0.65 |
| Peak | 2,378 Hz | -3.3 dB | 2.56 |
| Peak | 3,536 Hz | +3.6 dB | 3.04 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -0.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,837 Hz | -2.9 dB | 5.42 |
| Peak | 55 Hz | -0.9 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 116 Hz | +1.2 dB | 3.55 |
| Peak | 27 Hz | +0.7 dB | 3.27 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
AKG K702: $259.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 85 with a neutral to warm balance, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz essentially on target and low mids within 1 dB. At 235 g it is a light open-back design, and the 62 ohm impedance with 105 dB per volt sensitivity runs from most sources. It rates the same as the AKG K701.
Cons: A 7.3 dB dip near 9.5 kHz combined with a 4.3 dB peak near 5.6 kHz makes the treble uneven, so some sibilance and a slightly forward upper mid range are possible. Sub-bass is about 5 dB under target, limiting rumble. The open back leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full AKG K702 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.24 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 45mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 39.8kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 62 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB SPL/V |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.10 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (235 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 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 | +7.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | -2.7 dB | 0.23 |
| Peak | 9,459 Hz | +3.2 dB | 3.19 |
| Peak | 730 Hz | +3.2 dB | 1.22 |
| Peak | 2,241 Hz | -3.5 dB | 3.80 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,721 Hz | +3.4 dB | 2.02 |
| Peak | 5,483 Hz | -4.7 dB | 4.79 |
| Peak | 2,633 Hz | -2.0 dB | 5.29 |
| Peak | 56 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.62 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons