Short answer: the Sivga Oriole. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#58 and #51 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the Sivga Oriole costs $239 against $249.99 for the AKG K701, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
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 Sivga Oriole: A preference score of 83 from a closed back design, with sub-bass extension right on target at 30 Hz, so it delivers deep, solid bass while blocking outside noise. The catch: An 8.5 dB dip near 5.6 kHz pulls the presence band 3.8 dB below target, softening vocal clarity and the attack of guitars and snares.
Buy the Sivga Oriole. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $10.99 less than the AKG K701.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K701 | Sivga Oriole | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #51 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #58 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation | 2.28 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.31 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 62 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 108 dB |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (235 g) | 0.6 lbs (280 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 39.8kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for AKG K701:
- HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs AKG K701
- AKG K701 vs AKG K702
- AKG K701 vs FiiO FT3
- AKG K701 vs Sennheiser HD 650
- AKG K701 vs Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| 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
Sivga Oriole: $239.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: A preference score of 83 from a closed back design, with sub-bass extension right on target at 30 Hz, so it delivers deep, solid bass while blocking outside noise. Its 32 ohm impedance and 108 dB sensitivity mean a phone or laptop drives it to full volume without an amp. At 280 g it is light, and the bassy, warm balance suits listeners who like a fuller sound.
Cons: An 8.5 dB dip near 5.6 kHz pulls the presence band 3.8 dB below target, softening vocal clarity and the attack of guitars and snares. Low mids sit 2 dB under target, which can thin out the body of voices slightly. The AKG K371 shares the same rating at a much lower price.
Full Sivga Oriole review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.28 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (280 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.7 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 | -1.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,128 Hz | -2.9 dB | 1.10 |
| Peak | 203 Hz | +8.6 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 5,371 Hz | +5.2 dB | 3.75 |
| Peak | 145 Hz | -3.3 dB | 0.66 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -8.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,481 Hz | +2.5 dB | 0.88 |
| Peak | 46 Hz | -1.1 dB | 2.44 |
| Peak | 3,926 Hz | -1.7 dB | 5.44 |
| Peak | 80 Hz | +0.9 dB | 2.91 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons