Short answer: the AKG K812. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#44 and #45 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the AKG K812 costs $1,999 against $2,395 for the Warwick Acoustics Bravura, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the AKG K812: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 85 with only a 2.2 dB deviation from target, so the overall balance sits close to what most listeners prefer. The tradeoff: A 6.9 dB peak near 5.8 kHz adds an edge to vocals, cymbals and sibilance on bright recordings, while a 3.8 dB dip near 2.3 kHz pulls the upper mids back slightly.
Why pick the Warwick Acoustics Bravura: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement, with low mids within 0.2 dB of target so vocals, piano and strings sound natural and uncolored. The catch: It is electrostatic and needs a dedicated electrostatic energizer; it will not run from a phone or standard headphone amp.
Buy the AKG K812. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $396 less than the Warwick Acoustics Bravura.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K812 | Warwick Acoustics Bravura | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.00 | $2,395.00 |
| Ranked | #44 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #45 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.20 dB standard deviation | 1.91 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-6.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x single-ended electrostatic (3570mm² diaphragm) |
| Impedance | 36 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL/V | - |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (390 g) | 0.9 lbs (403 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 54kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 60kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
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- AKG K812 vs HIFIMAN HE6
- HIFIMAN HE6 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
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The Two Headphones In Full
AKG K812: $1,999.00 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 85 with only a 2.2 dB deviation from target, so the overall balance sits close to what most listeners prefer. Sub-bass holds within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz and the 60 to 200 Hz bass band runs about 1 dB above target, giving full, extended lows for an open design. The 36 ohm impedance means it does not need a high-voltage amp, and it rates level with the HIFIMAN HE6 and above the HIFIMAN HE1000se.
Cons: A 6.9 dB peak near 5.8 kHz adds an edge to vocals, cymbals and sibilance on bright recordings, while a 3.8 dB dip near 2.3 kHz pulls the upper mids back slightly. The open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise, and the Sennheiser HD 800 S rates a little higher for less money.
Full AKG K812 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.20 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 54kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 36 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (390 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.9 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 | +6.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 89 Hz | -3.3 dB | 0.25 |
| Peak | 2,233 Hz | +4.4 dB | 0.94 |
| Peak | 5,780 Hz | -6.7 dB | 5.69 |
| Peak | 3,821 Hz | -4.5 dB | 5.90 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 118 Hz | +0.3 dB | 1.60 |
| Peak | 217 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.69 |
| Peak | 6,875 Hz | +1.4 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 55 Hz | -0.2 dB | 1.40 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Warwick Acoustics Bravura: $2,395.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement, with low mids within 0.2 dB of target so vocals, piano and strings sound natural and uncolored. The response is smooth through the midrange, and its relaxed treble (about 4 dB under target from 6 to 10 kHz) stays easy to listen to for long sessions. It rates level with the AKG K812 and above the HIFIMAN HE1000se.
Cons: It is electrostatic and needs a dedicated electrostatic energizer; it will not run from a phone or standard headphone amp. Sub-bass falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz and an 8.3 dB dip near 6.3 kHz dulls cymbals, so bass-heavy and bright recordings lose some impact. At 403 g it is heavy, and the open back leaks sound.
Full Warwick Acoustics Bravura review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.91 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Electrostatic |
| Drivers | 1 x single-ended electrostatic (3570mm² diaphragm) |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 60kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 45 Hz (-6.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (403 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.8 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 | 606 Hz | -2.6 dB | 1.18 |
| Peak | 74 Hz | -5.2 dB | 1.45 |
| Peak | 7,673 Hz | +1.9 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 1,097 Hz | -3.8 dB | 5.72 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,464 Hz | +2.2 dB | 3.07 |
| Peak | 4,978 Hz | -1.8 dB | 3.76 |
| Peak | 205 Hz | -0.8 dB | 2.12 |
| Peak | 6,414 Hz | +3.0 dB | 5.94 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons