Short answer: the AKG K872 Pro, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.5/5 for sound quality (#419 and #417 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the AKG K872 Pro costs $1,999 against $2,995 for the Audeze LCD-MX4, 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 Dan Clark Audio E3, ranked #1 at $2,299, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
What the AKG K872 Pro does well: The closed back blocks outside noise and keeps sound from leaking, which suits studio tracking and shared rooms. The tradeoff: A preference score of 48 in crinacle’s measurement puts its tuning far from what most listeners prefer.
The case for the Audeze LCD-MX4: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The tradeoff: Presence sits about 7.4 dB low with a 17 dB dip near 9.3 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the AKG K872 Pro. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $996 less than the Audeze LCD-MX4.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
The closed back blocks outside noise and keeps sound from leaking, which suits studio tracking and shared rooms.
Amazon $1,999.00 eBayLower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
B&H Photo $2,995.00 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 K872 Pro | Audeze LCD-MX4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.00 | $2,995.00 |
| Ranked | #419 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #417 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 48 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 49 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 4.16 dB standard deviation | 3.80 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.91 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.10 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 36 ohms | 20 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB SPL/V | 105 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (390 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 54kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-7.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
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