Short answer: the Beyerdynamic DT 880. It ranks #30 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $179.99; the AKG K371 ranks #57, rated 4.1/5, at $179. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
What the Beyerdynamic DT 880 does well: A preference score of 88 and a neutral tilt show a well balanced tuning, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz within 1 dB of target and upper mids within half a dB. Watch for: A 6 dB peak near 5.8 kHz can make hi-hats, snare and sibilant vocals sound sharp, and the treble from 6 to 10 kHz runs about 2 dB hot.
What the AKG K371 does well: A preference score of 85 with only 1.66 dB of deviation makes it one of the smoother closed-back models, and sub-bass runs about 1.6 dB above target for a full, extended low end. The catch: A 7 dB dip near 3.9 kHz and presence about 2.6 dB low push vocals and instrument detail back, while air above 10 kHz is roughly 3.5 dB low, so the sound is dark and lacks sparkle.
Buy the Beyerdynamic DT 880. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.99 saving on the AKG K371 is not enough to make up the difference.
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A preference score of 88 and a neutral tilt show a well balanced tuning, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz within 1 dB of target and upper mids within half a dB.
Amazon $179.99 eBay
A preference score of 85 with only 1.66 dB of deviation makes it one of the smoother closed-back models, and sub-bass runs about 1.6 dB above target for a full, extended low end.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Beyerdynamic DT 880 | AKG K371 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #57 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 88 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.05 dB standard deviation | 1.66 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Semi-open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | - | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 114 dB SPL/V |
| Weight | - | 0.6 lbs (255 g) |
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