Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio E3. It ranks #1 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.9/5, at $2,299. The AKG K812 ranks #44, rated 4.1/5, at $1,999, $300 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Dan Clark Audio E3 is the better-sounding pick. In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids. The tradeoff: The upper treble is uneven, with a 5.6 dB dip near 9.9 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, which can make cymbals and sibilance sound slightly uneven.
The case for 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. Watch for: 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.
Buy the Dan Clark Audio E3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $300 you would save on the AKG K812 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio E3 | AKG K812 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,299.00 | $1,999.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #44 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 101 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation | 2.20 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 27 ohms | 36 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 110 dB SPL/V |
| Weight | 1 lbs (455 g) | 0.9 lbs (390 g) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Frequency Response | - | 5Hz - 54kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Dan Clark Audio E3 compares with other leading options:
- Dan Clark Audio E3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000
- Dan Clark Audio E3 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
- AKG K812 vs Warwick Acoustics Bravura
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 vs AKG K812
- AKG K812 vs HIFIMAN HE6
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The Two Headphones In Full
Dan Clark Audio E3: $2,299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids. Bass from 20 to 200 Hz sits less than 1 dB above target, so kick drums and bass guitar have full weight without bloom. A 27 ohm impedance and 90 dB/mW sensitivity are easy enough for a decent headphone amp, and the closed back keeps sound in and outside noise down.
Cons: The upper treble is uneven, with a 5.6 dB dip near 9.9 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, which can make cymbals and sibilance sound slightly uneven. At 455 g it is heavy for long sessions, and planar drivers at this sensitivity perform best from a proper amp rather than a phone. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full Dan Clark Audio E3 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 101 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 27 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (455 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -1.0 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 | -0.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,224 Hz | +1.1 dB | 0.87 |
| Peak | 2,683 Hz | -2.0 dB | 3.34 |
| Peak | 471 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.01 |
| Peak | 91 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.36 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 167 Hz | +0.8 dB | 2.72 |
| Peak | 3,979 Hz | -0.6 dB | 4.28 |
| Peak | 5,845 Hz | -1.1 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 112 Hz | -0.3 dB | 2.53 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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