Sophisticated, serious design, innovative handling, comprehensive features, high wearing comfort, a very neutral sound – all this at a reasonable price. The new AKG K371 is my current recommendation as the perfect all-round headphone for classrooms, recording studios and multimedia applications.
After three new additions to their 2x series (K175, 245, and 275), AKG by Harman have added two new releases to their series of three – the K371 and 361.
The technical offer of these headphones is matched by their good looks. The titanium-coated drivers start with a diameter of 50 millimetres and an OFC voice coil (oxygen-free copper). A frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz and 114 dB sensitivity (SPL/V) at 32 Ohm impedance are also promising.
Appearance
As with the 2x series, AKG is also breaking new ground in the design of this “Three” series. The joy of innovation goes a little further here, because everything about these headphones is well rounded. Apart from the mini XLR socket for receiving the connection cable on the left ear pad, there is not a single hard edge to be found. In combination with the anthracite housing, this looks pretty slick and very modern. Another unusual feature is that the ear pads can be folded inwards by 180 degrees along the adjustment axis, for transportation. The K371 can be conveniently stored in the carrying bag supplied, which looks great with its fabric finish and soft fleece lining. The choice of materials also makes a high-quality impression, as the axle on the ear-pods is made of robust magnesite and conveys an excellent feel. Whether you put them in the bag or not (in the case of the K371 Three) the supplied connection cables (two straight at 3 and 1.2 metres respectively and a spiral cable of 3 metres) and mini jack adapter gets a thumb up from me. With this luxurious equipment, it should be possible to cope with almost any application scenario, and the fact that AKG uses the mini-XLR standard for the socket also allows the use of standard accessory cables. All in all, very good.
Wearing comfort
In view of the closed style of the earpieces, which is always somewhat more uncomfortable than open systems due to its design (the key consideration here is heat accumulation), I would still rate them as excellent in terms of wearing comfort. The headband lies pleasantly soft over the skull and the ear pads sit securely and with very even pressure distribution over the ears. The high level of comfort is also due to the oval shape because even large ears fit completely into the earpiece and no part of the ear is pushed out.
Sound
It’s amazing, but these headphones simply sound exactly as they look: Absolutely seamless! The whole is totally balanced over the entire listening range. For some people, this might be lacking spectacle and emotion. And it’s true: If you are looking for an impressive staging of music, this is not the place for you, because the K371 doesn’t have silvery heights or low-frequency bass bins. They simply play music – neutral, unadulterated and accurate. Maybe a little bit one-dimensional, but even the stereo field is neutral and objective. With this exemplary unobtrusiveness and the pleasant wearing characteristics, the K371 is particularly recommended for professionals work with music – be it in the recording studio, the editing suite or in the control room. The only thing you have to pay attention to is that your ears are in the “sweet spot” because the ears have a lot of space under the headphone cushions.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingOver-ear
- Typeclosed
- Transducer principledynamic
- Frequency response (headphones)5 - 40.000 Hz
- Impedance34,9 ohms
- Sound pressure level (SPL)104,04 dB
- Pressure averaged from big and small head532 g
- Weight with cable286 g
- Weight without cable257 g
- Cable length120 cm
What's in the box
- 2 straight cables (3m, 1,2m)
- Coiled cable (3m)
- 6.53mm stereo jack
- Carrying pouch
Is it possible to replace the ear pads with fabric ones as it is on the wired K-series headphones? I find them much more comfortable for long-term use.
Hello David, we have just asked the AKG Pro distributor about this topic. As soon as we have an answer, we will post it here!
Hi David. We finally got the answer of the AKG support:
“At the moment there are no replacement ear pads available.
Depending on the demand and the failure e.g. due to too fast material fatigue, the manufacturer reserves the right to offer replacement ear cushions.
Velour ear pads are not intended for this series.”
Hi great review I’m torn between two closed back headphones maybe you can help
Akg k371 vs Msr7b
Now I know msr7 is about twice the price and has balanced outputs included but i can find a pair for around 150 right now and can find 371s for around 100. Care to give me your choice and why if choosing between those two headphones at those sale prices? Thanks !
Where’s my reply :/
Hello, just confirming that the displayed measurements are correct for the K371? I own a pair and admittedly I don’t have any testing equipment but it seems to me that the treble region is much higher than your graph suggests. Can I get your thoughts on this please.
Hi Steve, yes the measurements are correct. Well, hard to say, but even when you measure two different headphones from the same type the results are different – up to +/- 3 dB in the worst case. Maybe that might be a cause.