AKG K701

Tonal precision and high levels of wearing comfort ensure these headphones are a go-to for long mixing and mastering sessions, at least in theory. Our test delves into whether Vario Motion membrane, flat wire coil technology and neodymium magnets make this all possible for the reasonable asking price of just under 300 euros.

With a cable length of almost three metres, these headphones occupy the upper range field of long leashes. It’s easy to forgive these headphones are still wired, however. A gold-plated mini jack adapter and a headphone stand bearing the AKG logo are also included in the contents.

Looks, Feel & Handling

The K701 comes in white and silver/grey, with an aesthetic that’s wonderfully fresh and elegant. Only the artificial leather elements are darker in town, in this case a brown shade. All this combines for an appealing and eye-catching finish that radiates quality. If you like the crispness of the colour white, you’ll find it hard to avoid the allure of the K701.
Even though the manufacturing of these headphones has brought in a few plastic elements, this doesn’t detract from the overall feeling of quality. Edges are chrome-plated, while the leather strap is an impressive 3mm in thickness. Haptics are also appealing, with the ear cups feeling great against the skin. The headband, cable and velour padding all also make a fine impression. Optics and haptics can be a decisive thing for many a buyer, especially those new to a brand, so it’s nice to see AKG hitting all the right marks here.
The contact pressure of the self-adjusting headband bracket is well judged. Automatic size adjustment makes handling easy, with no instances where these feel too pressed against the head in any spot. Instead, you can look forward to a firm and secure fit. Velour lining adds a touch of luxury to the feel of these, caressing the ears while you’re wearing them.

Sound

These headphones offer a standout sound from the off. If you don’t like stripped-back and unadorned sound, then these headphones might be worth looking into. You won’t care that superficial boosts for bass and treble aren’t too hand. With a little listening as you acclimatise, you’ll learn to love the velvety and defined bass. The linear midrange is also reproduced in plenty of detail, while the tweeter and sub-tweeter ranges usually remain present and open. Stereo and transient imaging are first-rate, with width and depth to spare.

Areas of Application

Bass signals with clear transients can be monitored with the K701, and you needn’t worry about disturbances like bass humming. That’s just one reason why the K701 feels right at home regardless of music genre, as it’s at home with metal and rock tracks, punchy pop songs and jazz numbers, as well as classical music, all reaping the benefits of detailed stereo reproduction and a good depth of gradation. There’s also a linear midrange, while treble mapping makes a good impression.
The K701 is ideal for mixing and mastering, with such a sophisticated evaluation of sound nuances and finer details a rare thing indeed. However, even Hi-Fi enthusiasts more interested in everyday listening can put these headphones to good use, with a a real sound spectacular awaiting them.