Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $350
High-end/Boutique
$100
$301+
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Budget
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone offers an unparalleled listening experience for musicians and music lovers alike. These open-back dynamic headphones employ AKG's pioneering flat-wire technology, delivering a breathtakingly authentic sound that places every musician in their precise location with pinpoint accuracy. The result is a sense of agility, spaciousness, and a tonal range that extends from brilliant highs to velvety, punchy bass. Thanks to AKG's exclusive Varimotion 2-layer diaphragm, expect an incredibly accurate high-frequency response and a robust low end. The K 701 is not just about phenomenal sound though. It's designed with your comfort in mind, featuring a self-adjusting cushioned genuine-leather headband and specially shaped "3D-Form" ear pads. A high-performance bi-wiring cable with a 1/4" jack plug is included, along with a stylish storage cradle. Every unit is individually tested and numbered, assuring you of the quality you deserve.
Key Features:
- AKG's pioneering flat-wire technology: Delivering agility, spaciousness, brilliant highs, and punchy bass
- Varimotion 2-layer diaphragm: Ensures optimum diaphragm motion for an extremely accurate high-frequency response and powerful low end
- Comfortable and stylish: Features a self-adjusting cushioned genuine-leather headband and specially shaped "3D-Form" ear pads
- Includes high-performance bi-wiring cable with 1/4" jack plug and a stylish storage cradle
- Individually tested and numbered: Assurance of premium quality
Product specs
| Available since | December 2005 |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 62 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 10 Hz – 39800 Hz |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Replacable Cable | No |
| Marrone/Argento | Silver |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Max. SPL | 105 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Adaptor | 1 |
| Weight | 296 g |
| Colour | Silver |
FAQs
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What type of music listening is the AKG K 701 best suited for?
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The AKG K 701 is ideal for critical listening and studio monitoring due to its reference-class sound quality, offering precise detail and clarity across a wide frequency range.
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Are the AKG K 701 headphones comfortable for long sessions?
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Yes, the AKG K 701 features a lightweight design with over-ear cups and a self-adjusting headband, making them comfortable for extended listening sessions.
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Do the AKG K 701 headphones require a headphone amplifier?
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With an impedance of 62 Ohms, the AKG K 701 can benefit from a headphone amplifier for optimal performance, especially in professional audio settings.
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How does the open-back design of the AKG K 701 affect sound quality?
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The open-back design provides a spacious and natural soundstage, enhancing the listening experience by allowing sound to move more freely, which is ideal for mixing and mastering.
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Can I replace the cable on the AKG K 701 headphones?
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No, the AKG K 701 does not feature a replaceable cable, so care should be taken to avoid damage to the cable.
Videos
miceblue425
[Review] AKG K 701
![Video thumbnail for [Review] AKG K 701 by miceblue425](https://img.youtube.com/vi/d82DccZ9tDI/mqdefault.jpg)
[Review] AKG K 701
miceblue425
AKG K701 + AKG K702 STUDIO REFERENCE HEADPHONE OVERVIEW + UNBOXING
EstudioStar
AKG K701 (mini review)
New Record Day
AKG K701 Headphones | Gear4music
Gear4music Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and detail in sound reproduction
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Comfortable for long listening sessions
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Open-back design offers an expansive soundstage
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Accurate frequency response ideal for mixing and mastering
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Durable build quality, with strong cable attachment
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Minimal ear fatigue even after hours of use
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Self-adjusting headband ensures a comfortable fit
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Excellent performance with a dedicated headphone amplifier
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Stylish retro design
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Provides a truthful representation of recordings without exaggerated frequencies
CONS
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Lacks bass impact, may not satisfy bass lovers
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Open-back design provides little to no noise isolation
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Requires a good amp for optimal performance
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The white color can easily get dirty
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Lengthy, undetachable cord
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Headband design can cause discomfort, especially for those without hair
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Packaging perceived as overly elaborate and potentially wasteful
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphones.
Build quality
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The plastic design is lightweight but can feel fragile; some owners worry about durability if dropped.
Source
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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These headphones excel in classical music and gaming due to their expansive soundstage and detailed audio reproduction.
Source
Comparisons
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Compared to Beyerdynamic DT 770s, the K701s are lighter and more comfortable but lack the bass impact.
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The K701s are noted for their lively and fun sound, often making users feel like sounds are coming from their surroundings, unlike the T1s.
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Despite being a more expensive model, T1s were found to have only slightly better imaging, neutrality, and sound resolution compared to K701s.
Source
User experience
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Owners report improved comfort and bass response with used pads, which mold better to head shapes.
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Owners with larger ears appreciate the roomy ear cups, though comfort when lying down is less favorable compared to the HD600.
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Users find that the K701s reveal new details in familiar music, enhancing the listening experience.
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Owners have found that certain details are more prominently presented in the K701s, making them more engaging to listen to.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Users recommend driving the K701s with an amp for enhanced soundstage and timbre, despite their ability to function without one.
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Some users report loose headbands due to wear, requiring additional adapter purchases for a 1/4 inch cable.
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Soldering skills may be useful for maintaining or repairing loose wires in older units.
Source
Value and pricing
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With prices around 129€, they offer near-flagship performance at a budget-friendly cost.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 36 Ratings
125
Perfect for mixing orchestral
a lot of people dislike the lack of bass on this headphone, but for me it is the just right amont of bass. very good detailing, mid tier comfortability, good specifically for non-electrical instruments very good for orchestral, neutral flat
210
That's strange, I get plenty of low-end through mine. It's not wall rattling bass, of course since they are meant for monitoring your mix.
574
Huh... idk if i compare the m to hd650 or beyerdynamic 770 or 880 they were basicaly lifeless and it was impossible to judge a bassdrum ... with the hd 650 that is no problem so idk
Lovely sounding and looking headphones.
These headphones have crystal clear sound. The open back design make acoustic sound so much more fuller and real.
2532
I've been eyeing these headphones. It looks like you have quite a few different headphones, based on the reviews you're writing (which are great btw!). How do you like these compared to the others you have?
Definately up there on my tops. Although I do tend to use my Q701 more often due to the convenience of a removable chord, and the slightly more upped lows. I remember using these headphones while playing counter strike. When i heard gunshot, i thought it was real; It made my heart skip a beat. Other headphones made it sound more muffled and i could listen to it like "eh". Even after the initial jump scare, i was still uncomfortable with the gun sounds. That's how crystal clear the sound was.
Artist usage
Add artist
Worn throughout his performance on CBS' Saturday Sessions (which has since been taken off YouTube) and on other occasions, starting in late 2020. Used mainly for recording everything but piano and drums, as well as some mixing, most likely.
In an Instagram post, 7 Skies is seen using the AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphones while working on new music.
You can see the headphones on the desk behind him near the end of the set.
"I use AKG K701's in the studio and Ultrasone DJ1's in the club!"
In this Facebook post, Tut Tut Child can be seen with the AKG K701 studio headphones hanging on the mic stand by the window.
" I love listening in different systems: my old trusty Genelec’s, my home stereo JBL’s, a shitty BOSE boombox, three different pairs of headphones (from high-end AKG 701’s to Sennheiser classic HD280 & HD-25). I also listen on my wife’s car sometimes. Mostly, when I’m listening I’m trying to get a similar-sounding mix across that multitude of systems. It obviously varies depending on the music, but overall, is a good thing to listen and compare on different systems and circumstances. Elements that for example are very present on headphones may not be so much in the living room, and even less on a car stereo. My goal is to find a good balance, even before I get to the mastering stage. Just the same way you cannot really fix a bad sound at the mix stage, mastering cannot fix a bad mix. "
He’s seen using these at his home studio in many early posts online
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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