Pricing and availability
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The AKG K240 Sextett headphones are a classic choice for both professional audio engineers and dedicated music enthusiasts. Designed with AKG's pioneering innovation, these headphones feature a unique passive radiator system, which sets them apart in the audio landscape. This system enhances the bass response without compromising the mid and high frequencies, ensuring a balanced sound that's been trusted in studios for decades. The semi-open design provides a spacious sound stage, making them ideal for mixing and critical listening.
The K240 Sextett is renowned for its comfort during long sessions, thanks to its self-adjusting headband and soft ear pads. The durable construction ensures these headphones withstand the rigors of daily use, while their detachable cable offers convenience and flexibility. Whether you're in the studio or enjoying your favorite tracks at home, the AKG K240 Sextett delivers a reliable and enjoyable listening experience.
Key Features:
- Unique passive radiator system for enhanced bass response
- Semi-open design for expansive sound stage
- Self-adjusting headband for optimal comfort
- Detachable cable for convenience and easy replacement
- Trusted choice for professional and personal audio applications
Videos
VitaminZeth “VitaminZeth”
Revisiting AKG K240 - A Legendary Headphone: Cleaning and Teardown
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG K240 Sextett.
Use cases and applications
-
The K240 Sextett excels in rock, metal, and prog rock genres, delivering detailed mids and highs, though sub-bass can be lacking compared to planar magnetic headphones.
Source -
These headphones excel in acoustic music, particularly with artists like Nick Drake or Elliott Smith, where their intimate sound signature shines.
Source -
The headphones excel in rock and mainstream pop due to their frequency response, with strong mid- and upper-bass presence.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The Sextett can be found at thrift stores for as low as $3, making them an exceptional find for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Source
User experience
-
They can be picky about recordings; high-quality material results in rewarding sound, while poor recordings can sound plasticky, especially in drums and bass.
Source -
Some users find these headphones easier to drive than expected despite their 600-ohm rating, achieving sufficient volume with a motherboard's built-in amp.
Source -
The K240 Sextett is not portable due to its 600-ohm impedance, requiring a powerful amp to drive efficiently.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Some owners have attempted to replace original pleather pads with real leather pads for improved comfort, though finding suitable replacements can be challenging.
Source -
Implementing an EQ profile with specific bass adjustments (e.g., +5.5 dB at 105 Hz) can significantly enhance bass response while preserving the headphone's character.
Source -
Brainwavz XL hybrid pads are recommended to enhance comfort without sacrificing sound quality, as standard K240 pads are often considered subpar.
Source -
Suede ZMF pads can balance the tonality but may sharpen treble; Beyerdynamic pads can be fitted with effort for a different sound profile.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Sextett's soundstage is narrow and "in your face," reminiscent of Grado headphones, offering a fun and engaging listening experience.
Source -
The Schiit Asgard 2 amp, providing 190mW at 600 ohms, is sufficient for driving these headphones, though some users opt for vintage receivers for improved sound.
Source -
Newer AKG models are described as lacking the build quality and sound fidelity of the original K240 Sextett, often feeling flimsy by comparison.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The K240 Sextett utilizes a unique design with six passive radiators around the driver to manage low-frequency spikes, unlike modern dynamic headphones.
Source
Build quality
-
The headband tends to become brittle over time due to age, a common issue with these vintage headphones.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings
131
Amazing sound quality
Flat curve, good bass response, but with the time L-R channels can be slightly unbalanced.
393
Original Version of the K240
Mid 70's version with 6 passive radiators, replaced in the later versions with filter paper due to the expense! these are without doubt the best sounding K240's ever made, great midrange, better bass, but as with all K240's not great high end, I use these as tracking headphones due to the semi closed design.
157
Flat and pure, crisp and raw.
Only the pads I would change as these start to wear on my (big) head. Other than that, perfect combination for the Yamaha HS7's as they are similarly flat and true(within the range of a headphone). As opposed to Logitech gaming G430 ones that are bassy-boomy.
Artist usage
Add artist
George Harrison is associated with the AKG K240 Sextett headphones, as noted in the Wikipedia entry on John Lennon's musical instruments.
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 K240 Sextett, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore AKG Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
depilkingtonGear IQ 393
-