AKG K712 Pro Open Over Ear Mastering Referencing Headphones

I have only had for a few weeks so little burn in time. They are playing classical music very well with excellent soundstage (an AKG quality) and neutral and uncoloured response without exaggerated base - ideal for this type of music. The pads are very comfortable though quite large and a little loose - out of interest I might look at aftermarket replacement pads though no real concerns about the pads as they are. the headband is a little stiff intially though now very comfortable (a vast improvement on the older AKGs!). The headphone is light and though predominantly plastic looks stylish and seems robust. I like the orange accents and the orange cable. The cable inserts into a very stable XLR 3 pin connector and is secure. I have several headphones (Focal, ... MoreI have only had for a few weeks so little burn in time. They are playing classical music very well with excellent soundstage (an AKG quality) and neutral and uncoloured response without exaggerated base - ideal for this type of music. The pads are very comfortable though quite large and a little loose - out of interest I might look at aftermarket replacement pads though no real concerns about the pads as they are. the headband is a little stiff intially though now very comfortable (a vast improvement on the older AKGs!). The headphone is light and though predominantly plastic looks stylish and seems robust. I like the orange accents and the orange cable. The cable inserts into a very stable XLR 3 pin connector and is secure. I have several headphones (Focal, Beyerdynamic, Meze and Audioquest) and I rank the AKGs as good as any of these and less fatiguing and with a more neutral signature than some - probably closest in terms of sound is the Beyerdynamic DT880 or Amiron). They are open ear so no sound isolation of course though this is the price paid for such airy sound. I can't speak for other music types however they will not disappoint unless you need extended and upfront base. The service and price from Manny's was excellent too!

Comfort and accuracy

I had an older version of very much loved AKG reference headphones from the early '90s that were destroyed by my son... after many years of service, many of the plastic elements were held by mini bulldog clamps so good timing for an upgrade, thanks, son!After listening to a lot of alternatives, many costlier, (although for the listening pleasure I have put cost on a low priority criteria scale) the K712 PRO was the right choice: better sound than my previous ones and still the same neutral yet accurate and true experience for my mostly classical and jazz listening. Paired with a SHIIT Bifrost DAC and Valhalla tube amp stack, every instrument is clearly distinct and spatially identifiable. You feel you are in the space with the musicians, be it in a studio or ... MoreI had an older version of very much loved AKG reference headphones from the early '90s that were destroyed by my son... after many years of service, many of the plastic elements were held by mini bulldog clamps so good timing for an upgrade, thanks, son!After listening to a lot of alternatives, many costlier, (although for the listening pleasure I have put cost on a low priority criteria scale) the K712 PRO was the right choice: better sound than my previous ones and still the same neutral yet accurate and true experience for my mostly classical and jazz listening. Paired with a SHIIT Bifrost DAC and Valhalla tube amp stack, every instrument is clearly distinct and spatially identifiable. You feel you are in the space with the musicians, be it in a studio or concert hall.Also own a Grado PS500e - a warmer experience perhaps that I enjoy with a more "mobile" red Dragonfly DAC/Amp when working, but I find the AKG's neutrality better for the orchestral music I often listen to. And the comfort fit bears no comparison between them: I can wear the AKGs for hours - not so for the GradosThe open back was a must for me as I usually don't like (or need) to feel isolated. In the rare condition I need to withdraw from the surroundings I reluctantly use a Meze 99 classic walnut pair that match the comfort of the AKGs with an enjoyable sound stage but not close in accuracy to my preferred cans.Minor detail: I replaced the velvet cushions with fabric covered AKG ones. Found the sound stage to be even more detailed.The only criticism I would have is the elastic threads holding the headband. After a few years they show signs of fatigue and I don't know how easy it is to replace them. Not a big concern as the excellent comfort does not appear to be affected.Headphone choice is a personal affair. Every ear is different, everyone's sound processing, taste and pleasure seeking is different. The K712 PRO are perfect for me.

Great sound quality, poor build quality.

Sound quality alone I would say 4 stars, but build quality really lets it down.They are very comfortable physically and audibly, which is great, but I believe they will break down easily.I purchased these many years ago and had an issue with the mini XLR port (for the removable cable) out of the box. The port was just not in the headphone chassis anymore. I got it replaced immediately and continued using for years, very pleased with the audio quality. The issue with the headphone port repeated on the replacement some years later.The port is glued into place on the chassis, not firmly manufactured into the headphones.The glue seems to have dried up and the weight of the cable pulled out the entire mini-XLR port over time, splitting two of the three internal ... MoreSound quality alone I would say 4 stars, but build quality really lets it down.They are very comfortable physically and audibly, which is great, but I believe they will break down easily.I purchased these many years ago and had an issue with the mini XLR port (for the removable cable) out of the box. The port was just not in the headphone chassis anymore. I got it replaced immediately and continued using for years, very pleased with the audio quality. The issue with the headphone port repeated on the replacement some years later.The port is glued into place on the chassis, not firmly manufactured into the headphones.The glue seems to have dried up and the weight of the cable pulled out the entire mini-XLR port over time, splitting two of the three internal wires for the mini XLR pins. The headphone cable is very long, so it is possible something may have tugged it from the headphones, but I couldn't say i noticed any resistance on my head; rather I put them on and one side just wasn't working anymore. The internal wiring was too short for me to pull it out the port area and solder back on myself.Aside from this, the two orange rods feel very very flimsy. I would not want to put these in a backpack and take them anywhere for fear of putting my bag down somewhere too heavily, or having someone bump into me and snapping them. They are also very big, so not too portable anyway. The bleed makes them unfair for anyone around you, but that is expected with open back designs and feeds into the quality.I keep them indoors always at my desk due to the drawbacks mentioned above, which also feeds into their strengths as good comfortable studio headphones. Regardless of the precautions, they've still broke down twice without ever being put through any real stress.I will repair these, replace them, then probably just keep them lying around in case I need another set as a reference.

I WILL HAVE THESE FOREVER!!!

I bought these 8 years ago an everytime I put them on I just smile and get all giddy. they sound so amazing. wish real life could sound this good haha but yeah if i had 1 downside id say for the money plastic anywhere isn't cool. but its not like i use them outside. by far best headphones i've ever heard and when playing some games the open back makes pin pointing foot steps in first person shooters almost fell like your cheating. 8 years now an i just put them on smiled again an looked them up to write this review. if you even thinking about them just do it and thank me later

My new favorite!

The AKG K712 Pro headphones are now my favorite headphone. My old Sennheiser Massdrop HD6XX are not even in the same ballpark as they pale in the lack of high frequency. The AKG's give and give and hold nothing back. Now I find myself listening to my entire music collection all over again just to hear what I've been missing. "Hats off" to AKG!

Near Perfect

I've had many sets of headphones. Read about these ages ago and finally picked up a pair on sale. I must admit that for the price there is nothing comes remotely close. I've had several twice this price that don't come close. These are professional's pair of cans - they are remarkably light and flexible, the ear cups are huge with great feeling felt covering and soft memory foam. I can wear these all day. I did add two Dakoni nuggets at either edge of the headband to distribute where it makes contact with my head a bit more, but mostly in order for these to fit my wife's much smaller head. For me it was not necessary but doesn't hurt. But more than all that is the signature of these which is an absolutely beautiful balance between flat and sculpted.... a very ... MoreI've had many sets of headphones. Read about these ages ago and finally picked up a pair on sale. I must admit that for the price there is nothing comes remotely close. I've had several twice this price that don't come close. These are professional's pair of cans - they are remarkably light and flexible, the ear cups are huge with great feeling felt covering and soft memory foam. I can wear these all day. I did add two Dakoni nuggets at either edge of the headband to distribute where it makes contact with my head a bit more, but mostly in order for these to fit my wife's much smaller head. For me it was not necessary but doesn't hurt. But more than all that is the signature of these which is an absolutely beautiful balance between flat and sculpted.... a very natural response curve that frankly works for every type of music I throw at it. It is exciting enough to be very nice for simple listening sessions, but more importantly it is accurate and unbiased enough that I can actually effectively mix and master with these. The bass extension is excellent and hugely detailed and refined - all textures of bass are revealed. The highs detail is excellent as well and never, ever quite *too* much which is even better. The soundstage is *naturally* wide, not intimate, not overdone or unnaturally expanded. Listening to this set is as close as I can come to a pair of near field monitors. That is as it should be. They perform amazingly well as lower volumes, another bonus, but do not fall apart at high volumes either.There are times these sound just a touch too technical and I will reach for something more dynamic, wider or just more "fun" (a word used too often but it's fitting for some cans)... But I reach for these more often than I expected to for a "work" set of phones. They're that good. I can't praise them enough.

Nice smooth sound !

This headphone has big ear cups ,covers the ear fully yet softly. When I joined it with my Samsung s20plus it was low but I added ifi dac and now sound is high and superb. It is very nutral headphone everything is there but nothing will hit you. You only hear the song as it should be. Placid, fluid and easy ,lovely velvety sound. Nothing irritating or sharp. Mellowed sweet rounded sound which you can hear for long hours. No fatigue. Build is good. Very good headphone but need amplifier DAC. Highly recommended.

Very Good Headphones, Light and Usable for hours

I bought this Headphone as a refurb here in Scan. In the time when I was busy comparing headphones, looking for the one that was right for me, that was 2 Years ago and Today I am writing this review.I bought this to compare against :> Fostex T50RP> Fidelio X2> Nura Headphones> The cult classic Sony MDR CD900ST> Sony MDR-V6For Sound: the K712 Pro gives a really nice flat crisp sound. I am somewhat of an audiophile and I like to listen to music with good quality speakers or Headphones and I would say the K712 Pro works a treat. Its the same for the Fidelio X2 and both the MDR's Only difference is that the MDR's are closed back while the Fidelio and K712 Pro's are open back. As for the Nura I do like it too but there are some negatives and positives of ... MoreI bought this Headphone as a refurb here in Scan. In the time when I was busy comparing headphones, looking for the one that was right for me, that was 2 Years ago and Today I am writing this review.I bought this to compare against :> Fostex T50RP> Fidelio X2> Nura Headphones> The cult classic Sony MDR CD900ST> Sony MDR-V6For Sound: the K712 Pro gives a really nice flat crisp sound. I am somewhat of an audiophile and I like to listen to music with good quality speakers or Headphones and I would say the K712 Pro works a treat. Its the same for the Fidelio X2 and both the MDR's Only difference is that the MDR's are closed back while the Fidelio and K712 Pro's are open back. As for the Nura I do like it too but there are some negatives and positives of it.For Clamping force on the head : The K712 Pro wins with this, and this is why I like the over ear Headphones. Not only does the headphone goes over your ear which prevents clamp pressure to the ears which gets annoying over time. The clamping force of the headphone is not a lot but still manages to stay on your head. Which is good. I tend to use the headphones for hours and the K712 Pro can do that and not give you a massive headache.The FidelioX2 and MDR's also have good clamping force. Not so much that it gives you headaches but also not too less that it falls off. The headphones are also good in weight.The Nura's lose on this, they are really heavy, so much that if you bow a little the headphone just slips off your head cause its too heavy even though it has some clamping pressure that can also become annoying over time. I cannot wear it over 1hr at all.Build Quality: Unless you are so haggard with handling your headphones. The K712 Pro is built pretty well. And I do love that the cable is removable and can be replaced.This is the issue with most headphones that are hard wired. From all the headphones I had, The hardwired cables on the headphones usually goes first. And once that wire is damaged and you have to wiggle it about before music comes out of your cans. That usually ends up the headphone become unusable over time mainly because of the cable. (Thats what happened with my MDR's, I used them so much that once the cable attached to the headphone got damaged, it was rendered unusable even though the headphone itself is still good.) Even if you take care of your hardwired headphones, the daily pull up and down of the headphones while the heavy cable is dangling putting pressure on the cable connection to the headphone will damage the cable over time. Hence I love the removable and replaceable headphone cables.My K712 Pro recently got its cable damaged from tug and pull action over time. But by simply removing the old cable and buying and replacing it with a new one. Its now fix and 100% working churning out some good quality sound.Headphone Headband support: I like the design on the K712 Pro, that leather like head band that sits on top of your head is actually very nice. It doesn't really give any pressure on your head, its just there keeping the headphone on your head. Also because it doesn't have any cushion. If you are like me that sweats a lot specially my oily hair, the headband doesn't soak up the oils/sweat keeping the headphone clean.I remember having to retire my damaged Sony MDR and put it on top of a box. Overnight the headband cushion released all the sweat and oil that it soaked up from my head and released it on the box. Nasty stuff lolOverall:Very nice Reference Headphone+A bit pricey but worth it+Built quality is good Love the replaceable Cable+Very less clamp force+Over ear means no pressure on your ear and no headaches usable for hours!Very Well Recommended!

You get a lot for what you pay for, Audiophiles

Without a doubt, AKG produces truly high-end headphones. I have my fair share of headphones, some good and some just mediocre. Therefore, I think I can give an opinion with some experience regarding these AKG K712 PRO headphones.Prior to my purchase, my basic impulse was motivated by the AKG K702 headphones, which I have, which emit beautiful and very high-quality instrumental sounds, I am not a professional recording studio technician, I am just a music audiophile classical, jazz, pop and classical rock.Some previous research I did using internet forums, as well as individual scholars who sometimes make biased critiques.I didn't find any strong reviews before I made my purchase. I decided to ignore a weight of negative reviews surrounding these headphones and ... MoreWithout a doubt, AKG produces truly high-end headphones. I have my fair share of headphones, some good and some just mediocre. Therefore, I think I can give an opinion with some experience regarding these AKG K712 PRO headphones.Prior to my purchase, my basic impulse was motivated by the AKG K702 headphones, which I have, which emit beautiful and very high-quality instrumental sounds, I am not a professional recording studio technician, I am just a music audiophile classical, jazz, pop and classical rock.Some previous research I did using internet forums, as well as individual scholars who sometimes make biased critiques.I didn't find any strong reviews before I made my purchase. I decided to ignore a weight of negative reviews surrounding these headphones and paid for them.Once I'd made my purchase, I continued to check those audiophile and scholarly forums, but the weight of many negative reviews seemed to weigh on me. I was about to cancel my purchase and even exchange for another pair of AKG K702 headphones, to have one in my office. My doubts increase and my uncertainty grows, obviously. But I decided to take the risk, to keep my choice for these K712 PRO.I've been wearing them for two weeks, I don't even take them off to eat!!!They are a true surprise, a beauty of sound reproduction, the spaces, the depth, the silences, the instrumental separation, it is truly exceptional. You can spend hours and hours listening to them and you won't get tired, they are clear sounds, they are never annoying.Today I can affirm that sometimes the technical expressions on paper offer sound measurements that are no longer perceptible to the human being and to the technically demanding observer of paper, it can be an important reference, but when these data that go beyond the actual perception of the human ear and compare are sometimes irrelevant. Perhaps not the only but or inconvenience, but due to its low irrelevance, is that its firmness of support is not very stable, but remember that these are open headphones over the ear and of a generous size. This lack of firmness, then, is also somewhat contradictory, because it favors not feeling significant compression on the head after hours of use.For this reason, I conclude, based on my experience among several headphones that I have, very high-end and high-cost, this headphone, to enjoy music in a demanding, precise way, with a wide sounding, in a neutral, even way. and precisely, they are truly wonderful, extraordinary.And by the way, its average cost triples it in what it will offer you in that sound enjoyment, better than many high-end ones for its cost.