Check this out if you wan't to see how these are made: th-cam.com/video/tQqThadWlX8/w-d-xo.html&feature=emb_logo This is a long video so if you want skip ahead to any section here's the timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Build & Comfort 05:56 Do you need an amp? 06:16 Sound section begins 06:48 Soundstage, imaging and gaming performance 08:11 Bass 09:16 Midrange 09:40 Upper midrange and treble 10:18 MiniDSP Measurment 11:34 AKG K712 Pro vs Sennhesier HD650/6xx 12:50 Reference tracks 15:39 Summary of sound, build and comfort 17:30 Value, alternatives & final conclusion
absolutely agree on that more articulate bass and lower midrange clarity where i find 599 , 58x probably 6xx very clumpy , although sennheisers have better treble tonality 712 s still have that resolution and detail which is on par with them .......much better than dt880 , 990 pros have.
I do like that warm hump on the 6xx/650, the 599 does almost go too far though but its also brighter too so ends up sounding a little more energetic to make up for it I think. Whilst the 650 has that warm bump its lower bass performance isn't stellar or all that articulate. And if you EQ it up it just turns to mud real fast. I think the K712 really shines here tho.
@@WheezyTech What kind of amp/dac would you recommend for this? I can get the headphones themselves for 199€ (I like the comfort, tested at a store) and the runners up are the Swissonic Had-1 and SMSL M3. I'm on a budget of about 150€. Since I'm new to better audio I won't likely notice anything small so the amp isn't the biggest deal.
I got these headphones a few months ago and I've been loving them a ton. It's like when I wear other headphones (DT990 for instance) it sounds like I'm listening to headphones. When I put these on, I feel like I'm being transported to another dimension, and the sound has layers upon layers to it. Great review.
Jeez Wheezy, where did you come from? Your non-hyped review style is excellent, almost relaxing! Such a contrast to some of the shouty American TH-camrs.
you actually did the review , these are my current fave headphones , sounds big spacious , love the unique mids on these and that dynamic bass , oof , not the endgame of course but my pick over my other open backs in decreasing order , 58x , 599 , ksc75 , 880 , 990 668b....,based on enjoyment and tonality love to see you do em all wheez .
I really want to get the 880 but I already have the 1990 so it seems a bit redundant but I might pick them up for reviews sake, 990 too. I hear a lot of good things about those Superlux headphones for the price too so probably gonna check them out at some point.
@@WheezyTech now I'm in the pickle: I have Superlux 681, and I want more, I expect K712 to crush them down with sound quality, but at the same time I fear if the difference is perhaps not going to be that gigantic. But anyway, I'm on the brink of buying them and just seeing how it ends up. (I aim mostly for immersive non-competitive gaming, but also I would like to listen to more music, hd681 are starting to disgust me with how much EQ I need to use to make tracks sound pleasant.)
I do have to warn anyone who is thinking of buying these though; the build quality is quite the same as the K702. While the cups themselves are fairly sturdy the same cannot be said about the suspension mechanism. I have used the K702 for about a year and the suspension wore off/broke withing couple of months making the clamp weaker. The elastic strings used on the suspension mechanism got extremely loose over couple of months and the plastic clips/rails holding the headband (not the orange ones, black ones on K702, I'm talking about the see-through ones) snapped as well. They are still rather comfortable but it's just something to be aware of when purchasing the headphones themselves. I love the way the K7 series sounds but the build quality is just dreadful.
Thanks for this, yeah just the kind of thing I was worried about. I hope mine hold up ok because they are quickly becoming one of my favorite open backs
I've owned both K712pro and HD6xx at the same time. After some listening and comparing I found K712pro a lot more enjoyable to listen to. They doesn't have that thick and veil sound like Sennheisers which I'm not a fan. And that soundstage.. it's impressive for the price range.
Great review. For the highest level of competitive gaming the K702 is actually better. Less bass, more treble, even wider sound stage. Absolutely amazing for identifying footstep locations and even distance. K712 is no doubt a better all around headphone though.
I don't play competitively by any means but I find the soundstage and imaging to be superb on these. I just turn the bass down and they sound like the K702s. For open world games with explosions going off the little bit of extra bass is great. I love them! The immersion factor is out of this world
Much respect for this meticulous, candid review. Simply put, the AKG K712 Pro is engineered to be articulate and revealing for critical listening sessions in a professional setting. When matched with an equally capable studio reference headphone amplifier (Neve Designs RNHP in my case), the K712 Pro delivers impressive detail while remaining relatively neutral.
I've had time to test both the K712 and HD 6xx and to me their're drastically different experiences. The K712 is airy, bright and clinical whilst the HD 6xx has (in comparison) quite a bit more volume and sounds more dense/warm.. and enjoyable. The only thing the K712 was good was classical music, but even then it was still clinical and just not fun to listen to. I agree that the K712 midrange is "interesting", something is indeed weird but I can't put my finger on it. All I can say is that anything with e-guitars sounded absolutely terrible on the K712. Personally I wouldn't use them for anything music related. Great for gaming though.
Thanks for your review. I own a pair of Philips Fidelio X2 that I have been listening to since they came out. I borrowed a pair of AKG K701 from a friend and was quite impressed by the clear sound. Now I think my X2 has too much bass that bleeds into the middle register. K701 on the other hand, sounds quite smooth compared to X2. But, there IS a bass sound in the 701 thanks to my Heed, but not enough. I would like something in between these two. Is the AKG K712 Pro these? My gear: Hegel H100 Cambridge CXC CD transport Arcam irDac Heed Canamp
I think you should review the Shure SRH1840. A mid-fi studio-orientated neutral juggernaut that gets ridiculously high praise in pro-audio circles, yet barely anyone in the audiophile community has reviewed it. Would especially like to see a comparison between it and the K712 Pro.
Let me give u an advice on the Leather Headband , Use Vaseline on it leave it for 2-3 days without using it , and then clean it up ... And that it the Leather will get much softer and elegant , trust me i know ;) PS. careful only on leather or protein Leather .
Thanks for very informative review! I've been trying to decide between this and the Sennheiser HD 650 and I'm going to give the AKG 712 Pro a try. My local store doesn't have any HD 650 available at the moment so I'm just going to grab the AKG's and hope for the best lol :) I'm going to use these while gaming, recording and mixing.
I loved this review. New sub! I bought this pair of cans for €233 which I thought is a solid price. I was especially drawn by the soundstage performance since I game a lot. I can't wait to get my hands on them.
I've been using these for 2 and a half years now, and they've been an absolute treat! I used to be big into R6 Siege, and the incredible sound-stage was such a huge advantage for locating enemy positions. Being less into gaming nowadays, these are still super comfy for just browsing or listening to music. If I wear them for hours on end they do tend to ache a little bit, but what set of headphones doesn't. They don't look like it, but these are by far my comfiest headphones and can be worn longer than any of my other pairs.
I bought these cans thanks to your review! I definitely appreciate they way you explain the strengths of these headphones. I have been a Sennheiser only user for 10 years and these were my first non Sennheisers. I still might get the 6XX in the future just because they focus so much on the Mid and its a unique sound, but man this was a great purchase! Thanks!
I've been using these for competitive shooter games like Black Ops 4 Battle Royal for over a year now. I can honestly say there's nothing that matches these for hearing enemy players around you. Absolute monsters for gaming. I own various gaming headsets and other studio headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT990 pros so I know what I'm talking about.
I got these too when living in Japan only trouble these have is that the tiny elastic bands that control the height at which they sit on your head lose their elasticity over time and that causes discomfort for me, they sink down now and pull my ears with them, bugger because I love these.
Hi Paul, do as I did and get Dekoni nuggets, it compensates for that lack of elasticity. Just stick 4 to the underside of the headband and you're sorted.
I used to own and daily drive a K712 for 3 years and I honestly became a huge fan of the build, I think it compares very well with the HD 600 line. This headphone is hugely overlooked to this day in my mind, and to think it was around when so many of the more competitive and price-performant midfi of the recent day wasn't even in sight is honestly pretty wild to think about - I guess there's a good reason why the old midfi trinity used to be made up of the HD 600/650, K701/702/712, and DT 880; they're all such proven designs that somehow manage to still hold up well against competition, and in my eyes be very high up on the list for their respective kinds of sound even all these years later. The ohm rating and sensitivity don't tell even half the story here in my mind also. I could drive the volume up to my heart's content on both my desktop's onboard audio, my old X-fi Soundblaster PCI sound card, my Xonar U7 I got after that, as well as my FiiO E09k that I got all throughout the ownership of this headphone, and there was always a noticeable improvement going from one to the next. When I got my NFB-11 back in 2016 then, it was like yet another BIG step up from the E09k and SMSL Sanskrit I'd been using as a combo before that point, like the headphone somehow opened up a lot more, the sound became less heavy and there was just so much extra speed and tactility/dynamics to it - I really think this headphone needs a decent/good amp to sound anywhere close to its potential, it's kind of a drug in that it keeps you chasing once you figure out how much bigger of a difference the chain makes than you'd initially thought (at least in my case, anyway). I sold it a while ago, but I'm honestly thinking of getting another one. It's a special headphone that I'd recommend to many people, but it's so rarely mentioned or talked about, let alone heartily recommended. Considering to restart my own midfi collection, of headphones I've loved over the years like this, or the Denon D2000 - another amazing piece of gear that sadly is long out of production. Definitely want to preserve myself a set.. Also since I've recently got into using Equalizer APO, I'd love to give all these headphones another spin with some more intentional and tuned use. Feel like there's probably a lot left on the table with at least a few of the classics out there that we might now be able to bring out with better chain selection and DSP.
These are my absolute go-to for anything: gaming, film, music... I can use these for hours and hours and they've never become uncomfortable - and I can get fussy after an hour.
Great review, I enjoy these headphones a lot despite no longer using it. A bit offtopic but If you like the Harman target I think you should tried the Moondrop Starfield if you're looking to review more iems. Have a great day mate.
I know those aint the Quincey's but the Quincey's could make me weep listening to certain music and I'm not a big Jackson fan. That guy really knows how to tune or mix or something. They weren't bass heavy or bass prioritized and I'm not bass crazy but you could hear detail with them and when there was bass it had it's place. I now own these but given the chance to get the 702's again I will throw myself at them. The 712's in my opinion are a good all rounder for the chuck on ya head and listen to music pissed or you tubing. Alot more bass overall or treble or darker something overall
Be great to see a sole review of your DT1990’s and a bigger comparison to the K712’s! I also use 1990’s for casual gaming when I’m not using them for studio use. But I feel they pack too much detail and without eq I can’t play with them for long without feeling fatigue - thinking of these instead, and want to favour wider soundstage and less bright highs?
@@Marr033 Yeah I agree with that assessment. I was playing Rainbow Six Siege and I found it quite difficult to keep track of enemies, distant is a good word to use. I do love them for other games though.
I’ve had these for years and they are still one of my favorites. Listening to them now. Tidal Master Album Joined At The Hip (Bob James & Kirk Whalum AIRIST R-2R Dac and the La Figaro 339 Amp with the Akg 712 Headphones = Amazing
Cant speak for the 712k, but my 702k (almost the same) "broke" down after the 8 year of 24/7 use, hard use, 0 baby sitting. They actually still work, but the elastics things who give tension quit and the plastics near broke down too. - 3 dead cables in that time frame and - 1 set of ear foams change in the middle I take the lower tankynest of the AKG vs the others only for the low weight and comfort that the low weight give. Perfect for all day use. Have a pair of 712k on the way and hopping for a good 8 years of use.
My 712s are going 5 years now (lightly pre-owned when I got them) and are every bit as wonderful as they were then. With a good source there's just nothing I've found that I enjoy more overall.
ive the akg 712 pro and hd6xx and the akg feels more real than the hd's. i love swapping between them, they both have diffrent feel but same quality. Perfect little combo. that way one dosent get totally religated to the hanger. Im not sure if the hd6xx are not as good as hd650's. if any one has got info on the diffrance in sound bettween the HD6xx and hd650. let me know.i thought it was just cosmetic.
How do these compare to IEM'S? I've been looking for an IEM with an open sound stage that compares to the DT 990 Pro's. But I don't think I'll find one. Lastly, how do these compare to the DT 990 Pro's?
I think you may be underestimating AKG´s durability. I´ve owned a pair of AKG K240 Studio for years and they´re as good as new. The design is almost identical to those... Unless you are planning on playing soccer with them ;) I would venture a guess those will last you years without any issues. And they have taken some significant mistreatment. Of course, mileage may vary. That being said, great review!
I've been in the audio community for more than 2 decades, know pretty much all the major reviewers since Tyll Hertsens and I've been watching your headphone reviews lately. Just coming to say they are great! I hope you come back posting at some point and I am looking forward to your take on the DT 700 Pro X and hopefully many more.
I listened thru them from many sources. ASUS XONAR ST, AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY RED, BURSON CONDUCTOR V2+ and now a FIIO M11 PRO. Every time they revealed more, and on FIIO M11 PRO the quality is very good: detail, dynamics, stage and pleasant sound is what define this. So they are highly recommended by me, above k812 which are noisy and distort. The listened music is metal and rock. They are mid price cans but the sound is mid-high. And if is considered as reference the DEICIDE/ Deicide 1990/ 2. Sacrificial suicide i am pretty sure the AKG have the edge in detail at least, over the HD650. And don't forget the HD650 are harder to drive, i guess
Hi . appreciate ur video. I currently own the AKG K712 Pro and power it thru my Earmen TR AMP. I love the sound signature of the K712, especially the huge soundstage and imaging. Not immediately, but in near future, if i need to upgrade my headphones, what would u recommend? I need a sound signature similar to that of the k712, and would prefer an even more holographic soundstage than the k712 (width, depth, elevation) along with more precise imaging (front, rear, up, down). I dont appreciate a bass heavy signature in general. Your opinion would be useful. Cheers buddy - Mehul
People are talking a lot about the Beyer TYGR 300 R. They are quite affordable in Europe (135 EUR) and they seem to be a new worthy competitor for an open-back with excellent imaging and soundstage below 300 EUR... would be interesting to know your thoughts between these two. Thank you for your nice and detailed reviews!
These are fantastic for mixing when speakers are either unavailable or unsuitable (I.e. - Small space or apartment) But they WILL leak a lot of Bass (which is the point) so you will never be completely silent in a shared space. (Not for grooving out on a train)
I just borrowed my friends pair of 650 and I really like the fit and sound of them but I find them a bit to forward and a bit fatiguing. I'm a mixer that's looking for a pair of open back that I will be able to use for long periods of time and I'm affraid that the 650 wont do that for me. The 650 have well enough bass for my taste! With this description do you guys think the 712 would be a better fit for me? I do mostly metal, punk and sometimes pop. (and no need to consider the price, they are both about the same price range where I live)
If you want a good advice to improve comfort on these get Dekoni nuggets (4 are enough) and Dekoni pads - I've got the fenestrated skin and they're simply fantastic. This made wonders for me, I wear these headphones for 10/12 hours a day and almost forget they're on my head. Also, the elastic bands of the suspension band get loose as years go by (I've had mine for 7 years) and you find yourself with the headphones slipping down your ears. The Dekoni nuggets also solve this problem .
I like them for open world games and rpgs etc. Love them for Division 2. But when I play R6 Siege I find it a bit harder to keep track of the positional queues, I think because soundstage is quite large. They work ok for FPS but if you are playing comp then you might want something with a bit of a tighter soundstage and really good imaging.
@@WheezyTech ah thank you for replying :D, I just ordered these today exclusively for fps games. I might cancel my order, do you have recommendations for none gaming headphones for gaming. thank you again.
the 712 is good for fps gaming but certain games like pubg where its a huge map the 712’s really take advantage of it and give good soundstage. but for close combat fps games like valorant csgo for example ide rather use my dt770 80 ohm with lamb skin pads.
Well done. I would say that the K712 pro is roughly something between DT880 and DT990 in terms of sound reproduction. The K712 pro doesn't have that famous Beyer treble peak but instead a 2k hump. But as you say, a good gaming headphone. The biggest downside with K712 pro is that they don´t stay on my head while gaming. The tend to fall down when I move my head and talk in discord. Good for singel player, harder in multiplayer when you need to talk to your teammates all the time. Does your unit stay or fall down while gaming? Sorry, english ait my native language, but I hope this is understandable. Cheers
I don't have a problem with them slipping or shifting over time. That can be a problem with suspension headbands though. That's why I usually don't like suspension headbands, this one is ok for me though.
@@WheezyTech I don´t like suspension headbands either. I´m not a big fan of Audio Technicas system with two chicken wings on top of my head either. I prefer solid stuff like Beyerdynamics solution. Pure headphones without any fancy bullshit. Sennheiser also makes some proper headbands.
These are excellent headphones and at the current price point they're fantastic value for money. I honestly think these are better headphones than the much more expensive K812, not better in terms of price/performance but outright better. The only issue is that when the elastic bands in the headband suspension break (and they will eventually) they're a real pain to replace.
Hello, I've been watching your reviews and I need your help. I have some ATH-AD700 for gaming and i whant an upgrade from that. I have some models under my eye but I needed your opinion or recommendation in case there are others. The models are: AKG K702 AKG K712 AKG Q701 DT770 80 WHO DT990 250 WHO I want to spend up to about 300 euros. Do any of these models feel better than my ATH-AD700? Which? Is there any other that you recommend? By the way, I also have SPH9500, AKG K550 and HyperX but the ATD-AD700 is absurdly better. Thanks Cheers
@Wheezy great review as usual, got a pair of the Philips x2-hr as wanted a more bassy larger SS to contrast with my 6xx. Was going to look at these but out if low bass and similar to 650. Any suggestions between say £$130 and 200, 990's treble reviews put e off, I'm not treble sensitive however?
Somebody help! I want to purchase K712pro for making music at home with my Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2. Will there be enough headphone output on my interface to good work with these headphones?
Should be fine. I run the K702 with a Fiio K3 and they have roughly the same sensitivity and impendance as the K712 Pro. K3 is a super compact USB DAC/AMP.
I sold my K712 pro about a year ago because I already owned the K702 and I still preferred those tbh. To my ears they sounded identical except the K702 soundstage is even wider than the K712 pro. Its absolutely massive on the K702
@@lepari9986 Nope. Both were the same comfort wise. My K702 is actually my favourite headphone for gaming because of the huge soundstage. Great positioning and you can wear them for hours and hours. Your ears will not get hot. Im currently using them with the brainwavz XL micro seude pads and my god they are now literally the perfect headphone 👍
@@johnellison3173 thanks for the response and info, I will look into those pads, they seem great at a quick glance! Some sources have just said that 712 pro is much more comfortable than 701&702 so nice to hear your opinion. I guess everyone is different and I need to test both before buying
They’re $344 in the US on Amazon right now. Does that price ever drop? Oh and you didn’t mention another thing: the black and orange color scheme is sweet. So many audiophile headphones look so boring
I think the AKG coiled cables are fine. Not as good as the Beyerdynamic ones, but fine. I prefer them for desk use because they are much more practical and reduce wear and tear. As for durability, why exactly do you think they are less durable? Being lighter and more flexible isn't necessarily a bad thing if the build and materials are good. I think it makes them more durable, not less. It flexes instead of breaking. Less weight means less impact force if they are dropped.
I didn't say there were less durable, but that they *_feel_* like they aren't as tough as other headphones. That said they do seem to hold up pretty well.
I've had the K702 for something like 3 years now and recently got the K712. At first I was also quiet worried they wouldn't last but they have been fine and I've dropped then more then I would like to admit. The only thing I noticed is the elastic strings stretched a bit. I also totally love both the headphones to this day.
I don't remember saying the low end was bad. But it does roll off in the sub bass like every other open backed dynamic driver headphone. That's to be expected. My amp is more than powerful enough for these.
I have both hd660s and k712pro Sennheiser.hd 660s 1. Better fit 2.5 % more bass 3.20% less highs ( perfect amount not lacking by any means) 4. Clamping force is 30% higher 5.balance cable and 4.4mm pentacon 6. No hot spots on top of the head 7. Very little heat Akg k712pro 1. Cheaper 2.way less clamping force 3.bigger pads 4.better details 10% more 5.more highs but a little piercing, maybe 10.15 % more than hd660s 6. The sound shift when u move the headphone because the round shape , the hd660s stay always on , no shift 7.you have to adjust always because of the style of headband 8.the headband is very stiff and create hot spots I like more hd660s , better overall design ,no hotspots , more balanced and pleasant sound , I have both for more than 2 years so I have quite experience on both I will say the hd660s is about 20% better overall , sound quality 15% better but they cost almost 200/250 more so the k712pro maybe is a better value , but I hate they dont stay still , the biggest problem with that design , and the round shape , the oval shape of hd660 is far superior , they fit perfectly on your head ,they never change the position/ sound
@@depauwgerlings about 15% more on k712pro and 15 less on hd660s , I've written that on the fly without thinking to much and checking the data to match up
![ผัวเถื่อน - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P08ORRVDGl8/mqdefault.jpg)
Check this out if you wan't to see how these are made: th-cam.com/video/tQqThadWlX8/w-d-xo.html&feature=emb_logo
This is a long video so if you want skip ahead to any section here's the timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:30 Build & Comfort
05:56 Do you need an amp?
06:16 Sound section begins
06:48 Soundstage, imaging and gaming performance
08:11 Bass
09:16 Midrange
09:40 Upper midrange and treble
10:18 MiniDSP Measurment
11:34 AKG K712 Pro vs Sennhesier HD650/6xx
12:50 Reference tracks
15:39 Summary of sound, build and comfort
17:30 Value, alternatives & final conclusion
absolutely agree on that more articulate bass and lower midrange clarity where i find 599 , 58x probably 6xx very clumpy , although sennheisers have better treble tonality 712 s still have that resolution and detail which is on par with them .......much better than dt880 , 990 pros have.
I do like that warm hump on the 6xx/650, the 599 does almost go too far though but its also brighter too so ends up sounding a little more energetic to make up for it I think. Whilst the 650 has that warm bump its lower bass performance isn't stellar or all that articulate. And if you EQ it up it just turns to mud real fast. I think the K712 really shines here tho.
@@WheezyTech What kind of amp/dac would you recommend for this? I can get the headphones themselves for 199€ (I like the comfort, tested at a store) and the runners up are the Swissonic Had-1 and SMSL M3. I'm on a budget of about 150€. Since I'm new to better audio I won't likely notice anything small so the amp isn't the biggest deal.
You don't need anything fancy to run these, an SMSL M3 should do the trick nicely for that price
z reviews described their detail to be punching WAY above their weight class. would you agree with that?
I got these headphones a few months ago and I've been loving them a ton. It's like when I wear other headphones (DT990 for instance) it sounds like I'm listening to headphones. When I put these on, I feel like I'm being transported to another dimension, and the sound has layers upon layers to it.
Great review.
Jeez Wheezy, where did you come from? Your non-hyped review style is excellent, almost relaxing! Such a contrast to some of the shouty American TH-camrs.
Thanks :D
5:50 - Say no more, I'm sold.
Haha yes!
I had this for 6 years, it's durable... Never broke with me..... Still working as it should be.
I guess that you also like the sound a lot for keeping them for 6 years
you actually did the review , these are my current fave headphones , sounds big spacious , love the unique mids on these and that dynamic bass , oof , not the endgame of course but my pick over my other open backs in decreasing order , 58x , 599 , ksc75 , 880 , 990 668b....,based on enjoyment and tonality love to see you do em all wheez .
I really want to get the 880 but I already have the 1990 so it seems a bit redundant but I might pick them up for reviews sake, 990 too. I hear a lot of good things about those Superlux headphones for the price too so probably gonna check them out at some point.
@@WheezyTech now I'm in the pickle: I have Superlux 681, and I want more, I expect K712 to crush them down with sound quality, but at the same time I fear if the difference is perhaps not going to be that gigantic. But anyway, I'm on the brink of buying them and just seeing how it ends up. (I aim mostly for immersive non-competitive gaming, but also I would like to listen to more music, hd681 are starting to disgust me with how much EQ I need to use to make tracks sound pleasant.)
2:20 This can was made for wearin'.. and that's just what it'll do. One of these days these cans are gonna wear themselves on you. XD
Im going to give these HP another try now that I have ifi idsd black label.
I've been looking at the K712 for quite a while now, I think I'll finally get them soon enough hopefully.
Nice and complete review as usual!
Awesome, thanks. I wish I hadn't overlooked them for so long.
I do have to warn anyone who is thinking of buying these though; the build quality is quite the same as the K702. While the cups themselves are fairly sturdy the same cannot be said about the suspension mechanism. I have used the K702 for about a year and the suspension wore off/broke withing couple of months making the clamp weaker. The elastic strings used on the suspension mechanism got extremely loose over couple of months and the plastic clips/rails holding the headband (not the orange ones, black ones on K702, I'm talking about the see-through ones) snapped as well. They are still rather comfortable but it's just something to be aware of when purchasing the headphones themselves. I love the way the K7 series sounds but the build quality is just dreadful.
Thanks for this, yeah just the kind of thing I was worried about. I hope mine hold up ok because they are quickly becoming one of my favorite open backs
I've owned both K712pro and HD6xx at the same time. After some listening and comparing I found K712pro a lot more enjoyable to listen to. They doesn't have that thick and veil sound like Sennheisers which I'm not a fan. And that soundstage.. it's impressive for the price range.
Great review. For the highest level of competitive gaming the K702 is actually better. Less bass, more treble, even wider sound stage. Absolutely amazing for identifying footstep locations and even distance.
K712 is no doubt a better all around headphone though.
I don't play competitively by any means but I find the soundstage and imaging to be superb on these. I just turn the bass down and they sound like the K702s. For open world games with explosions going off the little bit of extra bass is great. I love them! The immersion factor is out of this world
Much respect for this meticulous, candid review. Simply put, the AKG K712 Pro is engineered to be articulate and revealing for critical listening sessions in a professional setting. When matched with an equally capable studio reference headphone amplifier (Neve Designs RNHP in my case), the K712 Pro delivers impressive detail while remaining relatively neutral.
I've had time to test both the K712 and HD 6xx and to me their're drastically different experiences. The K712 is airy, bright and clinical whilst the HD 6xx has (in comparison) quite a bit more volume and sounds more dense/warm.. and enjoyable. The only thing the K712 was good was classical music, but even then it was still clinical and just not fun to listen to. I agree that the K712 midrange is "interesting", something is indeed weird but I can't put my finger on it. All I can say is that anything with e-guitars sounded absolutely terrible on the K712. Personally I wouldn't use them for anything music related. Great for gaming though.
Thanks for your review. I own a pair of Philips Fidelio X2 that I have been listening to since they came out. I borrowed a pair of AKG K701 from a friend and was quite impressed by the clear sound. Now I think my X2 has too much bass that bleeds into the middle register. K701 on the other hand, sounds quite smooth compared to X2. But, there IS a bass sound in the 701 thanks to my Heed, but not enough. I would like something in between these two. Is the AKG K712 Pro these?
My gear:
Hegel H100
Cambridge CXC CD transport
Arcam irDac
Heed Canamp
I think you should review the Shure SRH1840. A mid-fi studio-orientated neutral juggernaut that gets ridiculously high praise in pro-audio circles, yet barely anyone in the audiophile community has reviewed it. Would especially like to see a comparison between it and the K712 Pro.
Yes I'd love to get my hands on a pair of those. Bit out of my budget atm tho :(
Will my Audio Interface Presonus Quantum 2626 drive these headphones?, The specs says Headphone Impedance (working range) 16Ω to 300Ω
Thanks.
It should, I believe the AKG’s are around 100 ohms. Have a nice day :)
@@Skedge but low sensitivity at ~88
@@soulfulfool 88 ouch no wonder they are difficult to drive and they are only SE are they not
@@adrianmorrish530 sadly, there is mod for balanced but only few People do that
Let me give u an advice on the Leather Headband , Use Vaseline on it leave it for 2-3 days without using it , and then clean it up ... And that it the Leather will get much softer and elegant , trust me i know ;) PS. careful only on leather or protein Leather .
I really liked this video. I'm learning about audio and looking to start making music or audio.
Ps Ur intro is trippy asf high js
Thanks for very informative review! I've been trying to decide between this and the Sennheiser HD 650 and I'm going to give the AKG 712 Pro a try. My local store doesn't have any HD 650 available at the moment so I'm just going to grab the AKG's and hope for the best lol :) I'm going to use these while gaming, recording and mixing.
I loved this review. New sub!
I bought this pair of cans for €233 which I thought is a solid price. I was especially drawn by the soundstage performance since I game a lot. I can't wait to get my hands on them.
Nice. You'll love them for gaming.
I've been using these for 2 and a half years now, and they've been an absolute treat! I used to be big into R6 Siege, and the incredible sound-stage was such a huge advantage for locating enemy positions. Being less into gaming nowadays, these are still super comfy for just browsing or listening to music. If I wear them for hours on end they do tend to ache a little bit, but what set of headphones doesn't. They don't look like it, but these are by far my comfiest headphones and can be worn longer than any of my other pairs.
I bought these cans thanks to your review! I definitely appreciate they way you explain the strengths of these headphones. I have been a Sennheiser only user for 10 years and these were my first non Sennheisers. I still might get the 6XX in the future just because they focus so much on the Mid and its a unique sound, but man this was a great purchase! Thanks!
These can be bought for £145 on Scan UK B-stock, mine were brand new.
so,990 or K712 pro for gaming,listening music with more details? thx
K712
I've been using these for competitive shooter games like Black Ops 4 Battle Royal for over a year now. I can honestly say there's nothing that matches these for hearing enemy players around you. Absolute monsters for gaming. I own various gaming headsets and other studio headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT990 pros so I know what I'm talking about.
I got these too when living in Japan only trouble these have is that the tiny elastic bands that control the height at which they sit on your head lose their elasticity over time and that causes discomfort for me, they sink down now and pull my ears with them, bugger because I love these.
Yeah that's the real weak point of these, you can probably rig up a solution with hairbands or something to 'fix' it.
Hi Paul, do as I did and get Dekoni nuggets, it compensates for that lack of elasticity. Just stick 4 to the underside of the headband and you're sorted.
I used to own and daily drive a K712 for 3 years and I honestly became a huge fan of the build, I think it compares very well with the HD 600 line. This headphone is hugely overlooked to this day in my mind, and to think it was around when so many of the more competitive and price-performant midfi of the recent day wasn't even in sight is honestly pretty wild to think about - I guess there's a good reason why the old midfi trinity used to be made up of the HD 600/650, K701/702/712, and DT 880; they're all such proven designs that somehow manage to still hold up well against competition, and in my eyes be very high up on the list for their respective kinds of sound even all these years later.
The ohm rating and sensitivity don't tell even half the story here in my mind also. I could drive the volume up to my heart's content on both my desktop's onboard audio, my old X-fi Soundblaster PCI sound card, my Xonar U7 I got after that, as well as my FiiO E09k that I got all throughout the ownership of this headphone, and there was always a noticeable improvement going from one to the next. When I got my NFB-11 back in 2016 then, it was like yet another BIG step up from the E09k and SMSL Sanskrit I'd been using as a combo before that point, like the headphone somehow opened up a lot more, the sound became less heavy and there was just so much extra speed and tactility/dynamics to it - I really think this headphone needs a decent/good amp to sound anywhere close to its potential, it's kind of a drug in that it keeps you chasing once you figure out how much bigger of a difference the chain makes than you'd initially thought (at least in my case, anyway).
I sold it a while ago, but I'm honestly thinking of getting another one. It's a special headphone that I'd recommend to many people, but it's so rarely mentioned or talked about, let alone heartily recommended. Considering to restart my own midfi collection, of headphones I've loved over the years like this, or the Denon D2000 - another amazing piece of gear that sadly is long out of production. Definitely want to preserve myself a set..
Also since I've recently got into using Equalizer APO, I'd love to give all these headphones another spin with some more intentional and tuned use. Feel like there's probably a lot left on the table with at least a few of the classics out there that we might now be able to bring out with better chain selection and DSP.
These are my absolute go-to for anything: gaming, film, music...
I can use these for hours and hours and they've never become uncomfortable - and I can get fussy after an hour.
Great review, I enjoy these headphones a lot despite no longer using it. A bit offtopic but If you like the Harman target I think you should tried the Moondrop Starfield if you're looking to review more iems. Have a great day mate.
Those are a really good looking pair of earphones. I have a few IEM reviews coming up, I'll see if I can check those out at some point.
wow, how nerdy 😂, i judge headphones on do i enjoy listening to them, if the answer is yes then they are good enough for me.
I know those aint the Quincey's but the Quincey's could make me weep listening to certain music and I'm not a big Jackson fan. That guy really knows how to tune or mix or something. They weren't bass heavy or bass prioritized and I'm not bass crazy but you could hear detail with them and when there was bass it had it's place. I now own these but given the chance to get the 702's again I will throw myself at them. The 712's in my opinion are a good all rounder for the chuck on ya head and listen to music pissed or you tubing. Alot more bass overall or treble or darker something overall
Be great to see a sole review of your DT1990’s and a bigger comparison to the K712’s! I also use 1990’s for casual gaming when I’m not using them for studio use.
But I feel they pack too much detail and without eq I can’t play with them for long without feeling fatigue - thinking of these instead, and want to favour wider soundstage and less bright highs?
I use my 1990s for competitive gaming (first person shooters) and the K712 for casual gaming. I'll be doing the 1990 review really soon.
Wheezy Reviews Brilliant! Cheers for getting back!
@@WheezyTech Is K712 that bad for competitive gaming ? Some people say it's too distant (e.g. ennemy is close behind you), what's your thoughts ?
@@Marr033 Yeah I agree with that assessment. I was playing Rainbow Six Siege and I found it quite difficult to keep track of enemies, distant is a good word to use. I do love them for other games though.
Rotation of cups can qualify as 180 degrees ... no?
I’ve had these for years and they are still one of my favorites. Listening to them now. Tidal Master Album Joined At The Hip (Bob James & Kirk Whalum
AIRIST R-2R Dac and the La Figaro 339 Amp with the Akg 712 Headphones = Amazing
Cant speak for the 712k, but my 702k (almost the same) "broke" down after the 8 year of 24/7 use, hard use, 0 baby sitting.
They actually still work, but the elastics things who give tension quit and the plastics near broke down too.
- 3 dead cables in that time frame
and
- 1 set of ear foams change in the middle
I take the lower tankynest of the AKG vs the others only for the low weight and comfort that the low weight give. Perfect for all day use.
Have a pair of 712k on the way and hopping for a good 8 years of use.
My 712s are going 5 years now (lightly pre-owned when I got them) and are every bit as wonderful as they were then. With a good source there's just nothing I've found that I enjoy more overall.
Incredible headphones or gaming or sure
ive the akg 712 pro and hd6xx and the akg feels more real than the hd's. i love swapping between them, they both have diffrent feel but same quality. Perfect little combo. that way one dosent get totally religated to the hanger. Im not sure if the hd6xx are not as good as hd650's. if any one has got info on the diffrance in sound bettween the HD6xx and hd650. let me know.i thought it was just cosmetic.
Curious if youve tried the senn hd 560s or tygr and how they compare to your akg 712 pro and hd6xx
How do these compare to IEM'S? I've been looking for an IEM with an open sound stage that compares to the DT 990 Pro's. But I don't think I'll find one.
Lastly, how do these compare to the DT 990 Pro's?
K712 pros or the Hifiman HE400se?
Hifiman build quality is abysmal. My Sundaras are the cheapest $350 headphone on earth
Will the Fiio K3 or the FX Audio DAC-X6 be able to drive it?
Maybe get a BTR5 instead, not sure about the X6 tho
Beast Austrian Headphones like the old ones. Austrian Audio... AKG noadays belongs to the Harman group..
I think you may be underestimating AKG´s durability. I´ve owned a pair of AKG K240 Studio for years and they´re as good as new. The design is almost identical to those... Unless you are planning on playing soccer with them ;) I would venture a guess those will last you years without any issues. And they have taken some significant mistreatment. Of course, mileage may vary. That being said, great review!
I've been in the audio community for more than 2 decades, know pretty much all the major reviewers since Tyll Hertsens and I've been watching your headphone reviews lately. Just coming to say they are great! I hope you come back posting at some point and I am looking forward to your take on the DT 700 Pro X and hopefully many more.
I listened thru them from many sources. ASUS XONAR ST, AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY RED, BURSON CONDUCTOR V2+ and now a FIIO M11 PRO. Every time they revealed more, and on FIIO M11 PRO the quality is very good: detail, dynamics, stage and pleasant sound is what define this. So they are highly recommended by me, above k812 which are noisy and distort. The listened music is metal and rock. They are mid price cans but the sound is mid-high.
And if is considered as reference the DEICIDE/ Deicide 1990/ 2. Sacrificial suicide i am pretty sure the AKG have the edge in detail at least, over the HD650. And don't forget the HD650 are harder to drive, i guess
i got the Sennheiser HD 599 they don't feel comfortable any more, feels like the ear cups are too small. Really debating getting this k712
Hi . appreciate ur video. I currently own the AKG K712 Pro and power it thru my Earmen TR AMP. I love the sound signature of the K712, especially the huge soundstage and imaging. Not immediately, but in near future, if i need to upgrade my headphones, what would u recommend? I need a sound signature similar to that of the k712, and would prefer an even more holographic soundstage than the k712 (width, depth, elevation) along with more precise imaging (front, rear, up, down). I dont appreciate a bass heavy signature in general. Your opinion would be useful. Cheers buddy - Mehul
People are talking a lot about the Beyer TYGR 300 R. They are quite affordable in Europe (135 EUR) and they seem to be a new worthy competitor for an open-back with excellent imaging and soundstage below 300 EUR... would be interesting to know your thoughts between these two. Thank you for your nice and detailed reviews!
These are fantastic for mixing when speakers are either unavailable or unsuitable (I.e. - Small space or apartment)
But they WILL leak a lot of Bass (which is the point) so you will never be completely silent in a shared space. (Not for grooving out on a train)
I just borrowed my friends pair of 650 and I really like the fit and sound of them but I find them a bit to forward and a bit fatiguing. I'm a mixer that's looking for a pair of open back that I will be able to use for long periods of time and I'm affraid that the 650 wont do that for me. The 650 have well enough bass for my taste! With this description do you guys think the 712 would be a better fit for me? I do mostly metal, punk and sometimes pop. (and no need to consider the price, they are both about the same price range where I live)
If you want a good advice to improve comfort on these get Dekoni nuggets (4 are enough) and Dekoni pads - I've got the fenestrated skin and they're simply fantastic.
This made wonders for me, I wear these headphones for 10/12 hours a day and almost forget they're on my head.
Also, the elastic bands of the suspension band get loose as years go by (I've had mine for 7 years) and you find yourself with the headphones slipping down your ears. The Dekoni nuggets also solve this problem .
Would you recommend these for FPS games?
I like them for open world games and rpgs etc. Love them for Division 2. But when I play R6 Siege I find it a bit harder to keep track of the positional queues, I think because soundstage is quite large. They work ok for FPS but if you are playing comp then you might want something with a bit of a tighter soundstage and really good imaging.
@@WheezyTech ah thank you for replying :D, I just ordered these today exclusively for fps games. I might cancel my order, do you have recommendations for none gaming headphones for gaming. thank you again.
@@Grosserstream hd599
@@depauwgerlings They're pretty bad tbh. Maybe DT 990
the 712 is good for fps gaming but certain games like pubg where its a huge map the 712’s really take advantage of it and give good soundstage. but for close combat fps games like valorant csgo for example ide rather use my dt770 80 ohm with lamb skin pads.
which one is better for guitar playing ?
712
A closed back
Well done. I would say that the K712 pro is roughly something between DT880 and DT990 in terms of sound reproduction. The K712 pro doesn't have that famous Beyer treble peak but instead a 2k hump. But as you say, a good gaming headphone.
The biggest downside with K712 pro is that they don´t stay on my head while gaming. The tend to fall down when I move my head and talk in discord. Good for singel player, harder in multiplayer when you need to talk to your teammates all the time.
Does your unit stay or fall down while gaming?
Sorry, english ait my native language, but I hope this is understandable.
Cheers
I don't have a problem with them slipping or shifting over time. That can be a problem with suspension headbands though. That's why I usually don't like suspension headbands, this one is ok for me though.
@@WheezyTech I don´t like suspension headbands either. I´m not a big fan of Audio Technicas system with two chicken wings on top of my head either. I prefer solid stuff like Beyerdynamics solution. Pure headphones without any fancy bullshit. Sennheiser also makes some proper headbands.
Yeah I think Beyerdynamic headbands are my favourite. Wearing DT 770's as I type this. I often wear these all day, never get uncomfortable.
Thank you for this Good vidéo !
You can buy Dekoni nuggets for the headband. Work like a charm.
Just purchased these today for gaming and music as an upgrade over my shp9500 did I make the right choice?
Great review!!!
Always wanted to try these out but for £170 + and amp I couldn't justify it :(.
K702 is cheaper, maybe worth a look
@@WheezyTech is K712 better tho?
Your straight forward review is very good. Other reviews only confuse.
These are excellent headphones and at the current price point they're fantastic value for money. I honestly think these are better headphones than the much more expensive K812, not better in terms of price/performance but outright better. The only issue is that when the elastic bands in the headband suspension break (and they will eventually) they're a real pain to replace.
this is exactly the one i currently use everyday!!!!!!!!!!
Hello, I've been watching your reviews and I need your help.
I have some ATH-AD700 for gaming and i whant an upgrade from that.
I have some models under my eye but I needed your opinion or recommendation in case there are others.
The models are:
AKG K702
AKG K712
AKG Q701
DT770 80 WHO
DT990 250 WHO
I want to spend up to about 300 euros.
Do any of these models feel better than my ATH-AD700? Which? Is there any other that you recommend?
By the way, I also have SPH9500, AKG K550 and HyperX but the ATD-AD700 is absurdly better.
Thanks
Cheers
The PC38X should be good.
@Wheezy great review as usual, got a pair of the Philips x2-hr as wanted a more bassy larger SS to contrast with my 6xx. Was going to look at these but out if low bass and similar to 650. Any suggestions between say £$130 and 200, 990's treble reviews put e off, I'm not treble sensitive however?
sorry should have said x2-hr going back, not impressed prefer by shp9600's
Somebody help! I want to purchase K712pro for making music at home with my Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2. Will there be enough headphone output on my interface to good work with these headphones?
Should be fine. I run the K702 with a Fiio K3 and they have roughly the same sensitivity and impendance as the K712 Pro. K3 is a super compact USB DAC/AMP.
FYI - "Genuine Leather" is to leather what chipboard is to white oak.. pleather.
It is actually real leather in this case
Did you got the cloud lifter to compare to the subzero one? :-)
I sold my K712 pro about a year ago because I already owned the K702 and I still preferred those tbh. To my ears they sounded identical except the K702 soundstage is even wider than the K712 pro. Its absolutely massive on the K702
K702 is a fair bit cheaper too
@@WheezyTech Exactly. You can get the K702 for half the price of the K712 pro if you shop around.
You didn't think that the 712 pro was more comfortable? I'm pondering between the two models for mainly gaming.
@@lepari9986 Nope. Both were the same comfort wise. My K702 is actually my favourite headphone for gaming because of the huge soundstage. Great positioning and you can wear them for hours and hours. Your ears will not get hot. Im currently using them with the brainwavz XL micro seude pads and my god they are now literally the perfect headphone 👍
@@johnellison3173 thanks for the response and info, I will look into those pads, they seem great at a quick glance! Some sources have just said that 712 pro is much more comfortable than 701&702 so nice to hear your opinion. I guess everyone is different and I need to test both before buying
Whayaye! Nice pair of 🎧
Hey great review! will a desktop dac/amp like the IFI zen drive enough power to get it to good performance heights?
(One month later) YES.
These or the HD660s?
hi! thank you for the review. Would just like to ask which do you prefer between this headphone and the akg 371? TIA
Two very different headphones so not really comparable. But the K712 Pro would be my preference out of those two.
And what about the 7kXX from drop.. are these the same ?
Don’t buy 7xx
They’re $344 in the US on Amazon right now. Does that price ever drop? Oh and you didn’t mention another thing: the black and orange color scheme is sweet. So many audiophile headphones look so boring
Can you order from thomann in Europe and save money?
@@MrTuxy I'm in the US. Oh well I ordered them anyway for $329
I think the AKG coiled cables are fine. Not as good as the Beyerdynamic ones, but fine. I prefer them for desk use because they are much more practical and reduce wear and tear. As for durability, why exactly do you think they are less durable? Being lighter and more flexible isn't necessarily a bad thing if the build and materials are good. I think it makes them more durable, not less. It flexes instead of breaking. Less weight means less impact force if they are dropped.
I didn't say there were less durable, but that they *_feel_* like they aren't as tough as other headphones. That said they do seem to hold up pretty well.
@@WheezyTech Ah, gotcha.
I've had the K702 for something like 3 years now and recently got the K712. At first I was also quiet worried they wouldn't last but they have been fine and I've dropped then more then I would like to admit. The only thing I noticed is the elastic strings stretched a bit. I also totally love both the headphones to this day.
How does K712 compare to K702?
Would like to know both compared especially in sound stage and imaging
You need to try it with a much more powerful amp to see how the low end improves.
I don't remember saying the low end was bad. But it does roll off in the sub bass like every other open backed dynamic driver headphone. That's to be expected. My amp is more than powerful enough for these.
Great Review man
I have both hd660s and k712pro
Sennheiser.hd 660s
1. Better fit
2.5 % more bass
3.20% less highs ( perfect amount not lacking by any means)
4. Clamping force is 30% higher
5.balance cable and 4.4mm pentacon
6. No hot spots on top of the head
7. Very little heat
Akg k712pro
1. Cheaper
2.way less clamping force
3.bigger pads
4.better details 10% more
5.more highs but a little piercing, maybe 10.15 % more than hd660s
6. The sound shift when u move the headphone because the round shape , the hd660s stay always on , no shift
7.you have to adjust always because of the style of headband
8.the headband is very stiff and create hot spots
I like more hd660s , better overall design ,no hotspots , more balanced and pleasant sound , I have both for more than 2 years so I have quite experience on both
I will say the hd660s is about 20% better overall , sound quality 15% better but they cost almost 200/250 more so the k712pro maybe is a better value , but I hate they dont stay still , the biggest problem with that design , and the round shape , the oval shape of hd660 is far superior , they fit perfectly on your head ,they never change the position/ sound
Those are some oddly specific percentages xD
How can there be 3.2% less highs on the 660 but 10.15% more highs on the 712? Math doesn't add up.
@@depauwgerlings about 15% more on k712pro and 15 less on hd660s , I've written that on the fly without thinking to much and checking the data to match up
can i use my focusrite 2i2 interface as an amp?
This is what I'm wondering, did you ever find out?
Do glasses ruin the sound on the K712's?
Nope
Since they are an open headphone, no.
@@juliusbelmont350 Glasses can still impact the sound of open back headphones if it messes with the seal
@@BookClubDisaster Hm, i assumed wrong it seems. Thanks for the heads up.
My favourite headphones are the audio technica ath-m50x and sennheiser hd 600
You are not in America, the price comparison is irrelevant.
?
What kind of statement is that?
Nice review, what about this vs the 702? Does the 712 pro justify costing 100€ more?