AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Headphones – A True Audiophile's Delight

The AKG K712 Pro are premium over-ear open-back headphones designed to provide an accurate and natural listening experience for studio applications like mixing, mastering and critical listening. With their open-back design and high-quality drivers, these headphones deliver a remarkably spacious and airy soundstage that allows the listener to precisely pinpoint individual instruments and vocals in the stereo image. The AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Headphones represent AKG’s expertise in studio headphones and promise to please even discerning audiophiles with their comfortable fit and stellar sonic performance.

Overview

AKG has been making professional audio equipment since 1947, so they know a thing or two about critical listening. The AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Headphones build upon AKG’s legacy of reference headphones, incorporating several enhancements to offer even better sound. The open-back design provides an immersive listening experience and improves spatial imaging compared to closed-back models. The flat-wire voice coil allows for better treble and impulse response, while the drivers have been re-tuned to improve low-end performance by 3dB. All of this adds up to a headphone capable of extremely accurate and natural sound reproduction.

Design

Visually, the AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Headphones retains the understated aesthetic of earlier K700 models. Slim metal headband bands connect to the padded leather headband arc. The white semi-open earcup grilles add a touch of modern flair. Fit and finish is superb, reflecting AKG’s design heritage.

Comfort is also a strong suit. The self-adjusting headband provides a relaxed, evenly distributed fit. The velour earpads avoid heat buildup during extended wear. At 235 grams, the AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Headphones feels barely there. You can listen for many hours without fatigue setting in.

Open-back Design

The open-back design of the AKG K712 PRO is a key factor in its spacious and airy sound. Unlike closed-back headphones that isolate the listener from external noise, open-back headphones allow sound to pass through the earcups. This creates a more natural listening experience, as it mimics how we hear sound in the real world. The open design also helps to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the earcups, which can lead to discomfort and listening fatigue.

Many users in the reviews praise the soundstage and “VR for your ears” experience, which is a direct result of the open-back design. However, it’s important to be aware that this design also means that sound will leak out from the headphones, and external noise will be audible. This makes them less suitable for use in noisy environments or when you need to avoid disturbing others.

Flat-wire Voice Coil

The K712 PRO utilizes a revolutionary flat-wire voice coil in its driver design. This technology offers several advantages over traditional round-wire voice coils. The flat shape of the wire allows for a more even distribution of the magnetic field, resulting in improved linearity and reduced distortion. This translates to a more accurate and detailed sound, particularly in the high frequencies.

The flat-wire voice coil also contributes to the headphone’s impressive impulse response. This refers to the driver’s ability to accurately reproduce sudden changes in the music, such as a sharp drumbeat or a plucked string. The faster the impulse response, the more accurate and realistic the sound will be.

Improved Low-End Performance

AKG has specifically improved the low-end performance of the K712 PRO by 3dB compared to its predecessors. This enhancement provides a more powerful and impactful bass response without sacrificing accuracy or clarity. The improved low-end performance is particularly noticeable in genres that rely heavily on bass frequencies, such as electronic music, hip-hop, and orchestral music.

Several reviewers highlight the improved bass response, noting that it adds warmth and depth to the overall sound without becoming overpowering or muddy. This balanced bass response is crucial for critical listening applications, such as mixing and mastering, where accurate reproduction of all frequencies is essential.

High Sensitivity and Low Impedance

The K712 PRO boasts a high sensitivity of 105 dB SPL/V, which means it can produce loud sound levels with minimal power. This makes it easier to drive from a variety of sources, including portable devices like smartphones and laptops.

The headphone’s low impedance of 62 ohms further enhances its compatibility with a wide range of devices. Impedance is a measure of how much electrical resistance a headphone presents to the audio source. Lower impedance headphones generally require less power to drive, making them more versatile.

While the K712 PRO can be driven by most devices, it will benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier, especially if you want to achieve the highest possible sound quality. A good amplifier can provide cleaner power and improved control over the drivers, resulting in a more refined and dynamic sound.

Detachable Cable

The K712 PRO comes with a detachable cable, which is a valuable feature for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to easily replace the cable if it becomes damaged, extending the lifespan of the headphones. Secondly, it provides the flexibility to upgrade to a higher-quality cable in the future, potentially improving the sound quality. Finally, the detachable cable makes the headphones more portable and easier to store, as you can disconnect the cable when not in use.

Comfortable Design

Comfort is paramount for long listening sessions, and the AKG K712 PRO excels in this area. The over-ear design ensures that the earcups completely enclose your ears, providing excellent noise isolation and preventing sound leakage. The earcups are generously sized and fitted with thick velour earpads, which are soft and breathable. The headband is made from genuine leather and features a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically conforms to the shape of your head, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Many reviewers emphasize the exceptional comfort of the K712 PRO, with some stating that they can wear them for hours without experiencing any discomfort. This level of comfort is crucial for professionals who spend long hours in the studio, as well as for audiophiles who enjoy extended listening sessions.

The AKG K712 PRO headphones offer a compelling combination of audiophile-grade sound quality, comfort, and versatility. Their open-back design, flat-wire voice coil, improved low-end performance, and comfortable design make them an excellent choice for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a professional seeking accurate and detailed sound reproduction, the AKG K712 PRO headphones are a worthy investment.