AKG K701

Product Overview

Meet the AKG K701s, a set of mid-range semi open-backed over-ears.

Speakers

Here we see the speaker element of the AKG K701, which until we stripped the pads off, was guarded by a fine cloth mesh. Also hiding in there was a foam ring to separate the cloth from the speaker element.

Back

The AKG K701s have semi-open backs to their ear cups, pictured below. Careful, these leak sound.

Band

The band of the AKG K701s is a little odd, as it uses a system of high-tensile string and a leather strap that moves along guide rails. Despite it being a little unusual when it was released, it does make these cans extremely comfortable.

Cable

The AKG K701’s cable is 10 feet long, and capped by a straight jack. The cable itself is thick, with very robust insulation on the wire, making for a durable cable.

The plug of the AKG K701 is a straight 1/4^th inch jack, adaptable for 1/8^th inch connections. Chances are good that you will probably not use the 1/8^th inch jack if you are going to power these headphones properly.

The cord guards on the AKG K701 seem durable enough, as Harman elected to equip them with thick rubber.

Additional Features

Included in the packaging for the AKG K701 is a stand for your headphones, meant to display your beautiful new cans to anyone entering your room.

In the Box

When you open the box of the AKG K701s, you’ll find your headphones, a stand, a 1/4 to 1/8^{th<.sup> inch adapter, and assorted documentation.}

Durability (5.75)

While there are no glaring durability issues, we should point out that the AKG K701s do not have a removable cable. For that, you’ll have to find a retailer that sells the AKG K702s instead, which is seemingly different only by this capability and its padding.

Aesthetics (7.25)

These are slick looking headphones. Don’t get us wrong, they’re huge, but they are also stylish; enthusiasts of the retro look will love these headphones. Very nice, AKG. If you’re willing to shell out a little extra, the new Quincy Jones line of AKG headphones has the K701s (re-branded the Q701s) in lime green, black with green cables, and white with black accents.