The AKG K702 headphones are designed and engineered in Austria, but manufactured in China. The K702 is an open-back, over-ear headphone with a detachable cable, a flat-wire voice coil, and a two-layer diaphragm. They are marketed as neutral open-back reference headphones designed for professional mixing and mastering. The K702 has received mixed reviews, with some praising its sound quality and performance while others criticise its cheap plastic feel.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Country of Manufacture | Austria and China |
Design | Over-ear, open |
Driver Type | Patented 2-layer diaphragm, dynamic |
Frequency Range | 10-39,800 Hz |
Nominal Impedance | 62 Ohms |
Sensitivity | 105 dB (1mWatt, 1,000 Hz) |
Power Rating | 200 mWatts, max. |
Connector | Detachable via mini-XLR |
Plugs | 3.5mm + 6.3 mm jack |
Weight | 290g (without cable) |
Cord Length | 3 meters (10 feet) |
Cord Colour | Black |
Place of Manufacture | China |
What You'll Learn
K702 headphones are now made in China
The AKG K702 headphones are now made in China, though the company was founded in Austria in 1947. The K702 headphones were designed and engineered in Austria, but manufactured in China. This shift in production highlights the company's focus on low-price products.
The K702 headphones are part of the "Holy Trinity of Mid-Fi" headphones, which also includes the Sennheiser HD600/650 and the Beyer Dynamic DT880. The K702 headphones are known for their neutral sound, with no boosted bass or tweaked treble. They are ideal for mixing and mastering as they provide an accurate representation of the music.
While some users have expressed disappointment with the plastic build of the K702, others appreciate its lightweight and comfortable design. The headphones feature a detachable cable, a single straight black cord, and mini-XLR connectors. They have a frequency range of 10-39,800 Hz, an impedance of 62 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 105 dB.
The K702 headphones are a popular choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering precise sound reproduction at an entry-level price.
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They were previously made in Austria
The AKG K702 headphones were previously made in Austria. The company, Akustische und Kino-Geräte Gesellschaft m.b.H., was founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1947 by Rudolf Hörige and Ernest Pless. The two men combined their understanding of materials and mechanics to create loudspeakers, film projectors, and light meters.
Over the years, AKG achieved an international reputation for building excellent microphones, with the launch of their D12 in 1953. They also produced turntable cartridges during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, the company established an American subsidiary in Los Angeles, and in 1994, it was taken over by the Harman group.
The K702 headphones were designed and engineered in Austria but were manufactured in China, highlighting their low-price focus. The headphones feature AKG's patented flat wire voice coil for linear performance and increased responsiveness from 10 to 39,800 Hertz. They weigh 290 grams and are part of the "Holy Trinity of Mid-Fi" headphones, along with the Sennheiser HD600/650 and the Beyer Dynamic DT880.
The K702 headphones have received excellent reviews for their highly revealing trans-lucid sound and excellent dynamics. They are ideal for mixing and mastering as they provide a neutral sound, with no boosted bass or hyped treble. The headphones have a detachable cable and are comfortable for long sessions due to their lightweight design.
While the K702 headphones are no longer made in Austria, the company's history and reputation for quality audio equipment remain notable.
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The headphones are designed and engineered in Austria
The AKG K702 headphones are designed and engineered in Austria. The company behind the product, AKG, was founded in 1947 in Vienna, Austria, by Rudolf Hörige and Ernest Pless. The two founders combined their expertise in physics and engineering to create loudspeakers, film projectors, and light meters.
Over the years, AKG expanded its product line to include microphones, with its first microphone being used by Austrian radio stations, theatres, and jazz clubs. The company's international reputation was solidified with the launch of the D12 microphone in 1953, which was far ahead of its time.
The K702 headphones, designed and engineered in Austria, are part of AKG's line of professional audio equipment. They are open-back reference headphones designed for mixing and mastering audio. The flat-wire voice coil technology and two-layer diaphragm work together to deliver a spacious and airy sound with an extended frequency range.
The K702 headphones have received recognition for their highly revealing and transparent sound, excellent dynamics, and ability to capture transients and ambient noise. These features make them a valuable tool for audio professionals seeking to create accurate and detailed recordings.
While the design and engineering of the K702 headphones are attributed to Austria, it is important to note that the manufacturing of these headphones takes place in China. This shift in manufacturing location highlights the company's focus on offering products at a competitive price point without compromising the audio quality and performance that AKG is known for.
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The K702 is a premium product
The K702 is a product of AKG, which has been a recording-studio standard for microphones and headphones for many decades. Anyone who has worked in radio or recording knows AKG microphones and headphones. They have been on the scene since the 1940s. The K702 are a very inexpensive way to get fantastic sound for a long time. The K702 are not very sensitive, even with their 62 Ω impedance. These won't go very loud with an iPod or iPad.
The K702 have no peaks or resonances, just neutral sound. Compared to most consumer Hi-Fi headphones, the K702 will sound weak in the bass and have more overall midrange. Obviously, nothing is boosted or hyped in the K702. If you prefer jacked bass or tweaked treble, you won't be impressed by the K702. If you want to hear what's actually in your mix, that's what you're hearing on the K702. There is little variation in sound with changes in position on the head. The K702 have a slightly more prominent overall midrange with less bass and slightly less treble compared to most Hi-Fi headphones, making them perfect for recording.
The K702 are a poor choice for direct use with an iPod or CD or SACD player. They have enough sensitivity for pop music, but won't go loud enough for music recorded with dynamics left intact. The K702 deserve a great amplifier. With proper Hi-Fi gear, there is more than enough output and sensitivity to deafen yourself quickly. These are open headphones. They offer a little muffling of high-frequency sounds from outside, but not much. As open headphones, everyone else will hear your music, too.
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The K702 is a good choice for mixing and mastering
The AKG K702 headphones are a good choice for mixing and mastering. They are reference, open, over-ear studio headphones designed for precision listening, mixing and mastering. They combine an extremely accurate response with agility and spaciousness. The K702's comfortable, specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads and a genuine-leather headband ensure a perfect fit. They provide a professional mini XLR connector for quick replacement of the cable. The K702s are individually tested and serial-numbered.
The K702's flat-wire voice coils and a patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm help deliver a spacious and airy sound without compromise. The diaphragm improves the high-frequency range and better performance at low frequencies. The flat-wire voice coil provides higher sensitivity, better impulse and treble response. The open-back design helps deliver an extremely accurate response with agility and spaciousness.
The K702's soundstage is very useful for hearing depth, high-end detail and ambience. They are also comfortable, with soft ear pads, though the headphones are big and fragile-feeling. The K702's are power-hungry when compared to other headphones, so it is recommended to use them with a decent amp with good amounts of clean gain.
The K702's are a good choice for mixing and mastering, delivering accurate and agile sound, with a wide soundstage and comfortable fit.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the AKG K702 headphones are now manufactured in China, though they were originally made in Austria.
There does not seem to be a significant difference in build quality between the Austrian-made and Chinese-made K702 headphones. Both versions are made mostly of plastic, which gives them a cheap feel. However, the plastic construction also makes the headphones lightweight and comfortable for long periods of use.
It may be possible to find Austrian-made K702 headphones second-hand or from resellers, but they are no longer in production.
It doesn't seem that the country of manufacture has a significant impact on the quality of the K702 headphones. Some users have reported issues with the elastic headband and ear cup swivel, but this does not appear to be specific to the Chinese-made models.