AKG K712 Pro & AKG K702 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the AKG K712 Pro rather than the AKG K702.
Why Do I Recommend The AKG K712 Pro?
- The AKG K712 Pro has a slightly elevated low-end frequency response for richer bass depth, fuller musicality, and improved immersion during casual listening and mastering, compared to the AKG K702’s flat bass profile.
- AKG K712 Pro features memory foam velour ear pads for enhanced long-session comfort, better ear contouring, and reduced fatigue during extended studio or home listening, compared to the AKG K702’s standard foam pads.
- It includes hand-matched drivers for superior left-right channel balance and a more precise stereo image, compared to the AKG K702’s standard driver matching.
- The AKG K712 Pro supports a wider perceived soundstage for better instrument separation and a more three-dimensional listening experience to enhance orchestral and cinematic content compared to the narrower imaging of the AKG K702.
- AKG K712 Pro comes with both a straight cable and a coiled cable to provide flexible connectivity options for studio monitoring, live sessions, or desktop use, while the AKG K702 includes only a straight cable.
- It includes a soft carrying pouch for easier storage and transport protection to maintain the headphones’ condition when on the go, while the AKG K702 lacks included storage accessories.
- The AKG K712 Pro features firmer headband tension with improved suspension for a more secure and stable fit to reduce unwanted movement during use, compared to the looser fit of the AKG K702.
- AKG K712 Pro has smoother treble tuning to reduce potential ear fatigue and deliver a more natural and enjoyable high-frequency experience, especially for long critical listening, compared to the brighter treble response of the AKG K702.
Maybe the AKG K702 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the AKG K712 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | AKG K712 Pro | AKG K702 |
| Bass Response | Slightly elevated low-end | Flat, neutral bass |
| Sound Signature | Warmer, smoother, slightly V-shaped | Neutral, bright, reference-oriented |
| Ear Pad Material | Memory foam velour pads | Standard foam velour pads |
| Headband Support | Firmer elastic band | Softer elastic band |
| Clamping Force | Slightly tighter clamp | Slightly looser clamp |
| Included Cables | Two cables: straight (3m) + coiled (spiral) | One straight cable (3m) |
| Carrying Pouch | Included | Not included |
| Driver Matching | Hand-matched drivers | Standard production match |
| Frequency Tuning | Slight bass lift and smoother highs | More analytical and linear across spectrum |
| Channel Matching | Tighter channel tolerance | Less strict tolerance |
| Manufacturing Country | Slovakia | Austria |
| Model Labeling | “K712 PRO” on headband band and cups | “K702” on headband and cups |
| Packaging Box | Premium box with accessories | Standard box |
| Target Audience | Mixing, mastering, hi-fi enthusiasts | Critical studio monitoring |
| Soundstage Width | Slightly wider perception | Slightly narrower |
| Timbre Character | More natural and musical | More clinical and revealing |
| High-Frequency Handling | Slightly smoother | Sharper treble edge |
| Price | Check AKG K702 Pro Price | Check AKG K702 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Dynamic Drivers & Varimotion Diaphragm: Both the K712 Pro and K702 use 40mm dynamic drivers featuring AKG’s Varimotion diaphragm technology, which helps achieve precise and consistent acoustic performance with a wide frequency response.
- Open-Back Circumaural Design: Each headphone uses an open-back design to allow air and sound to move freely through the ear cups. This contributes to a spacious, natural soundstage, which is ideal for critical listening and mixing.
- Impedance & Sensitivity: Both models have a 62-ohm impedance and 105 dB SPL/V sensitivity, meaning they can be driven by headphone amps or high-quality audio interfaces without demanding excessive power.
- Frequency Response: With a frequency range of 10 Hz to 39.8 kHz, both headphones are capable of reproducing sub-bass and high-frequency content well beyond the human hearing range, allowing for precise audio detail retrieval.
- Detachable Mini XLR Cable: They share the same detachable mini-XLR connector, making it easy to swap cables or replace them, enhancing their longevity and modular usability.
- Self-Adjusting Leather Headband: The headband design is identical on both: a self-adjusting genuine leather strap suspended by elastic bands. This makes wearing them for long sessions comfortable and pressure-free.
- Elliptical Over-Ear Cups: Both models feature large elliptical ear cups that comfortably cover the entire ear, ensuring better isolation (despite the open-back design) and fatigue-free listening.
- Wide Soundstage: Thanks to their design and driver structure, both headphones are renowned for their immersive and wide soundstage, a critical feature for mixing, mastering, and audio production.
- Studio-Friendly: Each headphone is widely used in studio settings. While they have slight tuning differences, both are considered reliable tools for professional audio work.
- Wired-Only Operation: These are professional-grade, wired headphones without any wireless connectivity, keeping latency low and audio quality high.
- Build Quality: While aesthetics differ, both use durable plastics for the shell and headband structure, with metal reinforcements internally for enhanced durability without making them heavy.
Common Features
| Feature | AKG K712 Pro | AKG K702 |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Transducer Technology | AKG’s Varimotion diaphragm | AKG’s Varimotion diaphragm |
| Open-Back Design | Yes | Yes |
| Impedance | 62 Ohms | 62 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 39.8 kHz | 10 Hz – 39.8 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB SPL/V | 105 dB SPL/V |
| Connector Type | Mini XLR detachable cable | Mini XLR detachable cable |
| Headband Type | Self-adjusting genuine leather strap | Self-adjusting genuine leather strap |
| Ear Cup Shape | Over-ear, elliptical | Over-ear, elliptical |
| Soundstage Capability | Wide and 3D-like | Wide and 3D-like |
| Cable Length (Straight) | 3 meters | 3 meters |
| Studio Use | Suitable for studio and reference work | Suitable for studio and reference work |
| Wired Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Build Material | Mostly plastic with metal reinforcements | Mostly plastic with metal reinforcements |
| Price | Check AKG K712 Pro Price | Check AKG K702 Price |
