AKG K371-BT Headphones Review: Studio-Quality Sound on the Go
The AKG K371-BT headphones have emerged as a compelling option for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, promising a blend of studio-quality sound, portability, and wireless convenience․ In a market saturated with options, these headphones aim to deliver accurate sound reproduction crucial for mixing, mastering, and critical listening, while also being practical for everyday use․ This review delves into the various aspects of the AKG K371-BT, examining their design, comfort, sound quality, features, and overall value proposition․ Ultimately, we aim to determine if they live up to the hype and whether they are the right choice for your needs․
Design and Build Quality
The design of the AKG K371-BT is understated and functional․ They feature an all-black aesthetic, contributing to a professional and sleek look․ The earcups are oval-shaped, designed to provide a comfortable and encompassing fit․ The headband is adjustable and padded, aiming to distribute weight evenly and minimize pressure points․ Let’s break down some key aspects․
Materials and Construction
The headphones utilize a combination of plastic, metal, and pleather in their construction․ The earcups are primarily made of plastic, which helps to keep the weight down․ The headband incorporates a metal frame, providing structural integrity and durability․ The earpads and headband are covered in pleather, which offers a soft and comfortable feel against the skin, although its breathability can be a concern during extended listening sessions․ Overall, the construction feels solid and well-built, suggesting that the headphones can withstand the rigors of daily use and transportation․
Portability and Folding Mechanism
One of the key selling points of the AKG K371-BT is their portability․ The headphones feature a folding mechanism that allows them to be collapsed into a compact form factor, making them easy to store and carry in a backpack or bag․ This feature is particularly useful for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who need to travel frequently․ The hinges feel robust and well-engineered, instilling confidence that they will not break easily with repeated use․ The included carrying pouch provides additional protection during transportation․
Controls and Connectivity
The AKG K371-BT offers both wired and wireless connectivity options․ On the right earcup, you’ll find controls for power, volume, and Bluetooth pairing․ The buttons are tactile and responsive, making them easy to operate without looking․ The headphones support Bluetooth 5․0, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection․ They also feature a 3․5mm audio jack, allowing you to connect them to devices that do not support Bluetooth or when you prefer a wired connection․ The inclusion of multiple cables (straight and coiled) is a welcome addition, providing flexibility for different usage scenarios․
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount, especially for headphones intended for extended studio sessions or daily listening․ The AKG K371-BT generally performs well in this regard, but there are some considerations to keep in mind․
Earcup Design and Padding
The oval-shaped earcups are designed to fit comfortably around the ears, providing a good seal that helps to isolate external noise․ The pleather earpads are soft and plush, offering a comfortable feel against the skin․ However, pleather can become warm and sweaty during extended use, particularly in warmer environments․ Some users may find the earpads to be slightly shallow, which can cause the ears to touch the inner drivers․ This can be a minor annoyance for some, but it’s worth considering if you have larger ears․
Headband Adjustment and Pressure
The adjustable headband allows you to customize the fit to your head size․ The padding on the headband is sufficient to distribute weight evenly and minimize pressure points; However, some users may find that the clamping force is slightly tight, which can cause discomfort after several hours of use․ This is a common issue with closed-back headphones, as they need to provide a good seal for optimal noise isolation․ Over time, the clamping force may loosen slightly, improving comfort․
Weight and Overall Ergonomics
The AKG K371-BT are relatively lightweight, which contributes to their overall comfort․ The weight is well-distributed, preventing the headphones from feeling bulky or cumbersome․ The folding mechanism and compact design make them easy to store and transport, further enhancing their portability and convenience․ The combination of comfortable earpads, adjustable headband, and lightweight design makes the AKG K371-BT a comfortable option for most users, although those with larger ears or sensitivities to clamping force may want to try them on before purchasing․
Sound Quality
The sound quality is arguably the most important aspect of any pair of headphones, especially studio monitors․ The AKG K371-BT aim to deliver a neutral and accurate sound signature, making them suitable for mixing, mastering, and critical listening․
Frequency Response and Accuracy
The frequency response of the AKG K371-BT is generally considered to be quite flat and accurate, particularly in the midrange․ This is crucial for making informed decisions about EQ, compression, and other audio processing techniques․ The bass response is tight and controlled, without being overly boosted or muddy․ The high frequencies are clear and detailed, without being harsh or fatiguing․ While no headphones are perfectly flat, the AKG K371-BT come remarkably close, making them a reliable tool for audio professionals․
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage of the AKG K371-BT is relatively narrow, which is typical for closed-back headphones․ However, the imaging is precise and accurate, allowing you to pinpoint the location of individual instruments and sounds within the stereo field․ This is important for creating a balanced and well-defined mix․ While the soundstage may not be as expansive as some open-back headphones, the AKG K371-BT provide sufficient spatial information for most mixing and mastering tasks․
Detail Retrieval and Clarity
The AKG K371-BT excel at detail retrieval, allowing you to hear subtle nuances and details in your audio․ This is essential for identifying and addressing any issues in your mix, such as unwanted noise, distortion, or phase problems․ The clarity of the sound is also impressive, making it easy to distinguish between different instruments and sounds; The AKG K371-BT provide a transparent and revealing listening experience, allowing you to hear your audio with greater accuracy and precision․
Wired vs․ Wireless Performance
The AKG K371-BT offer both wired and wireless connectivity options, but there are some differences in sound quality between the two․ When using the wired connection, the headphones provide the best possible sound quality, with a slightly wider frequency response and greater detail retrieval․ When using the Bluetooth connection, there is a slight compression of the audio signal, which can result in a loss of some detail․ However, the difference is subtle, and most users will not notice it in casual listening․ The convenience of wireless connectivity may outweigh the slight compromise in sound quality for some users․
Features and Functionality
Beyond the core sound quality, the AKG K371-BT offer a range of features and functionalities that enhance their versatility and convenience․
Bluetooth Connectivity and Codecs
The AKG K371-BT support Bluetooth 5․0, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection․ They also support the SBC and AAC codecs, which are compatible with most Bluetooth devices․ While they do not support higher-resolution codecs like aptX or LDAC, the sound quality over Bluetooth is still quite good․ The Bluetooth range is also impressive, allowing you to move around freely without experiencing dropouts or interruptions․
Battery Life and Charging
The battery life of the AKG K371-BT is excellent, offering up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge․ This is more than enough for most users, even those who use them for extended periods of time․ The headphones can be fully charged in about 2 hours using the included USB-C cable․ The battery life indicator on the headphones and on your connected device allows you to monitor the battery level and avoid running out of power unexpectedly․
Built-in Microphone and Call Quality
The AKG K371-BT feature a built-in microphone, allowing you to use them for phone calls and video conferences․ The call quality is generally good, with clear and intelligible voice transmission․ The microphone is also effective at reducing background noise, making it easier for the person on the other end to hear you clearly․ While the microphone is not as high-quality as a dedicated external microphone, it is more than adequate for most communication purposes․
Accessories and Included Cables
The AKG K371-BT come with a generous assortment of accessories, including a carrying pouch, a straight cable, a coiled cable, and a USB-C charging cable․ The carrying pouch provides protection for the headphones during transportation․ The straight cable is suitable for general listening, while the coiled cable is more convenient for studio use․ The inclusion of multiple cables is a welcome addition, providing flexibility for different usage scenarios․
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and disadvantages of the AKG K371-BT:
Pros
- Accurate and neutral sound signature
- Excellent detail retrieval and clarity
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Portable and foldable
- Long battery life
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Generous assortment of accessories
Cons
- Pleather earpads can get warm
- Clamping force may be tight for some users
- Soundstage is relatively narrow
- No support for high-resolution Bluetooth codecs
Alternatives to the AKG K371-BT
While the AKG K371-BT are a strong contender, several other headphones in the same price range offer similar features and performance․ Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are a popular choice for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike․ They offer a similar sound signature to the AKG K371-BT, with a slightly more pronounced bass response․ They also feature a durable build quality and comfortable design․ However, they do not fold as compactly as the AKG K371-BT․
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm) are a classic pair of closed-back headphones known for their accurate sound reproduction and comfortable design․ They are particularly well-suited for mixing and mastering․ However, they do not offer wireless connectivity and are not as portable as the AKG K371-BT․
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a premium pair of noise-canceling headphones that offer excellent sound quality and advanced features․ They are particularly well-suited for travel and commuting․ However, they are more expensive than the AKG K371-BT and may not be as accurate for critical listening․
Who are the AKG K371-BT Headphones For?
These headphones cater to a diverse audience, thanks to their blend of professional-grade sound and consumer-friendly features․ Studio professionals who need an accurate, portable monitoring solution will find them invaluable․ Music producers, mixing engineers, and audio editors working on the go will appreciate the combination of wireless freedom and wired precision․ Casual listeners who prioritize sound quality over all else will also find the K371-BT a compelling choice, especially for enjoying music with a balanced and detailed presentation․
The AKG K371-BT headphones offer a compelling blend of studio-quality sound, portability, and wireless convenience․ Their accurate frequency response, comfortable design, and long battery life make them a versatile option for a wide range of users․ While they may not be perfect for everyone, their strengths outweigh their weaknesses, making them a worthwhile investment for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike․ Considering their price point and performance, these headphones represent excellent value․ Overall, the AKG K371-BT are a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and accurate pair of portable studio monitors․
