When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of studio headphones, the decision often comes down to balancing sound quality, comfort, durability, and versatility. Two of the most highly regarded models in the market today are the AKG K371 and the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Both headphones are designed for professionals and audio enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional audio performance for critical listening, mixing, and recording. However, they each come with their unique set of features, making them suitable for different use cases. In this comparison, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between these two studio headphones, so you can decide which one best fits your needs and preferences.
1. AKG Pro Audio K371 Wired Studio Headphones
The AKG K371 Wired Over-Ear Closed-Back Studio Headphones are a versatile and high-quality option for professional users, including musicians, engineers, and podcasters. With an impressive frequency response range of 5 Hz to 40 kHz and the largest-in-class 50mm titanium-coated drivers, these headphones deliver incredibly accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for mixing and mastering. The closed-back, over-ear design enhances isolation, allowing users to focus on their work without distraction, while the ergonomic fit ensures long-term comfort during extended listening sessions. The headphones are built to be durable with metal-reinforced parts, making them a reliable choice for both studio and on-the-go use.
While the AKG K371 excels in sound quality and comfort, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, but some users report that the build quality could feel more premium, especially the cables. Additionally, while the K371 is designed for professional use, the detachable cables may not be as long or versatile as some users would like.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 50mm titanium-coated drivers for accurate sound reproduction
- Closed-back, over-ear design for superior isolation
- Wide frequency response range (5 Hz to 40 kHz)
- Plush, ergonomic ear cups for comfort during long sessions
- Foldable design for portability and durability
Pros:
- Exceptional sound clarity with balanced lows, mids, and highs
- Comfortable fit for extended use
- High isolation perfect for studio work and podcasting
- Lightweight and portable with foldable earcups
- Versatile cables compatible with both professional and consumer gear
Cons:
- Not ideal for high-noise environments without additional noise-cancellation features
2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones offer exceptional sound quality and are designed for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. Known for their impressive bass response and detailed high-frequency reproduction, these headphones deliver a clear and balanced sound that makes them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and monitoring. The 80 Ohm version is particularly versatile, providing great performance for both home studio use and mobile devices. With their closed-back design, the DT 770 Pro effectively isolates sound, ensuring that external noise doesn’t interfere with the listening experience. The headphones’ robust construction and replaceable parts make them a reliable choice for long-term use, and the velour ear pads provide added comfort during extended sessions.
One of the standout features of the DT 770 Pro is their high durability, with all components being replaceable, ensuring that these headphones can last for years. The comfort factor is also noteworthy, with soft ear pads and an adjustable headband that ensures a secure, customized fit. While the sound quality is exceptional, some users may find the bass response a little too pronounced depending on their listening preferences. Additionally, the 80 Ohm impedance may not be ideal for all portable devices, as it might require an amplifier for optimal volume levels.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- Closed-back design for excellent sound isolation
- Impressive bass response and detailed highs
- Durable, replaceable components for long-term use
- Velour ear pads and adjustable headband for comfort
- Available in multiple impedances (32, 80, 250 Ohms) for versatile applications
Pros:
- High-quality sound with clear bass and treble
- Great for both studio and mobile use
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Sturdy build quality with replaceable parts
- Ideal for critical listening and monitoring
Cons:
- Bass may be too pronounced for some users
- The 80 Ohm version may require an amplifier for certain devices
AKG K371 vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison
When comparing high-quality studio headphones, the AKG K371 and the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro stand out as two top contenders for professionals and audio enthusiasts alike. Both headphones boast exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them ideal for a variety of applications such as mixing, recording, and podcasting. However, there are notable differences between these two models in terms of design, sound characteristics, comfort, and intended use.
Design and Build Quality
Both the AKG K371 and beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offer robust build quality, but they differ in their design approach. The AKG K371 features a sleek, foldable design, which makes it more portable and easy to carry around. The headphones have plush, ergonomic earcups that provide excellent comfort and isolation, and their lightweight structure adds to the overall convenience for long listening sessions. They also include detachable cables and a carrying pouch, making them suitable for both studio and mobile use.
In contrast, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro has a more traditional, sturdy design. These headphones are handmade in Germany and are known for their high durability, featuring replaceable components such as ear pads, cables, and headbands. The DT 770 Pro’s closed-back, over-ear design is engineered to provide maximum isolation, which is essential in professional recording environments. While the DT 770 Pro is not as portable as the K371, its construction is highly reliable for studio use.
Comparison of Build Quality:
| Feature | AKG K371 | beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Foldable, portable | Sturdy, robust construction |
| Ear Cups | Plush, ergonomic, oval | Soft velour, replaceable |
| Cables | Detachable cables (3m coiled & straight) | Single-sided cable, replaceable |
| Durability | Good for mobile use | High durability, long-term use |
| Made In | China | Germany |
Sound Quality
Both models offer superior sound performance, but their sound signatures cater to different preferences. The AKG K371 is known for its incredibly accurate, neutral sound profile, designed to reflect AKG’s Reference Response Curve. This gives the K371 a balanced sound across all frequencies, making it suitable for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. The headphones deliver deeper bass and higher highs, which enhances the clarity of both low-end and high-end frequencies. Its wide frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz ensures that every detail of your mix is audible.
On the other hand, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is widely regarded for its excellent bass response and spatial reproduction. While its sound is also highly detailed, the bass is particularly pronounced, making it an excellent choice for applications that require deep bass, such as tracking and sound design. The DT 770 Pro is also known for its remarkable spatial reproduction, even in closed-back headphones, allowing users to experience a sense of space and depth in their mixes. The DT 770 Pro’s sound is analytical and clear, making it an industry-standard choice for sound engineers and producers.
Comparison of Sound Characteristics:
| Feature | AKG K371 | beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz to 40 kHz | Excellent bass, high clarity |
| Sound Signature | Neutral and balanced | Pronounced bass, detailed highs |
| Bass Performance | Deep but balanced | Powerful and pronounced bass |
| High Frequencies | Clear and detailed | Analytical and crisp |
| Spatial Reproduction | Good isolation, balanced soundstage | Remarkable spatial reproduction |
Comfort and Fit
Both headphones are designed with comfort in mind, but they achieve this in different ways. The AKG K371 features soft, plush earcups made from slow-retention foam, which gently contours to the ears for a comfortable and secure fit. The lightweight design and adjustable headband further enhance comfort, allowing users to wear the headphones for extended periods without fatigue. The K371 is an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort during long studio sessions or on-the-go use.
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro also offers excellent comfort with its soft velour ear pads that sit around the ears, providing a comfortable seal. The adjustable headband ensures a secure fit, while the headphones’ rugged build quality gives them a feeling of reliability. Although the DT 770 Pro might feel a bit bulkier compared to the K371, it is still designed for long listening sessions without causing discomfort. Its superior isolation and plush ear pads make it a go-to choice for professional environments.
Comparison of Comfort:
| Feature | AKG K371 | beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Ear Cup Material | Plush slow-retention foam | Soft velour |
| Weight | Lightweight, comfortable for long use | A bit bulkier but comfortable |
| Headband Design | Adjustable, ergonomic | Adjustable, padded for comfort |
| Comfort for Long Use | Very comfortable, ideal for travel | Excellent comfort, ideal for studios |
| Isolation | Good isolation | Excellent isolation |
Versatility and Applications
The AKG K371 is incredibly versatile, with its 32-ohm impedance making it suitable for use with both professional equipment and mobile devices like smartphones and laptops. The headphones are designed for a wide range of uses, from home studio recording and podcasting to casual music listening. The inclusion of multiple detachable cables (coiled and straight) adds flexibility for different setups, while the foldable design makes the K371 highly portable.
In contrast, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is designed primarily for professional studio applications. With a higher impedance (80 Ohm), it delivers optimal performance when used with audio interfaces, mixing desks, or amplifiers. While it can be used with portable devices, it is best suited for amplified setups to achieve the best sound quality. The DT 770 Pro is a reliable choice for studio monitoring, tracking, and mixing, offering excellent isolation and sound clarity for professional tasks.
Comparison of Versatility:
| Feature | AKG K371 | beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Impedance | 32 Ohm (versatile for portable and studio use) | 80 Ohm (best for professional setups) |
| Ideal for | Studio recording, podcasting, mobile use | Studio monitoring, mixing, tracking |
| Portability | Foldable design for easy transport | Bulkier, but sturdy and reliable for studios |
| Cables | Multiple detachable cables included | Single-sided cable, replaceable parts |
| Application Flexibility | Excellent for various uses, including casual listening | Studio-specific, high-fidelity use |
FAQ
Which is more comfortable, the AKG K371 or the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro?
Both the AKG K371 and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offer excellent comfort, but they cater to different preferences. The AKG K371 is lightweight, featuring plush earcups made from slow-retention foam that contour comfortably to the ears, making it ideal for long listening sessions and on-the-go use. Its adjustable headband further enhances comfort. On the other hand, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro features soft velour ear pads that provide a snug fit and excellent isolation. Although the DT 770 Pro may feel bulkier due to its sturdier build, it’s still comfortable for extended use, especially in a studio environment. If you prioritize portability and lightweight comfort, the AKG K371 might be a better choice, but if you’re looking for robust, professional-grade comfort for studio work, the DT 770 Pro excels.
Can the AKG K371 be used for mobile devices?
Yes, the AKG K371 is highly versatile and can easily be used with mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. With a 32-ohm impedance, it’s well-suited for use with both professional audio equipment and consumer devices. This makes the K371 an excellent option for users who need a pair of headphones for both studio work and casual listening on the go. The included detachable cables (coiled and straight) ensure flexibility in different setups, and the foldable design adds to its portability.
Is the bass response on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro too heavy?
The bass response on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is known to be quite pronounced, which some users may find more prominent than they prefer. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy a powerful bass for tracking, sound design, or specific music genres that benefit from deep lows. However, if you prefer a more neutral or balanced sound, the DT 770 Pro’s bass may seem too heavy. For mixing tasks, it’s worth noting that the emphasized bass might affect the perception of other frequencies, so the DT 770 Pro is best suited for those who work in environments where bass-heavy sound reproduction is beneficial.
Do I need an amplifier for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro?
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones come in multiple impedance versions (32 Ohm, 80 Ohm, and 250 Ohm). The 80 Ohm version, which is the most common, performs well with professional audio interfaces or mixing desks, but it may require an amplifier when used with lower-powered portable devices like smartphones or laptops. If you’re using the 80 Ohm version with mobile devices, you may notice the volume could be lower than expected, so a headphone amplifier would help in achieving optimal performance. The 32 Ohm version is more suitable for use without an amplifier and is more versatile for both portable and studio setups.
Are the parts of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro replaceable?
Yes, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is known for its exceptional durability and its replaceable parts. The ear pads, headband, and cables are all replaceable, which adds to the longevity of the headphones. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who use their headphones frequently in a studio setting or those who want to extend the life of their headphones. Beyerdynamic’s design ensures that the DT 770 Pro can withstand heavy use and can be maintained easily over time, making it a reliable investment for professional environments.
Conclusion
In summary, both the AKG K371 and the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offer superb sound quality, comfort, and reliability, but their features make them better suited to different needs. If you require a portable, comfortable headphone for a variety of uses, the AKG K371 is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design, accurate sound profile, and versatile impedance make it ideal for both professional and casual use. On the other hand, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is perfect for those looking for a more specialized, studio-grade headphone. Its robust build, superior isolation, and powerful bass response make it a top contender for studio recording, mixing, and monitoring tasks.