AKG K-271 MKII Review (2024)
I recently got my hands on the AKG K-271 MKII headphones. After using them for a week in my home studio, I’m certainly pleased by their quality, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of buying them.
These headphones stand out for their balanced audio profile which allowed me to work at higher volumes without fatiguing my ears too much, which is a contrast to the relatively bass-heavy Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro that these are often compared against.
Note: AKG sent me a free sample of this to test it out and review it. This does not affect the opinions mentioned in this review.
This balance of sounds makes the AKG K-271 MKII useful for audio pros who need precise sound reproduction without getting blown out by booming bass. While their lower (but tight) bass might not appeal to everyone, their overall performance in a studio setting is very good.
AKG K-271 MKII Review
Verdict
I’m in two minds about the AKG K-271 MKII headphones. They have a very well-balanced audio response that works well in studio settings and allows you to hear more detail in the mids and highs, but to my ears, they aren’t particularly exciting for casual listening. If you are a basshead, these are not for you. If you find other closed-back headphones too boomby and overwhelming in the low-end then you should definitely consider these.
Pros
- Good sound balance for studio use
- Tight and subdued bass response can be favorable for mixing and studio work
- Comfortable for long sessions with a self-adjusting headband
- Detachable cable increases durability and adds more flexibility for cable types/lengths
- Includes a choice of leather and velvet ear pads that can be swapped out
Cons
- Weak bass
- Build quality is ok, but a bit plasticky
- Primarily designed for studio use, some may find them less versatile for casual listening
Build and Design
The AKG K-271 MKII headphones feature a closed-back design, crucial for isolating sound in noisy environments such as recording studios. The over-ear build coupled with a self-adjusting headband make these very comfortable to use over long periods.
Their construction is pretty solid but feels a bit lighter and more plasticky than I would have expected. The replaceable cable system not only extends the life of the headphones but also offers flexibility in different conditions.
Sound Quality
To my ears, the sound quality of the AKG K-271 MKII is very detailed and accurate, but not particularly exciting.
The AKG K-271 MKII is designed for a flat response, these headphones deliver relatively uncolored audio, making them ideal for critical listening tasks. They have very detailed highs and mids without getting tinny or harsh.
The bass on the AKG K-271 MKII is significantly quieter than many of the other closed-back headphones you’re likely to try. This can be considered a selling point of these headphones, as they can be very suitable for mixing/mastering, and you can crank them louder without getting blown out by excess bass. It’s really a matter of preference over what type of audio balance you like.
If you’re used to bass-heavy headphones, you might need to give yourself a few days of listening to this set, to give your ears some time to adjust to this different balance of sound.
Features
I love that these headphones include a detachable cable (with straight and coiled cables included in the box). This increases durability and adds more flexibility for cable types and lengths. A cable is an easy point of failure for a set of headphones and it’s nice to be able to replace them if they get damaged.
There are two choices of ear pads, leather and velvet, which can be swapped out. It’s very much a matter of preference and each has its pros and cons.
The self-adjusting headband is a great feature of these headphones which makes them more comfortable to wear over longer periods. This is a common feature found on AKG headphones.
Verdict
I’m in two minds about the AKG K-271 MKII headphones. They have a very well-balanced audio response that works well in studio settings, but to my ears, they aren’t particularly exciting.
If you are a basshead, these are probably not for you. If you find other closed-back headphones too boomby and overwhelming in the low-end then I would highly recommend you try these out. It’s really a matter of preference.
Overall, I think they offer excellent value for their price, especially for use in the studio. If you’re part of the target market for these headphones (someone who wants balanced audio, tight and restrained bass, very clear mids and highs) then these may very well become your favorite set of headphones.
