AKG K361 vs K371 Sound Review

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

We appreciate what you do. Thanks metal!

[@albertovicinanza]

Man this was some Speed Metal571! Still complete and concise as always though!

[@KiwiNickG]

Miss you reviews, great reviewer

[@slushy6569]

so as a complete package, which of the two do you prefer?

[@random-internet-dude]

👀 Thanks for the honest review, as usual. I love my K361. Merry Christmas to you and glad to hear there's more coming 💪

[@metal571]

3 videos today. Two reviews and... the announcement

[@ithehappy1]

Are you still using your K361? How is the physical condition of it if I may ask?

[@WheezyTech]

As much as I preferred the K371 to the K361 on sound. I think the biggest gripe is that 2.5mm twist to lock connector, that was the biggest let down for me I think.

[@sylvestresl]

uh unfortunately I havae to go with k361s since for no apparent reason k371s are not to be found where I live at all! heard a lot about k371s and the fact that k361s are even comparable to them says a lot. I don't think I can find anything of better value in this price range. cheers.

[@PhilBushay]

Been waiting for your thoughts on this. Thanks for the upload!

[@andersbuhl640]

To anyone considering buying the AKG 371 (BT), I can honestly say they are well worth their price tag! Did a lot of research and considerations including this well-presented review before choosing to go for the 371 and was not dissappointed!

[@madmaniaq]

Would you recommend the K371 over the K361? Comparing them, some people say the K361 is more tonally neutral (a bit like a closed back HD600, which I love). Are there reasons the K371 is better? The price doesn't matter to me, I'd just like to get the better cans. :)

[@metal571]

K371 is the more accurate one. I think I explained that there are some slightly larger deviations from neutral in the 361 in my review of it especially in the mids

[@Ans12237]

It's weird seeing this after Zeos comparison in wicth for instance he says the soundstage on the K361 beeing bigger and less shouty

[@metal571]

lol

[@donvittoriosierra]

I think its because of the QC problems of the k371

[@iansoares3404]

I bought both the 361 and 371 and can't decide which one I like better. I was going to return the one I liked least but now I think I will keep both.

[@nathansantos.n8]

I'm curious on your 4 month update and thoughts

[@krayozmines]

Do you still have both?

[@iansoares3404]

I ended up keeping just the 361. I use it for transcribing bass guitar songs and found it slightly better then the 371. For just standard listening to music though I liked the 371 better. I like the sound signature of 371 better

[@deanguy]

@@iansoares3404 What do you think would be better for gaming?

[@iansoares3404]

@@deanguy sorry never tried gaming with them

[@vinnyavalanche]

361 all the way

[@dalejail]

@metal571 is the k371/361 better than the k533 for music production/monitoring/mixing?

[@kentxx12]

The only downside to the K361 and K371,the ear pads is wears out very quickly,and AKG don't sells ear pads spears,so you must go to a 3 part sellers and that is very expensive whit shipping,but i have here somebody talking about AKG sells the ear pads to K361 and K371 for 80 to 90 dollars,and that is sick price :o and remember I live in Norway and the AKG 371 costs about 190 dollars here.

[@metal571]

This is a major issue and I had assumed they would make the OEM replacement pads available but I haven't seen any progress on this. Andrew and I have both mentioned this to Dr. Olive and he was equally disappointed when realizing this so I hope they will make them available eventually

[@kentxx12]

@@metal571 Hi again Metal, the easiest way for me to get some new pads for them was to buy me a nice used pair of AKG K371 for almost the same price as a pair of just pads from the USA ;)

[@jdssurf]

Bought the 371. They sound amazing and detailed to me. Extremely happy. Make sure the audio source your listening to isn’t shit, some of my iTunes downloads are shit, then go check the same song elsewhere, amazing. You can eq them for pleasure, or most of the time they sound great, super happy.

[@matthewking1506]

How's the bass?

[@Madcapgrove]

I'm shure that you're a worker from AKG.

[@jdssurf]

@@Madcapgrove i wish.

[@Pablito5614]

Either of these vs shp600? Your thoughts?

[@kurt7421]

Cant decide between these two, the Sennheiser HD569 and the DT 770. Any idea which one of them is the best allrounder?

[@metal571]

K371

[@joaolopes5284]

Thanks for the review! One question, what about akg k361 vs beyerdynamic 770 pro 80?

[@bertfripont1545]

Very good review as usual.

[@michaelgalanos981]

Thanks Metal 571 my K371 came in today I bought them on your recommendation and they are great for Metal and Rock got them for 109 just hope they last as far as I am concerned they don’t need EQ. I think the tuning on these is the ideal tuning for headphones keep rocking bro and I hope you come back on KZbin

[@metal571]

No plans to come back at this time but glad you enjoy them. That is very close to the tuning defined as the Harman target and is a pretty accurate prediction of what the majority of listeners would enjoy so not too surprising

[@michaelgalanos981]

@@metal571 You should think about it you are an honest reviewer and one that knows what he is talking about without being a salesman

[@frittfrall3220]

Hi man! I own these and HD650. Since you have reviewed them both I would like to hear your opinion on how they do for black and death metal. Do you got a go to recommendation for cans for those genres?

[@metal571]

Sundara with a bass boost shelf

[@frittfrall3220]

@@metal571 can you explain bass boost shelf?

[@metal571]

EQ

[@Darkred11]

Hi! I know you're not posting anymore, but maybe you can help 🙏 I'm looking for a closed back headphone, for recording and mixing. I was thinking about trying the AKG k361/371, but read/heard that the perceived frequency response on this models changes noticeably depending on the position on the head, compared to other headphones - which will make mixing kind of impossible, because one should be careful placing the headphones on the head exactly the same every time, and also everyone will hear it differently, depending on the position on the head. What are your thoughts on that? Maybe I should just get a pair of ATH m20x and EQ it with Sonnarworks? (they recommend this pair when calibrated). Any insights will help me. Thanks!

[@ImMr.A]

How do these compare with m50xbt

[@leksdex5682]

371 has amazing scene wide and depth . So i have a question. If u hear superlux 669. Do u now headphone with similar sound character? But more wide scene than 371 have? Around 300+- usd.

[@ahmedwael3019]

For harman tuning which one do you think sounds the best k361, k371 or moondrop starfield. All are around the $100 mark.

[@NightmareFactory830]

I just got the 371 for christmas, so I've yet to listen to it. But ive heard a lot of differing opinions about these being flat or not. Olavs sound test make them sound REALLY flat, but I've heard people say the dt 880 are flatter for mixing? Just curious on you opinion for mixing

[@aleksanderdjuran8010]

DT880 has better sound stage but the k361/k371 are much flatter than the dd880, but the dt880 might help you hear certain things you wouldnt with the akgs :). i use my 361s for overall mix evaluation and my clients also prefer them when they come in for mix evaluation if that helps at all

[@metal571]

Very interesting to hear from a professional audio engineer using them. Hadn't heard of that yet. DMS seems to think 371 is way too bassy for audio work lol

[@NightmareFactory830]

@@metal571 since i got them, i actually think their good for about 70% of most mixing work. Its translates pretty well to speakers and are probably the best buy for mxing and composing EDM, pop, trap, ect. Music where you really need to analyze the bass these are perfect for but their flat enough so that it osnt an issue for other genres. I wouldn't rely on them for the final mix but that's to be expected

[@erwinyulista]

@@NightmareFactory830 hi, are you talking about 371 or 361? Thanks

[@Elazarko]

Hey man I was just wondering. Between the akg k371 and the Yamaha MT8 (both are the same price here in my country) in general what pair would you recommend more and why?

[@metal571]

Haven't heard the Yamaha

[@rags015]

Great review! I’ve bought the k371, k275, k240 mk ii and the k712 pro!! Thinking about buying the k271 mkii? What do you think?

[@deanguy]

What did you like the most, and what do you think would be the best for gaming?

[@FinPhysio]

How is k361 compared to dt770 pro 80 ohm? Easier to drive? Sound? Soundstage?

[@doktordok7517]

I have the same question!

[@jevule130bpm7]

@@doktordok7517 what do you need the headphones for?

[@metal571]

Definitely easier to drive, smaller stage like K371 but far better frequency response

[@FinPhysio]

@@metal571 Thanks. Do you mean soundstage is smaller than 770 or 371?

[@nishitgo]

Should I get the k361 or spend some extra and get the HD599?

[@mikelisteral7863]

361 have a big treble spike at around 8khz that must be eq'd down by about 35% in order to fix the hollow bass+mids problem

[@Domestos99percent]

thanks for this great review. merry christmas

[@SireMarius]

Hello. Can’t really understand the artist’s name for the track (Leather) you use for sound stage. I own a pair of K550 MKIII and wonder how they compare to the K371s, especially in the sound stage and bass area. And I was algo planning to get a pair of DT 770 PROs (80ohm), so please let me know your opinion about which of the 3 is best. Cheers 🤘

[@metal571]

Yosi Horikawa - Letter

[@donvittoriosierra]

Have you gotten a chance to try their bluetooth versions?

[@metal571]

No

[@krayozmines]

I heard they are pretty bad

[@saivikas9580]

Can you compare this with Audio Technica M30x and Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro

[@metal571]

Yeah that's easy, don't buy either of those

[@aight365]

I can't decide between k371 and Meze 99 Nior mainly to be capable for playing with a digital piano/rhodes. As well as my first quality audio headphone pair. Please any recommendation?

[@aight365]

Meze with Brainwavz oval micro suedes pads*

[@metal571]

Those aren't remotely similar, the latter is pretty laughable and I think Max Settings has reviewed it. Definitely the AKG for that one for some semblance of accuracy

[@aight365]

@@metal571 oh okay, okay. Well is there any better alternative to the AKG that you can think of? natural balenced sound, Something with a nice look. Meybe something like a sundara or HE400i that is a closed back? Lower impedance I think Is a plus for a digital piano (and smartphone use). I'm really doubting the reliability of the akg. I can't afford to buy something that won't last. some models I'm considering are; Austrian Audio Hi-X55. Monoprice m1060c "565c" and Drop + THX Panda.(I'm not a fan of Audio technica mx and beyerdynamic 770s are great as a studio only headphone. Not a do it all kind of pair imo). I want a do it all kind of pair, if I don't find I'll get one pair for piano and another for everyday) Thanks!

[@metal571]

@@aight365 No to all of those, the Austrian is just plain crap in sound quality, Max Settings just reviewed it, the 565C is Monoprice, so long history of being unreliable, and the Panda is just too wooly and inaccurate sounding, see crinacle's review

[@aight365]

@@metal571 i didn't know that. Thanks. Please feel free to recommend any other pair. is there no Sundara equivalent in a closed back? A pair that doesn't leak much or at all.. my budget can go up to $350 if it's really worth it.

[@thoyo]

@metal571 Can you repeat the soundstage test track please? Didn't catch it.

[@vincenthusvh]

Yosi Horikawa: Letter

[@thoyo]

@@vincenthusvh thanks man!

[@robertolambo9072]

Modding 361 for listening from smartphone. There Is enough space in pads to fill them with cotton puffs and also bettwin drivers and ears. I'm sactisfied... More isolation, highs less arsh and more soundstage. Thanks for yours accurate reviews.

[@cedrictheM]

I wonder how the bt versions compare to these?

[@metal571]

Dr. Olive says he prefers the passive version

[@RabbitConfirmed]

wait I don't get it, which one of them do you like more?

[@metal571]

See that's the thing, they're both very good so it is up to you to make that decision. K361 is slightly less accurate sounding, doesn't offer a mini XLR jack, and has a worse soundstage, but costs less. Personally I still own a K371 that I paid for completely out of pocket. On the other hand, DMS for example greatly prefers the K361 because it also has slightly less sub bass despite all those other things I just mentioned

[@IrOnCuRtAiN61]

I would like to buy the AKG K361, but when I look at the spec sheet AKG didn't specify the maximum power output (mW) of this one and the K371. I'm eager to know so that I wouldn't accidentally blown up the drivers while cranking up the volume like what I did to an "el cheapo" headphones almost 15 years ago... 😬

[@seanm2048]

Great review

[@beyond-zeroproduction2461]

i want to buy headphones please help. which of these three is best: akg k361 bt, marshal major 3 bt, sennheiser hd 4.40

[@wavefunction3690]

361 vs 7506 ?

[@metal571]

Easily the 361, if you watch the 371 review you will see me mention various headphones I would recommend it over

[@remshawmusiek7565]

Are the dt 770 Pro 80ohm any good for mixing?

[@metal571]

No

[@counterrage]

770 250ohm

[@egegulkaya2525]

@@metal571 which headphone u suggest for mix master ?? Have a nice day big bro .

[@metal571]

K371

[@egegulkaya2525]

@@metal571 like , all time ?? No sennheiser 600 s 800 s , no akg 700series , no beyerdynamic1990 990 770 ?

[@germanosenegalia9922]

I know they are different product lines, but in terms of sound quality compared to the Sony Wh1000xm3 are the AKG K361 much better? Can they be used in a portable way without using Dacs / amp, pushed by smartphones and notebooks with onboards sound cards? thanks

[@baronvonlichtenstein]

One of my favorites. Very immersive. Comfortable as hell. As for a better deal? Shure 440.

[@eyeseapoppyfields]

Nice shirt man! Great review and much thanks metal. I'm still on the fence between the K371 and HD599's for heavy PC gaming, light guitar recording, and some spotify streams they're around the same price too. I'm sure either one will make my worn out hyper x cloud I've had for 4 years look bad either way.

[@houssamalucad753]

What did u get? It's simple, do you want open back or closed back.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Hd599 way better open back headphone.

[@adityasharma2870]

how are these cans for gaming?

[@deshan79]

you and max planning these review releases together now?

[@Domestos99percent]

who is max?

[@afk9902]

@@Domestos99percent Max Settings. Just search Max Settings LCD-4 on youtube and you'll find it.

[@metal571]

Who is max?

[@Derpderpson123]

Beans.

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

Nice bro.

[@TheZXReviews]

I haven't bought anything from AKG since they joined Harman. I had heard they went way down hill.

[@metal571]

Yeah well, while K245 and K275 are horrible, the 361 and 371 were designed to actually target Harman properly and sound ridiculous for their price. Of course you can totally ignore my video, just look at oratory1990's measurements and Rtings measurements if you want to check if I'm lying

[@TheZXReviews]

@@metal571 I never said you were lying at all. I had heard mostly everything they made once they joined Harman was trash. If these are so good, then maybe I'll give one a try down the road.

[@metal571]

@@TheZXReviews Yeah I know, just giving you other sources to go on since there's been so much hype around these so a lot of people are going to doubt it lol. I think the N700NC is also tuned to Harman but haven't tried that. If you got your hands on one of those to review you'd be one of the few who have reviewed it at all to my knowledge

[@TheZXReviews]

@@metal571 Sadly I don't do reviews much anymore but would like to get into it. I have a stack of gear here I should review but haven't had the ambition. One of my friends went to school for film and production, so I've been looking to get him to help me make some videos. Dudes got a powerful PC with great editing software.

[@metal571]

@@TheZXReviews that's exactly how I felt about making videos which is why I *just* retired doing formal reviews, probably will switch to a Live format cause...a lot less work lol. Your Beyer DT series writeup is still legendary and I recently repurchased an older chassis DT770 80 ohm. This time it's never leaving my possession lol

[@jameswalsh2427]

Excellent review thanks. James J in Limerick city Ireland

[@juliansimmons7700]

I just don't get it, I've tried these (K361) they are slow; returned. I've got the DT 1990 Pro's, too harsh and confused - and the bass distorts quickly. Man I've got so many headphones. The best, Yamaha HPH MT5. I keep saying this and none of you guys have reviewed them!! Ok they are not without fault, most headphones have more than 50% sonic faults to my ears, the MT5's have maybe 10% sonic faults, I've never heard better and they match my monitor speakers (for studio mixing and mastering use) as close as damn it. Anyway just saying, this will fall on deaf ears again I expect. Yamaha HPH MT5.

[@beliveinurself]

Looks like they have really shallow ear cups?

[@juliansimmons7700]

@@beliveinurself ...which the K361? - just avoid them. The Yamaha HPH-MT5 pads are great (though MT8's pads are too soft/thin). I now add another recommendation the HD 280 Pro - this Sennheiser model has been refreshed by Neumann - they are far better than the old model. Both the HPH-MT5 and HD 280 Pro sound similar (and as close to my Neumann KH120 monitor speakers as a headphone can get - though the speakers are still preferable).

[@erwinyulista]

@@juliansimmons7700 hi, so for mixing & mastering, do you prefer the MT5 or the 280 PRO (New version) ?

[@juliansimmons7700]

​@@erwinyulista I see you also just asked me about the MT5's in another video, good work on scouting YT reviews! - I'll keep the answers here - as you've also asked me about the HD 280 Pro's. I've not been in the studio for a while and I like to respond with ears fresh from there. Actually I'll be back in there next week so will reply again with more detail in the next days. Hold in there. My first post on this here was a year ago, ...since then I've used many headphones - and my monitors since, though I haven't found a better two HP's than the MT5's and HD280's. The MT5's can be slightly forward in the mids (and 'shouty' as closed-backs often are) - but I'm being super critical here, I can say much much worse about my more expensive headphones! The HD280's are more 'balanced' though overall a tad more rounded off, not that the MT5's are sharp (they are not), but the MT5's have a great speed along with richness and power. Also which is a big factor, the MT5's are so comfortable to wear, the HD280's are not. In terms of finding a headphone that near-enough matches the frequency-response and experience of monitor speakers in a room, both the MT5's and HD280's are as close as I've found. Bottom line, I keep going back to the MT5's (even though they are not perfect), I haven't found better in a headphone, especially for an on-the-move headphone that's easy to drive, comfortable and with a non-fussy design. Upon hearing my set, a mastering engineer and electronic musician - friend, now uses them every day and obviously likes them, and another who has a hireable recording studio, he also now uses them as his mobile set. They are good, as I say not perfect (- mainly slightly lacking in the v.highs), but I'd buy more sets if I needed them. Other than that I'm still open to other suggestions of better, and if I spend another £400 I want to be sure they are - possibly the Neumann NDH 20's are, but look a bit too cumbersome for my required role of headphones. Yes the MT5's are close to good monitor speakers (not those brittle high freq Adams etc!). If you appreciate clarity and detail without harsh hype, and an even freq response - including present mids, and an un-distortable bass with breadth, you'll like the MT5's, at lot.

[@metal571]

Yamahas still haven't made it into mine or resolve's radar yet. I certainly am not against trying them but I also don't review anymore, so I hope someone can measure them (with a real IEC 711 conformant system) and prove they are at least tonally correct

[@kentxx12]

This is still the best cheap Buy in 2023 the AKG 371 With eq and if you will go Higher in price go for Audeze LCD-1 :)

[@metal571]

They don't even make the LCD-1 anymore but I hear the Maxwell is actually very good. I'm supposed to get a sample of it eventually but apparently they have sold out too quickly at times. K371 I knew the first few seconds I put it on. If only you guys could have seen how my jaw dropped, expecting so little after trying to the K275 in the same package which was awful lol

[@kentxx12]

@@metal571 Thanks for the info :)

[@MOAB-UT]

Great review.