AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?!

[@worldgonewrong2049]

These are a really solid pair of headphones. They sound great. I use higher end AKG, Beyerdynamic and Sennheisers but find myself going back to the 371 regularly, and enjoying them. It's been a year now, and they perform very well.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Nice doge! Have you had any issues with build?

[@worldgonewrong2049]

@@HomeStudioBasics None. I'm careful with them, but not any more so than any other headphone I use. I've heard some reports on build quality being questionable, but I've been quite satisfied with mine.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Is the Harman target right for YOU?! Let me know!!🎯

[@prabinpaudel5572]

I stopped chasing frequency response target after I finally found my life's target. (her 😉)

[@kirillpavlenko7317]

Speaking of the devil, how about hd560s?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@prabinpaudel5572 You talking about a computer? 😂 www.rottentomatoes.com/m/her

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@kirillpavlenko7317 Hey man haven't heard that one yet!

[@prabinpaudel5572]

@@HomeStudioBasics my her comes out of her shower smelling like chicken biryani drenched in clarified butter 😂

[@himanshutiwari90]

hey hey stu you said about boosted bass in k371 , but you really liked hd25 which also have a boosted bass shelf , please give your 2 cents on this comparison .

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Well, the HD25 doesn't actually have a boosted shelf below say 60-70Hz. It's more of a mid-bass bump done pretty tastefully I think. Actually would make a great A/B article. Thank you! I think the HD25's bass is done a tad better actually. Lots of energy but I'm never being drowned out by sub-bass.

[@himanshutiwari90]

@@HomeStudioBasics i think another bass boosted headphone is vmoda m100 if you have tried those? some people consider those as good hip hop dj electronic music headphones.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Used to own one, sold it because I stopped using it. :)

[@davidbcg286]

I have the AKG K371, already sent it once for repair after a few months. I switched to a big hard case and NEVER fold it anymore. I think that’s the price of keeping it functional on the long term, and not having to deal with customer service. If you plan to take everywhere with you... I’m not sure it’s a good choice. Meanwhile, it’s indeed SUPER comfortable and naturally isolating. I use it at work for hours and never feel annoyed by it. As I said I keep it in a hard case, but it almost never leaves my office so it’s not a problem. I like its sound signature overall (mostly with a BTR5), as described in the video. I wish I had given the 361 a chance... but got too tempted to buy the more expensive one :) I hope AKG finds another build for these 2 headsets. If they could be solid and last forever, they’d be a keeper.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Really disappointed to hear that actually, as they felt super durable when I was playing with them and I really enjoyed the build. I will have to ask metal how long he's had his and if he's had any problems. That's the thing about products though; you never really know until you've owned them for a period of time. I will also say that in some cases it's just a matter of getting a lemon, which is understandable.

[@amirfakhribadri7994]

You don't know , audiophile review is faking out . Doesn't know actually our no same that why Harman makes avarange

[@adrianmorrish8494]

371 is 150 Uk pound 361 is 105 Uk pounds, some reviews prefer the 361 over the 371, what your take? Also a strange thing has been happening over the last 18 months as I have been getting more into really listening to my music and better equipment sonically, I don’t seem to need or appreciate as much ass as I used to, I have the audeze Mobius and I find that on the flat or default DSP profile is plenty for me nowadays where before I’d be wondering where the hell the bass had gone.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Bass not ass, (it won’t let me edit) that would be a very different conversation

[@HomeStudioBasics]

HAHAHA! Would have been a much better convo. xD

[@HomeStudioBasics]

I haven't heard the 361 yet :) That does generally happen when you become more immersed in the hobby. I don't care for boosted bass myself anymore. I prefer Audeze flattish line or slightly rolled off.

[@kenji1366]

My Pro82 broke down and bought this. Still using it after a year. I've changed the stock pads with Brainwavz and have no complaint so far. Never heard the K361 but i love my K371.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah man! Great headphone for the most part :)

[@harackmw]

the halflighting...Jedi Master and SIth lord at the same time, exactly who I want demoing my future headphones! :D

[@HomeStudioBasics]

!Lol

[@TECHNICKER_Cz]

first line of the video and my dude already spittin fax

[@HomeStudioBasics]

LOL "Big Fax" is going to be making its way into the videos soon if I can remember to use it lol. I simultaneously love it and hate it at the same time which makes it really fun to over-exaggerate in speech tone.

[@ritual301]

Just got these a couple days ago to as a nice closed back counterpart to the SHP9600s. Still kinda breaking them in, but I've been digging them quite a bit so far. Thanks dude👍

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah man! Great 1-2 there! And you're welcome. I do like them a lot for the most part.

[@antoinep9733]

Happy with the 9600s?

[@ritual301]

@@antoinep9733 100% happy. They were my first real set of cans, and going from what I had been used to, with regular, nothing-special wired/bt earbuds, to these have really made me understand what people meant about good headphones. Currently I use a little dac/amp dongle through my PC or my phone, and it does make a difference (more crisp with the dac), but they are able to hold their own even without the dac/amp. I've used them with just an amp (no dac) and liked that better than without, but also, probably not necessary. Nothing a small tweak to the EQ couldn't fix, anyways. Soundstaging and imaging on these are probably what impress me most. I do watch a fair amount of movies and I still can't get over how much environmental sound I can hear with the 9600s. So yes, I really do like them, haha. The K371s are also super, but in a different closed-back sort of way. They have more of a soft, very comforting sort of sound. Sorry..this reply got long.

[@antoinep9733]

@@ritual301 Nice review! 😂

[@ritual301]

@@antoinep9733 I know, right?😅 My bad. You should just get them, though, for real. Especially now that they are like 50 dollars cheaper than when they were released. Take it easy:)

[@ramirendall8665]

Quality reviewing as usual brother, iv got the 361, less sub bass nice tuning, but you get a lot of head noise, creaking and cracking if your moving about.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man, thank you! Hmm. May be more in line with what I'm after.

[@yabadabauk]

I got a pair of these a few months ago and initially was wondering where the bass was, given that most reviews were saying that it was pretty prominent. Then I realised that I was just not getting a good seal, at the lowest point on both sides, with the stock pads. If I pressed them onto my head a little then the bass came rumbling and they sounded good. So, I now have some Brainwawz oval PU pads fitted, which seal perfectly, but there's probably a tad too much bass now. I also find them a bit 'shouty' on some female vocals....but overall I do like these headphones and they are super light and comfortable.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah! I agree about the bass; a bit too much at times, but I didn't find female vocals shouty, strangely enough. I also think it largely depends on the track because most songs sound really good with the shelf although I still think it could be lowered a tad.

[@garyluciani370]

@@HomeStudioBasics If I read his comment correctly he was saying there wasn't enough bass to seal correctly on his lower ears, then he put the brainwavz pads on and thought there might be too much bass. His comment about too much bass was with the other pads not the stock k371 pads. This worries me, since I'm considering the k371, but I don't want to buy them if I have to buy another pair of pads to put on them. Did you notice anything with the fit in regards to the bass? I liked your review and subscribed by the way. I'll be looking out for other reviews from your channel.

[@RdandTrk1]

Man, I had a very similar experience with these! I think K571 even called them “bass cannons” at one point. So I was kind of shocked by the lack of bass. Turns out I wasn’t getting a good seal. I have a smaller head, and this is combined with what feels to me like low clamping force on these headphones. I considered getting thicker pads to help improve the seal. However, luckily after a few months of use, I guess the stock pads conformed to my head, fixing the seal issue and the bass response is much better now.

[@lukeduke9304]

Excellent review. Listened to with my DT 770 32 Ohm

[@mrfrosty3]

Another quality review.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man thank you!

[@TiagrajI]

Great video as always. Loving your hairstyle 👍🏾

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Haha, thanks man! May be chopping it off. Haven't decided.

[@amphawanswinnen1919]

I use the K371 with a cardas cable and IT gets even better if you believe the cable upgrade changes the sound i do because i have been testing for 30 years keep up the good work

[@johngotti8544]

How much is that cardas cable and where can I buy it and is it good for sennheiser headphones

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Interesting! Thanks, man!

[@amphawanswinnen1919]

@@johngotti8544 i use one on my hd 800 too and its good but not cheap look for importers cardas

[@theodorezurla496]

Akg 361 review next please 🙏

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man I will def try and get one!

[@theodorezurla496]

@@HomeStudioBasics don't try mang DO IT !!😁

[@sunnyjunnyy]

another great video once again~

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey ! Thank you! I still need to get to your 7506 comment about Sag/Aries etc. Haven't forgotten!

[@krayozmines]

The way u explain headphones make things easier for me. thanks

[@HomeStudioBasics]

My pleasure man! Have you decided on the 371?

[@krayozmines]

@@HomeStudioBasics not sure yet. Gotta research further

[@AudiophileTommy]

Kylo Ren (Ben Solo ), love your videos dude!!!👍

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks man! Yeah I've gotten a few Adam Driver ones for sure. :)

[@harman8431]

What about akg361?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Haven't heard them yet but nice name lol!

[@ryanreach3710]

How are these compared to AKG K240 Studio? My goal is mixing and also tracking rap. Thanks

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man 240 studio has lots of bass roll off while the 371's have that shelf. I wouldn't personally use a 371 to mix my beats but a 240 is tricky as well because you could end up overcompensating. Check this guide I just finished it will help you a lot: homestudiobasics.com/the-best-studio-headphones-for-mixing/ If I still had to choose between the 2 I'd go 240 for sure.

[@ryanreach3710]

@@HomeStudioBasics Great article thanks for the reply. I was out some headphones for a few weeks and ended up getting the ATH m20x after reading on the Sonarworks blog they were pretty flat right out the box. I can't find those CB1s you recommend in Europe, but they sound good. In any case in my headphoneless few weeks it's forced me to mix on monitor speakers more, and it's a million times easier getting vocal levels right that way imo. Something about those 240s thought that are alluring.. maybe it's cuz my last pair were 850 Samsons.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

How do they sound compared to 58x??

[@testek3053]

my goto recommandation for entry closedback: lightweight and easy to drive.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

It really is a great closed back and I have trouble finding good ones nowadays. Open headphones are almost ubiquitous at this point, but recommending a good closed one has always been a bit trickier. I also love the K550/553.

[@Alex-underground]

Hey man, AKG a cool headphone, Cool review, your humor, had to laugh again and again. As usual great job. This headphone is also interesting. Nowadays with so many stuff, it is getting harder to make a choice between listening to good monitors or headphones. There is some cool stuff around. Many good musicians, I wish we had longer days. Keep going. And Al Pacino, the good old school days with awesome movies and cool awesome people, nowadays too many people are just sick and they think they are funny but they are not. Thanks for being a great guy in this sick and fake people world.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks brother! It is hard to choose and I was just thinking about how hard it is to navigate this stuff as a reviewer and give the best advice possible while maintaining my integrity.

[@ivandeleon7260]

Great video, I want to know if you prefer the dt 770 pro or those for movie...

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks man! Wowie that's a tough one! I think I like the 371 a tad better but haven't actually sat down with a 770 for movies specifically. Just demoed one with music.

[@daftbeyer]

@@HomeStudioBasics The 770 is horrible for movies IMO. It's the main reason why I keep my k702s around: dialogues are so much better and the soundstage is unparalleled.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

K702 is my daily driver, yes. I love it for everything!

[@calibreman]

Thank you for this video, which is the best, the AKG K371 or the Sennheiser HD 25?

[@jimis3167]

Damn! I wish Metal will return at some point! Do you have any news from him? Does he plan to return on making videos?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Yeah man! We've been in contact a bit lately. Probably not but we can hope! He mentioned I should try and get up to Can JAM NY in 2022 and I think I will :) You should too!

[@jimis3167]

@@HomeStudioBasics Staying in goddamn Greece It's a little difficult to come to New York..

[@garyluciani370]

@@HomeStudioBasics Why did metal 571 stop doing reviews? Did he just get bored with it, or were there other reasons?

[@callumelcombe3703]

Metal is great, I've just discovered his videos 👍

[@x-ray3431]

What's up Stu, I was on your website reading up on gaming headphones. Still prefer AKG K712 Pro for competitive games?

[@x-ray3431]

BTW, I ordered a fantasia cable via your link on the site, hope you get that kick back or back kick 😀

[@x-ray3431]

BTW I placed an order for schiit hel 2. Can you compare Hel specs to the chord mojo and let me know which you would recommend for sound quality? (Gaming)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man that's an interesting question because I'm doing the final shootout between the 5 (612,712, 702/701, Q701) but I won't spoil it yet! Lol, I will let you know when it drops.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@x-ray3431 You better watch your step, RAY. LOL. Thanks, man!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@x-ray3431 Haven't heard the Hel! Seems pretty Schiity though. xD

[@daftbeyer]

The build quality is very poor unlike that of the dt 770 pro. I mean what do you have to do to break them? Cut them with a saw or something?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

I haven't experienced that. I found them very well built and I'm sure Metal would agree. He's had them for quite awhile I believe. There's always the possibility you could get a lemon but then again, I haven't really researched the headphone or anything. I don't know if there are widespread issues so I can't really speak to that. All of these impressions were my own.

[@the_emmo]

Good review. I'm planning on getting my first pair of closed-back, and I'm considering either these or the more expensive Meze 99 Neo. Have you tried the later? If so, what are your opinions? Keep it up!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man! Haven't tried the Meze. I have really been wanting to get my hands on a pair. I will see what I can do! Thanks for the love homie... 👊🙂

[@the_emmo]

@@HomeStudioBasics oh got it. it will definitely be an interesting review if you have the opportunity. I'll stick around anyway, your content is great haha

[@sheanreal]

Wanna hear your opinion about the k371 and k361 compared

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Perhaps! :)

[@internethardcase]

Hey just wondering. I just got a schiit modi dac + heresy stack but sadly at the same time my m40x Audio-Technicas broke, and I'm in the market for new headphones. I kinda want to stay with closed backs just because I live with other people and don't want the sound to leak out. What would be your best recommendation for closed back headphones? Would it be this?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hey man probably K371 or Meze 99 Classic which I haven't reviewed yet. homestudiobasics.com/akg-k371-review/

[@danielpalomino3299]

Hello friend, very good video. Do you recommend these headphones over the Status Audio CB-1? Could you tell me what differences there are between them? CB-1s are still a good buy?

[@w140]

I guess, I’ll add those to my collection as they arrive in my country)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

You'll buy more headphones and YOU'LL LIKE IT!!! xD

[@w140]

@@HomeStudioBasics i call my collection an EarPods and Z7M2, I guess I’m not very humble 😂

[@johnbradshaw5900]

These have an enjoyable sound signature which is nice for listening to music and will be great for those who like the Harman frequency response. However its not really a monitoring tool which is what AKG still seem to sell it as. The main concern I have is patchy build quality as I know of two cases of mechanical failures (one broken headband, one broken swivel mechanism) and although these are not an expensive headphone some examples I've seen have felt a bit low rent with poor fit and finish. Which is a shame as otherwise its a nice, very affordable implementation of the Harman curve.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Interesting! I've heard some people say the same about build. That's quite a shock to me considering how well built Metal's pair is. I agree about the monitoring bit. I wouldn't at all use them for that purpose because of the bass shelf. I suppose you could EQ that down. It's still a great price point and mostly fantastic sound as you've alluded to :)

[@garyluciani1082]

Any headphone can be used for monitoring, only a few for mixing and mastering, although most pros wouldn't mix and master with any headphone. To be cynical, studio monitoring headphones are a marketing term to make people think they're special.

[@jimis3167]

Will you review Ultrasone pro 900i?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Perhaps man! Just depends. :)

[@jimis3167]

@@HomeStudioBasics hope always exists!

[@musicofnote1]

To answer the question: Yes. Love my K371s. (retired performing classical musician)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Nice!

[@patrickkerns2022]

i thought these had weak bass lol audio technica 59x has a thumping bass but mids suffer .isnt there a good headphone in that price range with that club thumping bass ?i haven found them yet .guess my audio technicas will stll be the bass champs but not really satisfied thanks for your video

[@garyluciani1082]

Yea a number of reviewrs like Stu, think they have a lot of bass. I don't hear that. The bass really only comes put to play below 60 hz. Since a lot of music doesn't have much if any bass below 30hz. Compared to a lot of headphones that don't have a lot of bass below 50hz, but do have some elevation in the mid and upper bass; the akg k371 actually sound tame in the bass.

[@w140]

Good job! Keep on posting! - initial comment) will post another in the end, as I finish watching this vid)

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Thanks, man!

[@w140]

@@HomeStudioBasics you’re welcome!, bro!

[@robertwilfred12]

I'm torn between this and the meze 99

[@HomeStudioBasics]

After hearing the Meze 99 at audio advice I'd go with that. 371 is good but it's outclassed. 99's are snappier and have better tonality although it can kind of sound a tad forced but you really won't care. You'll notice it, but you will still love it because vocals sound oh so lush. It's crazy how present and lively they are. One of the best closed backs I've heard and will be adding it to the list: homestudiobasics.com/the-best-audiophile-headphones-a-complete-buyers-guide/

[@brendan5235]

@@HomeStudioBasics Do you know if it was the Neos or the Classics?

[@AudiophileTommy]

You were great in Star Wars !

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lmao. Another doppelganger? Which character from Star Wars shall I add to this list? docs.google.com/document/d/1Vy1sLgbfwj8oa5IhDPQ7b0MIK8arExKqg5n3MUg5RxY/edit?usp=sharing

[@AudiophileTommy]

@@HomeStudioBasics Kylo Ren

[@HomeStudioBasics]

haha thanks man! Yeah getting a lot of Adam Driver ref's. Will add that one :)

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

@@HomeStudioBasics He is Kylo Wick!! kylo and keanu's love child... both are badasses hence Kylo Wick's sudden outbursts of apeshitness during his reviews that makes us all wakeup and wonder if we will be killed... thank the lord they are only short lived....

[@McanoLasala]

I prefer K361.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

👍

[@svrzainim93]

Have you heard both the headphones ? Currently I m confused between two. There is divide which is the better sounding.

[@McanoLasala]

@@svrzainim93 "better" here is very subjective. 371 sounded boomy and bloated. 361 is more neutral. But that's a preference. Some others like 371 more.

[@svrzainim93]

@@McanoLasala better in the sense : clarity neutral not overemphaised bass, mids or treeble, overall tonality and warmth. What about sound stage tho?. Personally I listen a lot of edm, rnb,hip hop. So which will be more natural and pleasant to chill? Also I need only to listen music

[@McanoLasala]

@@svrzainim93 361 then, definitely. And a very good soundstage. But for the biggest soundstage with closed back headphones I'd go for AKG K550-553 though.

[@kenei_206]

Would you recommend these over the ath m40x/m50x?

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Actually yes I would. Better sound, more refined, no glaring issues. The only slight nitpick is the bass shelf which actually sounds very good most of the time as you can infer from the vid. I don't like the 40x much. I used to have it in my budget kings but took it out. 50x will always have a special place in my heart, but I think the 371 does everything a bit better and it's more comfortable. Check out the official review I think it will help you decide. Keep me posted! homestudiobasics.com/akg-k371-review/

[@nagyba]

I need your blue shirt :D

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Hah the sweater?

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

I think the v6 is way better than the 7506 the cd900st is waaay

[@Tripokaridos22]

I hate this new Harman Target trend... Its not holy grail. Some people prefer dark , bright , V , U , W shaped headphones and honestly this shows character to them . Personally i prefer a warmer headphone than this HT target.

[@prouddaddyofdos]

“Now go get your fuckin’ shinebox!” LoL!

[@HomeStudioBasics]

I've tried to respond like 8 times to this comment. i wonder if if will go through this time.

[@abwoturab29]

0:25 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️💕💕

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lmao. YES! YES! It's back! xD

[@HansProbs]

8:13

[@HomeStudioBasics]

LOL parts of this video are so cringe but that was a pretty funny moment haha.

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

I prefer the Marvin target from Marvin Kardon..

[@HomeStudioBasics]

But Marvin, whaddya you make of all this?

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

@@HomeStudioBasics The Force is strong with you young Stuwalker....

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@chrisbarnhart7944 LMAO. Well there's another name to add to the list xD homestudiobasics.com/about-me/

[@deshan79]

have to rewatch cause too busy laughing.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Lol hey man! You think I'm funny?

[@deshan79]

@@HomeStudioBasics those excerpts you were doing making faces and put the phone in your mouth while giving a review made me lose focus

[@HomeStudioBasics]

@@deshan79 LMAO sorry. I was trying to get you to just say "Yeah" so then I could meme Goodfellas xD

[@deshan79]

@@HomeStudioBasics damn, you should how put "funny how?"

[@HomeStudioBasics]

Nah man, it wouldn't have fit because you didn't say I was funny. You just said you were laughing. Haha. That's why I tried to coax it out of you. xD I have failed you. Or vice versa. Idk. whatever lol. Just watch it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKSlfGadrrJ5mdk

[@sporo2000]

Forget the AKG K371. Go for Yamaha HPH-MT5

[@HomeStudioBasics]

NO! xD

[@kentxx12]

O my god, your super dry humor is so freaking realy bad,that i just love it :) keep it cuming....I meen more dry funny videos from you.

[@HomeStudioBasics]

LMAO. Thanks man! I just got a comment from someone who said my sense of humour is cringey and that I should stop so I can get more subs. You can imagine I had a field day with that one xD

[@chickenpotpie4045]

Big homie, google what "Soy Face" is, and stop doing it. You're welcome.

[@BurningBushPedagogy]

Stop shouting and pointing at your viewer it's disrespectful trust me, turned off

[@Sayakvids]

woah 69 likes N O I C E

[@HomeStudioBasics]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLPe3mid5Jrb7M

[@stuka78]

First!

[@Frank_P83]

What about k361 ?