AKG K371 vs Sennheiser HD599 - 3 month review

[@crimsontrigger3632]

i like ur reviews. short and sweet, gets to the point, no clutter of what everyone already mentions

[@michaelvanbuskirk8845]

Just got the HD599 yesterday and they are fine running them directly into my Samsung Galaxy S10E. A seperate DAC amp isnt necessary.

[@GavinsGadgets]

But if you had one, the 599 would sound even better.

[@Gaspar314]

Hi there, thanks for the comparison. I currently have HD599 which I love but I’m looking for a closed back alternative mainly for piano playing, when I want proper isolation and don’t want to bother people. I’m seriously considering the K371 but do you think the this suits a piano sound? I really like the piano sound from my HD599’s.

[@GavinsGadgets]

You won’t find a closed back headphone that sounds the same.

[@NinadMithbawkar]

Already own the akg 371 and love it's sound. Any upgrade recommendations over these? I use it with LG phone with a quad dac

[@GavinsGadgets]

Sennheiser HD560S for a different type of sound. Other than that HiFiMan Sundara or Ananda. But they may not work their best with your LG unless you can force the High Impedance mode.

[@MarkoVlasicAudio]

Superlux 381f IEM,s

[@NinadMithbawkar]

@@MarkoVlasicAudio got dt990 pro and they are a great upgrade for me

[@MarkoVlasicAudio]

@@NinadMithbawkar i bet that they are good headphones. Did not listned to them.

[@knightwolf200612]

I really miss the actual information on the sound signature. You only say it sounds great but that doesn't mean a thing to me. Please include detailed bass, mid and treble information to compare these 2. Recently I bought the HD599 and I didn't like it so I sent it back. Comfort was not so great and sound even worse. They say it's neutral but it sound too V-shaped. Last week I tested other headphones too which were even worse, but still. And now I still don't know if the K371 might be something for me. I thought to watch this comparison because I had the HD599, but now I still don't know anything.

[@zacharymaxwell7314]

I get that this review is over a year old, but i wanted to ask a question: Why compare an open back headphone to a closed back headphone? In my opinion, the AKG headphones are the winner if isolation, quantity of bass, accessories, and portability is concerned. When it comes to the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones, I think they sound better in terms of vocals/mids, and the bass is not as overdone or bloated (due to the Sennheiser HD 599 being an open-back headphone), vocals are pushed back and more in line with the bass and treble (making them sound more "neutral") But if you are referring to the Harman Target Curve for headphones, the AKG K371 beats them out. Anyway, this is a good review Gavin, don't get me wrong. I was just a bit confused by this video because open back and closed back headphones do not compare well with each other as much as two closed or two open headphones from different companies. If you had compared two closed headphones from different companies, it would help a viewer, who is hypothetically looking for a comparison to try and figure out which is a better buy.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Hi Zachary. Thanks for your feedback, simply because I was asked by a number of people.

[@SameerGurung1975]

How well does the ibasso dac work with the 599. Just ordered the 599. Was looking at a good budget dac!

[@GavinsGadgets]

Very well 😊

[@SilentClouds]

One thing you definitely need for the HD599 is an amp with low output impedance < 2ohms , because with the higher the output impedance the mode mid-bassy the 599 sounds. Otherwise this is very easy to drive headphone. I have the 598 and Objective 2 amp-dac combo and it is overkill for this headphone in terms of power.

[@GavinsGadgets]

I like your amp. 👍

[@Kavones]

Hey man, I'm stuck in the rabbit hole, please help me out hahah AKG K371 (or even AKG 553 MKII) or Sennheiser HD 569 close backs? The type of music I'm listening is Hans Zimmer, M83, Ludovico Einaudi.. I also plan to use the for video editing.. Thanks for a quick response 👌😎

[@GavinsGadgets]

Both would be ok, but I prefer the sennheiser with classical stuff.

[@Kavones]

@@GavinsGadgets Senheiser it is then. Thanks for the input 😎

[@Kavones]

@residentzero I really don't remember, I think I got few IEMs that serve me well.. Truthear Crinacle Zeroes and Hbb KHan

[@KlydosStudio]

How well is the build quality holding up? Seeing some build issues being posted online.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Both are fine. Using them daily.

[@carbonatedsoup304]

The QC issues are definitely real for some, mine had loose hinges out of the box. While I was able to tighten it, I had to peel off the screw cover. Maybe it's gotten better since then

[@GavinsGadgets]

That's annoying. Maybe first batch wasn't the best.

[@jayjaygolden5123]

only thing that will happen to the k371 is that the headband adjustment will get lose fixing this is as simple as tightening 2 screws itll void your warranty but the warranty is only a year i doubt they will break in an unfixable way before then.

[@jayjaygolden5123]

@@GavinsGadgets sadly its consistent. i got mine rwcently and it had issues too (pads pushed and squished forcefully into the pad slot more than they should be, god knows why. hinges got loose fast. but both are easily fixable. before this i had nad hp50 and that thing is buily bad period and unfixable so for me theres nothing to complain about other than the stock pads not sealing perfectly on my head as easily)

[@jimis3167]

Will you ever review Focal Elegia or Aeon 2 closed?

[@GavinsGadgets]

At some point when I can get hold of them Georgia

[@aditya50499]

Akg k 361 vs 371. Which one of the two would you recommend?

[@GavinsGadgets]

K371 is the one I've heard.

[@aditya50499]

@@GavinsGadgets thank you for being honest!

[@GavinsGadgets]

No problem

[@weonlycomeoutatnight6111]

Hi, Gavin, which one is better in terms of sound quality: AKG k371 or AKG k702?

[@GavinsGadgets]

K702 is powered properly.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

How do akg sound compared to airpod max??

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not as good

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@GavinsGadgets airpod isn't good right??

[@GavinsGadgets]

Airpods (not Max) aren't the best. AirPods Max are excellent but a different type of headphone and more for use in an Apple eco system.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@GavinsGadgets thanks for the reply I wanna buy k371, worth upgrade from 58x?? I like bass buy the way.

[@GavinsGadgets]

No it's not. Different yes. If you can EQ the Sennheiser that will save you money.

[@vfclists]

It is a good idea to state which headphone you are referring to rather than point at them and say "this one" or "that one" because many people listen rather than watch and can't tell which one you are referring to.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Thanks for your feedback. This is a video. If people don’t want to look at the screen for the few minutes it’s playing that’s not my problem.

[@vfclists]

@@GavinsGadgets You ought to give it more consideration. The bulk of the message you are conveying is not in the pictures you are presenting. It is in your words and the description of the sound provided by the headphones, and the pictures contribute virtually nothing to that. The pictures can be seen in product website or online stores. Your narration of your experience with headphones is the main thing. It could be just as easily be described in a pure text blog. Remember that you are competing with hundreds of other headphone reviewers for the attention of other views. Just because KZbin is a "video" website doesn't mean all the content is necessarily visual. It is just something you should keep in mind.

[@GavinsGadgets]

I get that. And normally I am descriptive. Clearly not enough in this video. As you’ll have seen , unlike some channels, I do answer all questions, which is often more useful.

[@nishith.r]

Is the 361 most comfortable over ear open back headphone in this price range? Or is there any other headphone you can recommend, if comfort is the main priority?

[@GavinsGadgets]

No because it’s an over ear closed back design not open back. Sennheiser offers great comfort as an open back over ear.

[@nishith.r]

@@GavinsGadgets sorry, I meant closed back. Is there any closed back in this price range more comfortable than 361?

[@GavinsGadgets]

That’s ok. Yes there is although it’s a lot cheaper. It’s my budget recommendation, akg k92 amzn.to/3798Sgj otherwise the 361 is excellent.

[@nishith.r]

​@@GavinsGadgets I was looking into the k92 as well but somebody told me the sound was a bit harsh on that and It'll hurt the ears after some time. Needed a 2nd opinion. Thanks

[@GavinsGadgets]

They need burn in. At least 48 hours. I really like them myself but the 361 are way nicer

[@spitz5183]

Are the 599’s good for movie watching?

[@GavinsGadgets]

They are ok. I would get a closed back headphone for movies.

[@aditya50499]

Which open back headphones would you recommend for casual listening, enjoying music via mobile phone?

[@GavinsGadgets]

The HD599 or anything cheaper in the range.

[@aditya50499]

@@GavinsGadgets philips shp 9500 can be had cheaper. Which one of the two would you recommend?

[@GavinsGadgets]

I've not heard the Philips.

[@72967RAZOR]

@@aditya50499 philips shp 9500 < AKG K371 (temper = akg, details < akg)

[@GavinsGadgets]

👍

[@sufaldas3582]

Can you please give me reply.. Sound is the most important thing for me so which one is better sennheiser hd 599 or sennheiser hd 450 bt..

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not used the 450.

[@GavinsGadgets]

So true

[@ardaarsen]

Well if you made this far you probably know that most bt headphones, including Sony XM4, sound crappy. Even regular AKG K371 and wired AKG K371 BT have massive difference

[@michaelvanbuskirk8845]

The HD599 blows the 450BT away. The 450BT is bluetooth and corded headphones beat bluetooth every time. I just returned the 450BT to Amazon and got the HD599 and it's night and day. The 450BT is not comfortable to me and the openings for your ears are small. The HD599 is super comfortable and the ear opening is large enough for anyone.

[@audi4581]

Hi Great reveiw, would you recommend the 560s or 599? Thank You 👍

[@houman2009]

Get bose

[@audi4581]

​@houman2009 Hi Looking for weird headphones.

[@Kogaion78]

371 vs 770 375 vs s. buds+ n700nc vs lagoon vs k371 (oh....and m2 is flatter than initial nc plz ?....same for lagoon) is avantone pro planar more flat than k371/n700nc (same for shure srh-1840) THX!

[@GavinsGadgets]

That’s too big a list. Shorten it down to two. What’s your budget. What music genres

[@Kogaion78]

@@GavinsGadgets all genres from classic to metal..... oki.....700 m2 compared with first and k371.... dunno if m2 is flat like first n700nc and lagoon how is it compared with 371 and n700c (m1) ???

[@GavinsGadgets]

Stick with the 371. I’ve not heard some of the options you mentioned.

[@slushyglue9167]

I’ve got the AKG K371s. Is it worth it to get the HD599? Which would you choose if you absolutely had to.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Very different headphones. If I need to listen in private I would go AKG. If not HD599. However I'm recording a video shortly , will be up by the weekend. I discovered a gem of a headphone, and this is what I would pick over everything. So for the secrecy, just dont want to ruin my video. 😀

[@aditya50499]

@@GavinsGadgets can you put the link to that video here..

[@drnits77]

@@GavinsGadgets hi, can you post link to the video, or tell us which headphone you are talking about.

[@GavinsGadgets]

I deleted the video due to an error in the video editing. Sorry.

[@aditya50499]

@@GavinsGadgets may we know what those headphones are that you mentioned as gem? We are really keen to know that.

[@saatwickbora9534]

How are the akg k371 compared to sennheiser hd560s?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Pretty much what I said in my video vs the 599’s.

[@ИгорьСеверский-н6ш]

How reliable is 599 this headband on telephones...

[@GavinsGadgets]

I wear the 599 a lot. 👍

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

How does the akg compare to the sennheiser hd560s? - thanks

[@GavinsGadgets]

Very different sound signature Gabriel. akg is a closed back versus the 560 being open back. akg has more immediate bass whereas the 560 feels more open and warmer in its presentation.

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

@@GavinsGadgets thanks for the help!

[@GavinsGadgets]

👍

[@yourplaydate2653]

How long have you had the Senns?

[@GavinsGadgets]

I still have them!

[@mikecambridge5493]

thanks Gavin for video, very interesting. I've got the AKG K240 mkII semi open which I like and often wondered what the K371 sounded like.

[@GavinsGadgets]

The K371 are crazy good for the price. I really enjoy listening with them.

[@abouthesound]

What's better about soundstage and Clarity?

[@GavinsGadgets]

It’s more open, wider & finer details

[@bohdan2752]

@@GavinsGadgets AkG ?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Talking about the sennheiser. But they are open back so not unexpected.

[@NinadMithbawkar]

How is Akg k371 + hip DAC compared to hd599 on LG g8x with quad dac? Does akg k371 become more airy like an open back?

[@GavinsGadgets]

No it’s still a close back. Hip dac is better than the LG.

[@diasjohnsonb]

Nice color profile of your video

[@GavinsGadgets]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@subhankarsarkar3496]

How it compare to do 770 pro ?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Different altogether.

[@bluefilmsltd]

Which has the better bass?

[@GavinsGadgets]

AKG

[@bluefilmsltd]

@@GavinsGadgets Thanks Gavin. Do you think that these would sound good with hip hop?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Yep should be fine. They EQ nicely too.

[@SilentClouds]

Relatively the 599 has poor bass extension. anything below 40Hz is a struggle.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Thanks for your feedback

[@channelthechannel]

Vs? Bro, you're comparing an open and a closed back, doesn't really make sense.

[@GavinsGadgets]

It was a requested comparison. So I did it.

[@ardaarsen]

Understansable. With given price range most guys just want good spotify or movie experience

[@Temmy_Jam]

Is Sennheiser the best? Or is the akg?

[@GavinsGadgets]

I thought I explained that in my video.

[@Temmy_Jam]

@@GavinsGadgets I like Sennheiser

[@Temmy_Jam]

@@GavinsGadgets should I get Sennheiser?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Then you'll like these. Also take a look at the new Sennheiser HD 560s. Harder to drive but sound better.

[@Temmy_Jam]

@@GavinsGadgets what is the price?

[@adityasharma2870]

How is the akg k371 for gaming?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Apart from the fact there's no inbuilt mic, it would be good.

[@adityasharma2870]

@@GavinsGadgets Thanks for the reply. I was planning to use a boom Pro with them, but discovered that it's not compatible. Hence I'm planning to get the Philips SHP 9500 + v moda boom Pro instead.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not heard that combo. Hope it works well for you.

[@adityasharma2870]

@@GavinsGadgets oh! If you haven't, you're definitely in for a treat! Do check out the Philips SHP9500 headphones. They are phenomenal,and are classified as one of the best headphones under $100. Pair them with a V moda boom Pro microphone cable for $30, and they become the best gaming headset, even crossing headphones that are much more expensive. I'm sure you'll like the SHP 9500. Their sound stage is said to be comparable to the Sennheiser HD600s.

[@ReTr093]

@@adityasharma2870 1. The HD 600 has a tiny sound stage, so that wouldn't be very impressive. Source: Owner of the HD 600. 2. The 9500 is a good deal for maybe 50-60 bucks. Anything more than that, no. While the tuning in of itself isn't horrible, the 9500 does bad with detail retrieval. Very bad.

[@Oriolus1]

Greeting Gavin Sorry I'm late just back from work

[@GavinsGadgets]

No worries 👍

[@Oriolus1]

@@GavinsGadgets cool