AKG K612 Pro Reference Full-Size Open Headphone Review

[@jraybozy]

I wish more reviewers do what you did in this video. Super objective, recognized preference, professional delivery. I've seen too many reviews, specifically when it comes to tech, where people either over glorify or just act childish and petty about a product. Thank you

[@discgolfmatters.4894]

Would this be a solid headphone for mixing?

[@josaphcj7199]

Can u compare akg k612 pro with philips shp9600

[@Turbopummel]

Hi, I fell in love with the overall sound signature of the Sennheiser HD 650, yet I find them quite pricey, since I feel that AKG headphones (recently tested the Q701) generally offer more detail. How does the K612 compare to the HD 650? Will it offer a similar sound experience? Here in Germany the K612 only cost half as much as the HD 650s. I would like to use them as a general purpose headphone for music, movies and gaming.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

TurboPummel The K612 sounds quite different from the HD650. The HD650 is more warm and gentle with a more pronounced low end, whereas the K612 sounds dryer and more detailed but not quite as 'fun' sounding. They are both excellent general purpose headphones though! Also consider getting the K7XX from Massdrop when it becomes available.

[@Turbopummel]

***** Thank you

[@BluartStack]

Nice review Lachlan! Definitely considering these as they do very well for gaming too. Keep up the great work!

[@daduze2]

Nice review! Just bought these.

[@davidmason8212]

Is the k612 sounds better than dt880 with gaming and jazz ???

[@26ufk]

I think the distortion present with the amplifier will increase. Only the sound level will increase.

[@Zenolijo]

my m50s which i have been using daily for over 3 years old now and are starting to show its age so i ordered these yesterday. Really looking forward to hearing these out.

[@themarksmanABP]

what were they like?

[@Zenolijo]

Have been using them almost every day since i got them. Even though they're light and made of plastic, they're incredibly sturdy and probably the most comfortable headphone I've ever used. The sound is slightly warm, just like how i like it. The bass is very controlled, but as many open headphones it's not very strong, in some occasions it's nice and sometimes when i crave more bass i switch to one of my other headphones. If you listen to EDM you might want to reconsider, in pretty much all other genres its very good. I wouldn't call them a monitor, but neither are the sound on these very fun. They don't miss any frequencies but neither do they exagerate some frequencies like the DT990. In essence, they're balanced without being boring. What i like most about these headphones are the highs, i really like the way that they are both smooth yet detailed. If i knew that i would use them this much, I would've probably have bought the k712 because I've heard that the upgrade is worth the money, but these are very good headphones for the price. If you are looking for a open headphone with awesome soundstage and a warm sound, i highly recommend these.

[@grandmike]

Thank You for the review lachlan , may I suggest you to do a headphone comfort comparison review .

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Ooh okay.. what format would you want to see a review like that in?

[@grandmike]

Maybe compare among over ears , on ear and in ear ? Since you have quite a broad choice of headphones , I think it is easier for you to do it compared to others . cheers.

[@Quantum_Embrace]

and how are they after a while? Have any defects appeared due to loss of sound on one of the speakers?

[@davidrespect6471]

Hi do u recommend the new Sony MDR1A over these i mostly play fps video games and listen to all kinds of music but not rock and metal also the Sonys are 50 euros more in my country please respond to me thank u.

[@saulsadip]

This VS. the AD700X for gaming? I want to immerse myself in the games, yet be able to pinpoint sound locations (Isn't that in itself, immersion anyway?)

[@ar4joewondo]

+Niuqorram i would say that ad700x may have bigger soundstage but it is less accurate compared to k612.

[@justsomestuff1020]

they only cost 90 - 120 euros in germany / europe at thomann.de imo they outmatch nearly everything for allround usage at that price

[@SuperJuvent]

yes i agree

[@koolin3613]

What? The k612 Pro here is 130 which is like 150 dollars..?

[@brayanmastrodomenico5637]

in your Audio Technica ATHADG1 review you mentioned these headphones are going to be a little better for gaming i just want to make sure you still would recommend this for gaming i would really appreciate a reply thanks and awesome channel, you just got a subscriber, thanks

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I think that as long as you want everything in the package (the USB DAC/AMP and the mic) they are fine choices for gaming, though you can get better value for money if you don't need the extras.

[@brayanmastrodomenico5637]

Thanks, dude i am gonna get the akg612 pro.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Great choice :3

[@JUANCHOWICK407]

***** dude i got the akg k612 pro today and they are amazing but i have a sound card (sound blaster Z) and i can tell that the sound card is not enough for these headphones is there anyway to connect an amplifier to the sound card to add more juice? if so what would you recommend budget $150 dollars thanks.

[@migadepancito]

GTX980 Sell the card on ebay amd get a fiio e11k, more than enough :3

[@LeGeNdErYblader]

How do these headphones compare to the ath-m50? Seems like they share a similar sound signature, even though one is open and the other is closed back? These definitely look better built though, even though they have a similar street price.

[@LucianodaCal]

Hola! This headphone is good for gaming?

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

heard its one of the best

[@Lucaat]

I think I would like it! Kind of like the opposite of K267 Tiesto, although I think I will go with the Q701 eventually just because it has a mini xlr connector like the Tiestos. For OCD reasons :D But just ordered V-Moda M100 to compete with Tiestos. Need to save some cash for Q701. I just hope they are not too hard sounding like ATH M50X which also has a hint of tinny grainyness IMO. Either way I better brace myself for a lot less bass, but a more open sound than my closed cans. Great review thanks lachlan.

[@speedburger5410]

Hi Lachlan, did you notice any creaking when moving your head around while wearing the K612? I was about to pull the trigger on a Q701 but heard some reports on creaking.

[@immortalbsheets8778]

Do you think the HD800s are worth the price?

[@xBaph]

i need you help. if i buy this what would be a good cheap affordable DAC to go with it?

[@doomsdayknight2229]

I realy need a suggestion to decide which to buy for casual use..beats by dr dre or akg k712 or Q702..help!

[@ChiHoKo]

is it good to pair this headphone with a Fiio E07K?

[@killacamfoo]

I'll admit it, I like AKG. You should review the K240 mk ii, it is a very under-appreciated entry level headphone that is perfect for the price.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I'm afraid I didn't like the K242HD at all when I owned it, so I wonder if the K240 would be any different....

[@iCupboard]

Hi, Lachlan. I am sorry I am intruding in your video once more. But I have one more question for you. I tried the B&O H6 and LOVED the sound. But they are quite expensive. They apparently sound the same as the AKG K545 or K550. Could you elaborate? Have you heard both, by any chance? Thanks !

[@JosePerez-dn8bx]

Do i need a amp to use these headphones with my pc

[@DJScopeSOFM]

Great review! Can you get your hands on the Takstar Pro 80, they're a great pair of cans that costs pretty much nothing. There's a thread in Head-Fi where a number of people have given them rave reviews and people have dubbed them as hidden jewels, which is why I ended up getting them. I'd love to see your take on them. I've got them but they are my first pair of headphones and I've been thoroughly enjoying them thus far, but I'm not planning on getting any others any time soon. You can get them for AU$70 on eBay including postage. There's a guy in Sydney who sells them.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Hmm ok I'll have a squiz! Might not be this month though, very very busy at the moment :s

[@DJScopeSOFM]

HAHA! No rush. It'd be great to see your thoughts on it.

[@TriggerHappyPivots]

Hello! I'm planning to buy K612s and I was wondering if the Fiio E10K can power them?

[@sy121511]

hi Lachlan, i ordered a akg k845 from razordog ebay. i recieve it today and i tried it, i found the driver on the right hand side is clearly louder than the left one,( sound like all frequencies are close to the right hand side, not sure if u can read chinese, its like a problem of 声场偏右？) i tried different tracks and even from iphone and ipad and laptop, even play radio which should be balanced in a sense, but still its like radio man is sit next to my right hand side.. so is this noraml for akgs? or i should return and get a replacement.?

[@26ufk]

I bought a K612 pro and I felt some bass distortion and sizzling in the bass of some of the songs I listened to from deezer. I don't have an amp yet. I'm listening from the output of my phone. Is it because I'm listening to it without an amp, or are my headphones broken

[@Quantum_Embrace]

You can’t put such headphones in a phone, you will never get good sound, because the phone is not able to “pump” them. firstly, they have 150 ohm resistance, and secondly, low sensitivity. Such headphones need to be at least inserted into a good computer sound card, or better yet into an expensive amplifier.

[@virgil13stealthman]

These or the k550??

[@kor2b597]

Lachlanlikesathing just wondering what your thoughts are if using these headphones with a creative soundblasterx g5 amp on a ps4pro. Thank you

[@latinsnakeman]

hey there, great review for headphones! i want to know by your oppinion regarding the soundstage for ad700x vs this akg k612 pro. Please give a rating like maximum for soundstage is 10 for ad700x and 9 for akg k612 pro for example. Thank you in advance

[@JTCPingas]

+Aiman Adnan I can give you an opinion on the soundstage. I own the K612 PRO and I used to own an ATH-ADG1, which is identical to the AD700x, just with an integrated mic. The AD700x has a wider soundstage than the K612 PRO. However, the soundstage on the K612 PRO is more realistic. Because of this, the imaging is much more precise than on the AD700X.

[@peterngpl111]

+Aiman Adnan I have my AKG K612pro for a year. When I bought it at an audio shop, I had also tried Audio Technica AD1000X, a more advanced modell than the AD700X. The shop owner told me that the image produced by the AKG headphones is clearer and more solid, whereas the image of the musical instrument as produced by the AD1000x is a bit vague. When I tried the AKG 612Pro, I could really locate where a musical instrument located and the separation of the vocal sound from the instrument sound was excellent. With such a quality, I think AKG 612Pro should be good for both gaming and listening music, especially orchestra music.

[@janice0653]

Hello,thanks for the nice review, I just bought the AKG k612 pro. I am very satisfied with the quality of the sound. Just one question, when I use this headphone , from outside my friend can clearly hear all what I am listening . Did this happen to your AKG K612 pro too?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Jing Shao It's an open headphone, so this is to be expected!

[@antoniogrant8]

What's the best headphone in terms of warmth sound quality plus very noticeable sound stage as if your at a concert as oppose to two drivers being powered??? Any options

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Well obviously the king would be the AKG K1000, but for a realistic purchase I'd choose the MA900. Nothing will literally sound like a real life concert unless you get a binaural recording though.

[@NevxrBackDown]

Hey ***** I'm having a tough time deciding between these headphones: the K612 Pro, the Sennheiser HD 598, ATH M50X, Beyerdynamic DT 990 and the Fidelio X1. Could you please give me your opinion on the matter, it would be very much appreciated! Btw I'm particulalrly looking for a pair of cans under $250 with good sound stage and strong (or at least decent) bass. I'm really getting into CS GO atm so the sound stage/positional audio is imperative but I also love me some single player games and the occasional BF4 match or two not to mention my love for all things 90's to early 2000's rock and deep house and other types of house/edm etc. Thanks in advanced and great video as always :)

[@MrSchizotronic]

Hi, Great reviews you make, but i have to request a personal advise... :-) Right now i'm indecise between Sony MDR-1R and this ones (AKG K612 Pro). They will be feed by a Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2. Do you have any advise, pro / cons between the 2? Thanks in advance, JD

[@lachlanlikesathing]

MrSchizotronic They are completely different types of headphones. The K612 is a full size open headphone for home use only. The MDR-1R is a portable headphone that you can use outside. They also sound completely different, so its very hard to tell you which one suits you more! :0

[@MTheoOA]

anything but NOT the MDR-1R. If you bought these 4 years ago, should agree with me: this can sucks shit. Dark, no detail, artificial sounding, AND HARSH! How Sony could do a dark with aggressive tone in highs??? I can't even understand how. Bad imaging, strange bag of tone. The cans sounded Thin, because i think this signature with artificial soundstage does not work on closed cans. My fucking porta pros is better than this.

[@ogricsi]

Hi. I'm thinking between the AKG K612 Pro and Sony MDR-7506. Which one would be the best choise? I'm a bass player, I would like to use at home for studio working only for myself. The nice and clean bass sound and the medium frequency are the most important things.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Richard Séra I suspect that the 7506 won't be so comfortable over time, and if you can get away with it an open backed headphone might be a bit better for monitoring. I'd prolly go the K612 :)

[@ogricsi]

***** Ok. Thank you!

[@astroboy3507]

Any one please !!! I want pair of akg headphones I heard there good but I like base but not too much I like balance treble and bass. And love the look of the k550 but there a bit big ? What are the best all rounder akg for around 200 Aussie dollars !!?? Also that don't need an amp to run !!! Many replys will help me heaps please !!!!!! Tks

[@Leir0n]

These headphones vs the Nad Viso HP50? Btw I know that it's a closed vs open comparison, but I still want to know which one you prefer. I currently own the K550, but I might sell them in order to buy these or the Nad's.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

The K612 is more comfortable for home use, but the HP50 you can take outside the house.... K612 is more lean but they are both good all rounders. If it's home use I'd go for the K612. Might not be a huge step up from K550 though...

[@asetbalamir7968]

Akg k612 is a smooth sounding headphone!

[@m.g.i2480]

Nice Review, might just pick one up pretty soon ;) Guess i gotta see how i fairs against my MA900, X1 and Sennheiser HD598 my self, but hearing you review i assume its leaner then the other headphones, with more treble and better bass extension ;) And a 2Khz peak which could lead to nice reproduction of gun sounds, although that remains to be seen :)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Haha. Let us know how you go :D Should definitely be a more linear sound...

[@m.g.i2480]

***** Yep for sure, i will as soon as i had my time with them :)

[@NormanZealandMalana]

Based on charts, the response on these are more linear than K702's. I assume you've heard them both. Do you find this to be true? The removable cable is really appealing but a flat response is my primary goal. Thank you!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Norman Zealand Malana I have the K712, the K612 is a bit dryer and perhaps more linear (a bit less mid-bass), but it also sounds a little less clear to me.

[@NormanZealandMalana]

Im looking to train my ears for production. I guess what I really need to know is, which set is more reference-accurate. No place to audition these here in Manchester unfortunately, so I'll use the best opinions I can get to decide. Thanks!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I'd be happy to use either for reference. The Audio Technica R70x is good too!

[@NormanZealandMalana]

AT's split headband is a deal breaker for me. The fixed cable on the K612 is the only thing keeping me from biting the bullet. For the price difference the K612 and the K712 I could get a fiio e12 or a fiio e09k for my E17. Maybe I should just reinforce the cable with 10 meters of heat shrink :P

[@NoelJacobs]

How does the MA900 stack up to the HD598? thank you!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

They're actually similar. I'd go the MA900 just for comfort reasons.

[@enhanceish]

***** I had MA900 before but after I got K612 I sold the MA900 . To me the MA900 is less detailed than the K612 and the bass is a little loose for my taste also I feel the treble of MA900 is less controled than the K612 I hear more siblant on the MA900 . The MA900 is actually more comfort but I don't like the feeling of cloth earpad . When I first got the K612 I was blown away , the bass is so deep and tight , the mid is sweet and clear , the high is smooth with a liitle sparkle also less siblant than MA900 . Now I have two K612 , I just can't resist to buy a second pair at 135USD NEW :)

[@adminmovie]

Lach, do you prefer the 612pro over dt880pro ? far as I remember you really enjoyed 880pro too. what is the more refined headphone to your ears ?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Hmm it's hard to say. I didn't have both to directly compare. The DT880 struck me as ultimately more cleaner sounding with that high frequency spike, whereas the 612Pro is a little more grainy and textured. Both very linear sounding headphones. I guess in terms of value the K612 is the champ...

[@stevebrule6172]

Do these have more bass than the audio technica ath-ad700?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Steve Brule Should do! For your bass!

[@syn010110]

Is this a K601 refresh? :D

[@sameermana4267]

Any chance of reviewing Harmon kardon cl?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Maybe, but probably not anytime soon...

[@juntoe]

How does this compare to the Audio Technica ATH-700?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I would say the K612 is better technically with much better bass extension, though the AD700 is super comfortable. Mids are probably a little more relaxed on the AD...

[@collapse7164]

Finally some AKGs

[@SimplyAngelov]

Now on to the K712 and then K812. ;)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Teehee. Baby steps!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Do you own one? :0 I am definitely intrigued about the K712 after this review.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Right right. Well I'm definitely keen!

[@AbideinChristSealed]

I was thinking of pulling the plug on these for gaming. I want deep bass and quality mids and highs, and open air to pinpoint sounds in games. Your comment on the weak mids is making me say no. Any recommendation for the ultimate bassy open air phones?

[@koolin3613]

Philips Fidelio X1/X2

[@omriavr1514]

help pls... should i buy these or the audio technica ath-m50x? i hear almost all kinds of music and i would like good and strong bass other suggestions of headphones are welcomed

[@borisahsmann7190]

omri avr The M50X are closed headphones and these are open. If you are going to get a pair of headphones, you should probably decide wether you want a closed or an open pair first.

[@danieledward9657]

Do you preefer open or closed headphone,personally? Thx

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I prefer open because they are more comfortable, but then I like the bass on closed headphones. Hard to choose.

[@liujun050612]

Hi Lachlan, I just receive my akg k612 pro today because the price is declining. I purchased from amazon.com. I see it is made in China. Is there any difference between Chinese and Austraia Model? Will the sound quality change? Thanks.

[@ChillToMusic87]

He could not be bothered to answer your question.

[@AsianTaeHyun]

K702, K701, and K612 Pro. Which one, Lachlan?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I'm afraid I don't really know but I ordered a k712 and will be making a comparison!

[@Youngsta0]

***** I really enjoy my K712 Pros. I love how unforgiving they are.

[@migadepancito]

***** lachlan sempaiiii help, the dt990's are available for the same price as the k612's. My main points is the most natural sound with a guitar, I may have to explain, I don't like artificial sound, I like it natural but with some of, err how to say it, umm crispness, not smooth. I like how a guitar chord can test all of that. That is the sound quality I value comfort and sound stage a lot since I also game. Pls help lachlan or any fellow member of the cool kid lachlan community.

[@techroom6701]

AKG K612 pro Mode is Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZS3qa2Nj9Koq5Y

[@janice0653]

Thank you again!

[@adminmovie]

excellent review Lach, finally I can sleep well .. lol

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Haha I'm glad. Please tell me next time when a review keeps you up :s

[@xkashim88x]

hi lachlan im pc competitive player i need headphone for gaming(80%competitive 20%single player immersivity)i ve found your great channel and wanna ask you my problem.i m looking for gaming headphone with awesome soundstage and positional audio,without sacrifice so much immersivity and comfort,i m looking ad700x dt990 akg k612 hd598 akg k701,i have soundblaster z(600ohm amp) what s the best headphone for me?

[@shaned1500]

I was so close to getting those

[@lachlanlikesathing]

What stopped you?

[@shaned1500]

***** I decided to get the Ultrasone Dj1 Pro because I have 2 pairs of full size open back headphones but I didn't have a dj headphone at that time

[@shaned1500]

***** but maybe someday I'll get a pair

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Shane Dennis Definitely worth a recommendation!

[@shaned1500]

***** thanks

[@janice0653]

Thank you very much! So the semi-open headphone( k701) will not have this problem, right?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

The k701 is open as well :0 you really have to go closed to avoid leakage.

[@nawaz2kx]

I need headphones that have a warm sound, excellent soundstage with good level of bass.. I'm no audiophile so I don't think the K612 will be for me..

[@cavemann_]

I have had these headphones for 3 months and they broke twice already. I'm not even doing anything bad to them. It's ridiculous that I have to pay $150 for something that can't even last a few weeks. Thoroughly disappointed with the experience.

[@cavemann_]

Last time I repaired them was near the end of my warranty. Still thoroughly mad about it. But hey, I got a piano keyboard recently and they have been awesome. Perfect for classical music.

[@michaelhayes5316]

you might have alot of time in listening to headphones,,you should relisten to the 612 they are great and the price brings them home,sorry bro from downunder.mhh 32452

[@nhk403]

Kinky cable ;D

[@mrnomore]

comparing studio headphones to normal headphones is like comparing pizza and shoes. you should know better..

[@GLXLR]

YESssss

[@GLXLR]

Although Lachlan I don't really agree with you on the forward-ness of the sound. I think the Audiotechnica A900X is much more forward than the AKG. In fact, I find the forwardness on a similar level to the Sennheiser HD 600. Just my observations. Are there any particular tracks you think I should listen to?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

GLXLR I actually agree that the AT A series is very very forward, though I think the A series is more forward higher up in the high frequencies. I found the AKG could have a bit of blare with a track like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4ekqYiDqs2tb5o Again, it's always going to be also due to the mastering and everyone's ears are (literally) different, but it's something I noticed.

[@GLXLR]

***** Oh you're right that is really harsh on the AKGs. >_

[@lachlanlikesathing]

To be fair that track is harsh on many headphones but especially the AKG...

[@kevinsmith9337]

***** Odd that track isn't harsh or blaring at all on my K612 or K712.

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

hi!

[@michaelhayes5316]

I purchased these cans and don’t regret it at all!! Mhh32452

[@nawaz2kx]

Gaming mouse mat on a MAC XD