AKG K702
Score: 77/100
Audio-Technica ATH-R50X
Score: 76/100Rankings
The AKG K702 is an open-back, over-ear reference headphone with a 45 mm driver and an expansive 10-39.8 kHz frequency response, delivering neutral and detailed soundstage. Its open design provides no isolation and the weight can be heavier than advertised, limiting use outside quiet studios. Ideal for critical listening and mixing in controlled environments.
The ATH-R50x offers a lightweight open-back design with strong bass and comfortable wear, making it suitable for critical listening in quiet environments. However, its pronounced treble peak and lack of isolation limit its use in noisy settings. Best for studio professionals and audiophiles who prioritize soundstage over isolation.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
45 mmbest | 45 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 235 g | 207 gbest |
62 Ωbest | 50 Ω | |
105 dB SPLbest | 93.3 dB SPL |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Frequency Response | 10-39800 Hz | 5-40000 |
Impedance (Ω) | 62 Ω | 50 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 105 dB SPL | 93.3 dB SPL |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 235 g | 207 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 212x199x113 mm mm | 199.9x169.9x101.6 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the K702 for its comfort, neutral tonal balance and expansive soundstage, noting the flat-wire coil and Varimotion diaphragm provide linear performance. However, they criticize the lack of isolation, light clamping force and the fact that real-world weight exceeds the advertised spec, which can be a drawback for non-studio use.
Everyday users love the immersive, airy soundstage and the long-lasting comfort of the velour pads, often highlighting the detachable cable and replaceable pads as practical benefits. Common complaints revolve around the open-back leakage, heavier-than-advertised weight and the absence of isolation, making the headphones less suitable for noisy or shared environments.
Professional reviewers commend the ATH-R50x for its lightweight comfort, strong bass for an open-back design, accurate midrange, and easy driveability at 50 Ω, noting its natural soundstage and precise transients make it a solid reference tool. However, they point out a pronounced treble peak between 6 kHz and 10 kHz that can sound harsh, and the inherent sound leakage of the open-back architecture limits its use in noisy settings.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for comfort and spacious sound, especially appreciating the bass punch and value for studio use. Recurring criticisms focus on the sharp treble in the upper mids/highs and the lack of isolation, which can cause fatigue and disturb others in shared spaces.
“Open-back leakage and zero isolation frustrate users in shared spaces”
“Actual weight often exceeds official 235 g spec (up to 300 g without cable)”
“good clarity from the 4 kHz peak but criticizes the 6-10 kHz 10 dB peak for sharpness”
