AKG K702
Score: 77/100
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Black
Score: 70/100Rankings
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 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 80 Ω is an open-back, over-ear studio monitor headphone delivering a spacious soundstage and high comfort for critical listening. Its main drawbacks are the need for a strong amplifier, non-detachable cable, and lack of isolation, making it best suited for studio environments where amp power and quiet surroundings are available.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
45 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 235 gbest | 340 g |
62 Ω | 80 Ωbest | |
105 dB SPLbest | 96 dB SPL |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Impedance (Ω) | 62 Ω | 80 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 105 dB SPL | 96 dB SPL |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 235 g | 340 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 212x199x113 mm mm | 231 x 119 x 221 mm mm |
Ear Cushion Material | 3D-foam | velour |
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 consistently praise the DT 990 Pro for its reduced diaphragm mass that yields an exceptional impulse response, a wide soundstage and precise imaging that are ideal for critical mixing and mastering, and a rugged, replaceable-part construction. They also note the bright, V-shaped tuning and the necessity of a high-gain amplifier, while the open-back design is flagged as a limitation for isolation.
Everyday users love the comfort, solid build, and expansive soundstage that make long gaming or listening sessions enjoyable, but they frequently lament the need for a dedicated amp, the non-detachable cable on older models, and the bright treble that can become fatiguing. The open-back leakage is also a recurring point of dissatisfaction in noisy environments.
“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)”
“Exceptional comfort with plush velour ear pads and lightweight build (≈250 g) suitable for long listening sessions.”
