AKG K702
Score: 77/100
Sennheiser HD 560 S
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Sennheiser HD 560S are open-back, over-ear headphones delivering a neutral, linear sound signature ideal for critical listening. Their open design leaks sound and they need an amp for full volume, limiting portability. Perfect for studio engineers and audiophiles seeking an affordable reference headphone.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
45 mmbest | 38 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 235 gbest | 240 g |
62 Ω | 120 Ωbest | |
105 dB SPL | 110 dB SPLbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(4) | ||
Frequency Response | 10-39800 Hz | 6-38000 |
Driver Size (mm) | 45 mm | 38 mm |
Impedance (Ω) | 62 Ω | 120 Ω |
Sensitivity (dB SPL) | 105 dB SPL | 110 dB SPL |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 235 g | 240 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 212x199x113 mm mm | 89×115×48 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 commend the HD 560S for its honest, linear tuning that excels in A/B comparisons and critical studio work, noting its deep yet controlled bass, brilliant treble, ultra-low distortion, and fatigue-free comfort, while also pointing out the open-back leakage, need for an amp to reach full volume, and the non-folding bulk as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight comfort, neutral sound without bass bloat, and spacious open soundstage, especially when paired with a portable amp, but they commonly complain about the need for an amp for adequate volume, sound leakage, and the bulky, non-folding design that requires a larger case.
“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)”
“Extremely comfortable/lightweight, neutral sound without bass bloat or distortion, spacious open sound, works well with amps (e.g., JM6 portable).”
