AKG K371

The technical offer of these headphones is matched by their good looks. The titanium-coated drivers start with a diameter of 50 millimetres and an OFC voice coil (oxygen-free copper). A frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz and 114 dB sensitivity (SPL/V) at 32 Ohm impedance are also promising.

Appearance

As with the 2x series, AKG is also breaking new ground in the design of this “Three” series. The joy of innovation goes a little further here, because everything about these headphones is well rounded. Apart from the mini XLR socket for receiving the connection cable on the left ear pad, there is not a single hard edge to be found. In combination with the anthracite housing, this looks pretty slick and very modern. Another unusual feature is that the ear pads can be folded inwards by 180 degrees along the adjustment axis, for transportation. The K371 can be conveniently stored in the carrying bag supplied, which looks great with its fabric finish and soft fleece lining. The choice of materials also makes a high-quality impression, as the axle on the ear-pods is made of robust magnesite and conveys an excellent feel. Whether you put them in the bag or not (in the case of the K371 Three) the supplied connection cables (two straight at 3 and 1.2 metres respectively and a spiral cable of 3 metres) and mini jack adapter gets a thumb up from me. With this luxurious equipment, it should be possible to cope with almost any application scenario, and the fact that AKG uses the mini-XLR standard for the socket also allows the use of standard accessory cables. All in all, very good.

Wearing comfort

In view of the closed style of the earpieces, which is always somewhat more uncomfortable than open systems due to its design (the key consideration here is heat accumulation), I would still rate them as excellent in terms of wearing comfort. The headband lies pleasantly soft over the skull and the ear pads sit securely and with very even pressure distribution over the ears. The high level of comfort is also due to the oval shape because even large ears fit completely into the earpiece and no part of the ear is pushed out.

Sound

It’s amazing, but these headphones simply sound exactly as they look: Absolutely seamless! The whole is totally balanced over the entire listening range. For some people, this might be lacking spectacle and emotion. And it’s true: If you are looking for an impressive staging of music, this is not the place for you, because the K371 doesn’t have silvery heights or low-frequency bass bins. They simply play music – neutral, unadulterated and accurate. Maybe a little bit one-dimensional, but even the stereo field is neutral and objective. With this exemplary unobtrusiveness and the pleasant wearing characteristics, the K371 is particularly recommended for professionals work with music – be it in the recording studio, the editing suite or in the control room. The only thing you have to pay attention to is that your ears are in the “sweet spot” because the ears have a lot of space under the headphone cushions.