AKG K371 Headphones Review: Great Sound, Mixed Durability
Few closed-back studio headphones under $200 stir as much discussion as the AKG K371 Wired Over-Ear Closed-Back Professional Headphones—with consistent praise for their tuning but lingering questions about build longevity. Across hundreds of community posts and verified buyer reviews, the K371 sits at a solid 8.7/10 overall for sound quality, comfort, and portability, but drops points for certain design quirks and occasional durability issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent sound and comfort for studio monitoring and casual listening, but consider aftermarket pads and handle with care.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural, balanced tuning with extended bass response | Stock pads may be too thin for some ears, causing discomfort |
| Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions | Proprietary mini-XLR cable connection can be awkward and limit replacements |
| Comes with three detachable cables for flexibility | Reports of headband or folding hinge failures over time |
| Folds compactly for travel and mobile use | Isolation is decent but not enough for loud environments |
| Strong value below $200 | Faux leather earpad covering can peel with wear |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing material for the K371 touts “accurate, neutral sound” with a massive 5Hz–40kHz frequency range, ultra-light build at 255g, and “unmatched long-wearing comfort.” While this reference-curve claim holds up for most listeners, Reddit user u/raistlin65 confirmed: “They have a very neutral presentation with some emphasized sub bass. Very good at resolving detail… easy to drive with a phone.”
However, the promise of “superior isolation” draws a more mixed consensus. Sweetwater buyers note that, “Isolation isn’t the best… you’ll have to be careful of click bleed with vocalists”, suggesting that the K371’s oval earcups seal well for casual listening, but not for high-volume tracking in noisy environments.
Comfort claims mostly align with reality: wearing them for hours is feasible thanks to their light weight, as multiple community members report sessions of four hours or more without strain. Yet some find stock pads problematic—flattening quickly or touching the driver. One Sweetwater reviewer said, “My ears touched the drivers… pad swap really opened up these headphones.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Perhaps the strongest consensus is on the K371’s tuning. Many listeners describe it as “natural” and “non-fatiguing,” especially for a closed-back design under $200. A Reddit poster comparing to open-back Sennheiser HD660S wrote: “AKGs have more sub bass… they’re the easiest recommendation for a closed back in this price range without the need to EQ.” Studio engineers appreciate how mixes translate well from these headphones to monitors, a claim bolstered by Sweetwater buyers who say they’re “perfect for tracking—neutral and spacious, with no hype.”
Comfort is also a standout when the fit is right. The featherweight build, adjustable calibrated headband, and plush earcups prompted one verified buyer to wear them 12–14 hours while streaming: “They’re comfortable enough to not need to take them off like my Corsair headphones did.”
The inclusion of three detachable cables—short straight, long straight, and coiled—is universally welcomed, allowing adaptation for desk use, portable gear, or studio connectors without buying extras.
Common Complaints
Two issues surface repeatedly: pad quality and proprietary cable design. The stock pads, while soft, are thin enough for ears to touch the drivers, especially for listeners with larger ears. This affects both comfort and bass seal. Glasses wearers on Reddit report a “noticeable dulling of bass” when the fit is disrupted. Many swap to aftermarket pads such as Brainwavz angled sheepskins for improved seal, comfort, and even perceived stage.
The mini-XLR connection for the cables is polarizing. While sturdy, its protrusion can jab a shoulder when turning the head, and compatible replacements aren’t widely available or can be expensive. As one Sweetwater buyer put it: “Every time I turn my head to the left it hits my shoulder… hard to find low-profile connectors.”
Durability is another concern. Instances of headbands snapping after light handling and faux leather peeling within a year are reported. A Redditor recounted returning units twice due to cable jack failures.
Divisive Features
Isolation is divisive: for solo listening or mixing in quiet rooms, most find it adequate, but tracking drums or vocals next to loud sources reveals its limits. One Sweetwater review rated them 4/5 solely because “isolation isn’t the best… wouldn’t recommend for tracking drums.”
Soundstage draws mixed reactions. Some praise it as spacious “for a closed-back,” while others compare unfavorably to older AKG models like the K550 in imaging and stereo separation. This difference often comes down to intended use—gamers and film editors desiring immersion may prefer alternatives, whereas mix engineers value the flatter signature.
Trust & Reliability
On Trustpilot and Sweetwater, early-batch build issues such as folding hinge fractures surfaced, though later buyers report fewer incidents, suggesting some improvements. Still, the anecdotal records of snapping headbands and seized cable connectors show longevity isn’t guaranteed. Fakespot analysis flags potentially low-quality review content on Amazon with about 74% deemed reliable, reminding buyers to vet sources.
Long-term Reddit reports are split: some have used K371 daily for years without issues, while others experienced pad wear and mechanical faults within months. For buyers who travel or fold/unfold them frequently, handling with care is advised.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned most often are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and Sennheiser HD 280. The DT 770 offers more “fun” bass thump but strays from the neutral tuning. The M50x is also V-shaped, with heightened highs and lows that some find fatiguing. Compared to these, the K371 garners praise for accuracy and warmth. One Sweetwater reviewer stated: “The DT 770 and M50x are nowhere near being flat… the K371 dominates the competition when accuracy matters.”
Open-back comparisons include the Sennheiser HD660S and HD600, which excel in imaging but can’t block external noise—critical for recording sessions or mobile work.
Price & Value
Prices vary from around $119 in open-box condition (eBay) to $149–$199 new from major retailers, with periodic sales under $140. Community consensus is that sub-$150 pricing represents strong value for their sound quality and accessories. Resale remains healthy, especially with intact cables and pads, making used purchases viable if inspected.
Buying tips from Reddit include watching for sales and considering aftermarket pads in budget planning. One Redditor noted scoring theirs secondhand for $60: “Best impulsive eBay purchase I’ve made.”
FAQ
Q: Are the AKG K371 good for mixing?
A: They’re accurate enough for casual mixing, but some engineers prefer AKG’s K553 MKII for a flatter response. Pad swaps can improve imaging and treble resolution for critical work.
Q: How is the bass on the K371?
A: Sub-bass extension is strong without muddiness, appealing to bass-focused genres. Fit quality impacts bass performance—poor seal (e.g., with glasses) can reduce impact.
Q: Can the K371 be used with mobile devices?
A: Yes, their 32-ohm impedance and high sensitivity make them easy to drive from phones or laptops without an amp, though audio interfaces can refine quality.
Q: What’s in the box?
A: Three cables (1.2m straight, 3m straight, 3m coiled), 3.5mm–6.5mm adapter, and a soft carrying pouch. The detachable cables use mini-XLR connectors.
Q: How portable are they?
A: Their folding design and light weight make them travel-friendly. They fit in the included pouch, but build fragility means careful packing is advised.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a musician, engineer, or listener seeking neutral, comfortable closed-backs under $200, especially for studio monitoring or editing on-the-go. Avoid if maximum isolation or rugged cable design is essential. Pro tip from community: budget for quality aftermarket pads—the upgraded comfort and seal elevate the K371 from “great” to “exceptional.”
