AKG K371 Review: Neutral Sound, Comfort Trade-offs
A Reddit user summed it up simply: “My favourite closed-back below $400.” The AKG K371 Wired Over-Ear Closed-Back Professional Headphones, Black have become a widely recommended choice for those seeking neutral, studio-relevant sound under $500, earning an average score around 8.5/10 from cross-platform reports.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent choice for neutral tuning and studio use, but pad comfort and cable design may frustrate some.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Harman target tuning with accurate, full-range sound | Thin stock pads cause ear-driver contact for some |
| Excellent sub-bass extension without boominess | Proprietary mini-XLR cable connection can be awkward |
| Lightweight, foldable, portable design | Faux leather headband may peel over time |
| Comes with three detachable cables | Isolation not adequate for loud environments like drum kits |
| Comfortable fit for most, even long sessions | Build feels less rugged compared to tank-like competitors |
| Solid value — rivals more costly models | Coiled cable heavy near connector; cables kink easily |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes “accurate, neutral sound and extended frequency response (5 Hz - 40 kHz)”. Digging deeper into user reports, this claim largely stands — multiple Sweetwater reviewers describe the sound as “very close to ‘flat’ straight out of the box,” with clarity extending into low frequencies. Reddit users consistently point out the smooth Harman sound signature, with one noting sub-bass that “extends further and louder than either the CAL or M50x, but then tightens up through the mid and high bass.”
Another claim is “unmatched long-wearing comfort”. Here reality gets mixed. Many buyers wear them for hours — one Sweetwater customer streams “12-14 hours a day” without discomfort. Yet, others report their ears touching the driver, creating pressure after a few hours. Pad depth seems to be the culprit, leading some to replace them with aftermarket Brainwavz or Dekoni pads.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Head-Fi, the tuning is the standout. The Harman curve approach delivers balanced tonality that appeals to casual listeners and professionals alike. Audiophiles emphasize the sub-bass shelf’s restraint and accuracy; Head-Fi’s reviewer described “very good low-end extension… rumble well present but always in control.” For musicians tracking bass-heavy instruments, that control matters — one Sweetwater buyer using 7-string guitars and 5-string basses praised the K371 for “getting clarity down in those lower frequencies.”
Portability and convenience also get strong marks. The foldable design with swiveling earcups makes them viable for mobile DJs, podcasters, or office use. A Reddit user mentioned they are “pretty easy to drive with a phone… portable, comfortable, easy to drive, decent isolation.”
The included accessories — three detachable cables (two straight, one coiled) and a pouch — are frequently cited as a practical win. As one Sweetwater customer put it: “If the cable is damaged, it can be replaced without replacing the entire unit… pretty sure I won’t ever go back to headphones without a detachable cable.”
Common Complaints
Comfort-related issues dominate here. Several remarks highlight the shallow ear pads. Sweetwater’s reviewer wore them “6-8 hours a day and… became uncomfortable within an hour” until swapping pads. Ears touching drivers is a recurring complaint, especially for larger ears.
Build quality skepticism surfaces in multiple places. The headband’s faux leather peeling and glued-on padding have raised durability concerns. One Trustpilot review noted peeling within a year despite gentle desk use. Early models around 2020 had folding mechanism failures, although reports suggest AKG addressed this in later production.
The proprietary mini-XLR cable connection irritates some. One Amazon buyer described constantly hitting their shoulder with the rigid connector when turning their head, worsened by hoodies.
Isolation performance also underwhelms for certain studio applications. Sweetwater reviewers caution against use for drumming or in loud tracking rooms due to click bleed — “you have to gain these up pretty hot to overcome outside noise.”
Divisive Features
Treble presentation, described as “slightly dark” by some Redditors, is considered pleasing for long sessions but leaves bright-sound lovers wanting more sparkle. Head-Fi reviewers wished for “a bit more upper treble and air.”
While the ultra-light build is praised for comfort, it is contrasted with competitors like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro’s “built like a tank” construction. Some professionals accept the trade-off in ruggedness for the portable, refined design, while touring engineers may not.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis found some review manipulation patterns, but still over 74% of feedback appeared reliable. The main long-term issue is wear on ear pads and headband — faux leather peel is documented after less than a year for some. The mini-XLR jack occasionally seizes, forcing cable replacement.
Yet, durability can be satisfactory with care. Several Reddit and Sweetwater users report year-plus heavy office or streaming use without component failure. Head-Fi’s detailed review suggests the build should “last well” aside from the headband’s finish.
Alternatives
Competitors frequently compared include the Audio-Technica M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro.
- Audio-Technica M50x: More V-shaped tuning, boosted highs. Reddit user: “The K371 does everything I was hoping the M50x would” — implying better balance and smoother treble.
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Brighter, more upper-treble presence, wider soundstage, but less accurate tonal balance. Sweetwater review calls K371 “full, rich, warm, accurate” in comparison.
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: Strong isolation, but tone skewed towards less bass extension. K371 offers more natural low-end for bass-heavy work.
Price & Value
Pricing hovers between $119 (B-stock or sale) and $149 new, with resale listings on eBay showing $119–$160 for open-box units. Considering Head-Fi’s verdict that “I can’t think of another closed-back… so maturely tuned… even a segment above,” many see it as unmatched at this range.
Buying tips from community members suggest watching for sales directly from AKG or reputable dealers, and factoring in pad upgrade costs if comfort becomes an issue. Resale value holds well given broad recommendation in audio forums.
FAQ
Q: How well do the AKG K371 isolate sound?
A: Adequate for moderate environments, but not suited for loud drum tracking. Several studio users note click bleed at moderate volumes.
Q: Are the cables standard?
A: No, they use a proprietary mini-XLR connection. While detachable, the fit can be awkward for some and limits compatibility without adapters.
Q: Is the tuning truly neutral?
A: It follows the Harman target very closely, delivering balanced sound with slight sub-bass emphasis and smooth treble. Some wish for more upper-treble.
Q: Do they work well straight from a phone?
A: Yes — at 32 ohm and 114 dB sensitivity, they are easy to drive from consumer devices, though benefit from clean amplification.
Q: Will they fit large ears?
A: Pad opening size covers most ears, but shallow depth means some larger ears may touch drivers, leading to discomfort over long sessions.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a producer, musician, or detail-oriented listener seeking Harman-curve neutrality, great sub-bass control, and portable design under $150. Avoid if high-isolation, rugged touring durability, or sparkling treble are your priorities. Pro tip from the community: pair them with aftermarket pads for improved comfort and soundstage.
