RANKING
50
Rank 50 out of 55 Summarized in this category
Rankings based on:
• Pros-to-cons ratio
• Number of reviews
• Category average
AKG
K371
around $149
i
All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.
Image source:
192 Pros
64%
16 reviews (2h 38m)
108 Cons
Mid-range closed-back studio over-ear headphones with neutral sound and excellent comfort....
57%
64 vs 49
Sound Quality
80%
8 vs 2
Features
61%
23 vs 15
Comfort
81%
25 vs 6
Connectivity
96%
24 vs 1
Design & Style
Reviewer verdict
Across 16 YouTube reviews, the AKG K371 earns a Summa score of 3.6/5, ranking #50 among Over-Ear Headphones. Reviewers most often praise its sound quality, connectivity, design & style, while the most common criticisms concern sound quality, build quality.
The AKG K371 is widely praised for its outstanding price-to-performance ratio, delivering a sound signature that closely follows the respected Harman target curve. This results in a broadly pleasing, natural tonality with deep, clean bass, excellent mid-range clarity for vocals, and smooth, non-fatiguing treble. Comfort is a key strength, with reviewers highlighting the lightweight, foldable design and soft, cushiony earpads suitable for long listening sessions. The headphones are also easy to drive from any source and come with a generous accessory bundle, including three detachable mini-XLR cables, a carrying pouch, and a 1/4" adapter, making them a top recommendation for a versatile, affordable closed-back headphone.
Despite its sonic strengths, the AKG K371 is hampered by reports of inconsistent build quality and quality control. The hinge and folding mechanism are common points of failure, with some reviewers experiencing looseness or breakage across multiple units. While many enjoy the sound, others find the significant bass shelf to be excessive, boomy, or unsuitable for professional studio monitoring. Comfort can also be an issue for some, with an initially tight clamping force and faux leather earpads that can get warm during extended use, detracting from an otherwise compelling package.
Analysis based on 16 YouTube reviews (2h 38m of video) with 192 pros and 108 cons extracted.
Pros (192)
Sound Quality (64)
- Good initial punchiness and impact on bass ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 5:35
- Generally flat bass with a sub-bass boost that follows Harman tuning (good for listeners who like that) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 1:19
- Can handle a lot of bass and volume without running out of headroom (low distortion implied) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 3:33
- Mid-range is excellent — clear, concise, and isolated vocals for a closed-back headphone ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 3:02
- Bass is deep, extends low, hits hard with good texture and layers; one of the cleaner bass implementations for a closed-back at this price ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 4:36
- Sound staging is surprisingly good for a closed-back and for the $100 price; spacious pill-shaped staging ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 6:04
- Tuning closely follows the Harman target curve (party trick) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 3:50
- Very strong/substantial bass shelf and extended sub-bass (good for bass lovers) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 4:48
- Non-fatiguing treble (not harsh) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 5:59
- Great sound for making beats and mixing — neutral, balanced sound signature (not bass- or treble-heavy) ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 1:29
- No noticeable sibilance and good high‑end extension ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 7:50
- Very impressive soundstage and positional cues for closed‑back headphones ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 8:20
- Excellent instrument separation, imaging, depth and width for the price ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 8:37
- Overall good upper mids performance ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 7:31
- Designed to be fairly accurate to the Harman curve, coming very close to the target response ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 0:13
- Pleasant to listen to for most people — good middle ground between bassy consumer phones and very neutral reference cans ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 1:47
- Good bass reproduction with depth and natural-sounding bass guitars that isn't overly bloated ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 3:19
- Mid-range is fairly flat and vocals are not overly veiled ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 4:13
- Tuned to the Harman target giving a natural, preferable tonality for most listeners ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 0:18
- Frequency response measures flat/neutral when compensated to the Harman 2018 target ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 3:02
- Very appropriate tonal balance out of the box; broadly pleasing to many listeners ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 3:22
- Bass extends evenly to 20 Hz with a Harman-style shelf around 100 Hz; clean, non-bloated bass ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 3:44
- Bass is well-articulated and very good for the price category ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 4:27
- Mids have good body and balanced, natural tonality (not forward or recessed) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 4:54
- Good resolution for the price; mids compare favorably to many closed-back peers ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 5:21
- Highs are smooth, warm-leaning and correct; only minor narrow peak ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 5:40
- Treble performance on par with ATH-M50x and competitive for closed-backs under $200 ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 6:11
- Soundstage width reasonable for a closed-back and wider than some competitors ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 6:24
- Good imaging and ability to locate sound direction ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 6:59
- Surprisingly good instrument separation, better than the DT 770 Pro in this reviewer’s view ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 7:13
- Bass is heavy-hitting and adds body (fun/energetic low end) ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:41
- Upper mids are slightly emphasized but not aggressive ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:54
- Lower treble is energetic yet not fatiguing; overall non-fatiguing pleasant sound ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 1:00
- Decent soundstage for a closed-back headphone ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 1:12
- Fun, bass-energetic presentation suitable for casual listening and everyday carry ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 1:25
- Good for gaming when isolation is desired (decent positional accuracy and immersion) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 11:24
- Frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz — wide frequency range for the price ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 3:20
- 50 mm drivers — good low-end response ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 3:39
- Clear mids and highs; overall clarity good for playback, mixing, monitoring and mastering ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 3:49
- Relaxed, crisp treble response with no sibilance or peakiness; natural and correct treble that’s fatigue-free for long listening sessions ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 3:21
- Almost perfect mid-range that lets vocals stand out without being overly forward ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 1:59
- Boosted bass shelf that makes many songs sound great and is fun for bass-oriented music ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 1:45
- Above-average soundstage and very good imaging for a closed-back headphone ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 9:19
- Excellent attack, sustain and decay; instruments placed very well ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 9:38
- Performs very well for gaming and film immersion despite being closed-back ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 9:46
- Works well across many genres, especially modern electronic, hip-hop and bass-heavy tracks ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 9:09
- Sounds good with a pretty balanced overall frequency response and presentation ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 3:55
- Sub-bass lift/extension that adds impact without overpowering mids ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:03
- Mid-range is fairly present (natural-sounding) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:07
- Top end has a touch of brightness to help detail and clarity ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:11
- Consumer- and audiophile-friendly tuning (well-balanced, forgiving, enjoyable) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 6:39
- Consistent performance across gear (reliable sound character) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 6:28
- Bass response is quite meaty, giving play and impact at the lower end which works great for electronic and hip-hop genres ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:10
- Driver appears to be metal-coated Mylar and decent size (~40–50mm) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 1:33
- Large drivers visible; good overall sound quality typical of AKG ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 2:37
- Wide frequency response (5–40,000 Hz) and good studio/balance for creators ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 4:17
- Very accurate mid-range, similar tuning to HD650 (natural sounding mids) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 4:00
- Doesn't require much EQ; sounds good out of the box for many genres ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 5:33
- Treble is easygoing and not overly bright; generally pleasant and warm ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 6:21
- Detail retrieval appropriate for the price; good value for detail in a $150 closed-back ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 7:20
- Good extension in treble, only slightly muted in the air region (>10kHz) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 8:01
- Impressive closed-back soundstage for the price and decent imaging ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 8:21
- Balanced sound signature with good, full low end ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 5:18
- Overall great sound quality — "sounded fantastic" ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 5:18
Connectivity (25)
- Comes with single-sided connector and two cables (short and long) ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:40
- Retains mini-XLR connector so it can be used wired, includes various cables and quarter-inch adapter ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 5:46
- Bluetooth 5 support; works for watching Netflix on Windows 10 over SBC with no noticeable lag ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 9:32
- Supports AAC (better on iOS); SBC also supported and can be acceptable for casual use ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 9:39
- Detachable cable with mini XLR and multiple cable options included ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 2:30
- Includes three cables (coiled, short, long) and a carrying bag plus screw-on 1/4" adapter ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 2:33
- Cables are acceptable for the price point and useful (nothing major to complain about) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 3:23
- Comes with three different cables, including a long ~10 ft cable and a travel cable; screw-in quarter-inch adapter included ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 2:28
- Comes with three cables (including detachable 3‑pin connector) and quarter‑inch adapter ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 0:23
- Includes a short 1.2m cable convenient for desktop/DAC use ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 0:50
- Secure detachable cable that doesn’t easily come out (professional feature) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 3:47
- Comes with three different cables (long, short for phone, coiled) and includes quarter-inch adapter — usable with phones and amps without needing a DAC/amp ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 5:40
- Not very amp dependent — fine to run from phone or laptop ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:23
- Low impedance (32 ohms) and high sensitivity so they are easy to drive without an amp ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 0:59
- No issues driving from PC/laptop; ample volume and good sound without amp ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 1:07
- Generous accessory bundle (3.5mm and two mini XLR cables of varying lengths, coiled cable, 1/4" adapter, carrying bag) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 1:24
- Comes with three different cable options (short, 10-ft long, and coiled long) ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:24
- Comes with multiple cables and a 1/4" adapter (detachable cable) — versatile connectivity (3.5mm and 1/4") ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 2:05
- Detachable cable with secure locking connector (press button to detach) — convenient and robust connection ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 6:10
- Detachable mini-XLR cable and included long coiled/straight cables (convenient lengths) ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 6:29
- Detachable cable with two included cables (coiled and straight) and adapters ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 3:08
- Comes with multiple cables (long and short) and adapter/XLR options ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 1:51
- Detachable cables (ten-foot and four-foot options) ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 4:31
- Comes with useful accessories: carrying bag and multiple cables (including a stretchy cord) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 3:24
- Secure detachable cable connection (clicks into place, won’t fall out) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 3:50
Design & Style (24)
- Detachable cable and folds for portability ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 0:45
- K371 BT retains the original design cues and many features ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 1:29
- Ear cups are largely the same shape and have deeper cups to accommodate electronics ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 2:57
- Includes same carrying pouch and USB charging cable ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 6:06
- Successor to the legendary K550 (heritage/lineage) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 0:14
- Foldable design — they fold up compactly ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 0:09
- Smooth, easy-to-adjust mechanism ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 2:19
- Attractive, simple aesthetic that blends in (not overly flashy) ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 3:54
- Comes with a carrying pouch and manuals ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 1:02
- Good adjustability and inward pivoting cups (useful for single‑ear monitoring/DJing) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 1:43
- Single-ear cup flip functionality (can put one ear cup up) is convenient ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 5:26
- Closed-back dynamic design intended for studio and audiophile use ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 0:53
- Solid build and compact, foldable, portable design ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 1:46
- Very portable, small, lightweight headphone ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:06
- Foldable design and comes with an AKG carrying bag — portable and easy to store ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 1:47
- Portable and compact with fold-up design; understated, elegant styling ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 7:00
- Includes a high-quality carrying bag for transport ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 11:33
- Includes carrying pouch and accessories ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 3:15
- Designed for studio use; looks quite fancy ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 0:05
- Good packaging and padded bag with ear pad protectors (keeps pads pristine) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 0:36
- Protective carrying pouch with soft interior ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 1:31
- Folds and packs well; studio-friendly feature set (detachable cables, case, etc.) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 13:05
- Attractive design (black and white) and perceived quality materials ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 3:00
- Foldable and closed-back studio design (stated earlier as reason for purchase) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 0:34
Comfort (23)
- Lightweight and very comfortable once headband breaks in ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 0:47
- Outer headband feels slightly softer and headband padding a bit more plush on BT ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 2:16
- Cup float to fit head snugly (same as original) ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 4:06
- Strong clamp/fit out of the box (breaks in and becomes comfortable) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 1:21
- Pads are generally comfortable and adequate in size (though could be deeper) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 1:32
- Adequate headband padding (improvement over K550) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 2:24
- Comfortable enough to be a usable daily driver (for some users) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 8:02
- Very comfortable on the ears with cushiony, memory-foam-like earpads ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 0:20
- Don't get too sweaty; earpad material feels smooth and cool ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 0:33
- Lightweight construction (comfortable for long wear) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 1:20
- Comfortable pads and headband (soft pads, padded top that’s easy to clean) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 2:22
- Very comfortable with memory foam pads and faux leather for long periods ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:35
- Comfortable fit despite relatively small size; ears fit inside cups ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:27
- Clamp force eases after break-in ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:40
- Very comfortable; can be worn for long extended periods ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:10
- Nice, lightweight, portable fit and comfort (no issues with fit) ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:35
- Thick, very comfortable ear cushions — comfortable for long sessions ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 7:03
- Very comfortable: deep oval cups, soft padding, headband doesn’t dig; can be listened to for hours ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 5:55
- Comfort is decent with plush ear pads, good for casual listening ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:24
- Comfortable padding / soft memory-foam-like ear pads ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 1:01
- Comfortable pads (though material may be leather/protein leather) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 11:15
- Comfortable for long wear; ear cups are very soft and cushiony ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 4:12
- Comfortable fit for seated use; not too tight ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 4:04
Value for Money (22)
- Strong recommendation: reviewer calls it their top recommendation for a $100 closed-back headphone ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:11
- Uncompromised sound for the price; checks major audio boxes ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 1:59
- Great overall value at $100 — reviewer ranks it top in its category ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 6:56
- Affordable price for the performance ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 0:03
- Well tuned sound signature and excellent technical ability for the price (original K371) ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 0:06
- If K371 BT sounded like original K371 and wasn’t broken it might work for some users ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 18:08
- Reasonably priced (mentioned $149.99 at release) ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 4:26
- Affordable price (~£120 / $125) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 0:08
- Affordable wired option and a good gateway into nicer audio compared to mainstream consumer headphones ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:56
- Affordable price ($149) for the performance ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 0:47
- Overall competitive technical performance, comfortable and portable build, excellent value ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 8:30
- Good value for money (retail ~$175, often found for ~$129) — recommended for the price ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 3:31
- Great price-to-performance ratio; strong recommendation at its price point ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 10:54
- Affordable price (around $120, can be found lower used/refurbished) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 0:16
- Reminiscent tuning of much more expensive closed-back headphones (good value) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:16
- Easy to upgrade from (clear upgrade paths to higher-end models) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 10:31
- Quality feels high for the price ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 3:22
- Affordable price ($149) for the feature set and sound quality ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 0:26
- Better overall than many common alternatives in this price range (reviewer's opinion) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 13:27
- Suitable as a reference/monitoring headphone for under $200 ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 14:24
- Mid-range price (~$150) — good value compared to higher-end monitors ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 1:12
- Overwhelmingly positive reviews (researched before purchase) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 1:52
Build Quality (19)
- Solid, flexible, lightweight build with no creaking or cracking ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:24
- Soft-touch but solid plastic construction with silicone headband and good swivel/pivot ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:33
- High-quality, easily removable ear pads ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:45
- Lightweight package that doesn’t creak or crack under stress ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 1:01
- Headband yokes still metal and folding mechanism retained ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 2:47
- Lightweight and substantial feel — don’t feel cheap; good build/look ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 1:52
- Good package and build feels stable with solid metal use (after initial QC issues were resolved) ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 4:43
- Pleather pads that appear durable and unlikely to flake quickly ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 1:56
- Lightweight at ~255 grams yet feels strong; adjustable arms slide and lock; self-adjusting to head ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 6:29
- Well-built, premium-feeling construction for the price; lightweight (~9 oz) and durable-feeling materials ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 6:56
- Weights added to balance out cable weight (keeps headphone feeling balanced) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 1:56
- Driver has tuning tissue and extra pads suggesting thoughtful tuning and possibly shared driver design ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 1:30
- Solid construction details: gimbal for ear-cup attachment, rubber grommet/stoppers to prevent rattles ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 3:29
- Glue blobs/damping inside to prevent rattling and absorb sound (build attention to detail) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 4:48
- Marked/paired drivers (A/B) and factory matching to even out impedance differences — shows manufacturing care ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 6:54
- Overall clear designer attention and higher-quality assembly (extra weights, damping, sealing) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 8:57
- Build looks beautiful and professionally made (metal/aluminum accents) ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 2:29
- Solid build quality, includes three cables and a bag ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 13:03
- Premium feel and build quality; feels like a premium product ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 2:51
Features (8)
- 32 ohm, 50mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers (good spec) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 0:26
- Efficient / easy to drive (32 ohms, 114 dB per mW); works well from phone (iPhone) without amp ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 1:07
- Left cup houses power switch, status LED and a microphone for calls ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 5:27
- Good for relaxed, laid-back listening or background music; easy to drive on low-power sources ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 6:23
- Easy to drive (32 ohm, 114 dB sensitivity) and can be used from phones to desktop amps ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 5:39
- Works well with a wide variety of sources and is not picky about amplification ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 6:08
- Good plug-and-play performance with phones and laptops ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 11:22
- Low impedance (32 ohms) so usable with many devices ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 0:47
Noise Cancellation (7)
- Fully closed-back isolation equal to active noise cancellation for blocking outside voices ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 1:36
- Decent isolation for closed‑back headphones ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 3:29
- Decent passive isolation ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:32
- Good isolation for a closed-back headphone and prevents leakage ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:46
- Does a decent job with isolation of outside noises (good for office or public transit) ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:15
- Closed-back design with no sound leakage — suitable for recording vocals and acoustic tracking ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 2:45
- Effective passive isolation despite no active noise cancellation — reduces outside noise while wearing ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 4:03
Cons (108)
Sound Quality (49)
- Treble response is not great — some missing frequencies and occasional plasticky or unresolved areas; timbre can sound slightly artificial at times ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 2:14
- Occasional upper female vocal harshness/extra heat on some tracks (inconsistent but present sometimes) ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 4:00
- Bass can soften on hard, deep sustained notes — driver loses some punch until it resets ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 5:37
- Not as open/wide/deep as comparable open-back headphones (e.g., SHP9600) — inherent limitation vs open-backs ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 6:31
- Not a headphone that will 'rock your socks off' with extreme sub-bass impact — while good, bass isn’t crazily heavy or earth-shaking ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 4:55
- Very large low-frequency shelf — bass is excessive which may be undesirable for some uses ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 4:48
- Massive dip (~17 dB) around 4 kHz causing recessed/very distant vocals and sucked-out mid-treble ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 5:15
- Overall frequency response makes headphone sound basic; lacks neutral/accurate midrange ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 5:00
- Limited detail, soundstage, imaging and separation compared to open-back alternatives at similar price ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 7:07
- Not particularly dynamic except in deep bass; lacks treble detail and extension ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 8:16
- Mid‑bass hump (exaggerated mid‑bass) — not very flat for studio/reference use ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 5:11
- Lower mids recessed/pushed back — midrange lacks presence for accurate studio monitoring ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 5:50
- Sub‑bass is cut off / lacks low‑end extension and rumble ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 6:45
- Some listeners (audiophiles) perceive them as having too much bass ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 1:02
- Not a lot of overall detail, especially in treble ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 4:24
- Can be a little harsh or sharp in the treble for sensitive listeners ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 4:30
- Too much inconsistency to trust for making mixes that will translate well across different playback systems ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 1:29
- Slight bump in sub-bass around 20–30 Hz (minor quirk) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 4:05
- Slightly grainy presentation in mids compared with some competitors (e.g., DT 770 Pro, ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic models) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 5:31
- Very subtle narrow peak around 8.5 kHz that can make inherently bright tracks sound sharper ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 5:56
- Not the most impressive soundstage for a closed-back; narrower than some (e.g., DT 770 Pro) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 6:24
- Dynamics lack punch/slam and physical impact compared to some rivals ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 7:30
- Bass is over-exaggerated, lacking refinement; can get slushy and muddy ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:45
- Upper bass bleeds into lower mids, adding unwanted body ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 0:46
- Mids lack the main/core area of music reproduction; sounded recessed, thin, and hollow ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 1:59
- Treble is rolled off and lacks extension and air ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 2:12
- Detail retrieval and resolution are poor (lackluster), especially for professional/studio use ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 2:14
- Not accurate, neutral, natural, or suitable as a professional studio reference ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 2:31
- Soundstage lacks some depth; layering can get confused on busy/thicker tracks ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 1:12
- Not suitable for critical listening or studio work; recommended only for casual/background listening ▶ AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Tar @ 3:15
- Elevated bass/sub-bass shelf can be polarizing and sometimes sounds muddy, boomy or bloomy on certain tracks ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 0:45
- Boosted sub-bass can occasionally get in the way of the mid-range and spoil clarity ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 1:50
- On some songs the bass is laughably boomy, causing skipping to the next song ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 1:34
- Sometimes a bit too smooth or glossy in timbre — can lack sparkle/air and feel slightly glossed over ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 3:01
- Closed-back soundstage won’t match open-back models (k702/k712) for ultimate spaciousness ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 9:23
- Sub-bass emphasis means some listeners may prefer to EQ down the sub-bass by ~2–3 dB for a more ideal signature ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 11:26
- Not as detailed or fast in impact as higher-end flagship closed-backs ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:32
- Sometimes the mid-range can be a bit recessed ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:07
- Top end has just a touch of brightness (may be slightly bright for some) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 4:11
- Less detail compared to true higher-end upgrades (e.g., Ether CX) ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 9:56
- The bass shelf from 20 Hz to 100 Hz can be polarizing, sometimes making tracks sound boomy and unbalanced ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:15
- Bass boost holds them back from being truly neutral studio monitors (limits suitability for professional/neutral monitoring) ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:35
- Noticeable sub-bass bump (shelf starts very low around 50–60Hz) which is seal-dependent ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 1:46
- Sub-bass boost can change with glasses/fit; seal sensitivity may alter bass response ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 2:46
- Upper-mids can be a bit aggressive (around 3.5 kHz) for some listeners ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 4:15
- May feel slightly warm/lean in treble; air above 10 kHz is a bit muted (less sparkle) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 8:03
- Not the most detailed treble compared to higher-end open headphones (limits due to price/closed-back) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 7:20
- Soundstage is good for a closed back but not exemplary; slightly narrower than K553 and some open models ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 9:37
- Some harmonic distortion perceived in bass (slight coloration) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 12:39
Build Quality (24)
- Headphones creak (hinges/movement), and creak can transmit into ear cups ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 4:06
- History of build quality and QC issues with original K371 (headband folding mechanism looseness) raises durability concerns ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 11:53
- Reviewer received a faulty K371 BT with channel imbalance and inconsistent sound (much warmer/muddier than original) ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 14:49
- Measured unit is clearly broken (channel imbalance, more bass on one side, left channel shouty) ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 16:49
- Build quality and QC issues across units; reviewer went through multiple pairs ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 0:29
- Hinges/earcup attachment can fail (one hinge fell off on first pair) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 0:50
- Adjustment mechanism is inconsistent—can catch, be hard to adjust, or become loose and slip ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 0:59
- Mechanism feels potentially fragile and not durable compared to K550 ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 1:11
- Inconsistencies in assembly (earcups mounted slightly off-center, visible manufacturing variances) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 1:55
- Overall build not up to expected standard for the $150 price point (not as solid as K550) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 3:36
- A protruding piece on the headband/hinge sticks out quite a bit and is annoying (too large, about the size of a pinky) ▶ Review on AKG K371 @ 0:46
- Plastic construction can produce plasticky noises and feels less premium ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 4:18
- Had quality control (build) issues at launch — hinges were a common problem (though later improved) ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 4:55
- Coiled cable tends to curl and touch the neck (annoying in use) ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:01
- Extension mechanism doesn't lock tightly and may get loose over time ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:05
- Inner headband rubber appears glued and may peel over time ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:12
- Initial concern about lightweight build potentially being fragile if dropped (though reviewer found them strong) ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 6:38
- Ear cups do not rotate both ways (limiting some rotation orientation) ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 7:39
- Ear cup connectors feel a bit flimsy ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:26
- Some fasteners are hidden under parts making repairability lower (harder to access screws) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 5:51
- Use of glue/sealing inside may complicate repairs despite being for a good reason ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 6:25
- Opening certain parts requires prying/cutting which risks damage and is not user-friendly for repairs ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 2:39
- Some plastic parts feel a bit fragile; may break if bent too wide ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 3:56
- Reviewer personally prefers the longer cable over the shorter retractable one ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 2:17
Comfort (15)
- Earpads can get a bit hot and cause sweating during long use or in hot rooms (typical of closed-backs) ▶ $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 @ 0:53
- BT version is 36 g heavier (293 g vs 257 g), noticeable increase ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 1:56
- Ear pads are shallower and less plush than original, reducing long-term comfort and internal room for ears ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 3:08
- Ear pads reduced depth to compensate for cup depth—disappointing change vs original ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 3:28
- Pads compressed from packaging and take time to decompress/break in ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 1:43
- Comfort deteriorates relative to some alternatives for long sessions (DT 880 felt more comfortable after hours) ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 7:46
- Pads have little give—may press on ears or drivers for large heads or glasses wearers ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 2:31
- Clamp force is a bit too strong for professional use (can be uncomfortable and require readjustment) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 2:47
- Ear pads (faux leather) can get warm over long listening sessions ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 6:48
- Clamp force is a bit tight out of the box (though eases after a day or two) ▶ AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? @ 2:38
- May need slight positioning adjustments over time as ear cups can start to push into the backs of your ears ▶ AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! @ 6:23
- Out-of-the-box clamp is strong; requires break-in or gentle stretching to reduce clamping force ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 10:29
- Leather/protein-leather pads can get clammy in warm environments; no velour pad option available (at time of review) ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 11:19
- Clamp/fit can partially break the seal for some head shapes or thick-rimmed glasses, affecting bass ▶ AKG K371 Sound Review @ 12:00
- Doesn’t fit super tight (may be too loose for active/moving use) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 4:04
Connectivity (6)
- 4-pin mini XLR used instead of 3-pin, breaking compatibility with many existing AKG mini-XLR cables ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 6:18
- Unclear whether new connector supports balanced wiring; compatibility and custom cable availability concerns ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 6:30
- Uses microUSB for charging instead of USB-C (in 2020), seen as a misstep and potential deal breaker for some ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 7:51
- Bluetooth codec support limited to SBC and AAC only; no aptX/aptX HD/LDAC and no companion app ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 9:39
- No multi-device Bluetooth connectivity ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 11:02
- Cannot stay connected wired and Bluetooth simultaneously (e.g., wired to PC and Bluetooth to phone for calls) ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 11:27
Value for Money (6)
- Marketing as a 'professional' headphone is misleading; reviewer considers it unsuitable for studio/pro use ▶ K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent @ 4:10
- Not a true studio headphone according to reviewer — midrange issues mean reviewer cannot recommend for pro studio work ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 9:24
- Overall not recommended by reviewer despite being a decent addition to AKG lineup (price/tonality tradeoff) ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 10:09
- Marketed as studio headphones but not suitable for professional studio monitoring — inconsistent for mix translation ▶ Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 @ 1:11
- Price is relatively high ($460 mentioned) ▶ AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) @ 3:19
- Not prominently featured in some retailer searches (required extra searching) ▶ AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review @ 1:37
Noise Cancellation (4)
- Oval‑shaped cups may not fully seal for best isolation for some users ▶ AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By Tot @ 2:10
- No active noise cancellation ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 4:01
- If you don't need isolation, open-back headphones can be better for gaming ▶ AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! @ 11:28
- Noise isolation could be better ▶ BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) @ 4:28
Features (2)
- Touchpad controls on left cup are hit-or-miss and frustrating compared to physical controls ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 4:56
- Overall feature set considered mediocre; combined gripes make the BT model a disappointment ▶ AKG K371 BT - So disappointing @ 17:37
Microphone Quality (1)
- No built-in microphone — not intended for gaming/phone use ▶ AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING @ 5:31
Design & Style (1)
- Unnecessary plastic protectors over ear pads (wasteful) ▶ Taking a look inside the AKG K371 @ 0:46
Review sources
- AKG K371 Review - Closed-back benchmark headphone for 2020? by The Headphone Show — 23 pros, 8 cons
- AKG K371 BT - So disappointing by Wheezy Tech — 13 pros, 15 cons
- AKG K371 Sound Review by metal571 — 17 pros, 10 cons
- K371 REVIEW - ALMOST Excellent by DMS — 12 pros, 14 cons
- AKG K371 review - Affordable studio-grade headphones? By TotallydubbedHD by TotallydubbedHD — 13 pros, 9 cons
- AKG K371 Review: Is The Harman Response Worth It?! by Home Studio Basics — 14 pros, 8 cons
- $100 Closed Back Headphone Champs! AKG K361 by Joshua Valour — 14 pros, 6 cons
- Why everyone is buying the AKG K371 11 pros, 8 cons
- AKG K371 - Exceeding Expectations! by Oak Forest Audio — 14 pros, 5 cons
- AKG K371- Honest Audiophile Impressions about the Harman Target Curve tuned Pro Studio headphone by the Honest Audiophile — 10 pros, 8 cons
- AKG K371 review for mixing and mastering THAT SOUND AMAZING 11 pros, 3 cons
- Taking a look inside the AKG K371 by Custom Cans — 9 pros, 4 cons
- AKG K371 Unboxing and Brief Thought Review 11 pros, 2 cons
- AKG K371 Studio Headphones (Review) by DoseReviews — 9 pros, 3 cons
- Review on AKG K371 9 pros, 1 cons
- BEST Studio Headphones Tier List (2025 Edition) by 10BestOnes — 2 pros, 4 cons
Frequently asked questions
Is the AKG K371 worth buying?
Based on 16 independent YouTube reviews, the AKG K371 scores 3.6/5 with 192 positive and 108 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #50 in the Over-Ear Headphones category.
What do reviewers like most about the AKG K371?
The most praised aspects are sound quality, connectivity, design & style — Sound Quality (64 mentions), Connectivity (25 mentions), Design & Style (24 mentions).
What are the most common complaints about the AKG K371?
Reviewers most frequently criticize sound quality, build quality — Sound Quality (49 mentions), Build Quality (24 mentions).
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