Everyone knows how capable AKG is when it comes to the studio/ monitoring headphones and how passionate they are about bringing in class and style to their extraordinary engineering. Among their vast contributions to the audio world is their K700 series- which has not only charmed the users with their excellent performance but is also responsible for the success behind several industry professionals and the growth of the budding producers. Before we proceed with our AKG K7XX Review, let us also understand a few other vital aspects relating to it.
What is AKG K7XX?
Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition is solid proof of their brilliant craftsmanship, technical competence, and their customer-centric approach. The K7XX is a modified version of the AKG’s 65th Anniversary reference headphones-K702. They have hit the market as a limited edition, which means that you will get them until their stocks last. It also means that they have some special features as a result of the alterations made to the original K702 that make this product an interesting one.
So What Makes Massdrop X AKG K7XX Red Edition So Popular?
Well, this reworked version of K702 is one of the most sought-after audio gears in the market at present when it comes to reference or monitor headphones. It has gained popularity because of its improved performance offered at a great value for money. The headphones will cost you around $200 or slightly more, depending on the current pricing. Now, while this price tag is in no way a cheaper option for many, but, if you consider or compare the original K7XX which came at around $400 or so, it is definitely a better one.
There are two different color choices available in this edition- one is a completely black version and the other is a black body with red accents. The Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition of course has caught more attention from consumers because of its trendy, attractive look.
The Association
In case you are wondering why and how ‘Massdrop’ is associated with K7XX headphones, then here’s a little insight on what this company does and how it came into the picture.
Massdrop is a store that has been around for some time now. The company has been founded with the aim of creating room for a wide selection of products in different fields, especially audio gears at great prices. The company gets associated with various reputed brands and makes group purchases – that is how they get these products at a much cheaper rate. Then taking into consideration the various customer feedback on what could have been better, or what was overdone in the original headphones, they re-modify them in the best possible way.
This is how the Massdrop X AKG K7XX is more desirable to the consumers than the original one. Additionally, with the drop in the price, they are open to a wider customer base. Even though they say that these reformed K7XX headphones are a limited edition, they have already sold-out thousands of these products. They have earned solid AKG K7XX reviews of this being a wonderful product with amazing design and fantastic acoustic performance.
The only downside here is that you need to wait for a longer time than you usually do when ordering the regular headphones online. But, believe it or not, the wait is surely worth it especially when you are getting a better product at a low price.
In the next section, we are going to do an expansive review on K7XX headphones (Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition) that will include AKG K7XX specs, their features, etc., and see what makes it so worthy.
AKG K7XX Review (Massdrop X AKG K7XX Red Edition): K7XX Headphones Design and Build, Sound Quality, AKG K7XX Specs, Price, Pros, and Cons
AKG’s offerings in the headphones industry are valuable and the K7XX headphones created a stir in the market, especially when it comes as a descendant of the legendary K702. The headphones aren’t extraordinarily luxurious or come with a premium banner on them. However, the Massdrop re-modification has made it extremely popular and much more reliable for professional as well as consumer uses.
Who are these headphones best suited for?
While there is no hard and fast rule that these headphones are geared for only a particular group or are sold to a specific category of people, there are a few groups who can benefit from these the most.
Sound engineers who work in studios and editing projects can take the advantage of these K7XX headphones. So if you are looking for a great pair of monitoring or reference headphones, they are for you.
With their neutral sound presentation, these headphones are great for critical listeners or anyone who loves an authentic sound without any changes or enhancements anywhere in the frequency range. The flat frequency doesn’t suit everyone’s taste of hearing, but to some who love every detail in the soundtrack thrown with high-level precision, they would love these headphones.
K7XX headphones are also great for people who do not want to spend a huge amount of money but need high-performing reference gear that will do the job accurately. These headphones are not quite travel-friendly because of their large, unfoldable design but are great if you are stationed at one place like a home or a studio setup.
What should you expect in the box?
You will not find the box loaded with a lot of accessories or extra parts. The package includes the K7XX headphones. Other than that only comes with what is essential to connect these headphones- the XLR cable that can be changed to minijack and a ⅛ inches to ¼ inches adapter plug.
Click here to know the price and get the Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition.
AKG K7XX Specs – AKG K7XX Review
| Connectivity Type | Wired |
| Audio cable | Single-sided audio cable – 9.8 feet |
| K7XX headphones Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 39800 Hz |
| Impedance | 62 Ohm |
| Sound Sensitivity | 105 dB |
| Driver Type | Varimotion dual-layer drivers |
| Max power output | 200 mW |
| Sound output | Stereo |
| Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition Controls | Volume buttons along the inline cable |
| Microphone | No |
| Noise cancelation | No |
| Weight | 235 g |
| Accompanying accessory | 3.5mm jack and 6.3 mm screw-on adapter |
AKG K7XX Review: Construction and Design of Massdrop X AKG K7XX Red Edition
Even though these K7XX headphones are upgraded by Massdrop, they uphold the same traditional design as the original K702 that AKG’s K700 series is well known for. Most of the headphone is constructed with high-quality plastic that keeps the headphone extremely light but doesn’t look cheap at all.
Since they have retained almost the actual K702 look, they carry large round ear cups that have an open-back design, just what is needed for a proper studio reference headphone. The suspended metallic frame integrated into the ear cups holds them together firmly. The metal used here is also extremely lightweight yet sturdy, so you will not feel the weight on your head at all. The entire headphone actually only weighs about 235 grams, which is quite up to the industry standard. The metallic addition also extends the overall durability of these audio gears.
Comfort
The massive discs have dense and soft ear padding made with memory foam on the inside and covered with velour fabric on the outside. Velour is well known for offering high-level comfort, and its porous nature allows the heat to pass through, preventing the ears or around it from getting heated or sweaty with long hours of use. The open-back design gives a professional-grade sound – more of which we will discuss in the next sub-head.
The headband is made with authentic leather that is flexible and is not supported by any plastic or metal structure underneath. This way, when you wear the headphones, they can easily bend and take the form of your head to prevent compression on the crown area. The headband is secured to the metal frame on the sides with rubber elasticated clips or grips. Honestly, most of it is self-adjusting, but this can be moved up or down to adjust according to the side of the head for maximum comfort. Other than that, this entire headband setup gives a classy look to these headphones.
A few AKG K7XX reviews state that the headband grips are a bit difficult to move. This may however depend a lot on the size of the head and the ears.
Changes
The only changes that have been made in the K7XX headphones when Massdrop came in alliance with AKG are the removal of the small bumpy projections on the underside of the headband, which its original lines had. This offers a plain strap for higher-level comfort because a lot of users mentioned that the bumps caused discomfort even though they were intended to give better grip and comfort.
Other than that, to further distinguish them from the rest of the lot, you will find the Massdrop logo printed on the inner side of the frame along with a unique serial number that is exclusive to this company. The headphones come with close to 10 feet long detachable cable that can be easily replaced if damaged.
Looks-wise, the K7XX headphones come with two different color schemes, unlike the original one that is black with silver accents. One is an all-black version that makes the headphones look extremely sleek and elegant- a perfect one for black lovers. The Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition however has attracted more demand for its look for a specific reason that most reference or monitoring headphones are usually found in single color or metallic finish at the max. It has a black body with ruby red accents that give the headphones an attractive and less serious look. The latter is great for those who find single color schemes a little boring.
AKG K7XX Review: Comfort, Fitting, and Convenience
Undoubtedly, K7XX headphones are unbelievably comfortable! As mentioned earlier, these headphones are made for studio use where comfort is one of the topmost priorities as these are worn for hours. Therefore, there is absolutely no change in the comfort department in the case of Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition or even the black one.
The clamping pressure of the headphones is just the right amount for the headphone to stay in place without hurting the ears. The large size of the ear cups cushions nicely around the ears, so you can wear them for several hours during the day. You cannot, however, use them outdoors because of their stereotypical open-air design, nor are they sports or fitness-oriented. If you prefer a tight sitting on the ears then you may get a bit conscious wearing this pair.
The earcups are huge and you cannot fold them or swivel them which makes it inconvenient for traveling. But, honestly, the headphone is not even meant for use anywhere other than a closed or silent space like that of a studio or home where it does a great job.
AKG K7XX Review: Sound Quality and Acoustic Performance
The K700 series has always been known to the world for the magnificent sound that every studio professional needs in order to achieve the best results. K7XX headphones are no less. In fact, the headphones have been further tweaked to overcome the shortcomings in that the users had specified for the K702 which has resulted in an even more powerful sound signature.
Most of the reference headphones offered by AKG have an extremely flat sound with slightly lighter on the treble- which makes them more suited for classical genres. The revised Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition on the other hand has been tuned for a wider range of suitability while still maintaining its neutral sonic presentation.
Frequency Response
The dedicated varmotion dual-diaphragm drivers are engineered to cover an extended frequency response of 10 Hz to 39,800 Hz with a sound sensitivity of 105 dB. This, combined with the open-back design, provides an amazingly large sound stage- probably the largest-in-class that you will see within this kind of price range. Despite the sound signature, the headphone deliver an amazingly powerful output, which is one of the notable attributes that K7XX headphones possess.
The accurate positioning of the drivers and wide stage ensures well-balanced and perfect stereo imaging. Other than making you feel closer to the audio source, it also delivers the perfect placement of the elements in the audio content for an immersive listening experience. So basically, no matter what genre you are listening to, classical or orchestral track, jazz or EDM, you will be able to clearly figure out different instruments like piano, drums, electronic, guitars, vocals, or any other instruments clearly. You might also want to check out the AKG K371 frequency response from here.
If we consider the tweaks in the frequency levels separately, Massdrop boasts of enhancing the bass response by 3 dB which is mainly responsible for the headphone’s energetic sound. While you can make out the bass presence clearly, it is not overwhelming, rather, it makes the sound quite warm. You should know that it is not just about the enhancement of the bass level for an extra punchiness or something. It is about a lot more fine-tuning than that in the bass department. There is a significant improvement in the texture in the low frequencies with improved accuracy and detailing.
The Bass
Most AKG K7XX reviews indicated that the bass is full-bodied with more depth now, some users did mention that the bass overshadows the mids a bit in bass-heavy tracks when the volume is turned up. You may not experience this in other soundtracks, though.
Nevertheless, cranking up the bass doesn’t mean the mids and the highs get completely suppressed. The K7XX headphones get a makeover in the mid-range treble as well. They have amplified the treble a bit using their own innovative flat-wire voice coil system which has surely made the cans sound better.
The mid-range is claimed to have been more balanced by the company. But a lot of expert AKG K7XX reviews state that there are a few dips and peaks in the mid-range that adds a little coloration to this segment, which is actually good. This has made the headphones more versatile. The vocal presence sounds more prominent and pleasing to the ears. Although this isn’t absolutely flat as the original model, the overall sound signature will make you want to listen more.
Pros and Cons of Massdrop X AKG K7XX Red Edition
When you are planning to buy good headphones, you are on the lookout for the perfect pair that will meet all the requirements in your checklist. K7XX headphones come with a huge list of positives, enough to convince the headphone seekers to go for it. But there are a few downsides that are worth making a note of, even though all the cons may not be applicable to you. The quick list of pros and cons below will give you an idea of whether you can adjust to some of its flaws or not. You might also want to take a look at our AKG P420 review from here.
Pros:
- Best-in-class wide sound stage that gives you a life like listening experience, making you feel like you are right near the source.
- Extends high-level comfort making it suitable for both home and studio use.
- You can wear them for several hours a day without hurting your ears thanks to their soft and plush cushioned ear cups.
- Extremely lightweight with absolutely no compression on the head.
- Natural soundscape offers stress-free hearing.
- One-sided detachable wire for convenient use.
- Great depth in bass with rich mid-range that makes vocals sound powerful.
- Fairly decent build quality that can go for years if maintained well.
- Mass drop tuning has made K7XX headphones more multifaceted.
- Good professional headphone at a decent price.
Cons:
- Made mostly out of plastic which doesn’t really look cheap but it doesn’t give the premium feel either.
- The earcups may be way too large for some- especially people with smaller head size.
- The boosted mid-range often makes the vocals way too prominent in case of vocal forward tracks.
- The adjustment grips of the headband could have been more flexible.
- Not travel friendly owing to the large design.
- Doesn’t come with a storage case so storing the headphones properly needs some additional effort.
- The waiting period of Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition is long.
Conclusion
Overall, the alliance of Massdrop and AKG has resulted in a wonderful product- a rejuvenated pair of K7XX headphones with a synergic design and truly impressive acoustic performance. While the fully black AKG K7XX edition is an elegant choice on its own, the Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition has won more hearts in the reference headphone’s design department with its edgy look.
At a price this low, you cannot expect these headphones to perform at the same level as the company’s forerunner headphones do. However, the modifications that have been made to this headphone have made AKG K7XX far more than just a pair of studio headphones. It is suitable to accommodate all types of needs whether it is for professional studio use, for home needs like enjoying casual music. The headphones are not bundled with extra accessories, nor do they bring in premium features, but what’s special about them is that they offer luxury in terms of comfort and audio quality. Also take a look at our AKG microphones P220 review from here.
So if you are wondering whether these headphones are worth the price, then yes! You will probably not find another one of this capability at $200.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Yes, absolutely! K7XX has a neutral frequency response with a slight boost in the bass and mids. It also has a really wide sound stage, and these attributes together make it great for listening to music for different genres. You may not get an extra emphasized bass here that can give you a booming feel but if you are good with neutral tonality, accurate placement of the components in a track for an immersive experience, you are definitely going to enjoy this pair of headphones.
Unfortunately, K7XX does not offer great passive noise isolation. Even though the headphone has large and dense ear pads, they are outfitted with velour or suede-like material which has below average noise reducing capability. Additionally, the headphone’s open-back design gives way for the sound to travel out or the environmental sound to get in. so, if you want to use these headphones effectively, you need a quiet room like a studio or a noise-free home environment.
Honestly, these are not really meant for gaming. Some of the most important things that gaming headsets demand are a good bass-heavy sound for a thrilling experience and a good microphone for in-game chatting. Both of these are not provided in this pair. K7XX headphones have a flat frequency response and should you need to use them for gaming, you will have to work on adjusting the EQ to get a boosted sound. Even then these headphones will not be able to deliver the satisfying result that gaming-oriented headphones can.
At present, the Massdrop x AKG K7XX Red Edition is available on the Massdrop official website, drop.com.