K872

Released September 2016

The K872 are AKG's flagship closed-back reference headphones for tracking, mixing, mastering and live sound, with 53 mm drivers developed from the open-back K812's.

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: –
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: 390 g

Over-ear

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the K872 brings AKG's open-back sound to a closed design, detailed and spacious for a closed-back with clean, precise bass, and is comfortable, isolating and easy to drive. Sound On Sound found it voiced slightly bright and very expensive; Headfonics found it smoother than the K812 but regrets the proprietary cable and lack of a balanced option.

From soundonsound.com and headfonics.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Driver size: 53 mm
Back: Closed
Impedance: 36 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
Drivers: Dynamic, 53 mm with 1.5 tesla magnet systems and two-layer copper-covered aluminium voice coils; 5 – 54,000 Hz; 112 dB SPL/V; maximum input power 300 mW

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): No battery (wired)

Design

Weight: 390 g
Headphone cable: Yes
Fit and ear tips: Over-ear, closed-back; open-mesh self-adjusting headband with a quick-lock mechanism; 3D-shaped slow-retention foam ear pads, replaceable; metal cardan hinges; doesn't fold
Works with: Detachable 3 m cable with a gold-plated 3.5 mm plug and a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter
Colours: Black
In the box: K872 headphones, detachable 3 m cable, carrying case and stand

Pros and cons

Pros

53 mm drivers with 1.5 tesla magnets; 5 Hz to 54 kHz
36-ohm impedance and 112 dB SPL/V sensitivity are easy to drive
Closed back isolates for recording, with a carrying case that doubles as a stand

Cons

Heavy at 390 g
Doesn't fold

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
beyerdynamicDT 1990 PRO	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	370 g	Sept 2016
FocalElear	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	450 g	2016
SennheiserHD 599	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	250 g	Sept 2016

Sources

Photo: jp.akg.com

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