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AKG Acoustics K review: AKG Acoustics K

AKG Acoustics K

Headshot of Steve Guttenberg
Headshot of Steve Guttenberg
Steve Guttenberg Former contributor
Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve reviewed audio products for CNET and worked as a freelance writer for Stereophile.
Steve Guttenberg
The AKG Acoustics K 71 is one of the brand's more affordable headphone models, yet its versatility is apparent with portable and home equipment. A self-adjusting headband ensures comfort, and the removable cloth ear pads allow easy cleaning. The K 71 has an extralong 10-foot cable, terminating with a gold 1/8-inch miniplug and a screw-on 1/4-inch adapter, which is included. The headphone retails for $37 and is backed by a two-year warranty.
We liked the K 71's sound on our home A/V system. When we pumped up the action on the 2 Fast 2 Furious DVD, we reveled in the K-71's depiction of the onscreen power and glory. Roseanne Cash's 10 Song Demo CD was a special treat; the K 71's depiction of her voice and acoustic guitar didn't leave much to our imaginations.
The K 71 was also a nice match with our iPod. The sound was lively and could be played fairly loudly, with good detail and firm bass. Impressive, but the K 71 is no threat to our all-time favorite affordable 'phones, Grado's SR60 ($69). Then again, the K71 is half the price of the SR60, and it never hurts to have a cheaper alternative. We actually prefer the K 71 to AKG's next model up in the line, the $60 K 101 set, which arguably isn't as comfy and sounds hollow next to the smoother K 71.