I totally agree with everything you said Mike, these headphones ARE my end game no question, i was also very reticent about pulling the trigger on these cans purely based a couple of you tube videos that lets say wasn't very accomodating, then i went on the forums and found people like us who loved them to bits. Mike i agree saying these are "honest" headphones in so much as it will show up bad recordings for what they are but that is totally the point of reference headphones surely? If you are listening to a well recorded piece of music i truly believe there is nothing that can beat these in the dynamic class of headphones. A true flagship reference model. The clarity , the sense of realism is quite honestly breathtaking. Soundstage is immense, vocals are so incredibly realistic its actually spooky when you hear some recordings lol. Something that you never really touched on is that the positioning of the pads is important in so much as the flange should be placed behind you ear in order to create the seal. Also amping these is important despite the fact that they can be driven by phones etc, a good matching with a DAC and an amp and aural nirvana awaits.
***** lol so many people have there own "Trio" headphone company that they idolize, one guy only likes Beyer's another only likes Senn's, another only likes Akg..... i feel like i'm a wierdo because i genuinely love all those 3 companies and their house sounds, am i the only one?
Mad Lust Envy I just got the K612 (which is apparently meant to be slightly bassier than the K712?) and I have to say I while I think it's good, it's not going to be a keeper for me. There's something about the lower treble I'm just not a big fan of. I feel the same way about mids on the K550 and K701, so I think it's really just a preference thing on my part...
You lachlan! I like your videos, and its nice to see you here! I hope you will manage to get your hands on these akg's for I would really like to hear your opinion. I'm using akg products for about 20 years, and I'm considering an upgrade...
You should make a review of every headphone you unbox. Since the headphones you unbox are so different from any other channel. There always so fancy. I love it.
Hey Mike, I just watched your video and liked your positive review of this headphone, but would like to know why Tyle from inner fidelity frowned on these headphones. Any negative thoughts u have with these headphones?
I'll bet Talk Talks 'Spirit of Eden' album (as spotted in your album collage) sounds immense in these. I hope I get a chance to check them out one day.
Why did u skip about the Treble man ? You talked about the Lows, The Mids, The sound-stage, Balance but no mention what so ever about the Highs..Why is that ? Isnt the Treble the Achilles heel of this headphone ? I watched a couple of vids & some reviews saying that its harsh on some music & for some its all over the place You didnt find any negative on the High's of this headphone ? Or in your opinion there's nothing wrong with it ?
Might be a little old at this point, but a wonderful video, I am considering these as an upgrade from the K712 for sure. Nothing beats open-back headphones in my personal opinion.
hi Mike, I would like to purchase a set of these headphones. I don't have any experience with open back, are they good for portable use? how much does the outside noise effect them? Thanks!
open-back is not good for mobile use. Additionally, high-end open-back would be silly because the environment noise would drown out the high quality sound you paid for.
Hi Mike. You're top man, i love your reviews and unboxing videos. Those Oppo headphones you have there, any news regarding the headphones and Oppo's new headphone amp? Price, release date?Especially the amp, it looks amazing on pictures. Regards, Tom
Hello, can you give me some suggestion. I plan to spend $1400 or less on buying a pair of headphone, I don't have amp, but I have a denon DA-300USB. So I really plan to buy a headphone that can be powered by it. I think AKG K812 pro is one of my choice, another headphone that I like is Koss ESP-950. I don't like too much bass, I like sound with good clarity. I listen to classic, pop, symphonies alot, less rock, no rap.
I end up bought a Lehmann linear and a SPL Phonitor Mini for my AKG K812 and many other headphones. I hate being an audiophile, empty my wallet and I cannot stop. It's an addiction.
Nice review! I've only had the K712 for a few days and I really like what I'm hearing from them, but you're saying the K812 are EVEN better? Hmmm....Guess I'll enjoy my K712 until I can save up for the K812. Thanks!
Anjolie Lanel Those expensive headphones are a perfect example of diminishing returns and past a certain point the gains in performance are even questionable. I for example, prefer Sennheisers HD650 over the HD 800, it's sound quality is good enough for me while also having a more fun sound signature. The higher price of a flagship headphone may make it seem like they're the next logical upgrade but I recommend you to treat them as an alternative and not an upgrade. If I were would I would try to expand my headphone repertory and try different amps and dac combinations to see what you actually like before going for a flagship.
Just shows a difference in sound preference. I find myself with a similar preference to Tyll so whatever works/doesnt work for him usually applies for me too. but some people might be more alligned with Mike in sound preference and would go by what he likes/doesnt like for reference instead. Thats why having many reviewers is awesome :)
Funny. I watched two reviews of these, by two "professional" reviewers here, and one is positive, while the other is slightly negative. Does that mean one of the videos is lying?
Eric Lin Sound is waves. Waves of particles. Particles of air. Matter and physics are objective. Unless light and gravity stop existing once someone stops believing in them.
You also forgot biolog(noone is 100%identical to someone elss, including twins), everyones ear cannal is different hence we cannot perceive sound exactly like others(due to the waves reflecting at different angles and points once the sound wave hits the ear). Everyones HRTF is different. Also, nither are lying but they are giving their opinion.
This headphone was a disappointment. As an AKG fan I was hoping to finally get something that would rival the HD 800, sadly it just wasn't that accurate in all range. The mid in particular was very temperamental.
The cost isn’t the reason they removed it, it’s because of the environment that the closed back version will be used in most of the time for most users. The production cost of the k872 case is actually more expensive than the wood stand.
***** Imo the hd800 is not even better than your common Q701, and that's embarrassing since the hd 800 is 1200-1600$ and currently running the Q701 is 200$ on amazon at least. the only respectable quality that it has is imaging and soundstage thats it, the rest is SOULLESS...EVEN if it is better it's only 20% MAX now consider the difference in price your have to pay
TheJullim I owned both and sorry but HD800 hands down sounds better IMO than the Q701. Not even in the same ball park. Its like comparing a Hyundai to a Mercedes.
I totally agree with everything you said Mike, these headphones ARE my end game no question, i was also very reticent about pulling the trigger on these cans purely based a couple of you tube videos that lets say wasn't very accomodating, then i went on the forums and found people like us who loved them to bits. Mike i agree saying these are "honest" headphones in so much as it will show up bad recordings for what they are but that is totally the point of reference headphones surely? If you are listening to a well recorded piece of music i truly believe there is nothing that can beat these in the dynamic class of headphones. A true flagship reference model. The clarity , the sense of realism is quite honestly breathtaking. Soundstage is immense, vocals are so incredibly realistic its actually spooky when you hear some recordings lol. Something that you never really touched on is that the positioning of the pads is important in so much as the flange should be placed behind you ear in order to create the seal. Also amping these is important despite the fact that they can be driven by phones etc, a good matching with a DAC and an amp and aural nirvana awaits.
Looks fantastic! But I gotta say I've never been a fan of the AKG house sound. Hopefully I'll get to try these one day...
***** lol so many people have there own "Trio" headphone company that they idolize, one guy only likes Beyer's another only likes Senn's, another only likes Akg..... i feel like i'm a wierdo because i genuinely love all those 3 companies and their house sounds, am i the only one?
Mad Lust Envy I just got the K612 (which is apparently meant to be slightly bassier than the K712?) and I have to say I while I think it's good, it's not going to be a keeper for me. There's something about the lower treble I'm just not a big fan of. I feel the same way about mids on the K550 and K701, so I think it's really just a preference thing on my part...
Mad Lust Envy 702-65 are my fav 7xx series.
You lachlan! I like your videos, and its nice to see you here! I hope you will manage to get your hands on these akg's for I would really like to hear your opinion. I'm using akg products for about 20 years, and I'm considering an upgrade...
You should make a review of every headphone you unbox. Since the headphones you unbox are so different from any other channel. There always so fancy. I love it.
He's absolutely right. The K812 is an awesome headphone. Actually prefer it the 1st gen HD800!
have you tried pairing the K812 with the WA7 Fireflies? Curious how they pair because I've been eyeing the WA7 for quite some time.
Hey Mike, I just watched your video and liked your positive review of this headphone, but would like to know why Tyle from inner fidelity frowned on these headphones. Any negative thoughts u have with these headphones?
I wish all open back headphones would have a 3 meter (9 feet) long cable.
I'll bet Talk Talks 'Spirit of Eden' album (as spotted in your album collage) sounds immense in these. I hope I get a chance to check them out one day.
sharp eyes!
I have them! The definitive, linea, dynamic and REAL sound!
God turns on Headphones!
Why did u skip about the Treble man ? You talked about the Lows, The Mids, The sound-stage, Balance but no mention what so ever about the Highs..Why is that ? Isnt the Treble the Achilles heel of this headphone ? I watched a couple of vids & some reviews saying that its harsh on some music & for some its all over the place
You didnt find any negative on the High's of this headphone ? Or in your opinion there's nothing wrong with it ?
How they sound on metal music ? trash, death, black, doom metal ?
Does the k812 headphones sound good with the Phonitor 2?
Hi mike, How about the high? Is it "ear piercing" as some had said ? I do luv music that comes from the 7XX Massdrop version.
not at all. Be sure to listen to good quality music, not that Spotify crap. :)
Might be a little old at this point, but a wonderful video, I am considering these as an upgrade from the K712 for sure. Nothing beats open-back headphones in my personal opinion.
Did you ever end up getting them? If so, I'd like to hear how they compare to the K712s.
Hi Mike, very nice review. I wished you could include the LCD3 for comparison as well.
Now this is a video I can dig, thanks!
How's the performance of K812 or k872 with MyTek Brooklyn?
Great channel and Vids Man !!, I would love to see a tour of your headphones collection , you should do one !!
Oppo pm1 or lcd 2 classic better ?
Would the K812 sound good with the WA7 amp?
Hi Mike, what is ur opinion when you compare this to T1???
love the T1.
I like how your doing more reviews.
I'll try to do more. Having a day job takes a lot of my YT time. :)
Great review, thanks. Appreciate the comparison to the Senn 800
hi Mike, I would like to purchase a set of these headphones. I don't have any experience with open back, are they good for portable use? how much does the outside noise effect them? Thanks!
open-back is not good for mobile use. Additionally, high-end open-back would be silly because the environment noise would drown out the high quality sound you paid for.
Hi I have the AKG K712 and I plan on upgrading to the K812 for the better build and sound. Does anyone have both of these AKGs.
Hows the sound with tubes? If its good, what amplifiers would you recommend?
Woo Audio WA22 is amazing with this headphone
Hi Mike. You're top man, i love your reviews and unboxing videos. Those Oppo headphones you have there, any news regarding the headphones and Oppo's new headphone amp? Price, release date?Especially the amp, it looks amazing on pictures. Regards, Tom
not yet. Getting close though.
do you have a review of the k712 pro's?
I find them quiet musical, I wouldnt not call this overly honest, compared to HD800.
cant you review akg K712 Pro
Hey great Vid!! I was wondering when the beats earbuds winner would be announced.. Thanks!
that was announced on social media. Winner claimed prize already.
Ok thanks haha my bad! Btw love your videos, very useful! Thanks again!
Very good review! I love AKGs
Can you use these with ios devices since it has a 3.5mm headphone jack?
yes, but you'd be doing these a great injustice playing these unamped with a bad dac.
***** or on four spare tires. :)
Great video!!
Hello, can you give me some suggestion. I plan to spend $1400 or less on buying a pair of headphone, I don't have amp, but I have a denon DA-300USB. So I really plan to buy a headphone that can be powered by it. I think AKG K812 pro is one of my choice, another headphone that I like is Koss ESP-950. I don't like too much bass, I like sound with good clarity. I listen to classic, pop, symphonies alot, less rock, no rap.
KOSS ESP-950 comes with an amp. For K812, consider the new SPL Phonitor Mini.
Thank you for suggestion!!!
Don't buy these unless you plan to spend the same, or more on a high end dac+amp setup
I end up bought a Lehmann linear and a SPL Phonitor Mini for my AKG K812 and many other headphones. I hate being an audiophile, empty my wallet and I cannot stop. It's an addiction.
Phoeroc Chiang LOL.... which do you like more? I like the SPL for K812.
Nice review! I've only had the K712 for a few days and I really like what I'm hearing from them, but you're saying the K812 are EVEN better? Hmmm....Guess I'll enjoy my K712 until I can save up for the K812. Thanks!
Anjolie Lanel Those expensive headphones are a perfect example of diminishing returns and past a certain point the gains in performance are even questionable. I for example, prefer Sennheisers HD650 over the HD 800, it's sound quality is good enough for me while also having a more fun sound signature. The higher price of a flagship headphone may make it seem like they're the next logical upgrade but I recommend you to treat them as an alternative and not an upgrade.
If I were would I would try to expand my headphone repertory and try different amps and dac combinations to see what you actually like before going for a flagship.
ime500 thanks!I like that. TOTL headphones are an alternative versus an upgrade. Hmmm....wise words
Honest review!
You really like neutral and bright sounding headphones that's why you don't review Planars i bet.
Great job on this review hifiguy!
Another great video.
Hey hifiguy528 can you please give me a list of some high end headphones that cost $1000 & more?
Oppo PM-1, HD800, HD700, Beyerdynamic T5p, Beyerdynamic T1, Denon D7100, AKG K812. Those are ones I like.
Thanks so much!!!
Best headphone I ever heard ^_^!
Interesting how Tyll did not like the headphone and Mike does ... very odd indeed))
Just shows a difference in sound preference. I find myself with a similar preference to Tyll so whatever works/doesnt work for him usually applies for me too. but some people might be more alligned with Mike in sound preference and would go by what he likes/doesnt like for reference instead. Thats why having many reviewers is awesome :)
I guess i'm more along Tyll then as I own a pair of DT1350 and enjoy their sound.
Coolguy 528....
cant even dream to buy these babies .
Funny. I watched two reviews of these, by two "professional" reviewers here, and one is positive, while the other is slightly negative.
Does that mean one of the videos is lying?
you should try it and decide for yourself who's opinion you value more. ;)
***** Well, I don't know you in real life, or that other guy. So I can trust neither.
NotOrdinaryInGames What? Sound IS subjective. You're acting like there's only one possible correct answer.
Eric Lin Sound is waves. Waves of particles. Particles of air. Matter and physics are objective.
Unless light and gravity stop existing once someone stops believing in them.
You also forgot biolog(noone is 100%identical to someone elss, including twins), everyones ear cannal is different hence we cannot perceive sound exactly like others(due to the waves reflecting at different angles and points once the sound wave hits the ear). Everyones HRTF is different. Also, nither are lying but they are giving their opinion.
EVEN the beats headphones...
This headphone was a disappointment. As an AKG fan I was hoping to finally get something that would rival the HD 800, sadly it just wasn't that accurate in all range. The mid in particular was very temperamental.
"this headphone was adisppointment"... oh come on.
Poor measurements, bright treble. Not interested. I'd go with Audeze or STAX instead at this price.
Interesting how mike says they are the best akgs ever made. That doesnt mean theyre anygood
0:18 The greedy Harman management decide to remove the headphone stand on the K872 (same price range)!
The cost isn’t the reason they removed it, it’s because of the environment that the closed back version will be used in most of the time for most users. The production cost of the k872 case is actually more expensive than the wood stand.
HD 800 dethroned!!!
*****
Even people who are not HD800 fanboys have preferred the HD800 over K812.
***** Imo the hd800 is not even better than your common Q701, and that's embarrassing since the hd 800 is 1200-1600$ and currently running the Q701 is 200$ on amazon at least. the only respectable quality that it has is imaging and soundstage thats it, the rest is SOULLESS...EVEN if it is better it's only 20% MAX now consider the difference in price your have to pay
TheJullim I owned both and sorry but HD800 hands down sounds better IMO than the Q701. Not even in the same ball park. Its like comparing a Hyundai to a Mercedes.
D Lee
I have to agree with this.
D Lee so have I.... well you can take it or leave it that's why i said "IMO"
PLS!!!! ADJUST FOCUS, WE DONT WANT TO WATCH YOUR FACE WHILE YOU ARE SHOWING US THE PRODUCT!!!