AKG K712
The K712 is the final K7xx serie model, first produced in Austria and now in Slovakia. It’s an evolution (but more a sidegrade) of the K701, using K702 Annie / K7XX memory foam gel pads. The K701/K702 use slightly angled stiffer velour pads. The build quality is rather cheap, but comfort is above average.
○ Release : 2013
○ Current status : In production
○ Type : Over-ear / Open-back
○ Measured weight : 294g
○ Impedance : 62 Ohms
○ Sensitivity : ~91dB/mW
○ Average used price : $140-180
Sound Impression
The K712 is a good midfi allrounder, with a balanced presentation and a weird timbre.
Bass is quite good ; better extension than the K701, HD600 or DT880, with more punch and cleaner sound. It also does not bleed too much into the midrange.
And that midrange is … special to hear. It might sound nasal on some songs, and thick on others. Overall, the K712 is a warmer sounding model compared to most AKG, but still with some hotness in the low-treble. But the treble is way less annoying, to me, than the K701 or K501.
The added body in the bass and mids attenuate the moderate low-treble peak. Upper-treble extension is decent.
Technicalities are solid for a sub-300$ pair of headphones. Nice open sound, good staging and precise imaging. It lacks some dynamic range in my opinion – but I am usually very exigent when it comes to dynamic range and “punch”, as I’ve only heard a few pairs of headphones I find dynamic and visceral sounding.
The K712 is a decent buy, but the K612 is a better and cheaper option. In the mid-fi category, I ultimately prefer the HD600 as it simply sounds more natural and neutral, although quite narrow next to the K712.
Average bass extension and roll off starting around 60hz. We can see a mild downward slope in the midrange, despite an excessive 2khz energy (similar to other AKG models). The midrange sounds a bit warmish, and the treble remains elevated, but less so than the K612 or K701.
