AKG K52 High Performance Lightweight Closed-Back Monitoring Headphones

Product Information

The mids together with the highs are actually a worsening of the K52. The not fast enough bass dropping leads to an unnatural emphasis of the lower mids, but around 1-2 kHz they fall even lower than those of the little brother. This hollows them out even more and causes more obfuscation. What the sonic upgrade to the K52 should represent here is a mystery to me. Even at full price, these are a great pair of headphones for anyone who wants an inexpensive pair of headphones for their desk or home studio.

The AKG Y50s aren’t an exact comparison, but if you’re curious: the K52s are a bigger, clearer sound with a more articulate presentation. With the ear pads the comfort looks a little different. For the first moment it is not bad at all, because they cover the whole ear and find a good mixture of padding and stability. However, the pads are quite flat and therefore the ear bumps against the inside. This can cause unpleasant pressure in the long run. The K52 headphones are no exception to AKG's reputation for providing high-quality equipment that stands the test of time. To ensure that the headphones can endure whatever is thrown at them, they were put through rigorous testing and abuse. Exaggerated drips are used in their drop testing. The cable is guaranteed to not break or underperform after 80,000 cycles of bending at both ends. AKG probably thought they needed a headphone that could also provide bass in generous quantities. The result is a lush V-signature, or rather U-signaur, where the bass is very dominant. The bass plays very deep and offers a good amount of punch. However, this is very dependent on the fit of the ear pads and thus the sealing. I deliberately like to distort the sound a little bit by the fit so that the bass is not too overloaded. Glasses can help hereThe AKG K52 headphones have been designed with comfort in mind, with an around-ear fit that completely surrounds your ears. Additionally, the headphones also feature a self-adjusting fitting mechanism which ensures an ideal fit and holds the headset firmly but comfortably in place. For the price called I find the workmanship and functionality successful. The frame of the headband is made of metal, whereas the ear cups are completely made of plastic. AKG is known for making professional-grade gear that can stand the test of time, and the K52 headphones are no exception. We put them through extreme testing and abuse to ensure they’ll handle anything you throw at them: Our regimen of drop-tests simulates exaggerated falls. 80,000 cable bend cycles at both end points ensure the cable won’t break or underperform. And intensive driver testing - a prolonged series of 3W bursts each half second - means that the drivers won’t fail when you really need them. A unique acoustic chamber sits between the ear cup and the hinge that attaches to the headband, providing superb audio isolation. The AKG unique design allows you to rotate your head in any direction without allowing sound to leak in or out. No matter where you produce, you'll have a private workspace with the K52. AKG is known for making professional-grade gear that can stand the test of time, and the K52 headphones are no exception. We put them through extreme testing and abuse to ensure they'll handle anything you throw at them: Our regimen of drop-tests simulates exaggerated falls. 80,000 cable bend cycles at both end points ensure the cable won't break or underperform. And intensive driver testing - a prolonged series of 3W bursts each half second - means that the drivers won't fail when you really need them.

We’ve yet to review the AKG K52s pricier siblings, the K72 and K92, so with only a tenner between the three pairs in this range, we can’t crown the K52s as the best value-for-money headphones bar none just yet. But they’re sure to come pretty close. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door. The durability of the leatherette cover can also be questioned. Reminds me a bit of the SENNHEISER H201, which thinned out over time, but that is pure speculation.

AKG K701

The AKG K Series is one of our best selling headphones ranges. They represent outstanding value for money, combining a durable, comfortable design with a clear, detailed sound that works well for casual listening and music creation applications. The fixed cable (3.5mm) measures a good 2.5mm and an included adapter allows us to use a 6.3mm output. The cable looks robust and has a comfortable length, even if it is a bit too long for mobile use. This exceptional level of audio isolation is due to a new acoustic chamber, which sits between the ear cup and the hinge that connects to the headband. Our innovative design gives you the freedom to move your head in any direction, without letting sound in or out. With the K52, you’ll enjoy a private workspace, no matter where you choose to create. The exposed headband design keeps the K52 headphones comfortably light, without compromising driver size. Breathable, lightweight ear pads encircle your ears, rather than putting pressure on them. And a single-sided cable gives you freedom to move. To sum it up, these high-performance headphones sound, feel and look great. Who says you can’t have it all? It remains questionable, however, why AKG was of the opinion to bring three models onto the market, which differ so slightly. But this is not really different with their K7 series. In any case, the K72 & K92 do not represent any added value for me compared to the K52.

Compared to the K52, a firmer imitation leather cover is used, which looks more robust, but doesn't add much in the way of comfort.The headband is self-adjusting and therefore adapts to the shape of the head. Even large skulls should not have any problems with the AKG K72. The wearing comfort on the head is therefore good, even if the headband does not offer any significant additional padding. This is the core of what makes a good headphone. The driver is the little speaker inside the headphone and defines what it sounds like. at 40mm it is certainly on the larger side for cans at this price range but that means better detail, better clarity and a more accurate representation of what you are listening to. 18Hz-20kHz Frequency Range With the K52, I've already said a lot because of the almost outrageous tonal similarities, so I'll be a bit shorter here. The cable is non-detachable, features an industry-standard 3.5mm plug, and is longer than usual at 2.5m. The design is extremely tangle-prone, as is the length itself, so it's best to keep the cable bundled up. Also included is a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter pin, but no carry case. Delivering unrivalled AKG sound at remarkable prices, the K52, K72 and K92 headphones deliver inspiring sounds with incredible value for music recording customers as well as industry professionals. Overview by AKG