Music Gear
AKG K275 Studio Headphone Review: Portable, Transparent, Affordable
The AKG K275 professional studio headphones are another fantastic pair of cans from the classic pro audio brand.
These low-impedance, closed back headphones will appeal to those looking in the $150-200 range who prefer a more mellow, relaxed tonal balance.
Price: $169 USD
At less than $175 USD the AKG K275s are competitively priced alongside a suite of contenders that offer similar performance and features.
Choosing from this list of serviceable options will largely come down to personal preference. But the K275s hold their own alongside classics like the Audio Technica ATH-M50x or AKGs own K240 mkII.
Within that space they offer a unique feel and sonic signature that will certainly find some fans.
Fit and Finish
Smartly appointed in matte black, the AKG K275s look fantastic right out of the box.
Smartly appointed in matte black, the AKG K275s look fantastic right out of the box.
The foldable design allows them to collapse entirely when stored in the textured carrying pouch.
The coiled 5 metre cable is detachable via a robust looking mini-XLR jack, making the entire setup extremely compact and easy to transport.
The entire setup is extremely compact and easy to transport.
The low impedance makes this pair of headphones easy to drive as well. They performed equally well when driven from an audio interface as well as my iPhone.
Comfort
The K275 uses the same suspension headband system as other AKG designs.
This approach allows for a comfortable sensation of support that doesn’t rely on a rigid structure squeezing the ear cups together on your head.
I find this style quite comfortable to wear for extended periods, although I can see how others might prefer a more conventional design.
The ear cups are large enough to accommodate the 50mm drivers, so they leave plenty of space for your ears when positioned properly.
The ear cups are large enough to accommodate the 50mm drivers, so they leave plenty of space for your ears when positioned properly.
I wore these headphones for a handful of long sessions and found them comfortable—both sonically and ergonomically.
Sound
AKG headphones often get a lot of attention for their treatment of the high frequency range. The K series seems to be a bit of a departure for the brand with the K275 frequency balance skewing a bit lower.
That’s a good thing though. The K275’s lows are extended and powerful without feeling loose or boomy.
The excellent performance in this range is likely due to the oversized 50 mm drivers.
The integrity of transients in the lows and mids is also impressive. Snares and toms felt fast and full and the attack of bass instruments is nicely detailed.
Snares and toms felt fast and full and the attack of bass instruments is nicely detailed.
However, I did experience a bit of fogginess in the 250-500 Hz area that caused some separation issues for some sources that were already on the muddy side.
The high end extends pleasingly up from there with a pronounced softness in the upper midrange. That’s great for those who are sensitive to ear fatigue from closed back headphones.
The upper high end is airy without being hyped and provides nice realism for reverb tails and room mics.
Overall the sound of K275s is authoritative with great low end foundation, transient response and smooth, listenable top end.
Conclusion
The AKG K275 are an excellent new development in AKG’s headphone portfolio.
There are lots of contenders at the $150-200 price point, but the K275s shouldn’t be overlooked for their great bass and smooth top.
Try the K275s next time you visit your local pro audio dealer.
Michael Hahn is an engineer and producer at Autoland and member of the swirling indie rock trio Slight.
@Michael HahnGear guides, tips, tutorials, inspiration and more—delivered weekly.
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