Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Excellent isolation, effectively blocking out external noise.
- Delivers detailed and accurate sound, allowing users to hear subtle flaws and nuances in recordings.
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods, with a lightweight design and well-designed earpads.
- Easy to drive with a high sensitivity and relatively low impedance, making it compatible with various sources.
- Provides a balanced and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for critical listening and mixing.
Product Considerations
- Sound signature is slightly bright.
- The frame is noticeably resonant and ‘pings’ audibly if knocked.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs K812: It is a closed-back version of the K812, offering isolation, while the K812 provides a more immersive, 'live' experience with a wider soundstage; it has a smoother, more coherent treble response, a richer note, and a more accurate and satisfying low end.
- Vs Direct Sound EX-29: It provides at least as much isolation.
- Vs Sennheiser HD25 MkII or Focal Spirit Professional: It offers superior isolation while remaining more comfortable.
- Vs MrSpeakers Ether C: It is more musical and energetic, with more substantive bass weight and a more forward vocal position, while the Ether C has a flatter frequency response.
- Vs Audio-Technica ATH A2000Z: It is smoother and more natural-sounding, offering a more refined and detailed approach compared to the A2000Z's bustling, attack-minded energy.
Takeaway: The AKG K872 is a top-tier, closed-back headphone that provides exceptional detail and isolation. It is great for recording musicians and audiophiles alike because of its accurate sound and comfortable design.
All
K872
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Manufacturer details
- Driver Size: 53 mm
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 54 kHz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB SPL/V
- Impedance: 36 Ω
- Maximum Input Power: 300 mW
- Cable Length: 3 m
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Connector: 3.5 mm Stereo Plug with 6.3 mm Screw-On Adapter; Precision LEMO Connector
- Earpads Replaceable: Yes
- Foldable: No
- Net Weight: 390 g
- Design: Closed-Back, Over-Ear; Robust Metal Construction
- Case Included: Yes (Low-Profile Carrying Case / Stand)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- AKG studio headphones are frequently recognized for their wide and immersive soundstage, creating a great sense of depth and accurate placement .
- The brand delivers a near-neutral sound profiles in its headphones, catering to the needs of audio professionals and critical listeners.
- They often utilize a distinctive "hammock-style" self-adjusting headband that equally distributes weight, enhancing comfort for extended listening sessions.
Select products
AKG N5 HYBRID
- Positioning: The entry-level true wireless earbuds designed for everyday portability and effective noise cancellation.
- Description: Features 10mm dynamic drivers with DLC-coated diaphragms, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling controlled by the AKG Headphones app, and immersive spatial audio that delivers clear call quality. Compared to higher-end models like the N9 Hybrid, these earbuds focus on affordability and ease of use while still offering Hi-Res sound for casual listening and light communication.
AKG K371-BT
- Positioning: The mid-range wireless headphone that combines Bluetooth and wired connectivity for studio-style performance on the go.
- Description: Offers a closed-back, foldable design with a built-in microphone and dual connectivity options that cater to both mobile and desktop use. Compared to the N5 Hybrid earbuds, they provide a traditional headphone form factor with enhanced durability and sound isolation, though they deliver fewer advanced audio features than the immersive N9 Hybrid.
AKG N9 HYBRID
- Positioning: The mid-tier over-ear headphone that integrates advanced noise cancelling and Hi-Res audio for extended listening.
- Description: With 40mm dynamic drivers using Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms and customizable True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, these headphones offer detailed spatial audio and superior call quality. In contrast to the more compact N5 Hybrid earbuds, the N9 Hybrid is suited for longer sessions in noisy environments while still being more portable than the high-end reference models.
AKG K872
- Positioning: The high-end reference closed-back headphone engineered for critical studio monitoring and mastering.
- Description: Uses 53mm transducers with a 1.5 Tesla magnet system and a two-layer voice coil within an optimized closed-back design to deliver authoritative low frequencies and accurate imaging. Compared to the N9 Hybrid, the K872 prioritizes maximum isolation and reference-grade fidelity for professional monitoring, while offering a robust, durable build for prolonged studio use.
AKG K812
- Positioning: The flagship open-back reference headphone crafted for detailed mixing and high-end audio production.
- Description: Features the largest 53mm transducer ever built by AKG, a powerful 1.5 Tesla magnet system, and an ultra-lightweight two-layer voice coil, delivering pure, natural sound with exceptional spatial imaging. In contrast to the closed-back K872, the K812's open design provides an expansive soundstage and enhanced comfort.
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Product Strengths
- Combines planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to deliver both detail/speed and powerful bass response
- Comfortable for long listening sessions, despite having two drivers per side and a crossover
- Produces clean and detailed sound, with a decent sense of clarity
- Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
- Smooth transition between the dynamic and planar drivers, creating a coherent sound
Product Considerations
- Has a mid-bass hump and a roll-off in the sub-bass region, which may not appeal to all listeners or genres
- Treble response may be too energetic for treble-sensitive individuals
- The tuning may not be suitable as an 'all-rounder' headphone for all music genres
- Needs a solid-state amplifier to control the dynamic driver in the low end
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan HE-1000SE: The Isvarna has a wider soundstage, but less height and depth
- Vs HiFiMan ARIA Organic: The Isvarna has more bass
- Vs Kennerton Veneta: The HiFiMan is more bassy for bass heads
Takeaway: The HiFiMan Isvarna is a unique headphone that delivers a fun and engaging listening experience with its hybrid driver design, especially for those who enjoy bass. It is comfortable, relatively easy to drive, and offers a clean and detailed sound.
Video review
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Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality and visually stunning design with unique wood cups, making each unit unique
- Good bass response with well-balanced tonality, texture, definition, speed, and dynamics
- Treble presentation is excellent, smooth, bright, and airy without being overly forward or fatiguing
- The Caldera Closed uses Atrium Damping System (ADS) for a more natural sound decay
- Very resolving with class-leading dynamics
Product Considerations
- Mid-range tonality may be uneven and forward for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue or a 'hollow' timbre
- Soundstage is relatively narrow compared to some other closed-back headphones
- Can be moderately difficult to drive, not suitable for all portable amplifiers
- Weight might be an issue for some users, though well-distributed
- Requires high-quality audio tracks to sound its best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Caldera Open, the closed version has a superior treble presentation, the open is preferable in the mid-range
- Versus the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Caldera Closed is easier to drive and has better dynamics, the E3 has a wider soundstage and is more comfortable
- The Caldera Closed is more spacious sounding than the Atrium Closed
- The Caldera Closed is better than the Verite Closed for all-day listening
Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera Closed is a beautifully crafted, high-performance closed-back headphone with excellent bass and treble, making for a fun and engaging listening experience. The versatility to use it with most amps makes it a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Superb build quality with high-quality materials and Italian styling
- A large soundstage and good imaging create a sense of space beyond the ears
- A deep, full, fast, and refined sound is delivered with detail and energy
- Offers customizability through cable choices and a Partializer Filter to adjust frequency response
Product Considerations
- The Radiante are quite heavy, weighing 460-470g (without cable)
- The headband is poorly padded, making the Radiante uncomfortable for some users
- The passive radiator offers limited passive isolation
- The bass may be excessive for some listeners
- It can be a bit fiddly to adjust the Partializer filters
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMAN Jade II: The soundstage on the Jade II is larger, but it is deeper on the Radiante, which also offer better imaging
Takeaway: The Spirit Torino Radiante offers a luxurious and customizable listening experience with a well-crafted design and engaging sound. If someone wants a closed-back headphone that delivers above and beyond in terms of sound, engagement, style, and comfort with the ability to adjust sonic characteristics, the Radiante could be a great choice.
Video review
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Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous design and fantastic build quality with premium materials, like titanium, aluminum, lambskin leather, and cowhide leather
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight (around 323-333 grams), with oval-shaped earcups suitable for larger ears for long listening periods
- Intuitive controls, including a mix of touch and physical controls, like responsive touchpads and tactile dials for precise volume and ANC adjustments
- Sound quality is well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for various music genres, with particularly good performance for classical music, podcasts, and rock
- Amazing noise cancellation performance, effectively blocking out mid- and treble-range noises
Product Considerations
- Very high retail price
- Earcups are not very deep
- Not very portable due to a bulky design
- A heavier side, which can develop a little bit of strain on the back of the neck
- The Bang & Olufsen app does not work well, spending a long time trying to connect to the H95 most of the time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys is cheaper and better in sound quality
- Vs Bose QC45s: The Bose QC45s are a little bit more effective in cancelling the high end of mid-range frequencies that you would get from a busy cafe
- Vs AirPods Max: The H95 manages to separate all the layers very beautifully, the AirPods Max is not on par
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is more muffled
- Vs Cambridge Audio P100: The P100 has more clarity and crisp sound to that treble without having that sibilance
Takeaway: If you want a luxurious pair of headphones with amazing build quality and very good noise cancellation, the Beoplay H95 could be a good option. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage, unusually large for a closed-back headphone
- Good mid-bass impact and punch
- Comfortable design, similar to the HE1000 series, despite being heavier
- Detailed sound, especially in the midrange
- Good imaging and separation of instruments
Product Considerations
- Isolation is not strong, described as not much better than an open-back
- Frequency response can be erratic, with peaks and dips, leading to a potentially wonky sound
- Some reviewers noted a shouty, honky, or hollow timbre in the midrange
- Treble can be crisp but potentially harsh or sibilant for some listeners
- Weight can become a comfort issue over longer listening sessions for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Dan Clark Audio Stealth, the Audivina has a bigger soundstage
- Versus ZMF Atrium Closed, the Atrium Closed has a thicker, richer sound and better bass extension, while the Audivina has a larger soundstage; the Atrium Closed has a more natural midrange
- Versus HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth, the Audivina has better midrange detail, but the HE1000 Stealth has a warmer and richer sound
- Versus HIFIMAN Arya, the Audivina is more balanced with a fuller midrange, and the Arya has a wider soundstage and is brighter
- Versus Meze Lyric, the Audivina has a wider soundstage, while the Lyric has stronger sub-bass performance
Takeaway: The Audivina is a unique closed-back headphone with a spacious soundstage and detailed sound, which makes for a great listening experience. If looking for something different from a traditional closed-back, this could be a good choice.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality and durability with high-quality materials like Japanese cherry birch wood and metal components
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods due to well-distributed weight, and plush, well-padded leather earcups and headband
- Strong and capable bass response, delivering both sub-bass extension and textured mid-bass impact, without bleeding into the midrange
- Produces a large soundstage for a closed-back headphone, with strong imaging qualities
- Excellent quality cable with good flexibility
Product Considerations
- The headband design may fray over time with prolonged use
- Some reviewers found the treble to be 'spicy' or piercing, potentially harsh on certain recordings
- The sound signature is V-shaped, with a scooped midrange that may not be ideal for genres requiring a flat mid-range response like classical, or jazz
- The cable is not detachable in some models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-XC: The TH900mk2(BP) offers stronger low-end texture and deeper visceral kick, while the LCD-XC has better-controlled bass at all times
- Vs Mr. Speakers Ether C: Ether C has a more uniform top-to-bottom balance, non-fatiguing sound, and polished upper treble smoothness, the TH900mk2(BP) is more lively and upfront
- Vs beyerdynamic T5p: The TH900mk2(BP) offers a grander soundstage with more life in the low end and is smoother overall, while the T5p has a sharper edge and potentially more detail
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S/HD820: HD800S and HD820 have better mid-centric performance
Takeaway: The Fostex TH900mk2(BP) is a beautifully crafted and comfortable headphone that delivers powerful bass and a dynamic sound signature, making it an enjoyable listening experience. Its build quality ensures long-term use and enjoyment for those who appreciate a closed-back design with a wide soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible level of craftsmanship that blends premium materials and exotic woods in a visually striking, heirloom-quality headphone
- Comfort is nearly the best experienced in a headphone, feeling light, and the headband's comfort strap, in combination with the pads, distributes the weight perfectly
- Characterized by fast, snappy transients and natural decay
- Very good balance, and the Vérité Closed is a marvelous design feat that shows the true potential of closed-back headphones
- Soundstage is very spacious and open-sounding
Product Considerations
- The tonality and presentation will change drastically depending on the pads used
- A little bit forward by maybe 2-3dB, which adds just a little bit of sibilance in the lower treble
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Stellia, the reviewer keeps only the Vérité Closed
- Compared to the Focal Utopia, the Vérité Closed beats it in terms of tonality, timbre, staging, and imaging
- Compared to the HD800, the reviewer prefers the Vérité Closed, and most would agree
Takeaway: The Vérité Closed is a well-built headphone with a unique and versatile sound, superb comfort, and sturdy build—a marvelous design feat that shows the true potential of closed-back headphones. Its excellent sound isolation and enjoyable sound signature make it great for office, desk use, or musical enjoyment at home.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Amazing sound quality with wide soundstage and airy, ethereal sounds, especially in the treble, create a magical experience
- Very comfortable, despite being heavier than some alternatives, with earcups that wrap around the ear and a redesigned headband
Product Considerations
- Warranty experience may vary significantly depending on location and travel habits, so the global warranty should not be taken at face value
- Color options are limited, and some lighter colors may stain easily
- Lack of high-resolution Bluetooth codec support at the time of some reviews, although promised for a future update
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bang & Olufsen H95: H100 has a massive soundstage and is more comfortable
- Vs Focal Bathys: H100 offers a smooth, neutral, and refined sound signature, while Focal Bathys delivers a more dynamic and energetic sound
Takeaway: The Beoplay H100 provides excellent sound and comfort, delivering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and build quality. It is a top-tier product for people who want great design and sound.
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