AKG K514 MKII Headphone Review

AKG Philippines lent us a review unit of the K514 MKII headphone to take out for a spin. Check out what we think about this mid-ranged headphone after the break.

The K514 MKII is basically the successor of the K514. One thing that both of these headphone have in common is its form factor. But other than that, both of these headphones bare little similarities to each other in terms of design as AKG decided to go for a more relaxed look for the K514 MKII as compared to its rugged looking predecessor.

The two cups are linked by two flexible plastic braces. These braces also hold the self-adjusting headband made of synthetic leather and cloth in place.

The plastic semi-open cups’ outside bares the manufacturer’s logo along with the device description. These circumaural cups are cushioned with a very soft material housed inside an airtight-sealed fine cloth. You won’t be finding yourself wearing these headphones in the wrong order anytime soon because of the big white L and R prints written on a flexible cloth that covers the can’s drivers.

The left cup terminates to a rubber-reinforced tip cable. It’s much of the same on the other end of the cable which terminates to a 3.5mm jack. These headphones also come with 6.3mm jack. The only thing I didn’t like about the overall design of these headphones is that the 3-meter straight cable is just too damn long.

Before we go further into the K514’s sound output, checkout its technical specs.

AKG K514 MKII
• Frequency Response: 16-22’000Hz
• Transducer Principle: Semi-Open, Dynamic
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 107db SPL/V
• Distortion: <0.5%
• Weight: 190g (with cables)

The sound output from the K514 is actually pretty decent. It had AKG’s signature “airy and natural” sound. This is evident on its well-balanced sound reproduction. The moment I put it on, I can already distinguish the “Airy” sound quality as compared to my ATH M50. The headphones provide a spacious feel to listeners which similar to being in a big empty room.

The only thing that I didn’t like about its sound output is that the highs were a little too sibilant for my liking. I initially thought that this will lessen, if not go away, after couple of hours of use. But as it turns out, it’s still present even after a day’s worth of listening to it. Other than that, I think that the K514 MKII is a good all-around mid-range headphone.

What we liked about it:
• Lightweight profile, designed with comfort in mind
• Low Impedance, ideal for mobile devices
• Well-balanced sound reproduction

What we didn’t like:
• Too sibilant
• The cable is too long
• Didn’t have a carrying case

In my opinion, the K514 MKII’s main selling point besides its signature AKG sound output is its overall design. Its well-cushioned cups, along with the self-adjusting band makes equates to a super comfortable fit. And because of it lightweight profile, it makes up for an all the more pleasing listening experience even on hours on end.

The AKG K514 MKII retails for Php4,590USD 78INR 6,631EUR 74CNY 570 in stores.