The AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 are both professional style headphones designed for monitoring in the studio and at home. With the two models being a similar price how do you know which headphones are the best?
We have made a list of the main features of both the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 to give you a better idea of which headphones will be the best ones for you.
Comfort
Both the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 are designed to sit over your ears, which makes them more comfortable due to there being less pressure on your ears. Both models have adjustable headbands, with the Audio Technica ATH-M50 having a leatherette wrapped padding around the headband for additional comfort.
The AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII has a self adjusting headband that will automatically fit your head as well as leatherette wrapped ear cushions. The Audio Technica ATH-M50 features padded ear cushions with a soft leatherette fabric.
Audio
Both the models are closed back headphones, which limits the amount of exterior sounds from interfering with your audio and are ideal for use in noisy environments. Both the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 have extended frequency response to allow for accurate monitoring.
The AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII can produce high quality, natural audio that maintains clarity at all listening levels. The Audio Technica ATH-M50 can deliver a powerful bass that retains a realistic sound.
Features
The AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII has the handy feature of being able to automatically shut off when you’re not listening, helping you save energy. The AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII has exposed wire cables on the headband, giving less bulk to the headphones compared to the Audio Technica ATH-M50.
The design of both models being circumaural means there is less chance of audio leaking from the headphones, meaning less chance of disturbing others and more chance for you to concentrate on your personal audio.
Compatibility
Both the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 are designed to be compatible with all of your audio equipment, from audio visual equipment to portable devices. Both models come with a 3.5 millimeter jack cable in addition to a 6.3 millimeter adapter so you can use them with a wider range of devices.
Both models can be used with phones and laptops and will even work well without an amp. The closed back design on both models will give you some noise isolation and are ideal for using when traveling.
Recommendation
Both the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII and the Audio Technica ATH-M50 are similar in quality and in price but we think the better headphones are the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII. The added features of the mute function and the automatically adjusting headband gives the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII the edge.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones are still a good choice but they are an older model.
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