AKG K872From real comments

Verdict distilled from 5 mentions across 4 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment20%
PROS 20%
CONS 80%

Rank based on 5 mentions across 4 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want closed-back sound that rivals open-back headphones
  • You already have or can source the proprietary Lemo cable
  • You don't mind paying a premium over the older K812

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're price-sensitive and frustrated by regional pricing gaps
  • You can't find a reseller for the Lemo connector cable
  • You expect the wood stand included with the previous K812

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Signature haptic bass slider
Signature haptic bass slider
3Premium
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
High price relative to alternatives
4Mid
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Exceptional comfort
Exceptional comfort
Best value
6Premium
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Premium
AKG K872
Sound quality matches open-back headphonesInconsistent and rising regional pricingHard-to-source Lemo cable connectorWood stand removed from package
AKG K872
Sound quality matches open-back headphones
Inconsistent and rising regional pricing
Hard-to-source Lemo cable connector
Wood stand removed from package

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality rivals open-back designs despite the closed construction. One commenter directly states the K872 can only be praised for how good it sounds, calling it equal to open-back headphones. This is notable because closed-back headphones typically sacrifice some soundstage and openness compared to open-back designs, so achieving parity is seen as a genuine engineering accomplishment by this user, even though only limited sound-quality commentary is available.

Pricing varies wildly and confusingly across regions. US pricing was reported at $1499 (about 1329 euros), yet EU buyers were charged 1599 euros for the same product made in Europe, prompting confusion about the markup. By late 2022, Canadian pricing had risen well over $2500, further amplifying frustration among prospective buyers who felt the pricing structure was inconsistent and hard to justify given local manufacturing.

Accessory and cable decisions have alienated loyal customers. A 20-year AKG customer says he could not complete a purchase because no reseller carries the required Lemo connector cable, effectively blocking access to the product. Separately, another commenter criticizes Harman management for removing the wooden headphone stand that was included with the previous K812 model at the same price range, viewing it as a cost-cutting move that reduces value for the money.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?