Over-Ear
AKG K702
78Great
$363
Full review dataAKG K702 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K702
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling1.0
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K702 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $363 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-39.8kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 62 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 105 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
AKG K702
The AKG K702 is a wired, open-back reference headphone designed for critical listening and studio work. It delivers a spacious, detailed sound with a flat, bright-leaning signature and reduced bass, making it ideal for quiet environments where accuracy matters more than isolation or portability. Its lightweight build and comfortable fit support long sessions, though the open design leaks sound and offers little noise blocking.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral sound with excellent detail
- Pro:Very wide and immersive soundstage
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and blocks little noise
- Con:Bass response is noticeably reduced
- Con:Requires a quiet listening environment to shine
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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