Over-Ear
AKG K872
78Great
$1599
Full review dataAKG K872 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 - Outstanding overall at around $2865.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K872
Sound8.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K872 | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1599 | $2865 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 131.15 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-54kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 112 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 390 g | 420 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
AKG K872
The AKG K872 is a premium closed-back studio headphone that delivers exceptional detail, a wide frequency response, and robust isolation, making it a strong choice for professional monitoring. It performs best with a dedicated amplifier, though it remains reasonably easy to drive from modest sources. Its build and sound quality justify its high price for those seeking a versatile, reference-grade listening tool, though it may not be an unqualified top pick for everyone. Its smoother treble and richer low end mark an improvement over earlier models, offering a more balanced and engaging signature.
- Pro:Excellent isolation for closed-back design
- Pro:Very detailed and wide frequency response
- Pro:Comfortable and solidly built for long sessions
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Sound quality benefits significantly from a dedicated amp
- Con:Not foldable, reducing portability
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.
- Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
- Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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