Over-Ear
AKG K872
78Great
$1599
Full review dataAKG K872 vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009D - Outstanding overall at around $2640.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
88Outstanding
$2640
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
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K872 | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1599 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 53 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-54kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 112 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 390 g | 594 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.