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AKG K553 MKII

68/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$270
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
AKG
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2018

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound7.6
Value6.8

The AKG K553 MKII is a closed-back, over-ear studio headphone designed for monitoring, mixing, and mastering. It features 50mm low-impedance drivers, a detachable cable, and a fold-flat mechanism for portability.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The AKG K553 MKII is a closed-back, wired over-ear headphone built for studio-style listening, featuring a 50mm driver and a notably neutral, detailed sound signature. Its comfortable fit and foldable design make it a practical choice for critical listening at home or on the go, though it lacks modern conveniences like wireless connectivity or active noise cancellation. With a 32-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it performs well with a wide range of sources, offering clean bass extension and controlled treble.

What works

  • Neutral, balanced sound with strong midrange clarity
  • Comfortable over-ear fit for long sessions
  • Foldable design enhances portability
  • Efficient 32-ohm impedance works with most devices

What doesn't

  • No active noise cancellation or wireless options
  • Soundstage and imaging are not class-leading
  • Lacks inline controls or app support

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - AKG K553 MKII
Driver50 mm driver
Driver size50 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response12 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity114 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)114

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

2 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

Headfonics describes the K553 as a closed-back, full-sized headphone with a 50 mm driver and a fairly neutral, studio-oriented sound. The review also presents it as technically capable, with good clarity and a presentation suited to detailed listening rather than bass-heavy tuning.

Read the full review

theindianaudiophileforum.com

This review calls the K553 MKII a comfortable, well-built closed-back with a surprisingly neutral balance and strong midrange performance. It notes that soundstage and imaging are slightly behind some rivals, but bass reach and treble control are strengths for the price tier.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

7:14

AKG K553 MkII Headphones - Honest Review

Home Studio Gear Reviews12.6K viewsMay 2020

The reviewer praises the AKG K553 MkII for its sturdy build, comfortable fit for larger heads, and a flat, mid-focused sound that excels with acoustic genres. They note the soundstage is narrow and the seal isn't perfect, but overall recommend it as a solid studio and recreational headphone, especially given its discounted price on Amazon.

21:03

AKG K553 MkII vs DT770 Beyerdynamic Honest Review!

Home Studio Gear Reviews6.8K viewsMay 2020

The reviewer finds the AKG K553 MKII to be a well-built, comfortable headphone with a strong midrange focus, making it ideal for jazz and classical music, though it lacks the bass punch and brightness of the Beyerdynamic DT770. They note the detachable cable as a major improvement over the previous model and consider it a solid value at its price point, though they caution about potential quality control issues with units made in China.

4:23

Easy Recommend - AKG K553 MK II Review

Ryan Ho3.6K viewsSep 2021

The reviewer finds the AKG K553 MK II to be a well-built, neutral-sounding closed-back headphone that excels for studio monitoring and general use. He praises its robust construction, comfortable plush earcups, and balanced tuning, noting it outperforms cheaper models and is an easy recommendation despite minor fit issues for smaller heads.

7:59

AKG K553 MKII Closed-Back Studio Headphones

4.5/5
The Big Mike Experience1.1K viewsOct 2021

The reviewer bought the AKG K553 MKII after trying them in a store, finding them very comfortable for his large head and praising their clear, detailed sound. However, he notes the bass response is weak and the included cable is much shorter than the advertised 5 meters. He rates them 4.5 out of 5 stars, recommending them for mixing if found at a discount.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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