AKG vs Beyerdynamic – Which Brand Is Better?

AKG and Beyerdynamic are two renowned and well respected brands in the audio industry that produces high quality speakers, and headphones.

In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at sound quality, durability, price and so on. Of course, each brand has different devices at different price points, however we will compare them as closely as we can.

AKG is known for its professional-grade microphones and headphones, while Beyerdynamic is a well-respected brand in the audio industry known for its high-quality microphones, headphones, and other audio equipment.

Pros and Cons of AKG:

• Pros: Known for producing high-quality headphones and microphones with excellent sound quality and build quality. Many of their products are well-regarded by professionals in the music industry.
• Cons: Some of their products can be expensive, and some users have reported issues with durability.

Pros and Cons of Beyerdynamic:

• Pros: Known for producing high-quality headphones and microphones with a balanced, natural sound. Strong reputation in the audio industry.
• Cons: Some products may be on the expensive side.

Quick History

AKG Quick History

AKG Acoustics is an audio engineering and manufacturing company founded in 1947 by Rudolf Görike and Ernest Plass in Vienna, Austria.

It is a part of Harman International Industries, a subdivision of Samsung Electronics currently headquartered in Northridge, Los Angeles, California. The company has manufactured many award-winning and innovative products including microphones, headphones and digital Hi-Fi audio systems.

Beyerdynamic Quick History

Beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG, more commonly known as Beyerdynamic is a German company that manufactures headphones, microphones, conference systems and wireless audio systems.

  

It was founded in 1924 by Eugene Beyer with headquarters in Heilbronn, Germany. Beyerdynamic devices are used by numerous recording studios, musicians and public events worldwide.

Sound Quality

AKG Sound Quality

AKG is a very innovative company, patenting many award-winning technologies. These patents, such as magnetic cartridges, dynamic cardioid technology, and moving coil technology, are used in their devices, which gives them exceptional performance.

Their devices deliver flawless balance and excellent detail in the sound output. There’s a bass boost and several equalizer presets to fine-tune the sound output to your taste.

Beyerdynamic Sound Quality

The audio quality of Beyerdynamic devices is nothing short of extraordinary. The Tesla drivers used in some of their devices are very efficient, tonally neutral and accurate. The lack of an equalizer in some devices ensures that the sound output is pure and unrefined with great audio reproduction.

In general, Beyerdynamic is critical listening headphones and offer overall better great audio reproduction than many brands out there, including Sennheiser.

The headphones can be open, semi-open and closed-backs for various tonal and noise-canceling functions.

Features

AKG Features

• Up to 12-channel playback on the amplifiers
• Equalizers with several presets for easy finetuning.
• Supra-aural Surround sound features
• Multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm audio jack
• AKG Headphone app, available on the Google PlayStore and Apple AppStore.
• Interchangeable cables and earpad covers

Beyerdynamic Features

Headphones and microphones, which are Beyerdynamic’s major products, do not need a lot of features to perform excellently. Here are some features your device can come with.

• Circumaural audio output
• MIY Beyerdynamic app for remote control and additional functions
• Streaming from various platforms
• Direct connection to PCs, consoles and other devices
• Wireless and wired connection options
• Universal remote support
• Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, Qualcomm aptX, AAC, SBC support

Build Quality

AKG Build Quality

AKG devices are constructed from durable metals and plastics. The headphones and earbuds have soft fabric earpads and silicone earplugs respectively, for maximum comfort during long usage.

They also have replaceable earpad covers, cables, and earplugs.

Beyerdynamic Build Quality

Beyerdynamic focuses on making its devices comfortable and durable without diminishing audio quality.

The headsets use well-padded aluminum/plastic frames and velour-coated earpads. The earbuds have soft silicone earplugs for perfect fit and comfort.

Other Beyerdynamic devices also have plastic or aluminum chassis. A special feature of Beyerdynamic devices is that they have replaceable parts.

Ease of Use

AKG Ease Of Use

AKG devices can easily be operated by anyone, using intuitive and clearly labeled controls. The AKG earphones for Samsung have a + and – volume button and a central button to receive calls and pause/play music and videos. Long-pressing this button summons the Google Voice Assistant.

Beyerdynamic Ease Of Use

Beyerdynamic devices can easily be operated with minimal buttons for basic controls. A single button can be used in different ways for various functions, while some models have a touchpad for easy operation.

They are also easy to connect to other devices, without requiring prior device driver installation.

Cost

AKG Cost

AKG devices are usually inexpensive despite their excellent performance, though they have some premium products too. The price ranges for various AKG devices are given here.

• Earbuds: $10 – $50
• Headphones: $50 – $300
• Microphones: $80 – $1300
• Headphone Amplifiers: $120 – $200

Beyerdynamic Cost

Beyerdynamic devices perform exceptionally well for low prices. Some of their devices have midrange prices though.

Earbuds: $25 – $130

Headphones: $120 – $700

Microphones: $100 – $750

Space Requirements

AKG Space Requirements

As an example, the AKG P220 microphone has diameter and length measurements of 5.4 x 16.5 cm respectively and weighs 1.2 lbs. AKG headphones are usually foldable, adding to their portability.

Beyerdynamic Space Requirements

Beyerdynamic headsets are usually large and unfoldable, so they can’t fit well into pockets and small bags. They are light and portable though, with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 weighing only 250g.

Remote Controls

AKG Remote Controls

The AKG Headphone app has an equalizer, software updates, and surround sound features in addition to basic functions such as volume control and pause/play functions. The microphones have a special remote control that is used for tuning purposes.

Beyerdynamic Remote Controls

Beyerdynamic wireless devices can be remotely controlled and personalized using the MIY Beyerdynamic app which is available for iOS and Android.

Connectivity Options

AKG Connectivity Options

AKG devices can be connected in different ways to your various devices using 3.5mm audio jack, USB, Bluetooth and several other connectivity options.

Beyerdynamic Connectivity Options

Beyerdynamic devices usually have few connectivity options, both wired and wireless. The options include USB 3.0, 3.5mm and 6.3mm audio jack, Bluetooth and USB C.

The headphones have changeable cables for various connectivity options.

Power Range

AKG Power Range

Headphones and earbuds do not have to be very loud to be heard well, therefore, the power range is usually in the 100mW – 700mW range. The AKG HP12U headphone amplifier has a power range of 100mW to 680mW.

Beyerdynamic Power Range

Headphones and earbuds do not require large amounts of power because of their proximity to the ear. Beyerdynamic headphones and earbuds typically have power ranges around 100mW to 200mW.

Frequency Response

AKG Frequency Response

The frequency response of AKG devices typically lies within 5Hz on the low end and 45KHz on the high end. The AKG WMS420 Wireless Microphone has a frequency range from 40 Hz – 20 KHz while the AKG HP12U headphone amplifier ranges from 20Hz to 20KHz.

Beyerdynamic Frequency Response

Despite their compact sizes, Beyerdynamic devices have extremely low frequencies for chest-thumping bass and very high frequencies for clear treble. The DT 990 open headphones have a frequency response range from 5Hz to 35KHz.

Beyerdynamic devices generally have a frequency response range of 5Hz-48KHz.

Conclusion

AKG delivers high-quality performance at affordable prices. This is a brand for those who want excellent performance but do not want to get more high-end and expensive devices. On the other hand, Beyerdynamic devices are comfortable and easy to use. They are tonally balanced and are not too expensive. For people who don’t want emphasis on bass or other tone ranges, Beyerdynamic devices are a great choice.

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