Sennheiser and AKG are two renowned and well-respected brands in the audio industry that produce high-quality speakers, headphones, soundbars, subwoofers, and amplifiers.
In this article, we will cover a general overview of both brands, looking specifically at the 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.
Sennheiser products are known for their excellent sound quality and wide range of products, while AKG products are known for their excellent sound quality and wide range of products.
Sennheiser vs AKG Comparison Table
| Criteria | Sennheiser | AKG |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Reputation | Sennheiser is a highly regarded brand known for its premium audio products and a long history in the audio industry. | AKG, part of the Harman International group, is recognized for its professional-grade audio equipment and studio headphones. |
| Sound Quality | Sennheiser is renowned for delivering high-fidelity sound with a focus on detail, clarity, and natural sound reproduction. | AKG is known for providing accurate and balanced sound, particularly in its studio and professional-grade headphones. |
| Build Quality/Design | Sennheiser products feature premium build quality, durable materials, and designs that prioritize comfort and functionality. | AKG headphones often showcase a robust build with attention to comfort, practicality, and sometimes distinctive aesthetic designs. |
| Product Range | Sennheiser offers a wide range of audio products, including headphones, microphones, and audio solutions for various applications. | AKG provides a variety of professional and consumer audio products, specializing in studio headphones, microphones, and audio systems. |
| Pricing | Sennheiser products cover various price points, offering options from consumer to high-end professional audio equipment. | AKG products are positioned in different price ranges, catering to both the consumer and professional audio markets. |
| Features | Sennheiser products often integrate advanced technologies, including noise-canceling, wireless connectivity, and customizable sound profiles. | AKG headphones may include features such as reference sound, high sensitivity, and innovative technologies suitable for professional audio applications. |
Before we continue, you can check out similar comparisons in the series:
Pros and Cons of Sennheiser:
- 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 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.
Quick History
Sennheiser Quick History
Sennheiser was founded in 1945 in a laboratory called Laboratorium Wennebostel (Lab W) by Fritz Sennheiser and seven other engineers of the University of Hannover. Lab W started producing microphones in 1946 with DM1 and in 1947 with DM2.
The company produced many different products, including the Noise-Compensated microphone (DM4) and miniature magnetic headphones, before it was transformed into a limited partnership (KG) in 1973.
In 1982, Sennheiser started producing modern wireless microphones and won the 59th Academy Awards for its MKH 816 shotgun microphone.
Sennheiser is headquartered near Hannover, in the municipality of Wedemard, Germany. Today, Sennheiser is well known for producing professional-grade headphones and microphones.
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.
Sound Quality
Sennheisser Sound Quality
Sennheiser produces robust headphones with versatile performance built with an ANC system (active noise-canceling technology).
ANC blocks out the low rumble of plane engines and vehicles together with ambient chatter. With aptX and aptX-LL codecs, these headphones deliver incredible sound quality with lower latency.
The bass is heavy and decently adds extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. This makes Sennheiser headphones more suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop.
In addition, the infrared transmission technology and the multi-channel RF wireless transmission technology contribute to the popular Sennheiser sound signature.
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.
Features
Sennheiser Features
The following features are characteristic of all Sennheiser headphones:
- Modular construction that makes it easy to repair or replace parts
- Snug fit
- Excellent cup padding
- Air Traffic Control
- Professionally inspired
- Total harmonic distortion <0.08% (1kHz, 94 dB)
- Resonator chamber to remove masking resonance
- Para-aramid reinforced cables
- German-made 7mmXWB transducer – for naturally balanced sound
- Intuitive controls
- Lightweight (around 140 grams)
- Supra-aural design
AKG Features
AKG devices come with several features that make them very easy to use and improve audio enjoyment. Some of these features are given below:
- 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, is available on the Google PlayStore and Apple AppStore.
- Interchangeable cables and earpad covers
Build Quality
Sennheiser Build Quality
The headphones are built with a rugged and flexible design. The durable metal hinge and sliders add appealing style.
Even for long periods of use, they often remain in good condition. The latest ones are made from ZR01 amorphous zirconium, a metal used to drill the face of Mars, ensuring toughness and longevity.
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.
Ease of Use
Sennheiser Ease of Use
Sennheiser headphones come with various connectivity options making them very easy to connect and use for multiple occasions.
The customizable touch controls put you in control of your listening experience, from audio and phone calls to Siri and Google Assistant.
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.
Cost
Sennheiser Cost
- Headphones: $20 – $500
- Microphones: $50 – $1000
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
Space Requirements
Sennheiser Space Requirements
Sennheiser headphones are perfectly built for the ear. Whether you are buying over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones, their construction is compact and easily fits the head and ear without exerting extra pressure.
Besides, the headphones are lightweight, and wearers may not feel the weight even after long use.
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.
Remote Controls
Sennheiser Remote Control
Although Sennheiser headphones do not come with remote controls, they support wireless streaming such as Bluetooth listening.
Also, you can control some of your Sennheiser headphones with the Sennheiser Smart Control app. The app helps you access firmware updates and allows you to choose adaptive ANC and anti-wind ANC for the first noise-canceling level.
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.
Connectivity Options
Sennheiser Connectivity Options
Here are the connectivity options for Sennheiser:
-
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Fast auto-connect
- SBC
- aptX
- aptX LL
- AAC
- Wired listening with a 2.5 mm cable
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.
Power Range
Sennheiser Power Range
Sennheiser headphones consume very little power to deliver incredible sound quality. Besides, the potable ones utilize either rechargeable or non-rechargeable AAA batteries and will deliver up to 100.45 dB/mW SPL.
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.
Frequency Response
Sennheiser Frequency Response
Sennheiser headphones perform well and widely exceed limits with ranges of 4 Hz to 51 kHz. The wide range helps prevent bass or treble roll-offs. Users also feel more frequencies and get a more immersive listening experience.
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.
Conclusion
Sennheiser produces high-quality headphones and microphones. The devices support numerous features and are energy efficient. They are, however, more expensive than the competition. 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.