AKG K240 Studio Headphone Review

K240 Studios can be driven by a laptop to dangerously high volumes. However, Reference requires 15dB of safe headroom for this model, so when used with calibration, you’ll be better off plugging them in an audio interface or amp, or else you may run out of volume.

The design of AKG K240 Studio is largely the same as K240 Monitor, a classic headphone model released way back in 1975, making it even older than Sony MDR-7506 predecessor MDR-V6.

K240s are instantly recognizable as AKG headphones thanks to their trademark “hammock” style suspended headband that offers infinite adjustment instead of pre-set clicks found on most other designs. Apart from the retro styling and design, the age can be noticed in the feel of plastics used throughout the build which feels more industrial than the materials used in modern counterparts. A very welcome upgrade over K240 Monitor though is the detachable cable with the mini-XLR connector, this feature still is not as commonplace as it should be.

The build isn’t fragile but it doesn’t inspire confidence to throw them in a backpack and carry them around on a regular basis. Their place, as the name suggests, is in the studio, not on the road.

There are 3 main issues with the frequency response: the increase from 6kHz onwards makes the sound overly bright, the build-up in low mids introduces some muddiness, and perhaps the most notable issue is the absence of sub bass. Also, the high frequency cutoff point is relatively low, but that may be noticed only by the younger listeners. Overall, K240’s are far from being the worst-sounding studio headphones and deliver somewhat balanced sound, but there’s quite a lot to be gained by calibration. The highs and low-mids are evened out nicely by Reference, and it’s surprising that the drivers can handle the required bass boost at all, but more on that later.

For such an old design and relatively affordable price, the channel balance is remarkable! Imperfections are few and of little magnitude, and are nothing to worry about, as they will have virtually no perceivable impact on your work.

Similar to another age-old design – the MDR-7506 – comfort is one of the strengths of K240 Studio and in this regard, these are among the best headphones in the price segment. The headband applies pressure very evenly and should work well with many different head shapes and sizes. The ear pads will get sweaty and uncomfortable after extended use, but at this price point, it’s to be expected. Overall, AKG has done a very good job!

The current street price of €55 in Europe and $69 in the U.S. seems fair enough. If there were no issues with THD, it would be a very sweet deal, but regardless, it’s still a good one.