AKG K551 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

AKG K551 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.9

Technical Score

20.0%

6.4

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(81)
amazon
3.4
(54)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(81)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(54)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.1

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.1

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • akg-k551
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  • akg-k551
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The AKG K551 is a closed-back, over-ear reference-class headset featuring massive 50mm dynamic drivers and proprietary Real Image Engineering designed to create a spacious, dimensional soundstage typically associated with open-back designs. Technical specifications include a frequency response of 12Hz to 28kHz, a low 32-ohm impedance for easy drivability from mobile devices, and a high sensitivity of 114dB SPL/V. Key strengths include its sturdy build quality, excellent passive noise isolation, and a neutral, detailed sound profile suited for classical or acoustic music, further enhanced by a 1.2m oxygen-free cable with an in-line microphone and remote for iOS devices. However, it is often criticized for being bulky and less portable than competitors, having a thin non-removable cable, and lacking sub-bass impact if a perfect ear-pad seal is not achieved.

Technical Specifications of AKG K551

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.4

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

5.0

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.9
AKG K551 has a technical score of 4.86 points, which is lower than that of 52.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

5.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(81)
amazon
3.4
(54)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(81)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(54)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.4
AKG K551 has a user score of 6.42 points, which is lower than that of 87.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
5.0
AKG K551 has a popularity of 5 points, which is higher than 51.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.5
AKG K551 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
AKG K551 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 mm
AKG K551 uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
AKG K551 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

12 Hz
AKG K551 reaches a lowest frequency of 12 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
AKG K551 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
AKG K551 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
AKG K551 has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
AKG K551 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
AKG K551 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
AKG K551 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
AKG K551 supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

AKG
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

305 g
AKG K551 weighs 305 g, heavier than 82.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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AKG K551 vs the average headphone

  • 10 mm larger driver size
    AKG K551 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K551 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K551 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    AKG K551 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG K551 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K551 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    AKG K551 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K551 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K551 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    AKG K551 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K551 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    AKG K551 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    AKG K551 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    AKG K551 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    AKG K551 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K551 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.50 mm vs 43 mm
  • 7 mm more spacious earcup width
    AKG K551 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    AKG K551 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 12 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    AKG K551 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (114 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 6 Hz lower bass extension
    AKG K551 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    AKG K551 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    AKG K551 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 11 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    AKG K551 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (114 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    AKG K551 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    AKG K551 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 39.9% higher weight
    AKG K551 is heavier than the average headphone (305 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    AKG K551 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 7 mm tighter earcup height
    AKG K551 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K551 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    AKG K551 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 5 years older release date
    AKG K551 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2012
  • 39.9% higher weight
    AKG K551 is heavier than the average headphone (305 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    AKG K551 is heavier than the average headphone (305 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.305 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    AKG K551 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K551 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 7 mm tighter earcup height
    AKG K551 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    AKG K551 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.53 mm vs 60 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    AKG K551 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K551 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    AKG K551 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    AKG K551 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 24.6% lower user score
    AKG K551 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.42 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    AKG K551 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.42 vs 8.000).6.42 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    AKG K551 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    AKG K551 is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
  • 5 years older release date
    AKG K551 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    AKG K551 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of AKG K551 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about AKG K551?

  • Durable, premium build quality featuring metal components
  • Highly comfortable for long listening sessions with soft padding
  • Surprisingly wide and 'airy' soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Neutral and detailed sound profile well-suited for classical and acoustic music
  • Includes an integrated 3-button remote and mic for mobile use
  • Efficient and easy to drive from mobile devices due to 32-ohm impedance
  • Fold-flat earcups improve portability

What customers dislike about AKG K551?

  • Noticeable lack of bass impact, which can feel 'thin' or 'bland'
  • Large and bulky physical design can look 'ridiculous' for public use
  • In-line remote functionality is primarily optimized for Apple devices and may not work on Android
  • Relies heavily on a perfect ear cup seal; glasses or a poor fit can further reduce bass
  • Does not include a carrying case or a 1/4-inch adapter
  • Fixed, non-detachable cable makes replacement difficult if damaged
  • Passive isolation may struggle to block out low-frequency noise in loud environments

Expert reviews

D
diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com
05/12/2013

The AKG K551 is a lightweight, closed-back, over-ear headphone designed for portable use and home studio monitoring. It features a 50mm dynamic driver, an integrated inline microphone and remote control optimized for Apple devices, and a 1.2-meter fixed cable. Notable strengths include immense bass extension reaching down to 5Hz, decent noise isolation, low weight, and high...Read more

H
head-fi.org
12/11/2012

The AKG K551 is characterized as a high-performance headphone with an exceptionally detailed, forward midrange that offers a wide soundstage, great spatial imaging, and superior detail extraction compared to similar models like the Sennheiser HD 598. While praised for its acoustic performance, the headphone presents a heavily colored sound signature rather than a neutral, analytical...Read more

I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021

The AKG K551 over-ear headphones are a high-end, Apple-focused model that balances strong physical comfort with major technical drawbacks. On the positive side, these headphones feature a modern, lightweight design with large 50mm drivers housed in comfortable aluminum, plastic, and leather ear cups. The ear cups conveniently rotate inward to lay flat for easier packing, and the...Read more

D
digit.in
01/08/2023

The AKG K551, as reviewed by Digit, is a closed-back headphone featuring massive, comfortable earcups and a sturdy build designed for an exceptionally open, airy, and precise soundstage. The device provides an analytical, true-to-source audio experience that shines for purists, while its design includes a single-axis mechanism for laying flat. However, the review notes the...Read more

T
totallydubbed.net
25/07/2013

The AKG K551 over-ear headphones are reviewed by Totally Dubbed as an exceptionally priced, high-value option (£150 at the time) that delivers a flat, analytical, and highly neutral sonic profile. The reviewer notes several core pros, including outstanding headphone build quality with a highly flexible headband, precise laser annotations on the ear cups, a lightweight and generally...Read more

C
cnet.com
15/07/2013

The AKG K551 headphones are designed as a portable version of the K550 model, adding a 3.6-foot cable with a three-button inline remote for mobile use. On the positive side, they offer excellent, sturdy build quality and a highly comfortable fit featuring soft, padded earcups and a padded headband. Sonically, they deliver a well-balanced, open, and airy soundstage that lacks a...Read more

G
geardiary.com
01/02/2013

The Gear Diary review of the AKG K551 highlights these over-ear, closed-back headphones as a high-end audio solution optimized for Apple devices, praising their exceptional comfort and ability to be worn for extended periods. Sound quality is a major highlight, with the review noting they provide great audio for music, audiobooks, and television viewing on an iPad, along with a...Read more

W
whathifi.com
23/01/2013

The AKG K551 over-ear, closed-back headphones are designed as a portable version of the award-winning K550 model, adding an inline remote, a shortened cable, and a carry pouch. What Hi-Fi? highly praises their sound quality, awarding them a five-star verdict for their expertly balanced, spacious, and highly detailed audio performance that spans comfortably across all musical genres....Read more

W
welt.de
29/06/2026

The WELT product review gallery summarizes an Audio Video Foto Bild test of 14 over-ear and on-ear headphones, divided into €200 and €100 price tiers. In the premium €200 category, the compact B&W P3 claimed first place due to its elegant, foldable build and warm, comfortable sound profile tailored for long listening sessions, though it sacrificed some soundstage spaciousness. The...Read more

K
kopfhoererimtest.de
01/04/2014

The AKG K551 is a large, premium over-ear headphone featuring 11-centimeter earcups and 50-mm drivers designed to deliver an airy and open soundstage with highly accurate mid-range frequencies. As the portable, upgraded sibling of the home-oriented AKG K550, it features a shorter cable and an integrated iOS-compatible inline remote control with a microphone for mobile calls. Despite...Read more

A
avguide.ch
16/03/2013

The AKG K845 BT over-ear headphones are a dynamic, 32-Ohm model noted as the only Bluetooth-capable entry in this multi-product test. On the positive side, they feature a clever one-point ear cup suspension that allows them to rotate 90 degrees flat for easy desktop storage, along with practical, large "L" and "R" labels printed directly onto the inner fabric. The right cup houses...Read more

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connect.de
05/02/2013

The connect review of the AKG K 551 highlights its excellent physical construction and outstanding user comfort. The pros emphasized in the test include a beautiful aluminum finish and a highly flexible headband equipped with soft padding and a 12-stage adjustment mechanism, making the large headphones feel surprisingly lightweight. Its massive 50mm ear cushions completely surround...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
14/03/2013

The Les Numériques review awards the AKG K551 a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, praising it as a high-end, closed-back reference headphone designed for portable use. The core pros centered around its outstanding audio fidelity, which mirrors the highly-regarded, neutral signature of the AKG K701. Thanks to its massive 50mm transducers, it provides an exceptionally wide soundstage and...Read more

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audiocasque.fr
12/03/2014

The AKG K551 is a solid, comfortable audio headset meant for people who love clean sound while traveling. It has very large ear cups that fit around your ears and block out outside noise well. The sound is clear and detailed, especially for high notes, classical music, and acoustic songs. It also creates a wide, open stage feel that makes you feel like you are at a live concert....Read more

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draadbreuk.nl
20/11/2014

Based on the provided review from Draadbreuk.nl, here is a specific summary detailing the reviewer's experiences with the featured headphones: Review Summary The reviewer, Paul Gersen, evaluates high-end headphones through the lens of a heavy-use professional pop journalist who demands both stellar audio quality and structural durability. He highlights several premium models that...Read more

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