Buzz
Evaluating the Design Quality of AKG K553 Pro
The AKG K553 Pro headphones boast a notable aesthetic appeal. They have a relatively understated configuration, lacking any flashy elements. However, the matte black finish and genuine metal construction complement each other in a unique way.
Nevertheless, these headphones are practically entirely crafted from metal. As a result, they endure punishment exceptionally well, and even if you drop them daily, they'll just shrug it off. They're highly flexible, and the joints produce no sound when you twist and rotate them. Even the small plastic components feel thick and rubbery, showing no signs of fragility.
Despite having all-metal parts, the AKG K553 Pro headphonesremain relatively lightweight, weighing only 0.67 pounds. This helps alleviate some pressure on the head, but whether it's sufficient depends on how long you use them.
The issue here isn't the weight but the padding, or rather, the lack thereof. Both the faux leather ear cushions and headband padding are relatively thin. The excellent clamping force of these headphones helps with the headband padding, but not so much with the ear cushioning.
The good thing is that the ear cushions can be replaced with other AKG pads, so at worst, it's a minor inconvenience and not a deal-breaker for considering these headphones.
And it's not like the stock cushions are terrible; you won't feel uncomfortable after an hour or two of use. With their flexibility, there's a good chance they'll be used for extended periods without causing discomfort.
Technical Specifications
With a low impedance of only 32 Ohms, you can plug the AKG K553 Pro into any computer or amp, and it will deliver excellent sound. Additionally, the frequency range goes from 12 Hz up to 28000 Hz. While not the widest range compared to professional headphones, it certainly blurs the line of what typical headphones offer.
Regarding the ear cups, these are closed-back headphones, but they also reap the benefits of open-back headphones. They provide good sound isolation and a wide soundstage. Every note is clear, and every instrument stands out, giving the overall sound a spacious feel. And this is where the true flexibility shines.
The near-open characteristics you get from these headphones are fantastic for spatial awareness in games, especially in first-person shooter games, where you'll precisely know the direction of footsteps and gunfire.
However, there's a slight issue here: the portability of the AKG K553 Pro is not high.
Here's a quote from the K553 Pro support page on AKG's site: '2D axis mechanism allows for completely flat folding for easy storage or handling on the go.' Sounds good, sounds right, but the reality is different.
The ability to fold flat makes these headphones more convenient for wearing around the neck or placing on any flat surface, or even just for listening with one ear like a DJ. If you have a suitable carrying case (not included) that fits them, you'll be able to transport them from point A to point B without any hindrance.
However, they can't be used while on the move, primarily due to the cable. These are wired headphones, and the cable is non-detachable. It's only three meters long, great for a studio or even in your home if you want to move around a bit while wearing the headphones. The cable is good, no interference, and it comes with a neat 6.3mm adapter.
But let's be realistic here, you're not going to coil a 3-meter cable around your shoulder, plug these headphones into your smartphone, and listen to your playlist while walking to the grocery store.
Audio Quality of AKG K552 Pro
As always, the audio quality remains truly exceptional, and the AKG K553 Pro doesn't disappoint.
The crucial thing to remember here is, first and foremost, these are studio headphones. This means their purpose is to reproduce sound as authentically and faithfully as possible. The overall characteristic sound is quite flat, although the high-frequency notes are slightly enhanced.
This is not a bad thing. It's unlike regular headphones where the bass is often much more pronounced. The bass is still present and firm, but it's controlled, so it may not be like what you're used to if you've never used reference headphones before.
However, don't let this discourage you unless modern, bass-heavy genres are all you care about. Listening to your favorite songs the way they were recorded for the first time is quite an interesting experience, and you'll feel like rediscovering some of your favorite musical gems.
Conclusion
In summary, the AKG K553 Pro headphones are an excellent example of studio-grade headphones with universal appeal. Audio enthusiasts will adore them for the remarkable reference sound they deliver at this price point, and gamers will appreciate them for the spatial awareness they provide.
Moreover, they also stand out as an excellent choice for studio headphones if you've never used them before. Just keep in mind the three-meter-long cable. The market price for these headphones is around 3.9 million VND.
