On the plus side though, the AKG K175s’ bass is deep and assured, but not overpowering, and doesn’t boom or bleed conspicuously. Verdict Slow-retention foam ear pads ensure a comfortable, secure fit that also maximizes acoustic isolation There is a problem, though. The AKG K175s’ upper-mids are quite raw. Like a drunk telling tales down the pub, these headphones are initially engaging but can start to grate after a while. Their initially appealing aggression devolves into a midrange blare that is not particularly comfortable over long sessions and you may find them a bit much after a while. A flat, neutral and uncoloured sound is what you expect from a studio monitor headphone, but that isn’t the AKG way – an upfront presentation characterises their sound. They have a real ability to make vocals sound close to the ear. In answer to the question about studio headphones versus ones for the commute, the AKGs are neither one nor the other. While they don’t have the obvious flat ‘pro’ profile, they do offer a reasonably entertaining listen for less serious uses – even if they do start to test your resolve after a while.

AKG K175 On-ear Closed-back Foldable Pro Studio Headphones

It helps when playing bands with a certain aggression through the K175s. Music is delivered with plenty of energy, good scale for a forward on-ear headphone and a richer tone than a neutral studio monitor.