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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you're seeking top-notch sound quality for music and TV with a spacious soundstage, the AKG K712 Pro would be your pick, but they're pricey, open-back for at-home use, lack built-in controls, and would benefit from an amplifier. For a budget-friendly option great for on-the-go listening with a closed design for better noise isolation, consider the Sony MDREX15AP; however, they have lower overall sound quality and might not be the best for critical listening or gaming. The AKGs are not suited for exercise or travel due to their size and open design, while the Sonys offer better portability and fit for active uses. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K712 Pro
- Good for gaming
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.7
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the AKG K712 Pro is good.
Phone Calls
4.9
3.5
The AKG K712 Pro and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
5.4
The AKG K712 Pro is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
8.4
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the AKG K712 Pro is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the AKG K712 Pro is poor.
Cost
$659
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $659 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.0
6.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers AKG K712 Pro to be good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The AKG K712 Pro and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the AKG K712 Pro and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$659 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the AKG K712 Pro or the Sony MDREX15AP
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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