AKG K371 vs Tascam TH-02
A side-by-side look at AKG K371 and Tascam TH-02 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
AKG K371
Closed-back reference headphone engineered to AKG's own frequency target - foldable for the road
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Check price on Amazon
Tascam TH-02
The sub-$30 closed-back that does the job when the budget is nearly zero
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| AKG K371 | Tascam TH-02 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design | Budget-conscious podcasters and studio operators who need a functional closed-back monitoring headphone at the lowest possible cost |
Key features
AKG K371
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- Closed-back, over-ear, foldable design
- 50mm drivers tuned to AKG Reference Response target
- 32 ohm impedance - no amp required
- Three detachable cables: 3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m straight
- Oval ear cups for passive noise isolation
Tascam TH-02
- Closed-back, over-ear, folding design
- 50mm dynamic drivers
- 18 Hz - 22 kHz frequency response
- 32 ohm impedance, 98 dB sensitivity
- Fixed 3m cable with snap-on 6.3mm adapter
- Foldable for compact storage
Pros and cons
AKG K371
Pros
- Flat, reference-tuned response matched to the Harman target
- Three cable options cover all use cases
- 32-ohm impedance works from any interface or device
- Foldable for travel without sacrificing studio-grade accuracy
Cons
- Foldable mechanism adds plastic to the build
- Oval ear cups require adjustment to fit some head shapes
- Bass extension can sound slightly soft versus V-shaped alternatives
Tascam TH-02
Pros
- Extremely low cost - best value entry point for closed-back monitoring
- 50mm drivers deliver surprising output for the price
- Folding design for compact storage and transport
- Reliable Tascam brand in the professional recording ecosystem
Cons
- All-plastic build - not designed for rough handling over years
- Fixed non-detachable cable
- Frequency response and accuracy well below mid-range competitors
- No carrying case or accessories
The verdict
Choose AKG K371 if
Podcasters and producers who want a modern closed-back with flat reference tuning and portable foldable design.
The K371 is one of the most technically accurate closed-back headphones at its price, and the measurement community noticed it early - it closely follows the Harman target curve, which correlates well to what most people perceive as neutral and…
Choose Tascam TH-02 if
Budget-conscious podcasters and studio operators who need a functional closed-back monitoring headphone at the lowest possible cost.
The TH-02 is not a reference headphone - it's a utility headphone that gets the job done when you have $25 to spend and need closed-back isolation. The 50mm drivers at 32 ohms deliver more volume from any source than…