When comparing AKG K81 DJ vs Zeus Outdoor, the Slant community recommends Zeus Outdoor for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Zeus Outdoor is ranked 52nd while AKG K81 DJ is ranked 68th. The most important reason people chose Zeus Outdoor is:
The Zeus Outdoor combines Bluetooth connectivity, water resistance and active noise cancelling with a thumpy sound signature. These are fun to listen to, convenient to use and can resist damage due to moisture at a good price.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Full bass with adequate levels of mids and highs
Despite the compact size. the bass is full, has great impact, deep extension yet is not loose. The low end also has a natural quality to it that makes these headphones great for music that is performed using real instruments.
The mids are slightly recessed, but also have a natural tone. The highs are the most recessed or rolled-off, but the detail and airiness of the music is not totally absent. This quality helps give the sound a smooth and pleasing tonality.
Pro Ear cups can swivel facing outwards
The K81 can be used “DJ style”, wherein only one ear cup is in contact with the head. The cups have a smooth swivel action so they can be rotated to face outwards. A user can choose to hold one ear cup up to his or her ear while flipping switches or turning knobs on the mix board with the other hand.
Pro Easy to travel with
While these are already quite compact, the ear cups can be folded into the headband to reduce their size even further. This makes them easy to stuff inside a bag and travel with.
Pro Comfortable to wear even with extended use
The clamping force is not too much at all, so acceptable levels of pressure will be applied on the ears. Also, the ear pads are thick with ample pleather padding on the surface. This combination provides adequate cushioning between the ear cups and sides of the head.
Pro Can fit a wide range of head sizes
The aluminum headband itself has some good flex. Combined with the sliding mechanism of the ear cups, K81 can be adjusted to fit a wide range of head sizes. Also notable are the numbered steps on each side of the headband, which allow for accurate and consistent ear cup positioning.
Pro Feels high quality
Although it's mostly made of plastic, the materials don't feel cheap at all. Aside from feeling sturdy, the plastics have a smooth rubber coating which makes them feel premium to the touch. Also, the headband is made out of aluminum which is significantly more durable than an all plastic one.
Pro Great combination of features for runners at a reasonable price
The Zeus Outdoor combines Bluetooth connectivity, water resistance and active noise cancelling with a thumpy sound signature. These are fun to listen to, convenient to use and can resist damage due to moisture at a good price.
Pro No cable hassle as they're wireless
These connect to a sound source via Bluetooth, so only a very short cable connects the two earpieces. This can help improve your mobility and minimize cable-related distractions.
Pro Active noise cancelling minimizes ambient noise
Ambient sound leaking in to your music can be drastically reduced by the active noise cancelling feature. You can better focus on your music, as well as your run/work out.
Pro Won't easily get damaged by liquids
These have an IPX7 rating which makes them water resistant so they can be used while running, even when it's raining. Do take note that submerging these headphones beyond a certain depth will negate their water resistance.
Pro Powerful bass
Bass hits are powerful and forward, which should complement the upbeat and thumping music that most people listen to when working out. Highs and mids are recessed though, so these are best for bass lovers.
Pro Snug and secure fit
Ear hooks are attached to the earpieces which provide extra grip over your ears, so these will not fall off easily. The short connecting cable also minimizes the weight that may pull down on the earpieces .
Pro Comes with a good assortment of accessories
You get a number of silicone ear tips in different sizes, some foam ear tips as well as a carrying case.
Pro Good battery life
These can last up to 8 hours of continuous music playback.
Cons
Con On-ear design can still be uncomfortable
While the ear pads are thick and give a lot of cushioning, some may still find this to be uncomfortable. Being on-ear, some pressure is applied onto the ears.Those who are sensitive to this may still feel some discomfort, especially when worn for several hours straight.
Con Highs may sound too recessed
People who prefer their music with sparkly highs and utmost clarity likely won't find these headphones to be a good listen.
Con Lengthy cable can be a hassle
The cable is 2.5m which is fairly long. Since it is not detachable and the cable tends to tangle quite easily, it may cause some problems with regular home use or when taking these headphones on the go.
Con May sound quite muffled for some
The highs are quite recessed to give way to the powerful bass. This results in a sound that has a muffled feel which not everybody may like.
