AKG K 495 NC Review | 93 Data compared

The AKG K495 NC ($349.95) is a stylish and exceptionally well-built pair of on-ear, active noise-canceling headphones featuring a premium aesthetic with brushed-metal parts, leather earcups, and an adjustable leather headband. A standout design feature is its built-in rechargeable battery that juices up via USB, allowing the headphones to continue playing audio even when the battery dies or when active noise cancellation is switched off. The review notes several strong pros: excellent fit and finish, highly effective noise cancellation that performs well on flights and subways, an included high-quality carrying case, and distinct "L" and "R" labels inside the ear pads for easy orientation. However, the headphones fall short of being best-in-class due to a few notable cons, primarily when compared to the cheaper Bose QuietComfort 15s. At $350, they are considered pricey and lack the acoustic refinement expected at this budget, delivering a sound profile that is a bit forward and light on the bass. They also sound noticeably "bright and edgy" when the noise-canceling feature is turned off. Furthermore, the on-ear design puts physical pressure on the ears,...

The AKG K495NC headphone review evaluates the device's sonic characteristics, performance, and functionality across multiple modes. When the active noise cancellation (NC) is switched off, the sound quality is deemed average; the bass is tight but lacks impact and extension, the midrange is functional but described as slightly "veiled," and the treble feels laid-back and unarticulated. Activating the NC feature significantly cuts down static low-frequency background sounds, but it introduces a distinct change in audio fidelity. The lower frequencies get boosted, causing noticeable bass bleed that darkens the overall tonality and partially sucks out the midrange detail. Furthermore, the closed-back structure limits the soundstage, making instrument separation easily confused while introducing audible floor noise or humming in quiet environments. The reviewer outlines several concrete pros and cons regarding the overall value and design of the headphone. On the positive side (pros), the headphone excels at its core purpose of blocking travel noise, and it features a highly beneficial passive playback capability that allows the music to keep playing even after the batteries completely run out. On the negative side (cons),...

The AKG K495 NC headphones feature a robust, premium design with brushed metal and soft leather, offering a natural sound profile that remains functional even with the active noise cancellation (ANC) turned off. Their effective ANC makes them a suitable choice for commuting, providing good isolation against background noise. Conversely, the on-ear design presents a high clamping force, leading to potential discomfort during extended use, compounded by a relatively heavy build and an awkward ANC switch. Furthermore, the high $399 MSRP and the tendency for the ANC to overpower lower frequencies are noted as significant drawbacks. Head-Fi.org

The AKG K495 NC active noise-cancelling headphones feature a premium, elegant chassis constructed from black leather and brushed metal, delivering a warm and loud audio performance that surpasses rivals like the Bose QuietComfort 15 in pure volume. A standout asset is their rechargeable battery, which provides up to 40 hours of continuous noise cancellation and allows music playback to continue even after the battery dies. However, users must contend with a steep $349 price tag and a notable lack of modern conveniences, as the dual included audio cables completely lack inline remotes or integrated microphones. On the performance front, the audio loses vital definition at higher volume levels, causing the high and mid frequencies to become muddy while leaving the bass response unexpectedly light. The active noise-cancelling system also introduces a subtle white noise hiss and fails to create the total vacuum of silence achieved by class leaders like Bose. Additionally, the tight, on-ear clamp design causes initial physical discomfort and requires a few days of breaking in for the leather earcups to soften enough to alleviate the pressure. Ultimately,...

The AKG K495NC is the top-of-the-line supra-aural (on-ear) active noise-cancelling headphone from AKG. In terms of design and build, the review highlights several pros, including a premium and highly flexible construction made of plastic, metal, and synthetic leather that conveniently folds flat and collapses in multiple directions. The package includes a generous selection of accessories, such as a stylish magnetic carry case, a Kevlar-reinforced fabric audio cord, and international adapters. Performance wise, the active noise cancellation (ANC) serves as a major strength, effectively eliminating harsh low-frequency building construction rumblings. However, the primary cons mentioned regarding physical design include its heavy weight due to the internal circuitry and mixed comfort levels, as the clamping force can lead to listening fatigue over extended periods. Acoustically, the K495NC features two completely distinct sound profiles depending on whether the ANC power is engaged. When active noise cancellation is turned on, the headphone delivers strong, bass-heavy audio that excels at shutting out the environment, though critics note it can become somewhat muddy and mask upper-frequency details. Conversely, running the headphones in passive mode with the...

The AKG K495 NC on-ear headphones provide superior active noise cancellation and high-fidelity audio, delivering deep bass and crisp highs suitable for demanding environments like train travel. Their premium, comfortable design and USB-rechargeable battery system are major advantages, though the high $349.95 price point is a notable drawback. Despite the cost, the review concludes the stellar acoustic performance and build quality justify the investment for users seeking top-tier, on-ear noise cancellation.

The AKG K495 NC headphones feature a premium, durable build with strong metal construction and a travel-friendly folding design. They offer robust passive isolation alongside effective active noise cancellation, with the added benefit of a "bipolar" audio capability that allows for passive listening when the battery is drained. However, the headphones are marred by a heavy, on-ear design that causes significant clamping force and comfort issues during long sessions. Sonically, the review notes a stark, inconsistent, and often muddy, bass-heavy, sound signature when ANC is activated, paired with a flat, dry,, and uninspiring sound profile when ANC is turned off.

The Gizmodo review of the AKG K495 NC noise-canceling headphones highlights them as an exceptionally durable, travel-friendly kit priced at $350, matching the Bose QuietComfort 3. Weighing 8.3 ounces, these on-ear headphones feature a rugged build with a sturdy metal hinge that allows them to fold flat and collapse easily into a carry-on. The primary pros include an incredibly tough, compact design, immersive and textured studio-quality sound with excellent depth, and effective active noise cancellation algorithms that block out transit noise without creating a noticeable background hiss. Furthermore, the bass tones improve significantly when active noise cancellation is switched on, and unlike competing Bose models, the AKG K495 NC can still play music passively after the internal battery dies. However, the reviewer details a few distinct cons, pointing out a "tragic flaw" in the overall fit: the premium leather ear pads provide an excellent acoustic seal but do not sit snugly enough, causing the headphones to slide around on the user's head. Additionally, the ear cups fold in multiple directions to squeeze into tight spaces, but they fail to collapse...

The Sound & Vision review highlights the AKG K 490 NC and K 495 NC headphones for their sleek, portable, folding design, allowing music to play even when the battery dies. While offering USB-rechargeable batteries and detachable cables, the premium K 495 NC boasts heavy-duty metal hinges and superior passive sound isolation compared to the K 490 NC. Sound & Cons include less effective high-frequency noise cancellation, the omission of a wall charger for the K 490 NC, and a cumbersome two-handed power switch on the K 495 NC. Furthermore, both models utilize less common 2.5mm to 3.5mm cables, which can complicate replacements. Sound &