AKG N40 Review | 93 Data compared

The STEREO magazine review highlights the AKG N40 in-ear monitors as a premium, "HD-capable" device that offers an open soundstage with exceptionally clear vocals and punchy bass. Key strengths include the high-resolution audio performance and, specifically, the inclusion of interchangeable filter modules that allow users to customize the frequency balance. The review notes that these headphones are designed for demanding, audiophile tastes rather than casual, plug-and-play use. Consequently, the primary consideration for potential buyers is the high-end positioning, which aligns with a premium price point, rather than a conventional design approach.

The AKG N40 is a high-end, hybrid in-ear headphone priced at 400 Euros with a 20 Ohm impedance. Designed for portability and sport, the headphones use a dual-driver design featuring a dynamic driver for deep, clear bass and a balanced-armature driver to handle precise high frequencies. A standout feature is the inclusion of three physical sound filters—Reference, Bass-Boost, and High-Boost—which allow users to manually customize the sound profile by tuning specific frequency ranges. In audio testing with Phil Collins' "Easy Lover", the Reference filter provided a dynamic, balanced soundstage, while the other filters successfully shifted focus to the low or high ends depending on user preference. The headphones earned a strong overall score of 83, backed by notable advantages and minor drawbacks. On the positive side, the AKG N40 delivers an exceptionally balanced spatial soundscape and high versatility due to the three swappable acoustic filters. It features excellent build quality and a premium accessory package, which includes two cables, a hard transport case, and four sets of ear tips that effectively seal out external ambient noise. On the negative side,...

The German publication AREA DVD published an enthusiastic review of the AKG N40 high-end in-ear headphones, which retail for 399 EUR. Boasting a 2-way hybrid driver system that marries balanced armature and dynamic drivers, these lightweight (22-gram) earphones deliver an expansive frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, making them an exceptional match for High-Resolution audio. The reviewer heavily praised the pros of the device, particularly highlighting its patented, screw-in physical sound filters ("Bass Boost", "Reference Sound", and "High Boost") which provide tangible acoustic flexibility. Across various testing tracks, the N40 demonstrated a harmonious and velvety signature with excellent spatial depth, striking instrument separation, and precise rhythm. Furthermore, the premium material build, robust tangle-free detachable cables, top-tier hands-free inline microphone, and highly generous accessory kit (comprising multiple ear pads, a cleaning tool, a flight adapter, and a carrying case) were lauded as fully justifying the steep price point. However, the review does outline a few notable cons regarding performance limitations and cost. The primary acoustic drawback observed was the headphone's struggle with aggressive, heavy crossover tracks, specifically noted when...

This review from COMPUTER BILD evaluates the AKG N40, a high-quality, lightweight in-ear headphone that weighs just 20 grams. The device stands out by combining balanced-armature drivers for sharp high frequencies with dynamic drivers for deep bass, a setup typically reserved for professional stage equipment. Testers awarded it a "good" rating of 1.9, praising its superb build quality, comfortable fit, and highly detailed sound performance. Using the "Reference" filter, the headphones deliver exceptionally clear highs and crisp, non-muddy bass even at high volume levels. It also features a generous accessory package, including two detachable cables (one with a microphone and remote), four pairs of ear tips, an airplane adapter, a cleaning tool, and a carrying case. The major flaw highlighted in the review is the failure of the interchangeable "Bass Boost" and "High Boost" screw-on sound filters, which the testers found to be entirely useless. The bass filter negatively impacts the midrange frequencies rather than enhancing the bass, while the treble filter shows no audible difference at all. Additionally, swapping these tiny parts is a very tedious and fiddly process....

The AKG N40 is a premium, high-end pair of in-ear headphones utilizing a 2-way hybrid driver system designed to appeal to audio enthusiasts and professionals. A standout feature highlighted in the review is the inclusion of three interchangeable tuning filters ("Bass Boost", "Reference Sound", and "High Boost") that allow users to mechanically customize the frequency response directly at the ear tip. Using the default "Reference Sound" filter, the earphones deliver exceptional, studio-grade performance characterized by extreme neutrality, honesty, and crisp impulse handling across the entire 10 - 40,000 Hz frequency spectrum. Additionally, the package provides high actionable value by including a robust travel kit featuring four sizes of ear pieces, a flight adapter, a cleaning tool, and two distinct 1.2-meter detachable, fabric-wrapped MMCX cables—one of which features a universal 3-button inline remote and microphone. Despite its high 4.88 out of 5 rating, the review points out several notable physical and acoustic downsides. On the design side, the polished steel outer casing gives the earphones an elegant aesthetic, but it pushes the weight to a relatively heavy 22 grams, and the...