frontpage Posted by StrifeZero • Jul 14, 2024
Jul 14, 2024 5:13 PM
Item 1 of 1
frontpage Posted by StrifeZero • Jul 14, 2024
Jul 14, 2024 5:13 PM
AKG N5005 Reference Class In-Ear Headphones
+ Free Shipping$160
$218
26% offWalmart
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For $350, I'd probably pick Sennheiser HD650, but these are half the price and way more portable. Even then, it is largely driven by my preference for over-ear versus in-ear. I highly recommend these buds.
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First of all, the list price is absurd, and at worst should have been more like $300-400. And the Bluetooth bundle is kind of a sad joke - why you would take a legitimately high-end pair of IEMs, and cripple them with compromised sound quality via the low bandwidth and crappy codec support of Bluetooth 4.1 is a complete mystery.
If you really want to enjoy these to their full potential wirelessly, get yourself a decent Bluetooth receiver that supports at least Bluetooth 5.x, with codec support for Aptx HD, LDAC, or Samsung Scalable Codec (SSC, which is exclusive to Samsung devices). and of course a device or transmitter that can provide the sending end.
And also, the lack of moisture resistance (IPX) certification is also a product market fit abomination. Ultimately, these are really only appealing primarily to audiophiles who are going to treat them with kid gloves, indoors, not working out, and with wired connectivity. Perhaps not a bad deal for fanatics at $160, but you might also want to consider that the AKG n30, which comes with no Bluetooth but does include three sound signature adjustment inserts, sounds pretty damn good, and close to these reference monitors, and can frequently be found for a mere $60 or less (discounted from its equally ridiculous $289 list).
So, in short, no, the audio quality will not be compromised. The N5005s sound amazing, even through the lightning dongle.
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Even as a self-proclaimed audiophile, I'm fully aware that there are really, REALLY good headphones and IEMs out there for cheap. Truth be told, it's quite difficult - if not impossible - to quantify sound quality objectively with numbers and percentages. But, if I had to put a number on them, I'd say the Chu 2s about 80 - 85% as good as the N5005s. That said, if I had it to do again, I'd still buy the N5005s. In my view, they're one of the best deals in audio right now.
Especially in the audio world where people spends thousands of dollars for small improvements.
In addition, there is also a 5% back from Amex.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/AKG-N5...om=/search