- Lightweight, closed-back design features soft ear pads for a comfortable fit that is perfect for everyday use
- iPhone compatability allows use with an iPhone without the need for an extra adapter.
- High-performance, ultralinear sound is free of distortion, even at high volume levels, making it perfect for listening to today’s music and movies
- Unique 3D-Axis folding design allows K450’s cushioned headbad to collapse along a three dimensional axis to fit easily into the included carrying case
Product Description
When you want a the ultimate upgrade to typical on ear headphones, look no further than the AKG K 450 mini, on-ear headphones. Deisgned to deliver true AKG performance – high-output sound and excellent frequency response – from virtually any portable device, including iPhone, they are the ultimate high-performance upgrade for an improved personal listening experience. By using a closed-back deisgn that fits comfortably on the ear with new Supersoft ear pads, the K 4… More >>
AKG K 450 Premium Foldable Headphone
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AKG’s K 450 are titled “Premium Foldable Headphones” — they are exceptionally good headphones for travel. I bought mine two months ago. I broke them in through continuous playing for about seven or eight days. I haven’t found a high quality hp that didn’t benefit greatly from such a ritual. I’ve taken the 450’s on business trips and use them at home as well, while working. They are light, comfortable, well-built, and easily fold up for trips.
I’m listening to Richard Goode’s recording of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 as I write this review. Here are my notes. The sound-stage is stable and offers a full stage for the orchestra. First and second violins are separate, distinct, and well balanced. The violas and cellos have their own places. I can easily distinguish cello and bass parts. String tone is exquisite: soft and tectured with no sign of shrillness. Piano and orchestra are balanced and filled with nuance. Woodwinds are easily distinguished by tone and location on the stage. When asked to “chirp” that’s exactly how the oboe section sounds. Right now soloist and orchestra are putting out a lot of sound — I can hear high strings and winds balanced against the piano, with excellent (nondistorted) bass notes form the low strings.
Just now I switched to Peter and the Wolf (Ormandy’s recording) to see if I could distinguish the french horns playing the wolf’s theme; I could and followed the three parts without trouble. Vocals (Bach BWV 207, for instance) are almost too good to stop. For all of this I had the K 450’s plugged straight into my iPOD. The 450’s sound better with a hp amp and even better with a DAC + hp amp! The AKG K 450’s are highly recommended. Five stars.
Rating: 5 / 5
These headphones are very comfortable. They come with a great carrying case with an insert designed for the headphones.
I purchased these as an “on the go” option due them being mini headphones, closed back, sturdy and compact. I actually thought they’d serve as an upgrade to my Koss Porta-Pro’s based on cost. What a mistake. I have to say I’m a bit disappointed in the sound quality as the highs sound muffled and too low, mids seem a bit low but a tad bit higher than the highs, and bass is just plain overwhelming. These phones lack tonal balance to the extreme. Overall they’re very loud and may sound great to the general ear or if you love bass heavy tracks. However, I’m a bit picky when it comes to sonic accuracy, clarity, and balance. I’m what I like to call a low budget audiophile. I also own a pair of Grado SR60i’s, and Sennheiser HD555’s for full size headphones. These would be quite hard for anything to match under $200.00 in that category. I have the Shure SE110, UE Super-fi 3 studio’s, and the Bose Tri-port hybrid ear-buds as well. The reason I bring all those up is so you can see that I have quite a bit to compare the AKG 450’s to. All of these phones, even the bose in all their crappiness, sound better than them. Therefore, in the portable mini headphone category, I’ll stick with my Porta-Pros until I find a pair of closed mini’s that produce audiophile or near audiophile quality for less than $200.00. Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve also played these through an amp on my home stereo. Yes, they’ll sound better than on the ipod or portable, but still lack balance, plus what’s the use of having portables for a home stereo when I’ve got the Senn’s for that.
Rating: 3 / 5
These headphones are excellent in every respect except for their lack of treble.
Pros
The sound that is there is high quality. Bass and Mids are clean and clear. Bass may be a little heavy, but then again if there was more treble, the sound would be more balanced.
The appearance is good.
Comfort is excellent. Not too much pressure on the ears, ear cushions are soft and supple.
Noise isolation is good for this type of headphone.
Portability is excellent.
Detachable cord from the headphones allows you to change the length or replace the cord should it become damaged.
Included accessories are nice, 1/4″ and cell phone adapters are included as well as two cord lengths.
Cons
The headphone cord strain relief sticks out too far from the bottom of the headphone and can rub your shirt or coat collar; although, this is minor and may not be a problem for everyone.
Lack of Treble is the biggest con and the reason I don’t like these. Just imagine taking a great sounding headphone and then turning the treble control all the way down. I have done side to side comparisons between the AKG K450, and the AKG K701, Audio-technica ATH-ES7, and an old pair of Koss Porta Pros. All other headphones sound better overall than the K450s.
I like AKG products, so in their defense maybe I got a defective pair, but judging from my limited experience, the 450s are not a good sounding headphone.
Rating: 2 / 5