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Top Brand: AKG

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AKG Acoustics was founded in 1947 in Vienna, Austria. The company quickly established a reputation for superior microphones and other audio equipment in radio stations, theaters and jazz clubs around Europe.

More than 60 years and 1,500 patents later, the AKG brand is one of the most famous in professional audio-producing microphones, headphones and wireless technology for recording studios, radio and TV stations and opera houses. AKG equipment has gone on tour with Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Kanye West.

AKG N40 (Silver)

High-resolution in-ear headphones with customizable sound

Combining High-Resolution audio and a hybrid acoustic solution of dynamic + balanced armature drivers, the N40 in-ear headphones replicate the sound quality musicians and engineers were working with in the studio: clear, superior quality sound with a warm bass response, that is the epitome of pure sound enjoyment. Sound that is customizable thanks to three tuning filters that enable bass, mid or high frequencies to be modulated directly into your ear according to your personal preference. This ultra premium audio offering also provides listeners with a fully accessorized travel package, 2 tangle-free and easily detachable cables and soft, rounded ear tips that were crafted to follow the ear’s anatomy. Elegantly accented with premium materials and a sleek black and silver color combination, the AKG N40 headphones provide a pristine sound experience you won’t soon forget.

AKG sound expertise
High-Resolution audio playback perfected
3 replaceable sound filters
A fully accessorized travel package
Detachable Cable Construction
Rounded ear tips and behind-the-ear construction
Frequency response: 10-40kHz
Sensitivity: 115dB SPL/V @1kHz
Impedance: 20 ohm

A superb sound experience you can make your own.

Highlights


High-Resolution audio playback perfected N40 features a hybrid driver system that includes a Knowles balanced armature and dynamic driver. The carefully selected combination of both drivers allows you to enjoy High-Resolution audio content from your music devices, just as musicians and engineers intended it when working in the studio.	3 replaceable sound filters Allows for bass, mid or high frequencies to be modulated directly into the ear according to your personal preference.	Detachable Cable Construction with behind-the-ear Design Made of stainless steel for durability, soft rubber for the maximum comfort and provided with 2 tangle-free detachable cables for hassle-free convenience these in-ear headphones closely follow the ear’s natural anatomy for a comfort fit and increased listening pleasure.	A fully accessorized travel package A stylish carrying case holds the flight adaptor as well as the mic and remote cable for unparalleled ease of use on-the-go. To complete the package, a cleaning tool, a straight cable and 3 replaceable ear sleeves

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	This Item AKG N40 Customizable High-Resolution in-Ear Headphones	Recommendations FiiO FH5s Headphone Wired Earphones 2BA+2DD High Resolution in-Ear Earbuds Strong Bass for PC/Smartphones/Players/Laptop Comes with2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm Swappable Plug(Black)	dummy Final A4000 in-Ear Wired Noise Isolating High Precision Clear and Transparent Sound Earphones	dummy AKG N5005 Reference Class 5-driver Configuration In-Ear Headphones with Customizable Sound (US Version), Black - GP-N505HAHHAAA	dummy iBasso IT03 High Resolution in-Ear Monitor Earphones	dummy Sony IER-M9 in-Ear Monitor Headphones Black
	Buying options	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart	Try again! Details Added to Cart
Price	—	$229.99	$144.89	-22% $208.94 Typical: $269.00	$99.00	$998.00
Delivery	—	Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16	Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14	Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14	Get it May 14 - 20	Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
Customer Ratings	3.839	4.4140	4.4533	4.166	3.923	3.956
Sound quality	—	4.6	4.6	4.7	4.0	4.5
Value for money	—	4.2	5.0	4.5	3.8	3.7
Noise cancellation	—	4.0	4.5	3.8	—	3.9
Battery life	—	4.3	4.6	4.7	—	—
Sold By	—	Hour Loop	AUDIO EQUIP	❤️️ Shop 1-Click (SN Recorded)	ProStudio Sound & Music	GRAMOPHONE
connectivity tech	Wired	Wired	Wired	Wireless	Wired	Wired
headphones form factor	In Ear	In Ear	In Ear	Two-ear	In Ear	In Ear
connector type	3.5mm Jack	2.5mm Jack	Wired	—	3 5mm Jack	3.5mm Jack
headphones jack	3.5 mm Jack	3.5 mm Jack, 2.5 mm Jack	3.5 mm Jack	—	3.5 mm Jack	—
cable feature	Detachable	Tangle Free	Detachable	Without Cable	Detachable	Approx. 3.94 ft, silver-coated OFC strands, ear hanger, L-shaped non-magnetic gold-plated stereo mini plug, Approx. 3.94 ft, silver-coated OFC strands, ear hanger, L-shaped non-magnetic gold-plated balanced standard plug
control type	—	Media Control	Media Control	Media Control	Volume Control	Media Control
material	—	Plastic	ABS Thermoplastic	—	—	Silicone

What's in the box

Sound Filters (3)^Ear Sleeves (4)^Flight Adapter^Cleaning Tool^Cable with no Mic/Remote^Cable with Mic/Remote^Carrying Pouch

Looking for specific info?

Product guides and documents

User Guide (PDF)

Product information

Special Feature

Microphone

Included Components

Sound Filters (3)^Ear Sleeves (4)^Flight Adapter^Cleaning Tool^Cable with no Mic/Remote^Cable with Mic/Remote^Carrying Pouch

Age Range (Description)

Adult

Specific Uses For Product

Travel, Personal

Headphones Jack

3.5 mm Jack

Ear Placement

In Ear

Impedance

20 Ohm

Cable Feature

Detachable

Item Weight

14.4 ounces

Number of Items

1

Product Dimensions

2.56 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches

ASIN

B01LXRQNAV

Item model number

N40

Customer Reviews

3.8 39 ratings

3.8 out of 5 stars

Best Sellers Rank

#527,238 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
#24,710 in Earbud & In-Ear Headphones

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer

No

Date First Available

October 5, 2016

Manufacturer

AKG

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Product Description

Combining high-resolution audio and a hybrid acoustic solution of dynamic + balanced armature drivers, the N40 in-ear headphones replicate the sound quality musicians and engineers were working with in the studio: clear, superior quality sound with a warm bass response, that is the epitome of pure sound enjoyment. Sound that is customizable thanks to three tuning filters that enable bass, Mid or high frequencies to be modulated directly into your ear according to your personal preference. This Ultra premium audio offering also provides listeners with a fully accessorized travel package, 2 tangle-free and easily detachable cables and soft, rounded ear tips that were crafted to follow the ear's anatomy. Elegantly accented with premium materials and a sleek black and silver color combination, the AKG N40 headphones provide a pristine sound experience you won't soon forget.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5

39 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, quality and appearance of the headphones. For example, they mention that it has a wide stage of sound, deep and detailed bass and that the cable is of high quality. They appreciate the comfort and ergonomics of the buds. Customers are also impressed with the detail, saying that the mids and highs are extraordinarily clear.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

12 customers mention9 positive3 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the headphones. They mention that it has an excellent sound, with deep and detailed bass. They also say that it is a great product for serious listening, with clear midrange and high frequencies. Customers also appreciate the three sound filters, but they don't know if they are necessary.

"Just beautiful sound, straight out of an iphone 6s it is already better than any other earphones I've ever tried (used in the range of 150-350usd)...." Read more

"...incredible, and with the DAC they become what is safely the best audio experience I have ever enjoyed. Bad audio or good, it doesn't matter...." Read more

"I have a AKG 612pro, and the sound quality is similar...." Read more

"...and newly discovered lows without muddiness make for a perfect recipe of audiophile nirvana..." Read more

5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the headphones. They mention that the drivers are of very high quality, the cable is of high quality and that it's detachable. Some say that the product is brilliant and that they do not cover up flaws in a low-quality signal.

"...They are phenomenal when fed a high-quality signal. They do not cover up flaws in a low-quality signal, but allow whatever detail (good or bad) that..." Read more

"...It's pretty much a new level.Great fit, really excellent cable (not noisy) and the fact it can be changed is just essential, comes with..." Read more

"...The cable is of high quality, though I'm glad it's detachable as I can see it wearing out after a time...." Read more

"after using it about a week, I can say that this is a brillant AKG product." Read more

4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the headphones. They mention that it comes with an awesome presentation, and is a very nice setup.

"...and the fact it can be changed is just essential, comes with an awesome presentation... all in all, couldn't ask for more." Read more

"...Not a single thing inside the empty box, not even a manual! Very nice box but I didn't pay over $300 for an EMPTY BOX!!!! I am PISSED!" Read more

"...On their own the N40's are really incredible, and with the DAC they become what is safely the best audio experience I have ever enjoyed...." Read more

"...Very nice setup!" Read more

4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

Customers find the headphones very comfortable to wear with the over-ear hooks. They also appreciate the fine ergonomics and great fit.

"...Ergonomics are fine. The bodies fit nicely into the outer ear and the stiff cord loops nicely over the top of the ear...." Read more

"...It's pretty much a new level.Great fit, really excellent cable (not noisy) and the fact it can be changed is just essential, comes with..." Read more

"These buds are very comfortable to wear with the over-ear hooks and exhibit almost no noticeable distortion, even at high volume levels...." Read more

"...The N40s fit me fine and they stay in. I'm comfortable with the over-the-ear design...." Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers say the headphones allow for whatever detail is there, allowing small details to be detected. They also say the mids and highs are extraordinarily clear with a mostly uncolored, natural sound.

"...They do not cover up flaws in a low-quality signal, but allow whatever detail (good or bad) that's there to come through...." Read more

"...Instruments are separated, small details can be detected, voices are just incredible... I think it performs it's best on the mids but the low and..." Read more

"...of high quality recordings, I have found that the mids and highs are extraordinarily clear with a mostly uncolored, natural sound - using the..." Read more

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RMS

A great product for serious listening

Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2018

Verified Purchase

I researched these before I bought them. Several reviews made the same observation: these in-ear headphones behave like "reference speakers," in that they faithfully reproduce the signal sent to them. When I first opened the box, I tried them out on my iPhone, and was disappointed with the sound. Then, I tried them on my high-end DAC with quality digital inputs. They are phenomenal when fed a high-quality signal. They do not cover up flaws in a low-quality signal, but allow whatever detail (good or bad) that's there to come through. Since I bought these to use with my main system, they are great--exceeding my expectations for that purpose. I'll use my less expensive buds when listening on my iPhone or iPod. Ergonomics are fine. The bodies fit nicely into the outer ear and the stiff cord loops nicely over the top of the ear. I replaced the standard baffles with the base ones. It was very easy to do. There is not a lot of additional base response, but enough to make it worth the change.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Elayasman

Very pleased, couldn't ask for more

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2017

Verified Purchase

Just beautiful sound, straight out of an iphone 6s it is already better than any other earphones I've ever tried (used in the range of 150-350usd). If hi res music is used like the files from Tidal, one starts feeling line there is actual music on one's ears instead of good sound. Instruments are separated, small details can be detected, voices are just incredible... I think it performs it's best on the mids but the low and high frequencies are still presented nicely with a nice amount of bass. I added a Audioquest Dragonfly Red and the earphones come even more alive, you gotta be prepared to that because you will be rather impacted if you are used to less quality. It's pretty much a new level.

Great fit, really excellent cable (not noisy) and the fact it can be changed is just essential, comes with an awesome presentation... all in all, couldn't ask for more.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Smokyiiis

BOX WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY - NOTHING INSIDE!!!!!!!

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019

Verified Purchase

Order received this morning. I just opened padded envelope and the box was 100% EMPTY!!!! Not a single thing inside the empty box, not even a manual! Very nice box but I didn't pay over $300 for an EMPTY BOX!!!! I am PISSED!

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Pete Melnicoe

A capable earbud with one limitation

Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017

Verified Purchase

These buds are very comfortable to wear with the over-ear hooks and exhibit almost no noticeable distortion, even at high volume levels. While I have had these buds only a couple of days, with no significant burn-in, there is presently a significant emphasis of bass when using the standard attachment, which obscures a bit of midrange detail in some recordings having heavy bass. This characteristic, however, makes for a nice sound stage for classical recordings. In general, the bass is punchy and tight, while the midrange is clear and the highs extended. So far I have used the buds with an IFI Micro DSD, which sounds a bit better, except for mp3's, than the computer's sound card.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Steve V.

The best I have owned, and even better with a DAC

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2018

Verified Purchase

I am a casual listener that has always tried to use the best possible equipment. From my research, these were standouts at the price point, and so I took a chance and got them. Some online reviewers noted that they perform best with an external DAC/AMP, and so to supplement the headphones I bought the AudioQuest Dragonfly Red. On their own the N40's are really incredible, and with the DAC they become what is safely the best audio experience I have ever enjoyed. Bad audio or good, it doesn't matter. These headphones do incredible things. On their own they warrant a 5 star review, and I highly recommend the DAC as well to get that extra boost.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

marinelover888

Didn't last

Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2017

Verified Purchase

This is an update after using the IEMs for two and a half years. The stem of the left bud broke. I have intermittent sound in that bud and must frequently manually twist and/or remove from my ear and re-insert - very frequently. I had problems with the left ear even before they physically broke. I sent the first pair back and received a new pair. Same problem with the new pair. I decided to live with it rather than continuing to deal with it. Now I'm shopping for a new pair. It won't be an AKG. The sound was excellent. But there was always some amount of stress involved in using them because I knew I would be fiddling with them constantly. Great sound. Lousy build quality/reliability/durability/quality control.

My original review:
Here are my initial impressions after using for a couple weeks. I rate 5 stars even though I feel that these IEMs fall short in a couple ares. Overall, I am extremely pleased. The mids and highs are handled by the balanced armature driver and the lows by the dynamic driver. Both drivers are of very high quality. This, theoretically, is the ultimate combination since dynamic drivers are supposedly better at handling lower frequencies while BA drivers supposedly handle mids and highs better. Selecting from a wide range of high quality recordings, I have found that the mids and highs are extraordinarily clear with a mostly uncolored, natural sound - using the reference sound filter. I then tried the high sound filter and found the emphasis on the higher frequencies a bit too much, the sound slightly shrill and brittle - only subtly, though. Returning to the reference sound filter, I was welcomed by the natural but ever so slightly warm sound of the midrange.

There is plenty of punch in the bass and the bass plays plenty loud. There is a slight emphasis to the lower frequencies giving the sound a bit more warmth than perhaps is found in the source material. I will admit that it's possible my previous IEMs (the excellent Shure SE215's) simply weren't capable of producing the lower frequencies as well as the N40's, but I don't believe that's quite correct. I think that the slight emphasis on the lower frequencies is there. Yet, it doesn't detract. I tried the high sound filters to see if I would get a bit more neutral sound signature. There was less bass, but I found I preferred the slightly warmer sound of the reference sound filters. I did not try the bass sound filters because I feel there is already more than enough bass to keep me happy. I will try them at some point because I'm curious how the N40's will handle the greater volume in the lower frequencies. Will the bass remain as tight and in control? Or will distortion become more audible? I suspect they'll still sound quite good.

As previously mentioned, the lower frequencies are handled by the dynamic driver, which is quite different in its approach to generating sound than BA drivers. I feel that this difference shows in the character of the sound in the lower versus middle frequencies and in the transition in the music between these two general ranges of frequencies. It is subtle. It's also possible that I may be guilty of confirmation bias stemming from my awareness of the two different driver technologies present in these IEMs. The use of these two different driver technologies is what attracted me to these IEMs as it offers the best possibility of getting the optimal sound reproduction across the entire range of human hearing in one package (other than, possibly, from planar magnetics drivers like the comparably priced Audeze iSine 10). If the sound character mismatch is indeed there, it is very slight. And, I'm more than willing to accept this as a possible trade-off in getting the best sound.

As an aside, I had considered getting the Audeze iSine 10's, which are reputed to sound better than the N40's. The reason I didn't was because the iSine 10's are open-backed and there's considerable noise bleed. I mainly use my IEMs at the gym and when traveling by plane and I don't see the need to force my listening choices on those nearby. The N40's, like most IEMs, are a closed design.

Regarding sensitivity, my Nexus 6P is able to drive the N40's just fine - in the gym and with most source material. I suspect that I may have a problem on a plane. For that reason, I will likely purchase a light, portable headphone Amp/DAC. I suspect that the listening experience will improve with a Amp/DAC but I will no longer be able to use the N40 cable with in-line control, which I really like. The in-line controls work flawlessly with my 6P: pause, play, skip, volume up and down, and phone calls.

Why do $400 IEMs only come with four sets of only one type of tip? The included tips work fine with my ears. But I would have liked to try foam tips, which have been my preference with previous IEMs. I may purchase compatible foam tips in the future but I shouldn't have to, especially at this price.

The three sound filters are a nice idea but I don't know that they're necessary. Everyone is different, though, and others may appreciate having these options. But, in my opinion, the high sound filter results in sound reproduction that is a subtle step down. And there is more than enough bass with the reference filters, so the bass filters seem unnecessary. I would have rather had more tips. The sound filters was not among the reasons I chose these IEMs. I was drawn primarily by the combination of BA and dynamic drivers.

The N40s fit me fine and they stay in. I'm comfortable with the over-the-ear design. The rubberized cable around the portion that goes around the ear is comfortable. The cable is of high quality, though I'm glad it's detachable as I can see it wearing out after a time. The cable is slightly shorter than I'd prefer but about three inches, but not big deal.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with these IEMs, especially the sound quality, and I recommend them without reservation.

17 people found this helpful

Helpful

Stanislav

Very comfortable, great clean sound

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2017

Very comfortable, great clean sound, nice changeable filters. BUT - they broke after 11 months of use. The little thing on which you put silicone ear tip just fell off one day.

One person found this helpful

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Juan Carlos Fernandez Milon

Very Good earphones

Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2018

Verified Purchase

I have a AKG 612pro, and the sound quality is similar. I use it in default configuration with my ifi nano black (24bit/96/192Khz, DSD256) and I think it need a very little enhanced in low frequency. I am very exigent with audio, and I am very pleased with it.

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JITESH VARMA

Great...even on Note 8 listening to Google and Prime Music.

Reviewed in Canada on October 26, 2018

Verified Purchase

Very revealing! Much better than the Monster Turbine Pro Copper it replaces, which were pretty good to start with.

Daniel Lambert

Great sounding iems!!! I am using with op HA2 se wich is also a great portable headphone amp

Reviewed in Canada on September 1, 2018

Verified Purchase

has awesome sound!! i prefer to oppo pm3. you need amp to get the best from them.

WK

Good product but poor quality and worst warranty process if purchase from Amazon

Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2018

Verified Purchase

Left channel broke within a month (is a great product when it works).

And Amazon is not Canadian authorized reseller; hence, I cannot file warranty repair with AKG Canada and it took Amazon10 days (and counting) to provide a response.

Second thoughts in future when buying electronics from Amazon to ensure they are authorized resellers in case a warranty repair is required.

One person found this helpful

Jean Houle

son extraordinaire

Reviewed in Canada on April 8, 2019

Verified Purchase

j'adore ces écouteurs et je les recommande fortement

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Troy Thomas

The sound is worse then my last sure 215 se more on par ...

Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2018

Verified Purchase

Eveything about the iems are low quality. The wire is only durable in the braded part. Cheap thin wire that broke trying to take the wire off the iem. The sound is worse then my last sure 215 se more on par with a skullcandy. I think AKG missed priced them by about 250$ should be closer to 50-60$.

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AKG N40 Customizable High-Resolution in-Ear Headphones

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Important information

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Top Brand: AKG

From the manufacturer

Listen Closer:

AKG N40 (Silver)

High-resolution in-ear headphones with customizable sound

A superb sound experience you can make your own.

Highlights

High-Resolution audio playback perfected

3 replaceable sound filters

Detachable Cable Construction with behind-the-ear Design

A fully accessorized travel package

Compare with similar items

What's in the box

Looking for specific info?

Product guides and documents

Product information

Feedback

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AKG N40 Customizable High-Resolution in-Ear Headphones

Product Description

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Brand	AKG
Model Name	N40
Color	Black
Form Factor	In Ear
Connectivity Technology	Wired

AKG N40 Customizable High-Resolution in-Ear Headphones

About this item

Similar item to consider

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Important information

Visible screen diagonal

Top Brand: AKG

From the manufacturer

Listen Closer:

AKG N40 (Silver)

High-resolution in-ear headphones with customizable sound

A superb sound experience you can make your own.

Highlights

High-Resolution audio playback perfected

3 replaceable sound filters

Detachable Cable Construction with behind-the-ear Design

A fully accessorized travel package

Compare with similar items

What's in the box

Looking for specific info?

Product guides and documents

Product information

Feedback

Where did you see a lower price?

Videos

Videos for this product

AKG N40 Customizable High-Resolution in-Ear Headphones

Product Description

Customer reviews

Customers say

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Top reviews from the United States

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