AKG announces $1,000 in-ear headphones at CES 2018

[Polycount]

We've seen expensive headphones in the past -- several offerings from Beats come to mind -- and typically, you get what you pay for when it comes to audio products. However, AKG's upcoming pair of in-ear headphones might raise the eyebrows of even the most avid audiophiles with its $1,000 price tag.

The headphones, officially dubbed "N5005," were revealed at CES 2018 and might just come with enough attachments, extensions and accessories to be worth their cost. The N5005 boasts Japan Audio Society-certified "Hi-Res Audio" which means you'll be able to "enjoy the subtlest nuances of studio-quality sound in higher-than-CD quality resolution," according to AKG parent company Harman International.

"The AKG N5005 embodies AKG’s legendary studio sound and stunning design for today’s sophisticated listeners and audiophiles," said Jessica Garvey, Vice President of Harman's Lifestyle Audio Division. "Excellence is in the details with [these headphones], as [they are] able to reproduce the same audio quality artists and sound engineers achieve in the recording studio, while conveniently connecting users to the music source of their choice."

The scratch-resistant N5005 in-ear headphones come with four interchangeable sound filters for precise audio tuning - Bass Boost, Reference Sound, Semi-High Boost and High Boost. Furthermore, the device has five 9.2mm + Quad BA audio drivers, two sets of "high-quality detachable twist cables," a carrying case filled with cleaning tools, several interchangeable ear tips and eight hours of battery life when used wirelessly.

The device also comes with a three-button remote and microphone.

As nice as the N5005 looks and as good as it undoubtedly sounds, it will still likely be a tough sell for the average customer. $1,000 is a prohibitive cost for most electronics, let alone a pair of headphones. Still, if you have the cash to spare and want to experience the N5005 for yourself, the headphones will be launching this spring.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/72677-akg-announces-1000-ear-headphones-ces-2018.html

 

[Lionvibez]

Hmm $1000 on headphones I'll pass.

 

[cliffordcooley]

"However, AKG's upcoming pair of in-ear headphones might raise the eyebrows of even the most avid audiophiles with its $1,000 price tag."

You don't have to say that twice. I have a hard time justifying $100 earphones.

 

[Edito]

In ear headphones gives me headache and $1.000 it's just out of question.

 

[senketsu]

If these actually sound good (I don't believe they can, but I could be wrong), audiophiles will have zero problems dropping a grand for them. The headphone market is overflowing with options as well as specialized headphone amps, people in this market have no problem spending $2,000 on a set of headphones and a similar amount on a headphone amp and they usually own more than one set of headphones.
FWIW I recently spent $490 delivered to my house for a set of Sennheiser HD650 (open back, over the ear) headphones and if I don't get at least a decade+ of use from them I'll be pissed! But then they are for home use, I don't use ear buds.

 

[Robertrogue]

No way would I spend a grand on earbuds! I use $35 Skullcandy BT earbuds and the quality is all I could ever need! I also use mine for work on conference calls, plane rides, cutting the lawn, playing games, and even use them to watch Netflix when out of town. The battery lasts for more than 15 hours of constant use and the sound is near perfect. I have always blasted my music and over 40 a pair of $1k earbuds would be awesome......NOT. Do you know how much hops and barley that amount can purchase?

 

[Someone8MyPosts]

If these actually sound good (I don't believe they can, but I could be wrong), audiophiles will have zero problems dropping a grand for them. The headphone market is overflowing with options as well as specialized headphone amps, people in this market have no problem spending $2,000 on a set of headphones and a similar amount on a headphone amp and they usually own more than one set of headphones.
FWIW I recently spent $490 delivered to my house for a set of Sennheiser HD650 (open back, over the ear) headphones and if I don't get at least a decade+ of use from them I'll be pissed! But then they are for home use, I don't use ear buds.

That's very telling, since you can get the Sennheiser HD650s for a lot less, even with shipping. Do you live in some remote country?

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...ahUKEwj5s8_doM7YAhVvluAKHXy5AhMQ2ysIEQ&adurl=

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018MSNI/?tag=httpwwwtechsp-20

 

[senketsu]

That's very telling, since you can get the Sennheiser HD650s for a lot less, even with shipping. Do you live in some remote country?

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...ahUKEwj5s8_doM7YAhVvluAKHXy5AhMQ2ysIEQ&adurl=

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018MSNI/?tag=httpwwwtechsp-20

I'm in Canada and I bought them directly from Sennheiser Canada because I wanted to ensure I didn't get counterfeit goods. It's becoming a problem on Amazon
edit: when I use your Amazon.com link I am redirected to Amazon.ca where the headphones list for $599 CAD. B&H (your other link is indeed less expensive at $382 CAD but when tax is added it just goes over $400)