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Review of portable on-ear headphones AKG K450 Navy

Portable on-ear headphones from various manufacturing companies are becoming more and more popular lately. All this happens for a reason, since the user, unlike in-ear headphones ("vacuum" or "droplets"), does not need to insert the on-ear headphones directly into the ear canal. But on the other hand, on-ear headphones will never be as compact as a pair of "droplets", although some models have long been trying to get closer to this indicator.

So, we meet AKG K450 Navy - the top model of stereo portable on-ear headphones from the well-known Austrian company, which is headquartered in the USA.

Note that this manufacturer is launching a fairly solid series of such headphones on the market, and only the German company Sennheiser, which specializes in equipment for recording, broadcasting, and sound reproduction, is able to compete with AKG in terms of the number of different models.

With its small swivel ear cups and foldable arms, the AKG K450 Navy is just that relatively compact on-ear option. But this model received recognition from users not for its compactness, but for its incomparable sound quality.

We draw your attention to the fact that these headphones are manufactured in China, so we are testing a real "product" of globalization. Well, let's get down to a more detailed study of our device designed for listening to music.

Characteristics of the AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones

Type of construction: overhead, monitor (full-size "mugs", completely covering the ears)

Number of audio channels: two (stereo)

Audio signal transmission method: copper oxygen-free cable

Headphone design: foldable

Headphone attachment type: headband

Cable type: detachable

Cable connection method: one-sided

Cable length: 50cm

Extension cable length: 1.1m

Interface connector standard: 2.5mm micro-jack (gold-plated connectors)

Plug shape: straight

Sound conversion principle: electrodynamic

Type of acoustic design: closed type (headphones do not allow extraneous noise from the outside)

Audio frequency range: 11 Hz - 29.5 kHz

Impedance (impedance): 32 Ohm

Sensitivity level: 126 dB / V

Maximum sound power: 30 mW

Weight: 120 grams

Package of AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones

Headphones

Storage and carrying case

Cable

Extension cable

Two adapters from 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm and from 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm

Warranty card

Quick Start Guide

Packaging and equipment

The branded packaging of the AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones is beyond praise - a neat and solid cardboard box, without any frills, with a flap.

Inside this box you can find, as befits any Top-model, numerous quality accessories. There are also two replaceable cables of different lengths, and two adapters, and a hard case for carrying headphones, in which, in addition to the headphones themselves, you can put all the complete accessories.

Even a small-sized MP3-player, for example, the SanDisk Sansa Clip +, can also fit freely, but a mid-sized MP3 player, for example, the Apple iPod Touch, will not fit into this case.

Appearance of the AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones and ease of use

The considered model of headphones, as we have already noted, is relatively miniature, and in addition, it is also light, although the weight of the device is stated in the technical specifications, equal to 120 grams. The main material of the headphones is high-quality plastic, which, in fact, gives the impression of a lightweight device.Metal is present in a minimal amount; it is used for the base of the headband and its guides, the company logo that flaunts on the ear cups, as well as a decorative mesh. Despite the presence of a mesh, this model has a closed acoustic design.

If we characterize the appearance of the model as a whole, then it gives the impression of a solid, but at the same time - not very expensive device (although the price of the headphones is quite high). As a matter of fact, the AKG K450 Navy was awarded the 2009 Red dot (prestigious design award) and we believe that means something.

The ear cups are rotatable. The entire headphone design folds into miniature dimensions. In terms of isolation from extraneous noise, the K450 model lacks stars from the sky, but it takes on convenience during operation. Of course, no one tried to walk in them all day, but if you do not tighten the headband too much, then unpleasant sensations after an hour of wearing will definitely not arise, only your ears will sweat a little in hot weather. The ear cushions are very soft, the cushion of the headband securely fixes the headphones to the head. What else do you need for complete comfort? The model is as easy to use as possible.

The disadvantage of the AKG K450 Navy, which came as an absolute surprise to us, is the presence of a microphone effect. Touching the cable will generate noise in the left earcup. The left and right ear cups (L and R) are marked on the headband.

Although the cable is not very thick, it looks strong enough, the plug is miniature and has a straight shape. The included adapters allow you to connect the headphones to both MP3 players and mobile phones, as well as to professional video / sound equipment.

Displayed sound quality

The sound quality of the AKG K450 Navy is very clear and punchy, conveying all the dynamics and depth of sound that is needed in soundtracks such as Foo Fighters' Monkey Wrench, while the sound cannot be called very "harsh" or "dry" (which is very important during long-term use of headphones during the day). There is softness in the displayed sound. The headphones also cope well with deep heavy bass.

The mid frequencies are fed to the sound speakers well, the vocal separation is average, the sibilance is practically absent. The high frequencies are slightly muted, the detail is, in principle, good, but nothing more. On instrumental music, POP music, the AKG K450 Navy tries her best, and she does it very well.

Audio Output Compatibility

With the Apple iPhone 4S smartphone, as in our opinion, the AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones "sang" pretty well, and the difference with the Hifiman HM-801 MP3 player is almost not noticeable. Comfortable volume in a quiet room is achieved at about half the maximum level, thanks to the low impedance and high sensitivity of the headphone speakers.

Competitors

At its cost, the AKG K450 Navy headphones are quite adequate to compare with the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500 model. "Why is this particular model being compared?" - you ask. Everything is quite understandable here: Audio-Technica is considered one of the leading Japanese manufacturers in the field of high-quality audio devices, and although their model does not have such a serious set of included accessories, in terms of sound and design, in our opinion, the ATH-AD500 will be a little more interesting.

A brief summary of the review of the AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones

So what do we end up with? The model of the on-ear headphones considered by us is good with a folding miniature design; the device comes with a solid case for storing and wearing the headphones. When folded, the headphones do not take up much space. But in terms of sound quality, the AKG K450 Navy did not perform well, as we all would like. As the saying goes: "Good, but it can be better."As for the appearance and equipment, it is simply beyond praise here. But maybe not all users will need such a set of additional accessories, because all this is additional money.

In our opinion, you should buy the AKG K450 Navy model only if the sound quality of the miniature (folded) Sennheiser PX 100-II and Sennheiser PX 200-II headphones does not satisfy you, and the dimensions and cost of higher-quality Audio-Technica models ES55 and ES7 will be too big for you.

Our final verdict is as follows: "In general, we liked this model of on-ear headphones, but we will not hide the fact that the price is slightly overpriced."

You can buy AKG K450 Navy on-ear headphones, as well as many other models from well-known manufacturing companies, by visiting F.ua.

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