How many times have you been on a flight or subway train only to be wishing that your headphones drowned out the outside world so you could better enjoy your music? Our AKG N60NC review takes a look at a pair of noise cancelling headphones aimed at the frequent traveler and sees just how they stack up!
Specifications
The AKG N60NC noise cancelling headphones feature the following specifications:
- Frequency response: 10Hz–22kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Max input power: 30mW
- Sensitivity: 123dB SPL/V@1kHz
- Weight: 150g (5.3 oz)
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Connection: 3.5mm (1/8″) stereo mini-jack
What’s in the Box
The AKG N60NC headphones come with:
- 1x AKG N60NC Noise Cancelling on-ear headphones
- 1x carrying case
- 1x 3.5mm to USB charging cable
- 1x detachable one button remote for calls
- 1x airplane flight adapter
- 1x quick start guide
- 1x warranty card
Design
The AKG N60NC on-ear headphones have a pretty slim design starting with the padded leather narrow headband. Each end of the headband attaches to the ear cups which are on a swivel which not only provides easy angle adjustment for a more comfortable fit, but also allows the cups to lay flat and fold up towards the headband for compact storage and easy transportation in the included cloth carrying case.
Each ear cup is attached to an adjustable piece which allows for eleven different lengths. Both the main part of the adjustment pieces and the hinges on the swivel mount are made of aluminum encased in black plastic. The ear cups themselves consist of a leather wrapped foam cup attached to a black plastic piece which is then finished off with an aluminum ring. Inside the aluminum ring is a black perforated piece with the AKG logo in silver. The only other branding on the headphones is the N60NC model number at the base of each side of the headband.
The left ear cup houses the noise cancelling switch and the 3.5mm jack which is used to connect both the audio cable and the USB to 3.5mm charging jack which is used to recharge the noise cancelling feature. Should the noise cancelling run out of battery life, the headphones still function as a regular set of earphones. When the noise cancelling is on, a green light appears at the bottom of the switch, blinking green indicates low battery, and red indicates that it is charging. The thin braided audio cable also includes a one-button remote with microphone, pressing once answers or hangs up a call or pauses/plays the current track, pressing twice forwards to the next track, and pressing three times goes to the previous track — of course assuming your device supports that remote functionality.
Over all I liked the design of the AKG N60NC’s, they’re relatively lightweight, comfortable, and I was a big fan of the slim design. Throw in the collapsibility and storage pouch, and these headphones are easy to store and take with you on the go.
Sound
You’ll definitely want to use these with the noise cancelling functionality turned on, granted that’d be the reason you were interested in them in the first place. While they sound decent without the noise cancelling, they do sound a bit flat and as soon as you flick that noise cancelling switch you definitely notice a boost in sound quality. And outside world? Silenced… The noise cancelling on the AKG N60NC headphones is fantastic and even when looking directly at someone speaking a few feet away from me, I couldn’t hear anything and the volume was only at about 35%. Turn them up and you’re sure to be able to drown out most, if not all, outside sound. In addition, AKG claims that the noise cancelling function lasts for up to 30 hours, and I was able to get just over that multiple times before having to recharge them.
Sound range is fantastic as well, and it didn’t matter what type of music I was listening to or at what volume, it was clear and crisp from the treble right through the bass tones. I didn’t listen to it very long at maximum volume though as these are quite loud.
Call Quality
The combination remote/microphone is well placed on the audio cable, and I didn’t have to hold it closer to my mouth when on a call. During our test call, both ends of the call could hear the other clearly and without issue.
Price/Value
At $249.99USD, the AKG N60NC’s aren’t the cheapest by a longshot, but do offer good value with the addition of the noise cancelling feature. The inclusion of a carrying pouch and an airplane flight adapter adds a bit more value as well.
Wrap-up
If you travel a lot and require a lightweight, well designed, easy to transport, noise cancelling pair of earphones, you’ll want to have a look at the AKG N60NC on-ear headphones.
[rwp-review id=”0″]*We were sent a review sample of the AKG N60NC headphones for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on July 11, 2017.
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