AKG continue to set the benchmark when it come to on ear headphones under £100, these are the ones by which all must be judged…
The Y50 is simple and stylish; I personally prefer the subtler black headphones with the black logo. The ear cups fold flat and inwards giving a smaller package – great for stashing the headphones in your bag, and they come with a case to help to protect them. They also come with an inline universal remote that is compatible with most smart phones, and a 1.2m detachable cable – handy if you have an accident with the cable. What I particularly like about these headphones is they fit me – I have a tall head and trying to find headphone cups that will actually reach to my ears without crushing them is a challenge. The padding on the ear cups is lovely and soft with enough depth to provide ample padding, without looking like you have a pair of donuts strapped to the side of your head. All this adds up to a pair of headphones that have a feel of quality and class that is above their price tag.
When it comes to the sound, I would describe them as fun and full bodied. They are a closed back design to prevent sound leakage and ensure listening privacy; ideal for listening on the go. They extract plenty of detail from music and they bounce along at a merry old pace. The base has plenty of snap with good depth, and is comfortable playing any kind of music that I tried them with. I would say that the only downside to the fun is that these are not the most transparent headphones out there, and they would not be my first choice for home listening – that honour goes to Grado. Sound staging on these headphones is good for a budget pair of closed-back headphones, and music still maintains a lot of its space and stage, with good placement of instruments and vocals.
These headphones are deserving of all the praise heaped upon them, so if you’re looking for a portable set of headphones these should definitely be on your shortlist.
To find out more about the AKG Y50, click here.
Author – Jon, Cardiff store
Bought a pair on line recently for a bargain!Absolutely brilliant for the price!
Has excellent all round sound.Perfectly balanced.