AKG K490 NC High-Performance Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black)

by AKG

• High Performance active noise-cancelling technology (closed -loop technology )
• Exceptional AKG sound quality
• Continuous sound for listening with empty battery
• USB chargeable (adapter included); no batteries
• Detachable cables in two different lengths

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B006S8DS4I
• Item model number: K490 NC
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 2, 2012

Product Description

With the AKG® K490 NC headphones, you can take full advantage of active noise-cancelling technology at an affordable price. The headphones' light weight means a comfortable fit, no matter how long you wear them. Even portability and storage are made easy with the K490 NC's unique 3D-Axis2 folding mechanism.High-performance, active noise-cancelling technology  Exceptional AKG sound quality  Continuous sound for listening with empty battery  USB chargeable; no batteries  Unique 3d-axis2 folding mechanism for easy transport and storage  Convenient charging from any USB port Lightweight for longwearing comfort  Flight adapter and premium carrying case included dfgFrequency Response - 20Hz - 20kHz Maximum Input Power - 50 mW Input Impedance - 32 ohms Sensitivity - 117 dB SPL/VCable - 1.40 m Connector - 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini-jack plug Battery Life - 40 hrs

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Spoiled by Bose February 13, 2013

By Westward Ho

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort3 headphones for many years until my son let them fall out of his lap when he got out of the car on a long vacation drive. I used them well over 200 times, mostly for airline flights.

I was going to buy another pair but decided to look into other headphones to see if anyone has come out with equally superior headphones at a more reasonable price. I haven't looked into upper-end NC headphones for years just because I had what I needed. I figured hey, it's 2013, somebody must have caught up to Bose and are selling them cheaper because they don't have the brand recognition or reputation. The AKG's caught my eye because they look sleek and they received glowing reviews, not only at Amazon but from "independent" reviews as well. So I pulled the trigger for $100 less, although still very expensive.

I waited until I took several flights before reviewing and here are my observations. The Bose are clearly superior to the AKGs in every facet except the overall look. The noise canceling feature on the Bose eliminated every, and I mean every outside noise. The sound quality of music and movies was excellent and pure. With the AKGs, there was a constant background hum of the airplane which really interrupts the purity of whatever source you're listening to. It is not a bad headphone by any means, it just is not up to the standard of the Bose Quiet Comfort3. Also, the parts on the AKG are cheaper, and to pack them in their case requires you to jam the sides of the headphones against each other which will inevitably scratch them. Comfort-wise, the AKGs bothered my ears after an hour of listening. The Bose took maybe 2-1/2 hours to start feeling heavy against my ears. The padding on the AKGs is inferior to the Bose.

Again, I am not slamming the AKGs. I think if I never owned the Bose I wouldn't notice the things I'm noticing. These are just not in the same category as the Bose. I would rate them as good. I rate the Bose as excellent. Whether it's worth the additional $100 to you is the ultimate question. If I had it to do all over again, I would have bought the Bose.

My son is still grounded. Darn kids!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING SOUND AND COMFORT! October 19, 2012

By HOTELGUY

Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently returned my Sennheiser PXC 450 headphones, and then ordered these headphones (based on great reviews at other sites) along with:
Bowers & Wilkins P5
Beats Studio Over-Ear
Monster Inspiration Noise Isolating Over Ear

All were excellent, and for the price I was particularly impressed with the Monster Inspiration comfort, price, and noise isolating which was close to noise canceling. THEN, I tried to AKG K490's, and I was blown away ! Great sound, lightweight,very comfortable, and they charge through your USB port!(although they sound as good without activating the noise-cancelling feature) Deciding was a no-brainer...I rate these 5 stars and am totally pleased!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars some trouble with low frequency noise, otherwise great January 15, 2013

By P. Burk

Amazon Verified Purchase

These work really well at cutting noise from fans and traffic noise. But I use them on a bus and when the bus hits a pothole then the headphones respond by producing several low frequency "whump" sounds for a second or two. It is quite disturbing. I only notice them when I am just wearing the headphones to cut noise. If I am also playing music then I don't notice any whumps.

But I still like them and would recommend them to others. I suspect that the whumps would not happen on a plane because ideally the plane should not hit any potholes.