[demzy]

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"In the world of pro audio, AKG microphones and headsets have been synonymous with excellence for several decades. Around the world recording studios, radio and TV stations, opera houses and famous stages count on AKG products. Internationally known musicians and show-stars have frequently been seen using our high-quality microphones and headphones for many decades. Today AKG is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality microphones, headphones and wireless-equipment."

Technical Data
Model number: K530
Weight: 245g
Impedance: 55 Ohms
Sensitivity: 102dB
Power Handling: 220mW
Open/Closed: Open
Transducer type: Dynamic
Ear Coupling: Circumaural
Frequency response: 17 - 26,000Hz
Cable length: 3m

Features
XXL speakers with Varimotion diaphragms for incredibly accurate response.
Easy-to-replace, washable ear pads.
Self-adjusting headband for perfect fit.
Single cable for excellent comfort, 99.99% Oxygen free cable for optimum audio quality.
Hard gold plated jack plug with screw on adapter.


Price
199.00 Australian dollars = 253.002449 New Zealand dollars
Available from Soundstore.co.nz for $299.00NZD: http://www.soundstore.co.nz/p-769-ak...headphone.aspx EXCL. shipping.
Available from Headphones.com.au for $199.00AUD: http://headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=369 INCL. shipping.

Delivery Includes:
1 x AKG K530 Headphones
1 x Hard gold-plated screw-on stereo adapter


In comparison to Sennheiser's HD558, it is a bit more expensive for its value in New Zealand (although the same price in Australia). Sennheiser's HD558 had a wider range of frequency response at: 15-28,000 Hz. "The range of human hearing is generally regarded as being from 20Hz, very low bass tones, through 20kHz (20,000Hz), the very highest treble. Presumably a speaker that could reproduce that range would sound lifelike. Alas, it is no guarantee. The most important determinant of a speaker's frequency performance is not its width or range, but whether it's capable of reproducing all the audible frequencies at the same volume at which they were recorded." This doesn't really solidify which is better in terms of frequency but the Sennheiser's do possess the wider range which might make a difference for the higher and lower tones. Although, we will discuss the comparison in audio quality a little later in this review. Both have the same type of transducer, ear coupling, wearing style and are both open headphones.

I'm not an audio-tech or anything of the sort but from what I've seen through research - higher impedance seen in the AKG's provide a higher quality if paired with an external amplifier (or a good sound card I presume) compared to the lower impedance Sennheiser HD558. K530 = 55 Ohms, Sennheiser = 50 Ohms.

As for first impressions, I have never really liked the two overhead linking design which is shared by Steelseries' Siberia among many others as well as AKG's K530, although it did eventually grow on me. I really liked the glossy white finish AKG used for this and every part of the headphone had a professional look to it. AKG's brand was noticeable and both speakers were labelled as usual. The only thing first off the bat that I disliked was the three metre long cable - for a gamer this is quite long (although that is not its intended purpose, this is a gamer's review). After much use, the long cable has become tangled and requires tending to now and then.

Tick Box:
Visual Appearance: Yes
Left & Right speakers labelled: Yes
Brand noticeable: Yes
Interchangeable sizes: Yes - the headband stretches to the head size of the user.
Strong cord: Yes
Strong jack: Yes - and gold plated
Different jack sizes (applicable to expensive/professional audio headphones): Yes - a much easier screw on design compared to the Sennheiser's bulky adapter.

It possesses the same attributes the Sennheiser HD558 headphone has, although very different styles from both brands. For an Australian resident, these headphones would be bought based on preference so far.

The AKG K530's experience is a rocky road to begin with (much like many headphones I've used) as it starts off with a little pain trip as you "break in" the headphones. At first, you will receive quite a bit of pressure until it adjusts which is not pleasant but the experience like all others does make up for it. This will take a few days like most, dependent on how long you use them. Your ears will get a bit isolated and flare, but it will eventually wear off as you break them in.

As for the audio quality, I would have to describe it as a very atmospheric experience. You have the audio thrown at you in what I can visualise as "layers of audio" or noticeable waves if that makes more sense in this context. The audio is crystal clear, I can crisply hear music and it does provide a very immerse experience for me. If you listen to a lot of vocal-based music rather than Drum and Bass, you will definitely enjoy these. The quality is much like the HD558's although I would have to say this is a little bit better, but the Sennheiser would beat it in comfort by a "smidge". It's quite hard to put proper measurements on these things, but hopefully this helps a little.

As for a gamers perspective, they aren't the best headphones to use for picking up footsteps etcetera. Although, if you play a Real Time Strategy/non-First Person Shooters you would definitely like these headphones. They're a delight to listen to music with as are the HD558's as well, I do prefer these over the HD558's for that purpose. If you play FPS-games I would stick to the HD558's as these aren't as well suited for such noises. The K530's are also lacking in directional sound, you can still find the general area people are camping in but not as precise as the HD558's.

One thing I would change?
Instead of sizing users by pressuring their head, use such mechanisms Steelseries, Sennheiser and many others use to change the size of the headphones. It was quite annoying at first - which might put off some customers.

Overall, the K530's are definitely a great choice for audiophiles who love their music with a passion. Myself being one of those, I truly enjoy the experience AKG's K530's provide. I do recommend these headphones if you don't play First Person Shooters, although they can still do a good job there are better choices for that purpose available. If you do buy these, I hope you have a great experience. They have mixed reviews across the board but I am happy with the value of the K530 headphones.

In its price range, I will give AKG K530's the same score as the Sennheiser HD558 - 9.8/10 I know it doesn't really help when differentiating the two but both provide comfort and quality. Its purely up to preference, I might find its more comfortable compared to the HD558's and you might find it has lesser quality. Its a very close match up, so base it off your own preference!

The question for you is: do you like sleek black, glossy white, unique look or standard look?

Thank you for reading,

Steven "demzy" Watson

If you would like your brand's products to be reviewed by Steven send an email to: steven@team-supremacy.net

I take all constructive criticism on board, it helps me review products a lot better and I would appreciate any tips, advice or changes I should make to how I review hardware.

[MooZfY]

That's really expensive! :O

[inFeZa]

When i see AKG all i think of is microphones, i think they make better mics than they do headphones.

Originally Posted by demzy

I'm not an audio-tech or anything of the sort but from what I've seen through research - higher impedance seen in the AKG's provide a higher quality if paired with an external amplifier (or a good sound card I presume) compared to the lower impedance Sennheiser HD558. K530 = 55 Ohms, Sennheiser = 50 Ohms.

Pretty much, anyone looking at these studio type headphones if you see something like 250ohms, don't get them unless you have a way to amplify them.