AKG K245

The K245, just like its sibling models, wants to be an audiophile essential you’re never without. Of particular note here are the two folding joint mechanisms, with a patent recently applied for this innovative design. In general, the K245 is an accessory that likes to move around, with the earpieces able to turn 180 degrees vertically. There’s also terrific technical prowess when it comes to sound itself, with a frequency response ranging from 15 Hz to 25 kHz, 50mm drivers with a satisfactory 32 Ohm and a sound pressure level of 109 dB per volt. All of this is very competitive when held up against models from other manufacturers.

Exteriors

As with all of the models form this AKG series, the K245 is both elegant and serious in intent. All components are presented in timeless black. Designation and the AKG logo are printed in discreet white and silver. The air-permeable rear panel is constructed of finely perforated metal and looks every bit as technical as it does stylish. It’s all very chic. The headband itself boasts an innovative design, with the band moving over two straps while the frame remains static. The result is a very comfortable-to-wear headphone model and, in conjunction with the open-back design, a model that enables pleasant and comfortable studio work, even during longer periods. The professional aesthetic is also underlined by the exchangeable spiral cable, itself equipped with a mini XLR plug on the headphone side and a mini jack (including an adaptor) on the output side. In the future, the ear cushions will also be able to be swapped out with alternative designs. AKG promise a selection of variants for sale soon, along with an alternate connection cable and a spare parts catalogue to boot.

Sound

With the test of the K245, I’ve now experienced all three models from this new series of headphones from AKG. I have to commend the efforts of the design engineers behind the scenes, but it does seem a little like the fighting spirit ran out of steam a little at the last hurdle. The K245 shows this particularly well. On the plus side, the wide frequency response boasts solid bass reproduction, while the headphones lack for nothing in terms of overall sound levels and overload resistance. Nevertheless, the sound is relatively compact in nature. A more positive outlook here is that the sound is neutral in character, perhaps effortless. Long listening sessions are therefore a standard here. However, I personally found these to lack agility and presence in the high-frequency range, especially when you compare them to reference headphones from the likes of Beyerdynamic, Phonon and Adam Audio. What’s more, less treble inevitably means a narrower stereo stage. It would be nice to hear a little more energy and excitement here, with more brilliance and performance in the top end.