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[Prime] AKG K245 Wired Over-Ear Semi-open Studio Headphones $106.80 Shipped @ Amazon UK via AU

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[Prime] AKG K245 Wired Over-Ear Semi-open Studio Headphones $106.80 Shipped @ Amazon UK via AUAffiliate
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thebadmachine on 13/10/2020 - 16:11 amazon.com.au (289 clicks)
Last edited 13/10/2020 - 18:30 by 1 other user
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Cheapest prices ever.
Cheaper than previous best deal which was $134 but that deal only lasted minutes.

Local prices for K245 are $265-$359.

General Specifications
Driver size: 50mm
Sensitivity (dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz): 109dB
Rated impedance: 32 Ω
Audio frequency bandwidth: 15 - 25000Hz
Cable(s) length: 5m

Headphone Type: Semi-open
Wearing Style: Over-ear
Foldable: Yes
Detachable Cable: Yes

Dimensions
Weight: 10.4oz / 295g

Notes: This is an international product. But being Amazon hopefully they will honour at least a full-refund in the case of product failure.

Also available:

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Amazon Prime Day sale for 2020
Electrical & Electronics AKG Amazon Prime Day Headphones

Related Stores

Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Marketplace
Amazon UK Store
Amazon UK Store

closed Comments

  • jasswolf on 13/10/2020 - 16:19
    +6

    There should be more AKG deals as US Prime Day goes live at 6PM. The AKG K361 is currently $136 via Amazon UK as well, so I'd expect cheaper deals for all of these to appear via the Amazon US store, as well as the AKG K371.

    I'd be looking at the AKG K361 and K371 over the K275, and probably avoiding the K175 entirely. Even the K245 aren't much to write home about, but there's not a lot of open and semi-open competition at this price point beyond chi-fi gear and Grados.

    Some of the deals your posting are hold overs from UK Prime Day sales, and include the K712 as well. The AKG K371, the AKG K702 and the AKG 712 will be the picks of the bunch if they go on sale.

    • ciyborg on 13/10/2020 - 16:25
      +2

      always appreciate your input on headphones. cheers

    • dins on 13/10/2020 - 16:55
      +1

      Cheers for the info mate. Can't see the Amazon UK AKG K361 on the Amazon AU site tho?

    • thebadmachine on 13/10/2020 - 17:13
      +3

      Thanks for the information.

      Just thought I would post for people already looking at these models & who are willing to take the risk of international stock for 1/3 the price.

      Edit: And I agree I would avoid the K175 especially because they are On-Ear, but included it incase someone is looking for them.

      K245 has a dark frequency-response, with a sub-bass shelf (interesting for semi-open), I thought it was interesting a few months ago but decided to pass on it even at this price.

    • thebadmachine on 13/10/2020 - 19:40
      +1

      Kind of off-topic but I was reading through some of your past IEM related comments.

      I have previously expressed my dislike of the comfort of IEM's in the past, but I became curious again (for on-the-go use) and have recently been looking at a few details about certain models.

      So yes as per usual the ones I arrived to were the Blon BL-03, Moondrop Starfield etc. But something which I found a lot of IEM's had in common (using Crinacle IEM graph website) was a roll-off in their FR from about ~15Khz (some as early as 10Khz). The Moondrop Starfield (and some Tin HiFi models) kind of being an exception by still maintaining some response just below base-line until ~18Khz (the Sennheiser IE 40 Pro also stays relatively flat in the high-end).

      My thoughts are that since IEM's are In-Ear that too much high-end response (15Khz+) can become really fatiguing compared to a similar response from Over-ear headphones, or in IEM's with poor-attenuation this top-end information is simply lost anyway, so they are tuned this way.

      Attenuation (Isolation) was something else I looked at which could affect overall SQ when travelling (on a bus etc), and from an online post I learned the KZ ZS10 Pro has about ~14dB Attenuation (this I assume is the base-line for Chi-Fi), then you have Sennheiser IEM's with claimed ~26dB Attenuation, and then Etymotics (with deep In-Ear design) with ~45dB.

      I understand IEM's in general were specifically developed for stage-use by musicians, therefore they are kind of ideal for use on-the-go outdoors / in public transport etc.
      Chi-Fi seems to have entered the market and moved IEM's more towards mainstream (more fashionable / towards casual home listening etc).

      Long read. Ended up typing more than I intended.

      thebadmachine on 13/10/2020 - 19:40 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
      • jasswolf on 13/10/2020 - 20:13

        Starfields are well worth the money, and very comfortable stock and more so (with better sound) with KZ flipped stock tips ($1-$2 on AliE), but you might need to go for Azla or Spinfit tips (the latter of which go on sale on AliE regularly). Very much excellent mid-fi offering at an excellent price ($120ish during an AliE sale with cashbacks and coupons lining up).

        The BLON BL-03 has a great sound and soundstage/imaging, but it can sound a tiny bit dead in some instances due to the treble roll off. Still a fun sound worth experimenting with. I would stick to single DD IEMs unless you're willing to go well past $100, because timbre will suffer with BA drivers in the mix.

        But if you're certain that comfort is a huge issue, earbuds might be your scene, and offer a beautiful open sound with excellent timbre. For $15 the NiceHCK MX500 (non-PK1 variants) are fantastic quality, albeit with bass roll off (but that's most earbuds).

        Lots of options for portable sound, and I would even recommend the Koss KPH30i for studio/acoustic/live music even though it is a coloured signature, especially if you have someone to split an order from Drop with, where they wind up about USD $25 with shipping included. Those are very comfortable, spacious on-ears that scale well.

        The AKG N700NC M2 is on sale for under $110 in the eBay flash sale if you include cashbacks from Shopback.

        • thebadmachine on 13/10/2020 - 21:27

          Thanks for the reply.
          I was in the middle of typing a comment and closed the window by accident doh.

          Thanks for your alternative suggestions, but I will be focusing on IEM for the time being due to their passive noise-isolating ability.

          I admit I have never tried memory-foam tips, so thats what has been swaying me to try again.
          I also intend to use them for shorter-periods. e.g. the duration of a bus / train / ferry ride, then take them out when walking / navigating streets etc.
          So hopefully this will also help in the comfort area in combination with the foam tips.

          So the questions (which I failed to ask in the original comment) are:

          1. Do you use the Starfield's (or other IEM's) outdoors? how do you find their isolation & what tips do you use? (I searched your recommendation on "KZ Flipped" so I assume you mean KZ silicone tips flipped inside out).

          2. I am weary of entering the "experimentation" phase (as it can end up costing a lot), and usually do a tonne of research before buying into something.
            I have read of issues with Chi-Fi (removable cable) IEM's and one side (driver) failing, so it worries me to pay $130-$140 for Starfields shipped from China, when I can get local stock Sennheiser IE 40 Pro's for $145, and have the option to return / replace them easily. I should also add I use EQ with everything so FR wise I think I can get by with the IE 40 Pro's.
            Do you think a somewhat "typical" audio user can get by with the one of the big-brand local offerings? especially with help from EQ?
            (also leaning towards the Sennheiser's for their better passive noise-isolation for bus rides)

          • jasswolf on 14/10/2020 - 00:22

            @thebadmachine: I don't use them outside much, but I put that down to my usage of tips and ear anatomy. Those are indeed the flipped tips I'm referring to! The other tip options I've mentioned would probably be more suited to outdoor use as they are designed to be more form fitting to a given ear canal without straying into foam territory.

            Research will only take you so far, and tip rolling - maybe a cable change for more comfortable fitment and less drag - is probably all you'll need for any given IEM, with a nod to spacers to assist if something has too shallow an insertion depth.

            If you want something that will definitely be well stocked locally, I would find a place where you could audition the IE 40 Pro against the Etymotic X2HR. The X2HR would be a solid recommendation, and is available on Amazon for around $150.

            • thebadmachine on 14/10/2020 - 00:38

              @jasswolf:

              other tip options I've mentioned would probably be more suited to outdoor use as they are designed to be more form fitting

              Ok thanks.

              Azla or Spinfit tips

              Got it (making notes for myself here).

              with a nod to spacers to assist if something has too shallow an insertion depth.

              Ah was reading about this, such a battle between comfort vs affect on SQ.
              Certain tip materials & adding spacers etc (the length of the run down the tunnel from tip) can affect the sound… I am just going to believe EQ can fix the majority of this.

              Etymotic X2HR

              I assume you mean the ER2XR as that is the closest naming to “X2HR”.
              One worrying thing about Etymotics is from a review I read.
              A person had them in their ears, and suddenly their cable got snagged on something and it ripped them out of their ears.
              It was so bad apparently they thought for a second they had done permanent damage to their ears.
              They ended up being ok, but they said they are extra careful now.

              • jasswolf on 14/10/2020 - 00:57

                @thebadmachine:

                I assume you mean the ER2XR as that is the closest naming to “X2HR”.

                Indeed! Long day, muddled it with the Phillips open-back headphones.

                One worrying thing about Etymotics is from a review I read.

                Definitely a mark against the flange design, but there are other tips in the kit.

                • thebadmachine on 17/10/2020 - 02:24

                  @jasswolf: So I stayed up doing some reading on subjective impressions @ https://www.audioreviews.org/earphones/
                  Then checking back & forth between FR’s etc.

                  If it was to choose on subjective impressions only, I would choose the iBasso IT00’s. Cheaper than the Sennheiser IE 40 Pro’s, and also locally available.
                  And just now I found your comments about them.

                  So you own the IT00’s great news. I am wondering how the 15-17Khz+ airiness is on them. It seems a bit rolled-off on the FR (compared to Sennheiser IE 40 Pro & Moondrop starfield).
                  The sub-bass shelf on the IT00’s looks great though, in case you have issues with the tips sealing (I read / heard this is the most obviously affected area of the sound when you have seal issues).

                  IT00’s are currently available for $99 @ Minidisc (including $10 off), wondering if you are aware of any other current discounts available.
                  I will try the included tips first, but will probably order this $13 pack of foam tips if I need more comfort.

                  Anyway so subjective sound impression, cheaper price ($99 vs $145) & sub-bass shelf are really pushing me towards the iBasso’s.
                  Also just looked up Crinacle’s rankings, and IT00 is a C, while IE 40 Pro is a C-.
                  Only thing keeping me on the IE 40 Pro’s is that top-end extension / air.
                  Looking forward to your reply.

                  (Also just read a comment on reddit stating they prefer the IT00’s over the Moondrop Kanas Pro which I understand is the model above Starfield but almost identical in sound)

                  • jasswolf on 17/10/2020 - 08:03

                    @thebadmachine: There's a small group of people really pushing the iBasso's quite hard on multiple forums, and I went in early at the price you mentioned, but ultimately returned them and ordered the Starfield, which is also far more widely (and well) reviewed.

                    The IT00 are v-shaped on a graph, just without having overly scooped mids, and this also results in them having peaks in the upper mids and lower treble that left female vocals often scratchy and off. They subjectively present more u-shaped, which is why people talk about euphoric/sparkly highs and deep bass. I just felt the timbre was off and inconsistent, particularly in the bass and the mids.

                    Detail and clarity were there, technicalities were otherwise solid and dynamics were good, the stock comfort was solid, and they're probably another good candidate for flipped/wide-bore tips, but I just couldn't get around its flaws.

                    You're not going to beat the Minidisc deal, just keep in mind their 21-day return policy is structured around them receiving the return within 21 days of you having received the item, and that you'll be paying for return shipping, as well as being charged for the original shipping ($10, which is far less dodgy that Addicted to Audio's costs).

                    That's assuming you keep everything in tact and dodge the restocking fee.

                    Again, I stress: the Starfield have the superior timbre and frequency response, and they are in no way blunted in the highs, just not as lifted as the IT00. The only place the Starfield's trail the iBasso is technical performance in the bass, and it's marginal, with the Moondrop being subjectively better.

                    Honestly, dispense with the notion of the IE40 entirely, because anything from the BLON BL-03 and up is going to beat it as an overall package. ChiFi has utterly destroyed typical IEM and earbud valuations.

                    The Moondrop Starfield will be $115-$130 after coupons and cashbacks for 11.11 and Black Friday sales, and is also available locally on eBay for $160ish marked price if you want to wait for a 15% site code and/or cashbacks.

                    KZ tips are less than $2 for 3 pairs on AliE.

                    • thebadmachine on 17/10/2020 - 13:29

                      @jasswolf:

                      this also results in them having peaks in the upper mids and lower treble that left female vocals often scratchy and off.
                      I just felt the timbre was off and inconsistent, particularly in the bass and the mids.

                      I guess due to all hearing things differently your opinions kind of conflict with the subjective impressions I linked (this is kind of what I was expecting since I asked).

                      From linked IT00 impressions:
                      "Timbre is very natural and well done for acoustic instruments and vocals, in keeping with its dynamic driver roots. In fact this set shines at vocals and will be good set for vocal lovers."
                      "Guitars sound very natural. Vocal timbre is a highlight on this set, and vocal lovers will dig this set for voices being forward yet without being overbearing, but still managing to sound very natural.
                      I liked that iBasso IT00 does not have the usual CHIFI overly boosted/sawtooth upper mids, so this set is very non fatiguing despite the clear vocals."

                      "Though perhaps classical purists might want something more neutralish and analytical."
                      "but the bass (which we will describe below) is on the faster side"

                      You're not going to beat the Minidisc deal

                      Ok thanks.

                      Starfield have the superior timbre and frequency response, and they are in no way blunted in the highs, just not as lifted as the IT00.

                      Yes I mentioned the Starfield appear to have more extension in the highs than the IT00's.

                      Starfield is also available locally on eBay for $160ish marked price if you want to wait for a 15% site code and/or cashbacks.

                      I actually saw the Starfield's on Amazon AU drop to $143 or $145 Delivered during Prime Day, but being Shipped from & Sold from China (ShenzhenAudio) the delivery estimate was mid to end of December.

                      I just searched eBay AU and got 0 local results.

                      https://www.audiophile-store.com.au/products/moondrop-starfi…
                      This link to Starfields is local stock, but cheapest is $160 Delivered including $5 off coupon.

                      • jasswolf on 17/10/2020 - 14:35

                        @thebadmachine:

                        From linked IT00 impressions
                        I am familiar with the reviewer, and they generally prefer that v-shaped stylisation when the mids aren't totally recessed, so what you're seeing there is the person in question's personal tastes coming to the fore as they pick their favourite execution of it.

                        They were huge on KBEar Diamond before this. They're also the only reviewer I have consistently seen promote the Starfield as being inferior, so they are a very unique subjective experience.

                        I wholeheartedly disagree with their view on the quality of the timbre when compared against the BLON BL-03 and the Moondrop Starfield. They also agree that the BLON has better timbre, but with flipped tips they and the Starfield sound identical in that regard.

                        I would recommend trying flipped tips for the iBasso if you get it, just keep in mind that 9 out of 10 audiophiles/reviewers are going to recommend the Starfield in this price range because of the tuning and the fact that it is one of the best mid-fi deal in audio right now, let alone IEMs.

                        I actually saw the Starfield's on Amazon AU drop to $143 or $145 Delivered during Prime Day, but being Shipped from & Sold from China (ShenzhenAudio) the delivery estimate was mid to end of December.
                        That and the fact I have read a few experiences of one side driver failure made me concerned buying from China.

                        It's important not to take 1 or 2 complaints as indicative of the general consensus, as people are more likely to complain than punch out compliments.

                        https://www.audiophile-store.com.au/products/moondrop-starfi…
                        This link to Starfields is local stock, but cheapest is $160 Delivered including $5 off coupon.

                        Ah yup, that's the store, they've pulled their eBay listing it seems. Buying from Amazon will have the easiest return process, but yes you'll have to wait if there are no Amazon fulfillment allocations.

                        I'm actually really impressed by the ChiFi discounts that were happening during Prime Day, and look forward to seeing more in November, but you will save about $15-$20 more ordering via AliE.

                        • thebadmachine on 17/10/2020 - 15:05
                          +1

                          @jasswolf: Thanks for your input.

                          Basically short list is now: iBasso IT00 (as it may agree with my ears but less so yours) , and the Moondrop Starfield (sourced locally).

                          I decided from awhile ago to skip the KZ & Blon IEM’s.
                          I was holding onto the idea of the IE 40 Pro’s but I think you have helped convince me otherwise.
                          The only thing left going for it really is the build quality & the 26dB attenuation (isolation), but currently its ‘regular’ price of $145 is too high I reckon. And it seems to sell well among professionals so I see the price staying there for a good while.

                          Thanks for keeping up with the discussion.

                    • thebadmachine on 17/10/2020 - 13:55

                      @jasswolf: Also kind of dismissed this deal on genuine Sony MH755's back then.
                      They would have been nice, even with the J-cable.

                      • jasswolf on 17/10/2020 - 16:02

                        @thebadmachine: I have the MH755, there's still the odd genuine seller online, just only look at white tips and if it's not around $8-$10 USD at the minimum, it's probably fake.

                        It's nice, but it doesn't hold a candle to any of the other IEMs I've mentioned, despite what Crinacle has to say. Timbre and tonality is mostly lovely, the value is immense, but the the upper mids and the treble have some clarity issues. Fitment can also be a pain with the stock tips, which are a cornerstone to the sound and can be tricky to replicate.

                        But it's definitely a gateway drug alongside the BLON BL-03, the KSC75 and the Takstar Pro 82 or Takstar GM200. One to have for your collection, but I'd be more inclined to look at an earbud like the NiceHCK MX500 (not the PK1 offerings on the listing) at the price point for the ease of use and fun with tracks that aren't reliant on sub-bass or EDM beats.

                        If you get the IT00, be sure to listen to music from CHVRCHES as a means to assess the issue I'm describing.

  • johangules on 14/10/2020 - 01:57

    K275 AT $85….oh this might be the best closeback headphone at this price

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