Over-Ear
AKG K 500
Not yet scored
$130
Full review dataAKG K 500 vs Austrian Audio Hi-X15: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG K 500 vs Austrian Audio Hi-X15, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
84Great
$150
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K 500
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Sound8.5
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K 500 | Austrian Audio Hi-X15 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $130 | $150 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 1991 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | - | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 44 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | - | 12Hz-24kHz |
| Impedance | 120 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 99 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 113 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 230 g | 255 g |
| Foldable | - | Yes |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
AKG K 500
The Austrian K 500 is a lightweight open-back over-ear model from the early 1990s, offering a high-impedance 120-ohm design with a wide frequency range. It delivers an airy, natural sound signature typical of open-back headphones, but its older design may require a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
- Pro:Very lightweight at only 230 grams
- Pro:Open-back design provides a spacious, airy soundstage
- Pro:Extended frequency response from 15 Hz to 27 kHz
- Con:High 120-ohm impedance may need a powerful amp
- Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation
- Con:Older design may lack modern comfort features
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
The Austrian Hi-X15 is a wired over-ear headphone that brings studio-grade clarity and detail to a budget-friendly price point. Its lightweight, foldable build and low-impedance design make it a practical choice for on-the-go engineers, while the 44mm dynamic drivers deliver a balanced, revealing sound that suits tracking and mixing tasks. It offers impressive value for those seeking transparent monitoring without breaking the bank.
- Pro:Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for portability
- Pro:Easy to drive with low impedance and high sensitivity
- Con:Lacks Bluetooth or multipoint connectivity
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Some technical specifications are not fully disclosed
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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