Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
84Great
$285
Full review dataAKG N5005 vs Etymotic ER3SE Earphones: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the AKG N5005 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: AKG N5005 - Great overall at around $285.
Wired IEMs
Etymotic ER3SE Earphones
76Great
$200
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG N5005
Sound9.0
Battery6.0
Value6.5
Etymotic ER3SE Earphones
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N5005 | Etymotic ER3SE Earphones |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $285 | $200 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 76 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2018 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature | Balanced Armature (BA) |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 5 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-16kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 22 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 116 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | AptX, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | - |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.4 g | - |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
AKG N5005
The AKG N5005 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with four balanced armatures for detailed, reference-grade sound. It offers versatile tuning options and a strong accessory set, though its wired-only connection and lack of noise cancellation may limit its appeal for some listeners. Priced around $199, it delivers high-end performance that rivals far more expensive models.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Multiple tuning filters for sound customization
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling support
- Con:Lacks aptX HD codec
- Con:Price may still feel steep for some
Etymotic ER3SE Earphones
The Etymotic ER3SE is a wired in-ear monitor built for accuracy, delivering a highly neutral and analytical sound through a single balanced-armature driver. Its standout feature is exceptional passive isolation, making it a strong option for critical listening in noisy environments. The tuning is lean and reference-style, prioritizing clarity over bass warmth, which may not appeal to everyone but offers strong value when discounted.
- Pro:Class-leading passive noise isolation
- Pro:Very accurate, neutral sound signature
- Pro:Compact and lightweight design with detachable cable
- Con:Lean bass response may disappoint bass lovers
- Con:No inline controls or app support
- Con:Limited frequency response range compared to some peers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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