Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
84Great
$285
Full review dataAKG N5005 vs Grado GR8e: 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
Grado GR8e
66Good
$299
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
Grado GR8e
Sound7.0
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N5005 | Grado GR8e |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $285 | $299 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 66 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2018 | 2015 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature | moving armature |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 5 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 120 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 116 dB/mW | 118 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | AptX, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | - |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.4 g | 9 g |
| Detachable cable | 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
Grado GR8e
The Grado GR8e is a lightweight, wired in-ear monitor with a single balanced armature driver, delivering a detailed and articulate sound with a clear midrange focus and a notably spacious presentation. Its compact build and comfortable fit are strong points, though it lacks modern conveniences like remote controls and noise cancellation, and its sound signature may not suit bass-heavy listeners.
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight fit
- Pro:Detailed, articulate sound with good separation
- Pro:Solid build quality and minimal design
- Con:No remote or inline controls
- Con:Bass and treble can be somewhat emphasized
- Con:High impedance may require a stronger source
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.