Wired IEMs
AKG N5005
84Great
$285
Full review dataAKG N5005 vs Meze Rai Solo: 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
Meze Rai Solo
72Good
$249
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
Meze Rai Solo
Sound7.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N5005 | Meze Rai Solo |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $285 | $249 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature | 9.2mm UPM dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 9.2 mm | 9.2 mm |
| Drivers per side | 5 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 18Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 116 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | none |
| 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 |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11.4 g | 20 g |
| 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
Meze Rai Solo
The Meze Rai Solo is a single 9.2mm dynamic-driver IEM that prioritizes easy driving with low impedance and high sensitivity, delivering a clear, midrange-focused sound with strong imaging. Its build quality feels premium, and it performs well when a proper seal is achieved, though its bass response is highly dependent on fit and tip selection. Overall, it offers a technically capable and refined listening experience for its price tier, though not without some compromises in low-end consistency.
- Pro:Easy to drive with any source
- Pro:High-quality, comfortable build
- Pro:Clear and detailed midrange
- Con:Bass is very seal-dependent
- Con:Included eartips are limited
- Con:Not for bass-heavy listeners
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.