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AKG N5005Image © Amazon

AKG N5005

63/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$290
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
AKG
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wireless
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2018

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound8.1
Battery3.5

The AKG N5005 is a hybrid in-ear monitor with one dynamic and four balanced armature drivers, offering Hi-Res certified sound with interchangeable sound filters. It includes a detachable Bluetooth cable for wireless use and a premium ceramic build.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The AKG N5005 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that blends a single dynamic driver with a balanced armature for detailed, reference-style sound. It offers a highly customizable fit with multiple tips and a detachable cable, plus wireless convenience via Bluetooth with SBC and aptX support. While its price was lofty at launch, it remains a technically strong choice for audiophiles seeking versatility.

What works

  • Excellent, detailed and reference-grade sound quality
  • Hybrid driver design delivers deep bass and clear highs
  • Versatile tuning options and comfortable fit
  • Detachable cable and Bluetooth support add flexibility
  • Strong build quality with premium accessories

What doesn't

  • High price point relative to some competitors
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Bluetooth 4.1 and only SBC/aptX codecs, no aptX HD
  • Battery life is modest at 8 hours wireless

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - AKG N5005
Driver1DD + 1BA hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Driver configuration1DD + 1BA
Drivers per side2
Frequency response10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance18 Ω
Sensitivity116 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

earphonia.com

97

Earphonia rates the N5005 very highly and highlights its versatile tuning, deep bass, strong staging, and good accessories. The overall tone is enthusiastic and places it among the best options below the $1000 bracket.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

84

Headfonics describes the AKG N5005 as a reference-level hybrid IEM with strong technical performance and a well-executed feature set. The review is broadly positive, presenting it as a high-end successor to the K3003 and assigning it a strong score.

Read the full review

avforums.com

AVForums praises the N5005 for outstanding sound quality, flexibility, comfort, and build quality. The review is strongly positive and concludes that it is class-leading, though it notes the high price and the absence of aptX HD.

Read the full review

hifiplus.com

Hi-Fi+ lists the N5005’s technical details and treats it as a premium flagship earphone. The article is more specification-focused than review-focused, but it presents the model as a high-end product with strong feature depth.

Read the full review

techradar.com

TechRadar says the N5005 sounds excellent and offers a lot of customization, but it is also very expensive. The review’s summary is favorable overall, while noting the lack of active noise cancellation as a drawback.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

4:54

AKG N5005 High-end in ear headphones review

MajorHiFi26.3K viewsMar 2018

The reviewer is highly impressed with the AKG N5005, praising its balanced, detailed sound across all frequencies and its versatility with multiple filters and cables. They consider it an outstanding in-ear monitor, especially for reference listening, and claim it's hard to beat under $1000.

PositiveWatch on YouTube

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Mentioned in articles

Where the AKG N5005 comes up in our guides and explainers.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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