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AKG N90QImage © my.akg.com

AKG N90Q

64/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Good value

$26
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
AKG
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
Yes
Released
2018

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound8.3
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery2.8
Calls5.0

The AKG N90Q is a reference-class over-ear headphone with TruNote auto-calibration and active noise cancelling, featuring adjustable tone and stage controls developed with Quincy Jones.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The AKG N90Q is a premium closed-back ANC headphone with a bold, heavy build and a customizable tuning system that sets it apart. It delivers clean, detailed audio with impressive isolation and a spacious soundstage, though its size and weight make it better suited for stationary listening than on-the-go use. Note that it requires power to operate, so battery life is a practical consideration.

What works

  • Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Large, immersive soundstage for a closed-back design
  • High-quality build and included accessories
  • Detailed, clean sound with customizable tuning
  • Strong isolation for focused listening

What doesn't

  • Heavy and bulky, not ideal for portable use
  • Requires charging to function at all
  • Sound can feel analytical rather than engaging
  • Premium price may not match its fun factor

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

Specifications

Audio - AKG N90Q
Driver52 mm dynamic
Driver typedynamic
Driver size52 mm
Drivers per side1
Frequency response10 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance32 Ω

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.

head-fi.org

This review emphasizes excellent isolation, a very large soundstage for a closed-back ANC headphone, and high-quality accessories. It also notes that the headphones require charging to function, so they are less convenient when the battery is depleted.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

The reviewer describes the AKG N90Q as a heavy, feature-rich closed-back headphone with strong isolation and a highly distinctive tuning system. The overall impression is that it is technically impressive and effective, but its size and weight are notable tradeoffs.

Read the full review

stereophile.com

The review frames the N90Q as an unusually capable piece of audio gear, especially for listeners who value high-end headphone engineering and travel use. The overall tone is positive toward its sound and concept.

Read the full review

trustedreviews.com

Trusted Reviews praises the sound quality, TruNote calibration, and noise cancellation, while criticizing the headphones for being too large to wear comfortably outside the house. The review also notes that they must be powered to work.

Read the full review

whathifi.com

What Hi-Fi says the N90Q is cleverly engineered and delivers clean, clear sound with excellent build and comfort. Its main criticism is that the presentation is more analytical than fun, especially given the high price.

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.

The consensus

Mixedacross 4 videos

Reviewers agree the AKG N90Q delivers exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable, well-built design, with the auto-calibrating feature widely praised as innovative.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Effective active noise cancellation
  • Comfortable and well-built design
  • Innovative auto-calibration feature

Reviewers flagged

  • Very expensive at $1,500
  • Heavy and large design
  • Fragile analog cable connection
  • Gaudy gold design for some
8:17

AKG N90Q Review

9.3/10
SoundGuys44K viewsJul 2015

The reviewer was highly impressed by the AKG N90Q's sound quality, calling them the best-sounding headphones they've ever heard, with excellent noise cancelling and a luxurious design. However, they note the $1,500 price is steep, and while worth it for those seeking top-tier audio, there are cheaper alternatives with good sound. They gave the headphones a 9.3 out of 10.

28:48

AKG N90Q Noise Canceling Auto Calibrating Headphone

InnerFidelity25.7K viewsMar 2017

The reviewer finds the AKG N90Q to be a technically impressive and well-built headphone with excellent noise cancellation and a unique auto-calibrating feature, but notes it is expensive, heavy, and has a fragile analog connection. The overall verdict is mixed, praising its sound quality and features while criticizing its price and build concerns.

4:23

Harman Kardon AKG N90Q | Fly or Die

TechCrunch13K viewsJul 2015

The reviewer finds the AKG N90Q headphones to be exceptionally powerful and high-quality, with impressive calibration and sound customization features. However, they consider the $1,500 price and flashy gold design to be excessive for average consumers, recommending them mainly for professional musicians or studio use.

2:01

Dan Checks Out the New AKG N90Q Headphones

Gear Diary5.4K viewsJan 2015

The reviewer is highly impressed by the AKG N90Q headphones, praising their adaptive noise cancellation and personalized sound, and warns that once you hear them, it's hard to go back to lesser headphones. He notes they will be expensive and advises against trying them unless you're prepared to buy them.

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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