AKG’s new K 495 NC noise-canceling headphones don’t need batteries at all—you charge them up via USB. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that they look (and, given the source, most likely sound) terrific, too.
The fancy-looking, $400 K 495 NCs come in a durable brushed-steel finish, and sport detachable cables with two different lengths, as well as what AKG claims is advanced “closed-loop” noise-canceling technology. If that price tag is a little steep for you, the entry-level K490 NCs weigh just 5.3 oz. and come in at $300. They’re also USB-charging lookers, but you give up the closed-loop goodness and some of the aesthetics.
A third AKG entrant are the $350 K 550 Reference Class headphones, built for audioheads who want to kick back at home and listen for hours. The closed-back cans have soft, cushioned pads for comfort, and 50mm drivers for excellent bass performance. All three should be available now, here: [AKG]
