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Can these new AKG noise-canceling headphones top Bose's?

AKG has introduced two new noise-canceling headphones, the $349.95 K 495 NC and $249.95 K 490 NC.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
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David Carnoy
2 min read
AKG's higher-end K 495 NC headphones retail for $349.95 and are due to hit stores shortly (click to enlarge). AKG

Have a peek at AKG's two new pairs of noise-canceling headphones, the $349.95 K 495 NC and $249.95 K 490 NC.

AKG is highlighting that these both are on-ear models that fold flat and have built-in rechargeable batteries that charge via USB. Unlike a lot of noise-canceling models, including those from Bose, these can play sound when the battery dies or if you simply want to turn off the active noise cancellation.

The marketing line on the higher-end K 495 NCs is that they "deliver high-quality audio defined by a clarity of sound across all ranges, from crisp highs to deep lows." They feature brushed-metal parts, leather earcups, and an adjustable leather headband, and ship with a small carrying case, two audio cables, a USB charging adapter, and a flight adapter.

 
The $249.95 K 490 NC model also features a fold-flat design but is a bit smaller and lighter (click to enlarge). AKG

Meanwhile, AKG says the K 490 NCs "feature exceptional audio balance at an attractive price." They're also a bit smaller than the step-up K 495 NCs and are "designed specifically for lengthy listening periods." The K 490 NCs also ship with a small carrying case, flight adapter, and USB charging cable.

 
Another angle on the K 490 NC headphones (click to enlarge). AKG

Alas, neither model appears to feature an in-line remote with a built-in microphone for making cell phone calls.

Both the K 490 NC and K 495 NC models will be on display at the Harman booth at CES and we should be receiving review samples after the show, so we'll let you know how they sound as soon as we have a listen. Both models should be available for purchase later this month.