Pre-amble
Let's start by stating the obvious criticism that has been thrown at the Y50s – the coloured versions of these headphones. They are obviously love/hate, and I personally (like many I've heard from) hate them – in particular the yellow ones. The Y50s are, from what I am led to believe, AKG’s attempt at a lifestyle product – taking on the likes of Beats and Sennheiser Urbanites.
This is why, predictably, I chose the black version. It’s subtler, and despite the size of the AKG logo on the cups, the gloss black logo on matt black finish does tone everything down a bit. I'm surprised at AKG for this cosmetic treatment, as typically their equipment is on the conservative side.
With this huge caveat out of the way, we can concentrate on what is an excellent product.
In the box
Inside the packaging, which is workmanlike but not exactly premium, is the headphones, detachable cable with inline universal one-button remote/mic, soft drawstring bag and a 3.5 to 6.3mm adaptor.
Looks 8/10 (Black version)
Aside from the coloured versions, which I’ve covered, these are a handsome looking pair of headphones when you actually get them out of the box. The polished bevel around the cups adds an air of sophistication, and the matt plastics not only look good, they feel substantial and high quality. The surround of the bevel has a nice touch, with tiny AKG icon cut outs all the way around, with the joint from the headband to the cups also featuring the AKG icon. The AKG logo again features on the headband, and whilst this might sound like branding overkill, it’s actually done in quite a subtle fashion. Whilst I prefer the look of the Sennheiser Momentums (who doesn’t), the Y50s are attractive enough to be worn as a lifestyle product without looking like you’re trying to hard in the office.
Build 9/10
The Y50s feel really substantial. Only time will tell if they stand up to the abuse they'll be subjected to, but as these are intended as portable headphones that fold, they should in theory last the distance. The plastics used certainly feel high quality, and in general build quality feels good. Let's bear in mind these are £80 headphones though, and compared to the fragile feeling Beats these are positively bulletproof.
Comfort 6/10
I’ve always found on-ear headphones the most difficult to get along with. Over-ear headphones just seem more comfortable. Unfortunately, the Y50s haven’t changed this opinion for me. I wouldn’t call them uncomfortable, but longer periods of wearing may cause some fatigue on the ears. The pads are soft, but the band does pull the headphones in tight on the head and the ears get quite warm.
Sound
I’ve read elsewhere that the Y50s are intended to tempt customers away from Beats, and that the sound signature is similar. I can confirm this to be absolutely NOT the case, and to even mention the Y50s in the same sentence as even the most expensive Beats is an insult to AKG. I have never yet listened to a pair of Beats headphones that I have wanted to take home with me at any cost – all the marketing in the world cannot hide generic drivers, lightweight plastic casing and an artificial sound signature.
AKG describe the Y50 as having “signature AKG-quality sound with enriched bass performance”. If by this they mean they have coloured the sound signature to provide a deeper, enhanced bass, this isn’t massively apparent - unlike other headphones where the bass is overemphasized at the detriment of the rest of the frequency range. In fact, I found the bass to be about right – that is to say it’s very evident but not in an artificial way. Mid-bass is punch and tight, and the kick drum in Elbow’s “Mirrorball” is powerful without stealing the show. Sub bass, when it’s there to be had, comes in smooth but thickly textured layers that is inherently musical and not just noise – the bass track to Daft Punk’s “Lose Yourself to Dance” sounds deep and tuneful and doesn’t muddy the waters. Ironically, Dr Dre’s “What’s the Difference” had deeper sub bass and tighter mid bass than the headphones that bear his name.
Treble is precise and nicely separated, although poorly produced music can become a little fatiguing – especially on inherently bright sources. In general though, it’s there in just the right amount at the right time, cymbals are clear and crisp without being too abrasive.
Mids on the Y50s follow suite – no one particular frequency is dominant, and if anything the mid is the only slightly subdued performer.
Where the Y50s really shine, for portable, closed back, on-ear headphones that is, is the detail and soundstage. Whilst they aren’t as open and as spacious as AKG’s K550 or something like a Grado SR80e, they don’t leak noise and they have substantially more bass response. Madonna’s “Swim”, for example, is deeply immersive, although being produced by William Orbit helps. Newton Faulkner’s “Uncomfortably Slow” is deeply revealing with layers of detail and dimension – close your eyes and you’re in the recording studio with him.
Unsurprisingly, the Y50s perform better with well-produced music. They aren't overly fussy, but poorly produced music doesn't come across particularly well. Where they can, the Y50s will reveal the beautiful sonic detail in your music collection.
Conclusion
With a retail of £80, the Y50s are already popping up for £60 on some online retailers. At £80, these are a bargain. At £60, it’s daylight robbery and you should have one eye over your shoulder for the Police (whilst listening to The Police?)
