AKG K390

AKG K390 Noise-Canceling earphones

Harman subsidiary AKG has been in the business of making personal and professional audio equipment since the 1940s, so one might rightfully expect top-notch quality from the company's line of headphones and earphones, of which there are plenty to choose from. The latest offering, set to hit the States in October, is the AKG K390 Infinity Noise-Canceling earphones. This in-ear model features a double-whammy of passive sound isolation and active noise cancellation, making it a tempting option for commuters and frequent fliers. But at $249, these earphones are far from cheap, and buyers should be wary of potential fit issues, as comfort is key for any extended-wear scenarios. The AKG K390 earphones have a sleek, understated design that leans toward darker hues with matte black and shiny gunmetal plastics comprising the earpieces, cable, and noise cancellation module. The earbuds are slightly larger than average and feature an external port (for more airflow, we assume) and a reinforced cable connection for durability. Like the 'buds, the sound apertures are on the large side, which caused some discomfort for us during testing no matter which eartips we used.