AKG parent company Harman International previewed some pretty special-looking (and sounding) headphones at CES in Las Vegas earlier this year. Last week they showed off a more finalized version of the N90Q. The host of the event was the legendary producer Quincy Jones who collaborated with the company on the headphones' design. The company also formally announced the price tag: $1,500. But hey, it comes with a free headphone cable.
At the launch event at Harman's flagship store at 527 Madison Ave, the charming Grammy-winner Mr. Jones waxed poetic about his new baby, which is said to be the world's first headphone that listens to you, with sound personalized for each individual and mood. The N90Q features TruNote technology for an accurate - or tweaked - listening experience, depending on the listener's personal tastes.
Quincy said "There are only 12 notes, and no matter what you're listening to - whether it be Jazz, Pop, Rock or Classical - I believe that the AKG N90Q has such an exact sound and customization that you will believe you are in a professional recording studio."
The TruNote technology is a new software solution for auto-calibration and frequency response measurement and adjustment for sound accuracy. The Auto Calibration solution uses two microphones in each ear cup measuring frequency response while you're wearing the headphones in order to generate an accurate correction filter. It analyzes sound pressure distribution to adjust according to the shape of your ear (yes even for Dr Spock) minimizing distortion.
According to Quincy, the AKG N90Q uses truly audiophile-grade discrete analog active noise-cancellation with 20dB (factor of 10) wide band noise cancellation without introducing its own artifacts. Fine-tuning of the sound, inclouding bass and treble adjustment, is made with a rotary control on the left ear cup. The customization feature was suggested and developed under Quincy Jones' supervision. And if anyone knows sound, it's Quincy Jones. The ones I sampled at the event sounded amazing with rich bass (without the unnatural boom), crystal clear midrange and detailed highs.
The N90Q is expected to be available at select retailers in September of this year.
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