Product Details
AKG Acoustics K240 Monitoring Headphones

AKG Acoustics K240 Monitoring Headphones
From AKG Acoustics

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1 new or used available from $105.00

Average customer review:
I've got two pairs of these puppies and swear by them as monitoring headphones. -djpretzel

Product Description

The "integrated semi-open air" design incorporates a highly accurate dynamic transducer, and an acoustically tuned venting structure behind the element produces a naturally open sound quality. The circumaural (around-the-ear) pads are designed for hours of wearing comfort, while the steel-cable, self-adjusting headband construction and single-sided professional-quality audio interconnect ensure extended reliability in demanding professional studio applications.

Product Details

  • Brand: AKG
  • Model: 2058Z0013
  • Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

  • 55 ohms impedance, plug-in cable
  • Self-adjusting headband for optimum fit
  • Single cable for ease of use
  • Semi-open, circumaural design
  • One of the most popular studio headphones ever

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
The K240Monitor are classic hi-fi stereo headphones and one of the best-selling models from AKG, famous for their natural, pristine sound. The major benefits of these semi-open headphones with dynamic full-range speakers include a punchy bass range, clear highs, and excellent comfort. 600 ohms impedance for special studio applications (connecting many headphones in parallel).

Technical Specifications:

  • Type: semi-open, circumaural dynamic headphones
  • Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL/mW
  • Frequency range: 15 to 20,000 Hz
  • Rated impedance: 600 ohms
  • THD: < 0.3%
  • Max. input power: 200 mW
  • Cable: single cable, approx. 3 m (10 ft.)
  • Connector: gold plated stereo mini jack
  • Adapter: stereo gold plated mini to 1/4" screw-on adapter jack
  • Net weight (without cable): 240 g (8.5 oz)

Customer Reviews

Extremely comfortable and good quality5
I received a pair of these as a gift about 18 years ago, and they are fabulous. I finally had to replace them this year because the cord near the jack was having issues and I could only hear one ear. The headset is in excellent shape and should work fine once I replace the jack end of the cord. The new one has a flexible, rubber covering over the area where the cord connects to the jack, so it should not develop the same problem. Here is what I like about them.

COMFORT. The earpieces are padded and sit on your head, not your ears. I share an office so I wear them all day long, and I have never had any problems with comfort (most regular headphones give me a headache or earache after a while). Since they are semi-closed, they breathe a little, so my ears do not get hot. The headband is attached with elastic pieces so there is no adjusting - just put them on and they fit. The cord comes out of the left earpiece, so there is no annoying "Y" under your chin.

SOUND LEAKAGE. My office mate cannot hear my music at all (although I don't listen to music loudly). It blocks enough external noise to help me concentrate, but I can still hear what's going on around me and carry on a conversation while wearing them. (They may leak more sound if you have a heavy beard or sideburns.)

SOUND QUALITY. The quality is amazing. I have read that it is very hard to get good quality sound with closed headphones, so the semi-closed are a good balance between quality sound and preventing sound leakage. I listen to them plugged into my computer speakers, and sometimes I have to skip a song because the non-music noises are so clear (lip smacking, breathing, guitar string squeaks, chimes, etc.).

SUMMARY: Extremely comfortable, quality construction and quality sound

Excellent natural sound at a very reasonable price5
I bought my first K 240 M in early 1986 for my sound studio connected to a music conservatory. These phones impressed all who used them.
In 2005 I ordered a new pair and was very pleased to find that only the phone plug has been changed. There was no change in sound.

Obtaining replacement parts has now become difficult. Whats more, this model has been replaced with the 240 S studio monitor. The sound is no longer the same.

The good news is that although the sound is different, it is clearly better. Bass response is now full down to at least 40 Hz and possibly lower. midrange is slightly boosted, which I got used to quite quickly.

The bad news is the addition of a connector that is not well designed, as it sticks out away from the phones in such a way that it could be damaged if the phones are dropped. If you handle them gently this should not be a problem.

Finally, In my opinion, these phones outperform all speaker systems on operatic voices. I never judge any vocal recording,or a singers voice, without using these phones. Although the new model does not sound quite the same, the spacial sense is the same. The ear pads are identical and interchangeble with the 240 M, hence the feel is the same.

Still Dreaming for Perfect iPod Headphones5
I'm not an audiophile like the other reviewers of these headphones, so I won't dispute their claims or contest their ratings. However, if you are considering the AKG K240M for use with an iPod, dream on. Although I also have the wonderful, lightweight, collapsable Sennheiser PX 100 and am very pleased with their sound with my iPod Video, I had hoped to get even better sound with the AKGs. Unfortunately, even at full volume, the iPod cannot drive these headphones; same result using iTunes. I guess the problem is the 600 Ohm impedance which I did not notice before I purchased them. I probably should have bought the Sennheiser HD-280. If any of you audiophiles can suggest the perfect iPod phones in the $100 range, I'd love to hear from you at phones at kensall dot com. Thanks!