8.0 Great

Release date: October 31, 2005
Category: Accessory
Manufacturer: AKG
Weight: 2.5 oz

AKG claims the K 27 i's are designed "specifically for iPod and MP3 players." Well these days, that goes without saying. Nevertheless, they're ideal for portable digital music. The headphones have a "closed-back" design, but the earpieces don't completely cover your ears. This may feel awkward at first, but they're more comfortable in the long... [+] Continue

AKG claims the K 27 i's are designed "specifically for iPod and MP3 players." Well these days, that goes without saying. Nevertheless, they're ideal for portable digital music. The headphones have a "closed-back" design, but the earpieces don't completely cover your ears. This may feel awkward at first, but they're more comfortable in the long run, since the outside of your ears have room to breathe and won't overheat. [-] Hide

For relatively small headphones, the K 27 i deliver excellent bass. They're light and compact with their "3D-Axis" design, which basically means you can fold them up like a pair of sunglasses. The dedicated volume control on the cord allows for easy on-the-go sound-level adjusting (which is great for when your MP3 player is tucked away in your backpack). The carrying pouch and plated-gold stereo mini-jack plug are nice touches.

The metal headband is light, but it's very tight for those of us with big noggins. We were able to bend and stretch the headband out to fit better, but there should be an easier solution for adjustment.

If you want to avoid looking like a fool with those oversized DJ-style headphones in public, yet you want something more powerful than earbuds, then the AKG K 27 i represent a happy medium. The closed-back design is suitable for professional use, though these headphones are better for casual everyday listening outside, at home, at work, or while commuting. And the $70 list price is very reasonable compared to other headphones in the same class.