CES 2013

Harman’s Jeremy Brenner introduced me to AKG’s new K619 on-ear headphone ($149), designed to provide exceptional comfort and portability, while maintaining the level of performance one would expect from AKG. “We want people to know that they can look good without sacrificing quality,” said Brenner.

The K619 combined a powerful, well-extended bottom end with excellent midrange clarity and sweet, natural highs. They’re available in blue, red, and black, feature a tangle-resistant cable with an inline mic, and will be shipping soon.

Brenner also showed me Harman/Kardon’s BT ($249), a Bluetooth-equipped, over-the-ear design, which uses Harman’s patented “True Stream” technology, meant to deliver the best possible listening experience over wireless audio equipment. Without music playing, I tried on H/K’s NC noise-cancelling design ($349): Even in the extremely loud Las Vegas Convention Center, I could hardly hear conversations taking place right next to me. And when the music started, I noted a wonderfully tuneful bass and great overall clarity and space.

The latest offerings from AKG and Harman/Kardon seem exceptional. Keep an eye out for my review of the H/K CL ($199.95)—the company’s “classic” on-ear design—in our March issue.