AKG Q460 review

They might be recommended by music legend Quincy Jones, but musical congestion means these AKG cans don't get the full five stars Tested at £140.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

More pros than cons, but the AKGs aren’t the most complete listen

Pros

  • +

    Good build and finish

  • +

    comfortable in situ

  • +

    balanced, assertive sound

Cons

  • -

    Don’t sound as spacious as most rivals

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At first look, getting a partially deaf man of 77 to be the public face of your latest cans might be a questionable move.

On the other hand, getting musical polymath and uber-producer Quincy Jones to front your range can only bring musical gravitas.

The AKG Q460s are also available in an entirely lime-green finish, but we've opted for black. They're a sturdy-feeling, nicely finished proposition, with a comfy headband and an admirably unflashy ‘Q' logo on each of the closed ear-cups.

The fit is snug, and the AKG's don't heat your ears up like some inferior rivals do. There's an in-line mic for phones, plus remote control for iPhones, and if you're prepared to forgo these functions there's a shorter length of (lime-green) cable included, too.

An up-front, vigorous listen
Given something appropriate like Quincy Jones' This Is How I Feel About Jazz to deal with, the Q460s are an up-front and vigorous listen.

Pacy and detailed, they're also nicely balanced – bass is given decent but not overbearing punch, and there's enjoyable texture and bite to vocals in the midrange.

There's a rather congested quality to the presentation, though, a lack of separation that gives the impression that every part of a recording is muscling its way to the front.

Complex parts become hard to follow, so we can't recommend he Q460s unequivocally.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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