Several years ago, I did a lawsuit representing Quincy Jones. I learned more about music from Q than I ever thought I could. Hell, I thought I knew a lot about music before meeting him. After a few days of talks, I realized how little I knew. He showed me the true difference in listening to a master of a great recording and a CD quality version of the same recording. Those of you who think there is no difference above CD quality are as clueless as I was. The biggest thing he introduced me to was true studio quality headphones. Q never used speakers to master his music, always headphones of the highest quality. He eventually decided there was a problem with studio headphones, and that was they didn’t compensate for the individual ear. As a result, he led AKG to developed headphones with what is essentially in ear room correction. They were pricey as hell, but absolutely phenomenal. I helped him win his case and was rewarded with a pair of AKG n90Q’s. His techs helped me get them just right. I tested them against every studio quality set of headphones that have come out sense. They blew everything away. Unfortunately, after 6 years, the power receptacle just broke on a long flight. These have been off the market for a while, so I went with another client recommendation. The B&O H95s. This is like going from a symphony to a high school band. RIP greatness.
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Like 10 people have suggested getting them repaired, why is this not an option?
What about the AKG N90Q’s in AKG’s website: https://www.akg.com/root/N90Q+LE.html Are these the same, or is it a new model with “improvements”? They show as sold out though…
Why not repair them?
I’d take them somewhere and get the plug fixed AKG might even do it.
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing.
Did you meet Michael Fremer? He has never let anyone forget that he was used as an expert in that trial.
My dad was used as an expert at the Bose v. Consumer Reports trial. How embarrassing.
Yes, I worked with him.
Great story! Hope you can get the headphones repaired, but here’s my experience with sennheiser HD800’s with cardas’ best cable, plugged into the balanced outputs of a very high end all tube preamp.
The headphones sound great, but can’t hold a candle to really top end speakers, like my TAD’s. Going to the speakers (with added subs and super tweeters) is like going to high resolution. With the right recording it mimics real instruments, and makes the headphones sound low res in comparison. But headphones are a bargain compared to a $100k+ system.
Astounding… simply Astounding. A very wonderful experience… to have been part of.
B&O are a lifestyle brand with occasionally really great products. AKG are a studio brand focusing on functionality with occasionally really great products. …can’t you get your AKGs repaired?
i’m sure the headphones are great but i don’t care. what speakers did quincy jones run? what amps?
did you talk music with him? the making of music? musicians? i’d wouldn’t have ever stopped asking him questions. yeah he produced thriller, but he was actually in lionel hampton’s band. he was on a first name basis with duke ellington, miles davis, on and on and on.
Up until 6 months ago, HarmanAudio.com was showing N90 stock, but no more. They might have the part you need, have you tried calling CS?
The first time I heard a half-speed master on Maggies changed my whole perspective on fidelity.
Dude it didn’t take off because they didn’t make it compatible with the iPhone. Cant listen straight from an iPhone just android and some apple computers. Right in there Q and A on the website
Send me a PM. I have a connection to Harman’s pro service department. Would happily try to help you out.
I’ve had 3 AKG’s. They’re my favorite. They’re incredible. And I haven’t even been able to try any of the pairs over $500. How much were the ones you were gifted, over $2,000.00???
They were $1600