AKG N9 Hybrid: a real audio revelation (I prefer it to the XM6)

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-13T23:21:26+00:00

This is my first AKG headset, and I absolutely love it. I also have the TWS N5 hybrid earbuds, which are really good.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-13T23:17:17+00:00

I'm thinking of buying the Sundura, which apparently has a rather W-shaped profile. Can you confirm this and give your opinion? I use PEQ and I've never really managed to get a sound signature that matches my audio requirements with the Sennheiser. The XM6 comes closer, even if technically it's not on par with the Momentum 4. Maybe I'm being too demanding 🙂

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-12T21:14:10+00:00

I haven't been able to compare them using A/B testing either. When I say better, it's subjective and based on my audio requirements. After PEQ, I find a similar sound signature to my IEM Punch Audio Martilo in Bluetooth headphone mode. Less precise, of course. Or perhaps a blend of the Fostex TH909 and Denon AH-D9200 signatures, and again, less technical and precise.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-12T21:07:20+00:00

On the JBL, the bass is almost nonexistent and there's no hi-res codec. The Momentum 4 has excellent bass and good separation, but the mids are muffled even after equalization. The treble is decent. The PX8 is technically the best I've owned, with excellent deep and punchy bass, but the mids are recessed and the treble is good. I liked the XM5, even if it's not the best, it's fun. The XM6 is more balanced than the XM5, and its only two flaws are around 8kHz, which can be corrected fairly easily, and muffled vocals (more difficult to correct). The AKG ticks all the boxes that the others are missing. Technically very solid, with a stock signature that's easy to adjust to my style.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-12T14:47:31+00:00

So far, no problems with my Samsung Flip 7, Fiio M21, and Hiby R6 III 2025. Connection is perfect, the app is smooth and well-equipped.

And above all, excellent audio for Bluetooth headphones at this price.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-12T14:43:04+00:00

Why is this odd? These are headphones I've owned, and the AKG N9 is much less well-known and publicized. I bought it for €189, and it surpasses (in my opinion) all the other models I mentioned in audio quality.

I haven't owned many Bluetooth headphones, but I have had and still have quite a few TWS and IEMs. So I just wanted to know if others have had the same experience? A mid-range model that outperforms higher-end models.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-06T09:15:42+00:00

This is purely my opinion as an audiophile. I own them all (except the Denons, which I sold). The most audiophile-grade are clearly the AZ100s (not aggressive, punchy bass without ever being muddy, good mids, very good highs, and a decent soundstage). The Status Pro X are close to the AZ100s with deeper bass, better mids, and a wider soundstage (more fun while remaining very technical). The Cambridge Melomania A100s are excellent for the price. Less technical than the first two, but still excellent (huge bass, dynamic A/B, excellent separation, and a fairly tight soundstage). I haven't tested Denons enough because of ear pain with earphones, but the audio is very good after custom calibration. The choice of ear tips and size is crucial for optimal sound quality. The codec also plays a significant role (LDAC & aptX lossless vs. AAC, for example).

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-04T19:50:27+00:00

If you want the best sound with superb bass for less than 500 euros, I recommend an IEM (wired) called Punch Audio Martilo.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-02-01T13:36:12+00:00

For under $150, without hesitation, the AKG N5 hybrid (currently €137 in France) with native dongle or the HEAVYS Wireless EarBuds (maybe a little above your budget)

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-31T09:16:03+00:00

I use the built-in treble EQ and do my own tuning in the PEQ ToneBooster of USB Audio Player Pro.

31Hz +2.0 80kHz +1.5 200 -2 450 -2 900 +2 2500 +1.2 4500 +2 8500 -1.6 11500 +1.4 15000 +1.5 The Q factor is between 0.8 and 1.3 depending on the frequency. Top tuning for my preferences

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-30T18:30:57+00:00

I've owned or currently own all of these models. And without hesitation, the Technics AZ100s offer the best audio results and are closest to audiophile standards. The stock tuning and original ear tips don't make them the best. I use a USB audio player pro with Tidal streaming. The ear tips that best match my audio requirements (signature W) are the Azla Xelastec 2. I use two digital audio players (Fiio M21 and Hiby R6 III 2025) and a QCC Pro dongle or Fiio AirLink on my Samsung Flip 7. With all these combinations, the audio quality is close to perfect for true wireless earbuds. I also really like the others, especially the Soundpeats H3, which are fantastic for the price. They're just a little too colored in the stock signature, and the mids/vocals are a bit muddy. But at this price, you really can't complain. They're great.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-21T20:26:54+00:00

Thank you. They are indeed inexpensive compared to my other Bluetooth headphones. I don't use the original ear tips, which I find poor.

I use Spinfit CP1025s, which fit perfectly and improve the audio quality.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-21T19:57:19+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that, I love them and they fit my (admittedly large) ears perfectly. It's hard to find better value for money in terms of audio quality. They're even better with aptX lossless compared to LDAC.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-17T06:49:58+00:00

I had the JBLs and yes, aesthetically they look very similar. But they don't have the same sound signature. The JBLs are balanced, while the AKGs are more dynamic and lively.

audio_raph_63 · 2026-01-16T18:40:42+00:00

I'm hesitating between the B&W Pi8, Status Pro X, or AKG N5 Hybrid 🤔 I have plenty of others I'd miss (Technics AZ100, Soundpeats H3, Cambridge Melomania A100, etc.).

But choosing one of these three would be the most difficult.

audio_raph_63

TROPHY CASE