Wired for Sound: Klipsch R6i vs. AKG EO-IG955
*A comparative look at two budget-friendly transit audio staples*
Introduction
Having invested in the Klipsch R6i earbuds back in 2016, I’ve found them to be quite useful for short transit and plane trips. They perform significantly better than the stock Apple earbuds or the AKG EO-IG955s that come with Samsung's Galaxy S8. After recently acquiring a free pair of the AKG IG955s and spending some time with them, I can appreciate both models for different purposes.
Specifications
- →Driver Size — 6.5mm
- →Frequency Response — 10 ~ 19,000 Hz
- →Sensitivity — 110 dB/mW
- →Impedance — 18 Ohms
- →Noise Isolation — -22 dB
- →Connector — 3.5mm Plug (Gold)
- →Cable Type — Flat (Tangle-Free)
- →Features — Microphone, In-Line Control (Volume Up/Down, Start/Pause)
- →Price — $60 @ Amazon
- →Driver Size — Unknown
- →Frequency Response — 20 ~ 20,000 Hz*
- →Sensitivity — 93.2 dB/mW
- →Impedance — 32 Ohms
- →Connector — 3.5mm Plug (Non-Gold)
- →Cable Type — Partial Braided (Sorta Tangle-Free)
- →Price — $99 @ Samsung
Performance Comparison
| Feature | Klipsch R6i | AKG EO-IG955 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Premium | Budget-feeling |
| Cable | Tangle-free | Prone to tangling |
| Best For | Bass/Travel | Mids/Acoustic |
| Isolation | Superior | Moderate |
Both the Klipsch R6i and AKG EO-IG955 have decent build quality, but the Klipsch earbuds feel more premium. The Klipsch R6i looks and feels like a $60 pair of earbuds, while the AKG IG955s look more like $30 earbuds. The AKG's cable, which switches from fabric braiding to cheap rubber at the Y-split, is prone to tangling, whereas the flat cable of the Klipsch is nearly tangle-free.
While I initially struggled with in-ear headphones due to their snug fit, I’ve grown accustomed to the Klipsch R6i's design, which helps with noise isolation on flights. However, the AKG EO-IG955s are softer and more comfortable to wear for extended periods, making them preferable in quieter environments like the office or on a train. Despite their less effective noise isolation, they are still an improvement over stock Apple earbuds.
Sound Quality
- →Klipsch R6i — Known for its bass emphasis and wider soundstage, the Klipsch earbuds excel in bass-heavy tracks and provide a richer sound experience overall. They are particularly impressive for genres like electronic and hip-hop.
- →AKG EO-IG955 — The AKG earbuds shine in the mid and treble ranges, offering a more balanced sound for acoustic music and vocals. They may not have the same expansive soundstage as the Klipsch, but they perform well for certain genres.
Conclusion
Overall, the Klipsch R6i earbuds come out on top as a more premium option, particularly for travel and bass-heavy listening. The AKG EO-IG955s are decent, especially if you can score them for free, but I wouldn’t recommend spending more than $20 on them. They are more suitable for casual listening and quieter settings.
After revisiting both models, I discovered that the AKG EO-IG955s require a higher volume to sound their best due to their higher impedance (32 Ohms vs. 18 Ohms for the Klipsch). This insight improved my listening experience significantly, especially when I increased the volume to around 62.5%. The AKGs could potentially benefit from an amplifier, as I noticed improvements when trying them on my Fiios E10K.
I plan to continue listening to both models over the next few months and may conduct a comprehensive review of all my earbuds, including models from Apple, Audio Technica, and Beats, to compare their performances.
I would definitely say - no no and no...
ReplyDeleteOn my table there's a high performance sound card with 2 outputs, same AKGs and same Klipsch.
Indeed the mids and treble are better on the AKGs while Klipsch is bettor on base (something I wouldn't have imagined) but the sound stage and frequency response is lower for AKGs.
I have tuned some frequencies to go with the base under those "20hz" on the paper. And AKG's definitely I hear while the klipsch are good for "boomy" base, but worse than the AKGs at deep base. I know, because I have tried it and re-tried it, over and over again, with different tests, frequencies, songs you name it..
And no I wasn't unbiased in my test, I wanted AKG to fail. but they were better on all counts, from base, frequency response, mids and trebles. The quality, in the review you forgot to say about the small braided cable, and sturdy materials, while Klipsch is light plastic (and it breaks, I am at my 3rd pair now).
I wanted AKG to fail, and did my best, but with one earpod Klipsch and another one AKG in my ears, AKGs kill them on every count. (again, I wanted them to fail, try with a splitter, if you can't find an external professional 2 outputs 24bits 192khz 120db - and frequencies testers ).
Thank you! Was very helpful feedback. I had a hard time trying to find the specs online for the AKG and the source was probably inaccurate that listed it as 20hz ~ 20khz.
DeleteMy sound sources are a humble iPhone 6s, HP Laptop + USB Fiios e10k. I did all the testing on the iPhone 6s and my reason for going with the Klipsch at the time, but I did like the AKG for comfort and are pleasant on the mids/treble.
I still have much to learn.