AKG Wireless On-Ear Headphones Kleer-based

UPDATED (Jan 22, 2011): So I got a comment on this blog from someone wondering when I was going to talk about the AKG Kleer-based wireless headphones. Or, more officially, the AKG K 840 KL Premium Class Wireless On-Ear Headphone. Check out the cost and vendors on Amazon UK >>

Sounds pretty exciting to me. Pairing AKG with Kleer wireless technology, a match made in heaven that will give Sennheiser a run for it's money.

To be honest though, I didn't know AKG had released its wireless headphones. I had a strong idea AKG was working on them, but didn't know they were available. I guess that's my other issue. They appear to only be available in Europe. And even at that, very limited. I couldn't find any reviews either. Which surprises me as I would have thought AKG would have swamped all the typical consumer electronic blogs (Engadget, etc.) and given them review copies of their new wireless headphones. 

So all I've got to go on is the official press release from AKG on Sept 10, 2010 (whoa, that's a long time ago. I was asleep at the wheel on this one).

AKG^® K 840 KL On-Ear Mini Headphones Brings Lossless Audio with Kleer^® Wireless Technology

Streaming CD-Quality Audio Wirelessly Is Now Possible with Less Interference, Greater Ease and Portability

HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), today announced the availability of new wireless headphones, the K 840 KL, which provide a best-in-class, cordless listening experience for consumers with an on-the-go lifestyle. Audiophiles and music lovers can now lose themselves in rich, pristine sound on the go with a brand-new pair of wireless headphones that can be played further wirelessly and with longer battery power than any other wireless competitors. The K 840 KL feature Kleer^® wireless technology, which streams lossless CD-quality sound over the air from an iPod or iPhone, or any other music player.

The K 840 KL delivers pure, uncompressed 16-bit stereo audio over a robust 2.4 GHz radio link so listeners can hear the intricacies of their music, with virtually no interference. With these wireless mini on-ear headphones, music lovers can move up to 20 metres from the audio source and still have a high-quality sound experience. 

The K 840 KL also feature an extended battery life that recharges quickly to give listeners more playback time, less downtime and up to two weeks of normal usage.

The K 840 KL is design, sound engineering and wireless technology at its finest’, said Thijs Linthorst, general manager, HARMAN International EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia), Russia and India. ’This product is truly the cream of the crop when it comes to a pair of wireless headphones boasting the highest standard of sound quality with the most elegant, intuitive design.

The K 840 KL mini on-ear headphones have a proprietary 3D-Axis² folding headband which doesn’t compromise a comfortable fit for hours of use.

AvailabilityThe AKG K 840 KL mini headphones will be available in October 2010 and will cost: €349. For more information, please visit http://www.akg.com/.

One last thing. Looking at the image, it looks like AKG decided to go with the 3.5 mm universal audio jack. Nothing wrong with that, but it comes with a short cord. Again, nothing wrong with that, but my concern is how that will work with an iPod. In many ways, doesn't really matter as you'll probably hook the transmitter up to your iPod then put it in your knapsack, purse, pocket, etc. To me, that type of short cord is ideal for listening to music at work from your laptop. I know I do the majority of music listening at work, where it's great to be wire free and not yank your head off when you move your chair away from your laptop. 

Check out the cost and vendors of the AKG K 840 KL Premium Class Wireless On-Ear Headphones on Amazon UK >>

One last thing. The vendor doesn't appear to have any ratings yet. So buyer beware. Check out the vendor's return policy and protect yourself! Not saying don't trust the vendor, but like Ronald Reagan said "Trust but verify."

UPDATED (March 10, 2011): Looks like the vendor has changed. This vendor has a overall positive rating. Still, always good to review the vendor's rating, do some research. Heck, even contact the vendor, find out their return policy if you have any questions.