[section_title title=”Conclusion”]Conclusion
The AKG K323 XS were designed to be a set of earphones focused on size first and foremost, without sacrificing sound. Did AKG hit their target with the K323?
Primarily speaking, it’s hard to argue against AKG not delivering on their promise of big sound in a small package. Out of the last three in-earphones I’ve covered here at Play3r, the K323 have the best and most consistent audio performance of the three. All sounds are sharp and crisp and there are no forced elements in the sound like there were in the Uplift earphones, and to a lesser extent, the Sennheiser CX475.
The particularly small design of the K323 is without equal and only goes to emphasise how great the K323 bundle is. These earphones are ideal for the daily commute as much as any, but also scream to be taken on your runs, cycles, walks or whatever else you may have planned. The K323 don’t feel as well constructed as the Uplift did, but then unless you plan on playing conkers with them it shouldn’t matter too much. The perfect length of the K323 was also a boon for me personally although those of us who are slightly taller may be best looking elsewhere.
The pricing of the K323 is possibly the least clear cut factor of AKG’s offering. At an RRP of £35 they’re £5 less than the Uplift earphones which generally speaking, offer more for your money, and £15 more than the CX475 – another barebones option. Whilst the K323 do sound a touch better than the Uplift earphones, perhaps the House of Marley’s inline controls, cause and design may be more to your liking.
Overall, the AKG K323 XS sit in an ideal position if you want a pair of small and light headphones that sound great and don’t need inline control or hands free. It’s a shame we didn’t have the inline version to compare as the hands-free capability on the surface would appear to complement the freedom offered up by the K323.
Thanks to AKG for supplying the product used in this review and we hope to see more products from them in the future.
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Performance
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Design
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Value
Summary
The AKG K323 XS are the ideal earphones for someone who wants a no nonsense listening experience. The small and light properties of the K323 are unrivalled but the lack of mic and inline controls is likely a loss for some.
