Akg Headphones: Austrian-Made Or Not?

AKG is a company that manufactures microphones and headphones. The company was previously based in Austria but has since moved its production facilities to other countries. The company's offices in Vienna closed down, and its production has been outsourced to countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and China. However, some older AKG products may still bear the Made in Austria label, and the company continues to have an R&D presence in Austria. Austrian Audio, a company founded by former AKG personnel, is now based in Vienna, carrying on the tradition of Austrian engineering in audio equipment.

AKG's production has moved from Austria to Slovakia and China

AKG is a company with a long history of producing audio equipment, including headphones and microphones. The company has traditionally been associated with Austria, with its products bearing the iconic "Made in Austria" label. However, in recent years, there have been reports of a shift in production locations, with some users noticing that their AKG products were no longer made in Austria but in other countries. This has sparked discussions and concerns among audio enthusiasts and professionals regarding the quality and authenticity of AKG products.

The shift in production locations for AKG products is indeed accurate. While the company had a strong presence in Austria, with research and development (R&D) and manufacturing taking place there, it has moved its manufacturing operations to other countries. The first move was to Slovakia, where products like the K712 were produced. This change occurred a few years ago, and some users noticed the update in the product description on the AKG website, removing the "Made in Austria" engraving. However, some recent purchases of the K712 model still had the "Made in Austria" label, leading to confusion about the country of manufacture.

The shift to Slovakia was followed by a more significant move to China. This change affected a wider range of AKG products, including the Q701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class Premium Headphones. Christopher Angelillo, an AKG Account Manager, confirmed that since May 2013, the production for all Q701s had been moved to their facility in China. This change was reflected in the product labelling, with the country of manufacture updated to China.

The move to China was a cause for concern for some audio enthusiasts, who associated the "Made in Austria" label with quality. However, Angelillo reassured customers that regardless of the country of manufacture, AKG would continue to build great-sounding products with the same level of quality control. He emphasised that assuming Chinese workers couldn't manufacture quality products was narrow-minded, and AKG would not risk their reputation by compromising on quality.

The closure of the AKG offices in Vienna led to the formation of Austrian Audio, a new company established by former AKG personnel. This company aims to carry forward the tradition and innovation of Austrian audio engineering. Austrian Audio has developed products like the OC818 and OC18 microphones, which embody sound and engineering excellence.

Some AKG products are still made in Austria

AKG is a company with a rich history in audio manufacturing, with products ranging from headphones to microphones. The company has gone through several changes over the years, including being acquired by Harman and later Samsung. One notable aspect of AKG's history is the relocation of its production facilities, which has sparked interest among consumers.

While AKG was originally based in Austria, it's important to note that the company has moved its production to other countries in recent years. This has led to some variations in product models, with some consumers specifically seeking out products that are "Made in Austria." This preference may be due to the reputation for quality that Austrian-made AKG products have gained over the years.

Some sources indicate that certain models of AKG headphones, such as the K712 and K812, were produced in Austria initially but have since been moved to Slovakia and China. Similarly, the Q701 model was manufactured in Austria but was later transitioned to China. However, it's worth noting that even after the relocation of production, some products may still bear the "Designed and Engineered in Vienna" label.

It's worth noting that the closure of AKG offices in Vienna led to the formation of Austrian Audio, a new company established by former AKG personnel. Austrian Audio continues the tradition of audio excellence and has introduced innovative products like the OC818 and OC18 microphones. This new venture showcases the enduring legacy of Austrian engineering and design, even as production facilities change locations.

In summary, while some AKG products were historically made in Austria, the company has transitioned its manufacturing to other countries. This shift has created a market for older Austrian-made models, and some consumers specifically seek out these products. Nonetheless, AKG continues to be a prominent brand in the audio industry, and its products remain sought-after by enthusiasts worldwide.

Austrian Audio was founded by former AKG personnel

Austrian Audio was founded by a team of 22 former AKG employees following the closure of AKG's offices in Vienna, Austria, in 2017. The new company was established to create something "new, challenging, and respectful" to the founders' heritage, with a mission to produce audio products that embody sound and engineering excellence.

The founding team of Austrian Audio consists of former AKG personnel from various fields, including management, acoustics, electronics, testing and measurement, mechanical design, wireless technology, and software and firmware. They brought with them a wealth of experience and a passion for audio, aiming to take on industry giants.

The closure of AKG's Vienna offices was a result of acquisitions by Harman International Industries and the Samsung Group, which led to the relocation of production to other countries, such as Slovakia, Hungary, and China. This presented an opportunity for the former AKG employees to establish Austrian Audio, keeping manufacturing in Austria and prioritising in-house development.

Austrian Audio has introduced a range of products, including handmade microphones, digital control, DSP software, headphones, and test/measurement equipment for audio manufacturers. The company is committed to innovation while honouring its heritage and the deep tradition of music in Vienna.

AKG's engineering and design continue to take place in Austria

AKG is a company with a rich history in audio engineering and design. The company's roots can be traced back to Vienna, Austria, where it was founded and operated for many years. While the company has since undergone changes and expansions, its commitment to engineering excellence and sound quality remains strong.

In recent years, AKG has made adjustments to its production processes, including relocating some of its manufacturing operations. Notably, the production of the AKG K712 headphones moved from Austria to Slovakia, and subsequently to China. This shift in manufacturing locations has led to some concerns and discussions among consumers and audio enthusiasts.

However, it is important to highlight that AKG's engineering and design continue to take place in Austria. The company's strong heritage and expertise in audio engineering are still valued and utilised. A post by an AKG representative on Amazon confirms that "much of AKG's engineering and design continues to take place" in Austria, even as manufacturing expands to other countries.

The company's Austrian roots have played a significant role in shaping its reputation for sound and engineering excellence. This is evident in the comments made by an AKG representative, Christopher Angelillo, who assured customers that "no matter where they are built, AKG will continue to build great-sounding products". The influence of Austrian engineering and design is integral to the company's identity and product quality.

The legacy of Austrian engineering is also carried forward by former AKG personnel who founded Austrian Audio, a company committed to creating products that embody the sound and engineering excellence expected from their collective experience. This spin-off company, based in Vienna, showcases the enduring impact of Austrian innovation and expertise in the audio industry.

Austrian Audio continues the AKG tradition in Vienna

Austrian Audio, a company founded by former AKG personnel, continues the AKG tradition in Vienna. After AKG closed its offices in Vienna, Austrian Audio was born in July 2017, with a team of 22 former AKG employees. The company's revolutionary OC818 and OC18 microphones are handcrafted in Vienna, with a focus on sound and engineering excellence. Austrian Audio's products are used across many vertical markets, and the company also works with industry leaders on product development and offers a range of development services.

The closure of the AKG offices in Vienna and the subsequent founding of Austrian Audio by former AKG personnel demonstrates a commitment to continuing the AKG tradition in the city. Austrian Audio's team includes experts in management, acoustics, electronics, test and measurement, mechanical design, RF/wireless, and software and firmware. This ensures that the company has the skills and knowledge to carry on the legacy of AKG in Vienna.

In addition to its focus on heritage, Austrian Audio also looks to the future, with a commitment to innovation and technology. The company is supported by the Vienna Business Agency and values its close-knit team, with each person playing an integral role. Austrian Audio's respected engineers are now free to unleash their creativity and deliver the finest audio tools and instruments for forward-thinking and traditional engineers, musicians, and producers.

Austrian Audio's products, including the OC818 and OC18 microphones, are designed and constructed with passion and engineering excellence. The OC818 has received praise from industry professionals, with Chief Engineer Simon Todkill of Miloco Studios calling it the "best modern microphone I've heard... since forever!". This commitment to sound quality and innovation has led to Austrian Audio's products being used across various industries and markets.

While AKG has moved its production to Slovakia and China, Austrian Audio continues to carry the torch for high-quality audio equipment made in Vienna. With its deep roots in the city and its experienced team, Austrian Audio is well-positioned to uphold the tradition of excellence established by AKG.

Frequently asked questions