Noise Cancelling Headphones Reviews | Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

2 Comments

1. Akazgea
   Posted May 29, 2010 at 5:11 pm | Permalink

   Initial impressions (may add more later on) – currently my rating is ~3.5, leaning towards 3 instead of 4:

   This model seems to targeting the lower-end models of other brands, Sony’s and JVC’s mainly. I have to admit, compared to them, it performs better. (the same can also be said for ATH-ANC1, as it is targeting the market for the highly popular Sennheiser models and in my opinion, Audio Technica did pretty well in that aspect)

   Noise-canceling is there, but so is the hissing. Unlike the more expensive ATH-ANC7 model, this model introduces a fair amount of hissing. But, since the hissing stays at a constant level and does not vary in time unlike other noise-canceling headphones (like all the Able-planet models that I tried), it does not have the potential of causing headaches, so for me this is acceptable. The performance of the noise-canceling is also acceptable. I think, if you exclude the hissing, the performance is similar to the ATH-ANC7 model (cannot say it is a golden standard but pretty close).

   Regarding the design, well, not unexpectedly it is also on the lower-end of the scale. I think the outer layer of the cups is designed fairly well. The problem is mostly related to the padding. Also, they kept the size of the padding section of the earcups pretty small, so unless you have small ears, you may have hard time fitting inside. Also the material used for the padding is a bit on the tougher side. It is not soft and that means longer listening periods may become quite uncomfortable. I am guessing the same material is also used for the headband, which gives an enhanced discomfort effect! (frankly, right now, it feels like a tough object sitting on top of my head, instead of making itself fit nicely to the environment)

   On the good side, the construction seems to be good, so unlike the currently-expired Logitech noise canceling headphones, I don’t think it is going to break any time soon. Also, for the battery placement, I am glad they followed the second generation ATH-ANC7 model, and make it easier to replace the battery.

   The accessories that come with the item are the same as the other models (a hard-shell case, airplane adapter, etc.). But, since this is a given for almost all the newer models, it is not a differentiating feature anymore. The only interesting thing I noticed is that the cable has a locking feature. You can lock the cable end that is inserted into the headphone. I don’t know whether this is a needed feature or not, but maybe it was for some people.

   I was planning to write about the audio quality after I use it for the next few days. But, after a few hours of use, it became really tiring for my ears. It feels as if the headphone is not only canceling the lower-frequency noise outside, but the lower frequency audio on the inside too. Interestingly the audio sounds better, when the noise-canceling feature is not turned on (at least it sounds more comfortable). When the noise canceling feature is on, the high-frequency content is enhanced more than needed (possibly, a side-effect of the hissing). You can change the settings of the audio player to reduce that effect, but it would have been better if that was not needed in the first place.

   At the current price range, I can say it is a fairly acceptable model. If they hadn’t missed the mark regarding the comfort and the sound, I would have given this model a 4.5…

   (And if I were Audio Technica, I would reduce the price of this headphone and change its title to Quiet-Discomfort…Who knows, it may actually help them sell this product…)
   Rating: 3 / 5

2. JLRS
   Posted May 29, 2010 at 7:48 pm | Permalink

   I’ve only ever owned one other set of noise cancelling headphones….so that is my comparison basis for the noise cancellation feature. For the actual headphones feature I will simply reference against my previous set of Sony MDR-V150′s.

   Noise Cancelling: I would have to say that they got this feature right w/ these headphones. There’s not really any white noise (hissing) like there was on my previous set of over the ear headphones from panasonic (this was a set of NC headphones from the late 90′s….early 2000 era). Def does away completely w/ the low,heavy rumble of ventilation in my office. Voices down the hall, etc can’t be heard and I’m still getting used to what else these headphones block. I can tell you that they only block about half of the sound of my typing on the keyboard or snapping my fingers as compared w/ my on-ear Sony MDR-V150′s (which aren’t NC headphones). I’ve only had for one day.

   Sound Quality: Sound quality on these sucks in non-powered mode. A bit muttled/muted in non-powered mode. I would absolutely switch back to any other pair of in ear headphones I’ve owned or the MDR-V150′s if the battery dies on these and I loose powered mode. In powered mode these are decent sound quality. Comparable in sound quality to the MDR-150′s… but these have a deeper and clearer base response. Like that.

   Fit and Finish: In case anyone is wondering (I did)….the opening in the padding (where your ear goes) on these headphones is 2 X 1.5 inches (this is the hole size inside the padding). Small and reg ears will prob fit inside comfortably. Bigger ears may be uncomfortable. My ears are almost too big…but I would imagine I could wear these for hours w/ out too much discomfort. The squeeze a bit more than other over the ear headphones I’ve owned. Overall these seem to be pretty solid headphones. I don’t see them breaking ….the would prob hold up alot longer than most.

   Cord: Removable cord is nice and actually locks into the jack on the headphones so it won’t pull out. Jack that goes into headphones is a 2.5mm jack (like that you generally see on older generation of phones). Jack that plugs into your music device is the normal 3.5mm. Cord itself is very small and unimpressive. My MDR-150′s have to cords from each headphone ….and EACH ONE OF THEM is nearly twice as big a gauge (I can’t vouch for the wire inside…just judging based on the appearance). I might imagine that the meager size of this cord would largely account for part of the suckiness of the unpowered mode for these headphones. Cord doesn’t nearly seem long enough for my use (office)….but would be ideal for personal device in the pocket.

   Case: The carry case is def up to the task. Pretty rigid and a nice canvas or cordura type material on top of some material that holds its shape nicely.

   Overall Impression: I’m not terribly impressed w/ these headphones. I would say they deliver on the noise cancellation fairly well… but are nothing better than average in other aspects.
   Rating: 3 / 5