Customer Reviews

Sony Mdrnc22/Whi Noise Canceling Headphone (White)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought a Bose QC3 which was very good and used it on the plane several times. But it took up valuable storage space and looked kinda weird walking around with it over the head. I tried the Philips active noise canceling earphones after seeing it at Staples. It was not too bad except for the hissing sound that is in the background, although you won't notice it once the music is playing. I am not an audiophile and find the quality of music adequate when traveling. Afterall, whose hearing is like the frequency analyzer. Nevertheless, I was curious as to whether the more expensive and nicer looking Sony earphones would really be value for money as it is double the price. It does not have any hissing sound, at least not noticeable and the very small battery compartment is great. Overall the Sony looks and works better than Philips for sure and I would say is just as good as Bose. After using it, I ordered another 2 more for my daughters. I think active noise canceling earphones is the way to go for all travelers and that parents ought to make sure they get one for their children to protect their hearing. With normal earphones even from Apple, the volume has to be turned up just to hear the music over noise. With active noise cancelation, one's hearing is preserved since music can be played at more sensible levels. Just my feedback.

I do a lot of airplane travel and have been using the Bose headsets. But when I upgraded to the Apple touch - I wanted a more compact unit. I was concerned about the comfort of ear buds over long flights - but I found the Sony sets with the different size inserts very comfortable. While the sound quality is not as good as the Bose (yes - there is a slight hiss) - given the environment that I used them in - you do not notice the hiss while in flight. Key advantage of the Sony sets is that they will work without battery power - unlike the Bose sets - so you will not get caught on the plane without headsets. I flew from Chicago to Anchorage to London and then back to Chicago all in about 3 days and found the Sony set very comfortable, the sound quality very acceptable and the noise cancelling very effective - even for such a long trip. Why not a five star rating? Slight hiss is the only fault I can find - while not a factor for me - some users might consider it a factor if they were to be used more as a studio set.

I recently purchased these headphones to replace my regular old earbuds for my mp3 player. These are problably the best investment I've made in a while. I ride public transportation every day, and with these I eliminate 70% to 80% of the noise on the train. On planes they're perfect. I was a little weary at first a lot of others have complained about the backgound white noise. I barely noticed it even between songs. When the music is off you can hear it, but then again why are you wearing earphones if you're not listening to something. I also found that I can hear speaking pieces too, like television, and comedy without drop off or cranking the volume. The three sets of earplugs should cover you pretty well for size and it has a fairly decent battery life. The only downside that I have is that the battery case is a little heavy and can be awkward to clip on somewhere if you don't have a shirt pocket or something similarly placed. Overall an excellent investment.

I purchased these because I am on the road half of my time. Sometimes I have to work out of a Starbucks or at the airport. They are pretty decent in terms of sound quality as well as in the matter of isolating unwanted noises. They are worth the 60-something bucks I had to pay for them. But don't be fooled, these are good but not spectacular. I still want to buy a pair of Bose's (if they had anything smaller) or Sennheiser's to really feel the bass and forget 100% about all external noises.

My main interest is in the noise canceling aspect, and these ear buds do a fine job. They are easy to insert into the ear canal, they provide a comfortable fit and good seal (important for both noise isolation and good bass), and they stay in place while working and moving about.

The sound is well-balanced overall, with clear highs and deep, but not boomy, bass. I am very pleased with the sound quality.

Active noise canceling is most effective against low frequencies. The sound of heating and air conditioning ducts simply disappears when the control is switched on. Mid and high frequencies are blocked by the ear buds much the same as earplugs would. All in all, there is a high degree of sound isolation. The SONYs are the best of several I have tried -- though I have not tried the much more expensive BOSE models.

Some reviewers complain of a high frequency hiss from the ear buds. I hear a slight hiss, but it is not noticeable when playing music. I suspect this may be age related, as many people experience loss of highs with age, and those complaining about hiss may be younger than myself.

The ear buds are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, and stay in place without frequent repositioning. The battery/control unit is small and has a pocket clip. The right ear bud has a longer cord that can go around the back of the neck, if desired.

I am very pleased, and would certainly buy this product again.

I purchased these noice canceling headphones for use with my I-Pod. I wanted something to use on the plane while flying to Hawaii. Last year when I flew over I was unable to use my I-Pod due to aircraft noise. I could barely hear my music. This year it was as if I were sitting in my living room at home. The sound was great and the aircraft noise was almost completely absent. Once in Hawaii I wore them at the pool while reading, as they greatly reduced the sounds of the children playing and yelling around me. I can't imagine being without them now. They are an exceptional value.

Bill

I wanted earplugs that (1) didn't slip out, (2) allowed me to hear despite nearby traffic, and (3) didn't block so much noise (like my over-the-ear phones) that pedestrians, stray dogs, and vehicles could surprise me.

This set works very well for that. The earpieces fit well and block about 3dB of noise by themselves. Turning the unit on blocks about another 3dB. This allows me to hear my programs, despite traffic, without constantly cranking the volume. The passive attenuation, of the earbuds, is usually enough; I only have to turn the unit on in higher traffic situations.

The only reason this unit didn't get 5 stars is the cord and mounting used. The cord lengths are not really sized well for any iPod mounting location. The unit has a built in alligator clip which also limits its mounting flexibility. I ended up hanging the whole mess on a lanyard and lacing the extra coils of cabling to both the iPod and the necklace.

I have taken it to the gym and the NYC subway and am thrilled. It doesn't eliminate noise but it reduces constant background noise by a huge degree and I will recommend it to everyone.

Works great. Only complaint is that the battery compartment is a bit heavier than I would like. The cord is not long enough to clip it below the waist

These earbuds do have fairly good quality sound for the price. The noise-canceling feature is a bit weak in my opinion. It barely takes the edge off a NY City subway ride. I don't notice much difference between the noise level with and without the noise canceling feature turned on. There is some difference, but it is not significant. The cord material is very unruley and I'm not a fan of the behind the head routing of one earbud. The canceling unit is very small and light and seems to have long battery life. The earbuds fit OK in my ears, but not great - I've had better. I may recommend higher quality better fitting units even without noise-canceling as a better choice. Still, I'm not unhappy with them, just not thrilled.