Customer Reviews

TDK NP100 Stereo Headphone

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is my second set, and I'm fairly happy with them. I use them mostly for listening to music on my lawn tractor, and I can wear them without interfering with my baseball cap. They are loud enough plugged into an iPod, and the length of the cord allows me to run it around my back and clip the iPod on my opposite side, so there's plenty of cord without it dangling and getting caught on things. It doesn't have a sliding head adjustment, which is a plus for me because I end up breaking those anyway.

This set of headphones certainly isn't the greatest in the world. Its main flaws include a short cord and relatively flimsy design. Its design features a neckband and basic foam-padded circular speakers (2.5" diameter). Some people may like that setup, others may not.

The long and short of it is that these headphones work. Their sound quality is decent; I have no complaints on those grounds. And the current price can't be beat.

If you're not looking for anything special, this set of headphones is a bargain that shouldn't be passed by.

The sound is 5 stars, but the cord is only 3 ft. long and that really limits movement while you are using them. So, they only score 4 stars.

I bought these headphones at my University's electronics store, just to ditch the earbuds that came with my iPod. Easily one of the best impulse purchases I've ever made!

I'm a music major, so sound is obviously very important to me. These headphones are everything I could ask for. The sound is great in any genre of music, from bass-pumping metal to high-pitched violin concertos. The balance is fantastic, and the transition in stereo effects from one side to the other is flawless. Also, the cord is the perfect length to reach a portable device in your hip pocket.

As far as small, portable headphones go, I feel these are the best you can get, especially for such a low price. I recommend these headphones to anybody who wants good-quality sound on the go, or is just pressed for cash.

BEHIND THE NECK HEADPHONES
In short, this general "behind-the-neck" headphone design is the most comfortable type you can purchase. They also the best at staying in place when exercising.

"Top of the head" headphones slip easily, require adjustment, interfere with wearing hats, and interfere with women wearing hair "up". The only purpose for which a "top-of-the-head" headset is better, is for listening to music while taking a nap.

Apple/airline type earplugs are just plain uncomfortable, fall out of your ears easily, and do not provide the noise isolation of earbuds. However, they can be adapted to earbuds. For example Earphone Adapters - Premium, Comfort Fit In-ear Tips for iPod and other Earphones / Earbuds (Black)

Earbuds, although a good choice in many situations, are uncomfortable after several hours. I suspect that the build-up of heat and moisture in your ear canals might lead to infections if earbuds are worn several hours daily.

ADJUSTABILTIY
Despite the silly complaints of a few other reviewers, "behind-the-neck" headphones are non-adjustable because no adjustment is necessary. In fact, that is one of the advantages of "behind-the-neck" headsets.

CORD LENGTH
Despite the silly complaints of a few other reviewers that the cord is short, it is in fact the standard length---long enough for you to carry your MP3 in your pants pocket. Short is better than too long---you can always add a cheap extention, for example Cables To Go 40405 3.5 mm Male/Female Stereo Audio Extension Cable, Black (1.5 Feet/0.45 Meters) If the cord is too long, it will catch on things, straining the cord at the plug----which is what will ultimately kill the headset.

SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality of the TDK NP100 headphones is VERY crisp and clear, (unlike many headsets which are optimized to "pump up the bass" which makes voice and treble muddy). I use the headphones to listen to audiobooks for which it is perfect.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY
Only time will tell. However, the cord does appear to be on the light side, with little "strain-relief" at the plug. The plug is angled, which eans that strain on the cord is likely to damage the cord at the plug. In short, I suspect the wires of the TDK NP100 to be more-vulnerable to damage than average, which is the reason for only 4 stars.

COMPARISON TO GE 95342 HEADPHONES
THE GE 95342 headphonesGE 95352 Lightweight Behind-the-Neck Headphone (Black) are very similar---probably made by the same manufacturer---but have a straight plug for this very reason---so that they will pull-out easily rather than straining the wire at the plug. The GE 95342are also $5 cheaper.

COMPARISON TO Philips SHS5200/28 HEADPHONES
The Philips SHS5200/28 Philips Rich Bass Neckband Headphones SHS5200/28 (Replaces SHS5200) also has straight plugs, and in addition has strain relief system where the wire enters the headset. The Philips SHS5200/28 is about $3 cheaper than the TDK NP100.

OVERALL
A very good headset for the price; an exceptional headset if they prove to be more rugged than I expect.

MY QUALIFICATIONS
I use headphones at least 12 hours per day, and have used every style which exists. Over the past 20 years, I have owned probably 50 headphones (including at least 20 behind-the-ear sets)---and virtually all "die" by strain on the wires at the plugs.

GENERAL RECOMENDATIONS
"Behind-the-neck" headphones are the most comfortable, period. I wear "behind-the-neck" headphones at home/work (I work at home) about 12 hours per day. When I go "out", I wear earbuds, such as JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds (Black), because are less obtrussive, and easy to "put away" if necessary. Earbuds are also useful for noise reduction in noisy environments (traffic, mall noise, etc.). If you want true noise reduction (for airline flights, mowing the lawn, etc.) you need active noise-cancellation. Phillips makes a cheap noise-cancelling set which works remarkably well. Philips SHN2500/37 Noise-Canceling Earbuds. I replace the earbuds (in both my J-Buds and my Phillips noise cancelling set) with 3-level buds for greater comfort and better noise isolation. 2 Pair, Men's Size - Earphones Plus Brand, Tri-Level, Replacement Ear Cushions, Earbuds for Sound Isolating Earphones. (See Fit Information in Details Below) Larger headsets which consist of rubber cups over your ears, with active noise-cancelling, are even better, but are very expensive, and bulky when traveling. Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

I bought two of these for backups and to give to my kids. I returned them the next day. Strident, harsh, bright, no bass. I got listening fatigue within the first minute.
If you like to listen to music, really "listen", do not get these. Save your money for Sonys or Koss or low end Sennheisers. Your ears will thank you.

Great item, especially when you listen to a great vocie...Josh Groban.