Sennheiser PXC 350

German headphone geeks Sennheiser have recently rolled-out some of the best full-size noise-canceling headphones we've gotten our ears on. The PXC350 are good-performing noise-cancelers within a tricky category of headphones. Normally, we decry 'active' noise-canceling headsets as being but a pale shadow of audiophile headphone listening. Given all the electronic processing, on-board batteries, and extra hoo-haas required on the design, it's no wonder most noise-cancelers leave something to be desired for demanding listeners who want great, accurate sound. However, noise-canceling technology is quite effective on airplanes and for commuters in noisy environments so the market has slowly begun to deliver better & better active noise-canceling headsets with Senn pushing to lead the pack. The PXC350 updates the proprietary Sennheiser 'NoiseGard 2.0' technology with a claimed 85% reduction in background noise (up to 1kHz). Clear highs and a good bass response bracket the mid-ranges; it's actually a fairly decent sound considering they're noise-canceling headphones.

The PXC350 is outfitted in an unobtrusive, striking all-black color scheme and is significantly larger-sized than the previous-model PXC150, PXC250, and PXC300 ergonomics. This more full-size Sennheiser PXC350 model has deep soft black leather earpads on its conveniently folding 'circumaural' sealed-back earcups. An adjustable headband allows for a personalized fit. You'll find a volume control slider integrated in the single-sided detachable 5-foot cable which is terminated to a 1/8" (3.5mm) mini-plug. Even without the batteries and/or noise canceling feature engaged, the headphones can still play audio. Further, one can activate the noise-canceling without audio to use the PXC350 as hearing protectors with a claimed minus -32dB of ambient noise attenuation. A soft but rugged Sennheiser travel case contains the folded PXC350 headphones and all included accessories like a two-prong airline adapter, full-size 1/4" adapter plug, and even handy slots for extra AAA batteries. An excellent 2-year product warranty remains standard on all Sennheiser headphones.

Sennheiser is offering a summer rebate promotion, click here to print a copy.