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Sony MDR-NC500D
MSRP $399.99
We've tested quite a few noise cancelling headphones, and boy, do these work great. Providing outstanding noise cancelling with a sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) engine, and providing great sound as well, the Sony MDR-NC500D is simply the best noise cancelling headphone we've ever heard.
Read Our Blog Post on the Sony MDR-NC500D.
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Product Features:
- Excellent sound quality for a noise-cancelling headphone.
- Noise cancelling accomplished with high performance DSP processor.
- Very good looking and stylish noise cancelling headphone from this fine maker.
- Fairly compact and includes carry case.
What's In The Box:
- Slim-Profile Valise Case
Applications:
Active noise cancelling headphones depend on lots of complex technology to make them work and Sony engineering has stepped up to produce the best-performing noise cancelling cans we've heard to date. Not only do the Sony MDR-NC500D sound very clean and musically punchy despite the 'non-audiophile' NC application, these cans also deliver very good noise-blocking ability. Sony's proprietary 'active' noise cancelling circuitry uses sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) techniques to dramatically reduce ambient noise like the roar of an airplane cabin, droning air conditioners, or loud computer fans at the flick of a switch. There is also an additional switch on the headphones that allows you to select from three different DSP algorithms tweaked for greater effectiveness cancelling various types of external noise.
Sony engineers were also very tricky when they used a rechargeable battery in the headphones to keep them small, but included an accessory gadget that you can put two AA batteries in to keep running when the internal battery runs out of juice.
Ear cushions on these cans seems a little stiff until you realize Sony is using some type of memory foam that quickly conforms to your head to provide an excellent seal without relying on too much clamping pressure; this delivers very good long term comfort, and a surprising amount of space in the ear-cup given their small size.
The MDR-NC500 are fully foldable and collapse down into a protective valise storage case perfect for travel use. They also come with a handy cabled battery holder gadget that replaces the normal cable and allows you to run on external batteries when the internal rechargeables run out of juice. Airline adaptor slot and room for all included accessories is provided.
Specifications:
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Coupler Size: Medium
- Cord Type: Cordless
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
- Wireless: No
- Headphone Type: Full Size
Additional Resources:
- Product Reviews
- Right Between Your Ears
Average Rating
Posted by McG from Singapore on 2010-05-11
Recommend Product: No
Pros: Good sound, very comfortable, elegant design
Cons: Sound is OK, not the smallest, not the cheapest
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