Sony MDR-NC50 Noise Canceling Headphones by Sony
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List Price: Buy Used: from $160.00 (click here) Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Sony MDR-NC50 Noise Canceling Headphones
Digital camera Review: Cord wouldn't stay connected
Summary: 1 Stars
I had to return mine. The cord wouldn't stay connected to the head set causing the left ear piece to go out. It got so bad the only way to hear out of the left ear was to hold the wire in place.
The noise canceling works great though. I think I am going to try the Bose model.
Digital camera Review: Decent effort, but still lacking
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased these headphones because they were less than half the price of the Bose QuietComfort 2. Seemed to have decent specifications and reviews, so gave them a shot.
The headphones are comfortable, with soft earcups, but they don't fit over the ear like the Bose, they rest on the ear. I found them to be comfortable, but just something to be aware of.
The biggest drawback was that mine had a slight hum when they were plugged in and turned on, but not playing music. I assumed initially my set was defective, but upon exchanging them, the second pair exhibited the same noise. Even for a $20 pair of headphones, they shouldn't have any noise or interferance.
Digital camera Review: Decent noise cancelling headphones
Summary: 3 Stars
First, the positive aspects of these headphones:
+ The battery compartment is integrated with the earpiece, instead of an external battery pack
+ Decent sound (comparable to the Bose QC-1) for a closed back headphone. I used various high-quality CD samples from comparison.
+ Reduces external middle frequency noise, but not external deep bass. Without any music input signal, and noise cancellation turned on, I could hear the active cancellation producing a minuscule amount of white noise (just a few decibels); once you turn on the music, the white noise is drowned out.
+ Built in monitor switch to disable the noise cancellation and input signal.
Now the problems:
- Heavy. It's heavier than Bose QC-1 or the Sennheiser 5xx series. The top band starts to make the top of my head sore after about 2 hours of use.
- Pinches head. Extended wearing will make your hair have rings, and pinch the ears when wearing glasses.
- Low frequency humming when using the iPod that is plugged into the wall AC current. If I unplug the iPod from the wall or touch the iPod, the humming stops.
- Fairly tiny switch to enable/disable the noise cancellation
- Older cellphones cause audible interfere in headphones when receiving a call
- High impedence during passive mode leads to turning volume up high and draining the music player's batteries.
Update 5/21/2007: I just tried the The Bose® QuietComfort® 3 Headphones in the Bose Store, and it felt better than the MDR-NC50 and noise cancellation seemed as good or better as Sony -- but since I couldn't do an A/B test with the Sony's, I can't be certain. The Sony's are much cheaper in comparison, so you get what you pay for.
Digital camera Review: Depends on What You Want
Summary: 1 Stars
If you are buying these headphones to be able to listen to music in crowded room, these are NOT the headphones for you. They work great at reducing background noise, but you can't hear the music very well. The sound is low and distorted. We returned these headphones the very next day.Digital camera Review: Don't buy these
Summary: 1 Stars
I tried MDR-NC50 with my iPod and its not even worth trying once for free. I am surprised that Sony can make such a product and selling it for so expensive.
PLEASE DO NOT BUY THESE. If you have extra money donate to charities