Sony Mdrnc22/Blk Noise Canceling Headphone (Black) by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony Mdrnc22/Blk Noise Canceling Headphone (Black)
Digital camera Review: Much Better Than Expected
Summary: 5 Stars
I needed / wanted a pair of NC Headphones for couple of long airplane rides to Europe. I almost bought another brand that was very cheap, $19.95, but opted to get the Sony 22's , because if nothing else, battery life would be better than the cheapies.
Also, I thought I would return them if they sounded really bad.
Based on other reviews here, I didn't expect much performance unless using them in the NC mode, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Without the NC turned on they sound almost as good as the earbuds that came with the Sony MP3 player (800 series player) , and almost as good as my V-Moda Vibes. They sounded even better with NC turned on.
I ordered a second pair ( pink) for my daughter.
I do have other versions( over the Ear) of Sony NC Headphones and they don't sound this good. It could be Earbud design of these that make the difference. Based on recent prices on Amazaon and at Staples, Sony may be getting ready to discontinue these phones, so if you want a pair with the Earbud design, grab them now. Best Buy no longer carries the NC22s and they have replaced them with another Sony over the ear design. Fry's Electronics was out of them too.
They are not the most expensive ones out there, but probably the best bang for the buck.
Update - 4/22/08
Just returned from a recent trip to Europe. Used the phones for over 30 hours on 1 AAA battery, and the performance was awesome. Plane was most impressive using the Air France In Flight Entertainment system. Also used on the Eurostar Train ( London to Paris) and on a tour Bus. I will never travel without these again. I watched six inflight movies and I felt like I was sitting in my living room. Great Job Sony !
Update - 5/5/08
Still using same battery for an additional 10 hours. So now a total of over 50 hours on same battery. Also, used the earphones while running a backpack leafblower and the noise reduction is amazing. Even better than the ear protectors that I had been using.
Digital camera Review: Nice, but other (better?) alternatives exist as well
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased the Sony MDRNC10s many years ago and have used the 11s as well (each of which is a predecessor to this model, with, I believe, the same specs--it's the cosmetics which have changed over time). They are nice and indeed eradicate a noticeable portion of low-sound rumble on planes and on the street. I find that I arrive at a destination from a flight less tired, with using these.
Having said that, I've also compared them in-flight to a set of Shure E2C in-ear earbuds with no noise-cancelling electronics (generally available, including at Amazon.com, for $70-$100). I've found that if I fit the Shures with the Shure triple-flange ear pieces (also available here, and which indeed can be fit onto the E2Cs with a small amount of effort, in a couple of minutes, even though not designed for the E2Cs), they exceed the "noise-cancelling" results of the Sonys. With the benefit of being smaller and even easier for travel (no separate electronics case) and no need for battery power. Plus, the Shures are well-recognized good earbud phones off a plane as well, for everyday use, and get great customer support from Shure, a leader in that area (as distinct from, unfortunately, Sony, which will leave customers high-and-dry, in my experience, and whose products, I also unfortunately have found, tend to break down over time while products from other companies will last longer). The only thing to be aware of is that the triple flanges really do go into the ear canal, more so than with the Sonys--some people may not like that, and I have found that the flanges indeed can tickle my inner ear every so often. (Note, in that regard, that the length of the triple flanges can be trimmed, as noted by Shure itself--presumably, they could be made into double flanges so as not to enter the ear as deeply (although I haven't tried that yet).)
In the end, I've found that simple can, indeed, sometimes be better. And this also has saved me from $300 for a Bose (bulkier, especially for travel) headset.
Digital camera Review: Noise cancelling headphones
Summary: 4 Stars
I am really impressed with these headphones. I have used them on a few flights and find I arrive without the fatigue caused by the white noise of the planes. I wish there was a way to make them work with the MP3 player on my blackberry but apart from that I am very happy with these headphones.
Digital camera Review: Not as good as Bose, but does the job
Summary: 4 Stars
Bought these for a friend, on a pacific trip.
I have the white ones, the black was cheaper, so he can't complain about a free gift.
Don't want to spend $300 for Bose, these are your best choice.
These headphones will do the job for long flights, they are in ear and noise cancel with a mute button.
I sleep with then in my ears, while not plugged into anything, just for the cancel.
Cheap, does the job, it's Sony and great BASS (BOOM) and high ends.
At work people need to wave infront of me when I have them on.
Digital camera Review: Okay, but there are better
Summary: 3 Stars
I recently compared the Bose QC2 headphones (an obscene $299) with the cheaper Sennheiser PXC-300 ($159.99) and the new Sony MDR-NC22s ($70.00). The Sennheiser's are a smaller design that does not completely cover your ear and comes in a smaller case, which is more convenient for travelling. The Sony's are an in-ear solution, and have the smallest case. All have active noise canceling.
I did my testing in the rear of an Boeing 737. The rear is generally the noisiest location in an airplane. My primary testing criteria was which headphone reduced overall noise the best. I also listened to see which headphone allowed me to listen to music and audio programs (podcasts) at the lowest volume level. I was really hoping that one of the cheaper options would be better than the Bose, but they weren't.
The Bose knocked out the most airplane noise and allowed me to listen to music at the lowest volume level and still hear it. The Sennheiser was next, and the Sony was last. The Sony also suffered from a noticeable hiss noise which you could easily hear on audio programs and music played at a low volume.
In short, if you want the best, it is still Bose. If you want to pay a little less and don't mind that you're not getting the best, the Sennheiser is a good choice. The Sony is a good choice only if you can't afford the Sennheiser and you want to play music LOUD.