Panasonic RP-HC55-S Noise-Cancelling Earbud Headphones (Silver)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's RP-HC55-S earbud headphones with noise reduction use active noise control circuitry to reduce the low frequency noise in airplanes, trains, and cars by about 88%. Get great noise canceling in a pair of ultra-portable earbuds.

Earbud Design

If you thought noise canceling was only available in over-the-ear headphones, think again. The RP-HC55 are some of the smallest noise-canceling earphones on the market, designed to stay comfortably in the ear. Three pairs (small/medium/large) of removable and replaceable earpads are included for a comfortable custom fit.

Solid Performance

Neodymium magnets and a 9mm drive unit work together to deliver great earbud sound, with a frequency response of 10 Hz - 20 kHz with 88 dB/mW sensitivity.

Made for Travel

The RPHC55S noise-canceling unit doubles as a handy cord holder, allowing the phones to be drawn out or rewound into the case. A carrying pouch is included as well, for easy, protected transport. These are ideal for travel, in fact, with an included airplane plug adapter.

About Noise Canceling

Environmental noises in airplanes, trains, and buses, or noise caused by air-conditioners can be reduced by a fourth, to provide a quieter listening environment. This function allows you to enjoy music without raising the volume too high, and is, therefore, kinder to your ears.

The RP-HC55-S headphones mainly reduce lower frequency sounds. Sounds with higher frequency portions, such as car horns, telephones, or human voices, remain relatively intact.

RP-HC55-S Specs

Background Noise Reduction:

88% (18dB) at 200Hz

Drive Unit Diameter:

9mm

Impedance:

103 ohm/1kHz

Sensitivity:

105 dB/mW

Frequency Response:

10 Hz - 20 kHz

Cord Length:

2.3 Feet/2.3 Feet

Magnet Type:

Neodymium

Color:

Silver

Weight Without Cord:

30 Grams

Max. Input:

50 mW

What's in the Box

RPHC55S Noise-Canceling Headphones, Air Plug Adaptor, Earpiece Set, Strap, Carrying Pouch, Battery, User's Manual

The RP-HC55 headphones from Panasonic provide high-quality audio and excellent ambient noise reduction in a compact in-ear design. The headphones have neodymium drivers to deliver premium-quality sound with a wide frequency response. Active noise cancellation technology helps to reduce ambient noises by up to 88%.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.6 x 1 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0014II9F0
• Item model number: RP-HC-55-S
• Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required. (included)
  

Price : $44.95
You Save : $55.04 (55%)

Technical Details

• Noise cancelation reduces outside nose by 88% (18dB) at 200Hz
• Neodymium magnets and a 9mm drive for full-range sound
• Cord holder for tangle-free storage in supplied carring pouch
• Small, medium, and large ear pads, aircraft plug adaptor included
• Clips to clothing for more carefree usage

Costumer Reviews

I was an early adopter of active noise canceling technology and over the years have had many a pair of ANC headphones. They did serve their primary purpose of hearing protection and I still have them in the garage for the occasional power tool moments.

For long commutes, however, these headphones are simply too bulky and heavy to be comfortable. The pressure on the ears becomes particularly unbearable with glass frames. Two years ago, I got a pair of Shure E2c Sound Isolating In-Ear Earphones Color CLEAR - E2C / E2 just for my daily rides on the rail. The Shure is light, convenient and good-sounding. It lacks the active NC circuit but the in-ear design dampens the ambient noise sufficiently on the train.

Once I started flying regularly for business, however, I went looking for a stronger solution. My first try was Aiwa HP-CN6 Noise-Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones, which is much lighter than older designs and thus gives me some hope of less crimping on the ears. Unfortunately, the Aiwa's collapsible frame is hard on the skull and won't stay in place. The noise dampening is mediocre and the pressure on the ears remains too much for me. I began looking for a pair of in-the-ear set with good active noise canceling capability.

Surprisingly, there is very little choice available in the market. Although earbuds have a natural advantage in noise isolation, its small size poses difficulties for manufacturers, who need to cram microphones next to the speaker units. Panasonic's expertise in miniaturization comes in handy here, allowing the company to deliver a product of uniquely superior design.

I wore the Panasonic RP-HC55 on a recent trip non-stop for eight hours straight and loved it. There is little if any discomfort at all and the noise-canceling works well. It is so light and the cord is short enough that I simply unplug the connector and put it in my shirt pocket without removing the buds during the occasional visits to the restroom. I usually had a hard time falling asleep on the plane, but this time I was able to doze off for a couple of hours. The Panasonic is no doubt the best earphones I have ever owned.

Despite my high regards for this product, some nitpicking remains possible. I am used to wrapping the cords of the Shure backward around my ears and lock them in place by tightening the Y-junction against my chin. This is very difficult to do with the Panasonic because its cords are made of elastic rubber and its Y-junction is not adjustable. The range of volume control is fairly limited, particularly on the low side, so one has to look elsewhere if he wants to drop the volume temporarily without killing it altogether. But overall, this is a great product, especially for frequent fliers.

================================== Added 12/08/2009 ==================================

Consumer Reports appears to agree with my assessment. The 2009 Electronics issue rates this Panasonic the Best Buy among NC headphones.

These are the best bang for the buck! I bought them after reading Consumer Report's review rating them higher than the Bose and Sennheisers. I own a pair of Sennheisers and they're ok, but too big. This is my 4th pair of noise cancelling and by far the best. Previously, I've owned Koss, Sennheisers, Logitech and more recently Audio Technica, ranging in price from 35-$100 and by far these are superior in every aspect. These are also the first in ear I've owned.

The only downside is the bass is a bit disappointing. I'm curious to see how these match up to the dual driver phones Apple recently released.

Give them a 4.5/5 for sound quality, 4.75/5 for sound isolation, 5/5 for value!