Sony MDR-NC200D Digital Noise-Canceling Headphones
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Introducing the Sony MDR-NC200D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones
Sony's MDR-NC200D Digital Noise Canceling headphones are the perfect travel companion that combines high quality sound and excellent noise canceling capabilities. With a compact foldable design, you can listen in both style and long-wear comfort for the ultimate listening experience. Backed by Sony's reputation for outstanding audio performance, these premium headphones feature an internal digital equalizer that delivers ideal frequency response and high-quality audio reproduction. Experience sound in a whole new way.
Digital Noise Canceling Technology
Immerse yourself in music with a more precise method for noise canceling. Reducing up to 98.2% of ambient noise, the NC200D allows you to listen to only what you want to hear-great music in a peaceful environment.
How it Works
The MDR-NC200D headphones have an inside microphone on each earpiece that captures the exterior sound waves and works together with internal circuitry to create an opposite sound wave. Ambient sound is reduced by synthesizing with a sound in the opposite phase produced by the noise canceling circuit resulting in rich sounds and optimal noise canceling for a more enjoyable listening environment.
Intelligent Auto-Selection
Experience noise canceling optimization with the Artificial Intelligence button. Because not all ambient noise is the same, when pressed, the Artificial Intelligence button will automatically select the optimal noise canceling mode based on intelligent analysis of environmental ambient noise.
Monitor ButtonStay aware of your surroundings by using the monitor button to listen to announcements, flight attendants, or any other external sound without taking the headphones off.
Passive ListeningEnjoy audio listening even when the power is turned off. You can save the battery if you are already in a quiet environment, or should your battery run out mid-flight and do not have a spare, you will still be able to listen to your music without the noise canceling activated. Long Battery LifeExperience your music longer with just one AAA battery. Compact and highly portable, the NC200D headphones are ready to last up to 22 hours of noise-free listening enjoyment. ComfortEnjoy comfort while listening to your music. The lightweight, super soft on-ear design allows for comfortable wearing over long periods of time. Perfect for traveling, the ergonomically shaped flexible earpads and adjustable headband allow for a proper fit, making them a great companion on long flights. Compact SizeIf space is limited, the NC200D headphones offer a unique folding system that dramatically reduces the length of the headphones when not in use, leaving space for your other travel neccessities. Travel ReadyKeep the music going on all your trips with the provided travel kit that includes all of the essentials-a premium case to help protect the headphones, an AC power adaptor, and an airplane adaptor.MDR-NC200D Specs
Driver Unit:
40mm, dynamic, closed, dome type
Magnet Type:
Neodymium
Frequency Response:
8Hz - 23,000Hz
Impedance:
68 ohms at 1kHz(when power is on); 35 ohms at 1kHz(when power is off)
Sensitivity (db):
103dB/mW(when power is on); 102 dB/mW(when power is off)
Power Handling Capacity:
50 mW
Cord Length:
1.5m, Single-sided
What's in the Box
- MDR-NC200D Headphones
- Plug-Adaptor for in-flight use (single/dual)
- Connecting cord(1.5m, gold plated L type stereo mini plug)
- Carrying case
- AAA battery
- Operating instructions
- Warranty card
The next level of noise cancellation. Less Noise. More Music. All Comfort.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches ; 1.9 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
- Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
- ASIN: B005FVDTAW
- Item model number: MDRNC200D
- Batteries: 1 AAA batteries required. (included)
Technical Details
- Precise noise canceling using digital technology
- Three distinct noise-canceling modes for airplanes, trains, and the office
- Up to 98.2% ambient noise reduction (at 160Hz)
Costumer Reviews
Sony MDR-NC200D Digital Noise-Canceling Headphones
The obvious comparison for any noise canceling headphones, is against the Bose Quiet Comfort series - which is arguably the industry standard, at least from a familiarity and brand recognition perspective. Fortunately, I have a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 2 and was able to do a good side-by-side comparison.
In my case, Sony edged out Bose and won this comparison. Here's why:
I am not a qualified audiophile, and can't quote impressive specifications and explain in mathematics why one thing sounds better than another. Having confessed that though, I am a very picky listener, and I have a high standard of quality for audio products.
How I tested - I used the Sony MDR-NC200D's extensively in a number of environments, with a variety of music. Environments included sitting in a room with a loud TV going, other music playing, conversations taking place, outdoor traffic and lawnmower noise, and even during a long vacuuming session. Music ranged from hard rock to classical, but for my benchmark side-by-side testing I used Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon.
I found the Sony headphones to be superior in producing very clear, crisp sound compared to Bose. The most subtle of elements in the audio are crystal clear with very good separation. Bose seems to muddy some of these nuisances, most likely a result of the noise canceling signal they use. Sony is able to block the ambient noise at least as well as Bose (I think slightly better) but without the side effect of dullness to the audio you are listening to. This example won't mean anything to people not familiar with the album, but during "Great Gig In The Sky" you can clearly hear the soft spoken background words far better with the Sony's than with Bose. I did not try to deafen myself with too much volume, but did not experience any distortion at all.
Ergonomics - Slight edge to my Bose headphones here, but very very slight and with qualifications. My Bose set is the over-the-ear design (cups that enclose the entire ear), whereas these Sony's are on-the-ear design. The slight edge to Bose goes to a marginally more comfortable headstrap, and a more secure fit. I found that the Sony headphones were a bit easier to "shake loose" if wearing them during normal activity. The flip side to this is that the Sony headphones seem better suited for longer wear. They don't apply as much pressure to you head and are more comfortable for long periods. For an on-the-ear design, I was very surprised at the quality and comfort of the fit. The padding is extremely good, and creates a great seal against your ear. It will be hard for any noise to bleed through due to air gaps. Sony's unit is lighter than my Bose, which also aids wearability over time.
Miscellaneous :
- The cord attaches better to Sony than to Bose. It seems more secure, and does not have to be in one special direction in order to fit.
- The case is half the size. If you are packing these in your carry-on or shoulder bag, this is important. When stored in their case (which is a good case), the Sony's take up 50% of the space that is occupied by Bose.
- The switch for on/off of the noise cancelling function is better on Bose. I found the switch on the Sony headphones nearly impossible to find and operate with the headphones on. Not a big deal, but can be mildly annoying at times.
All in all, it is a close comparison - and in many ways subjective. I still like my Bose headphones, but I found the Sony MDR-NC200D's to be slightly better. And, when you factor in the price difference... Sony leaps way ahead! A very good pair of noise cancelling headphones that are comfortable and easy to use, and produce high quality sound and very good noise cancelling.
I am not a frequent flyer, but take four or five airline trips a year. My travelling companions are usually an iPod for background music and a totebag full of books...essential to the journey, but problematic. After about 30 minutes, my ears ache from the earbud and one arm is stretched past my knees from lugging the books. On board, the noise of the engines overwhelms the the iPod, and after struggling to get the carry-ons wedged under the seat and buckling my seatbelt, I'm pretty much stuck with whatever book I have in hand, whether or not it turns out to be any good. These Noise-Cancelling Headphones (and the Kindle) eliminate those problems.
The Sony MDR-NC200D Digital Noise-Canceling Headphones are very comfortable. Most headphones are heavy, bulky and make me feel like I'm wearing a Prussian helmet. These are lightweight and compact, and so comfortable, I'm barely aware of wearing them.
They do a very good job of eliminating outside noises. Some reviewers complain that sound is distorted when the volume is high. This isn't a deal killer for be because I keep them set at a moderate level...I like my background music to stay in the background and don't think it's realistic to expect these speakers and an iPod to provide the same quality of sound that you'd get from an expensive set of speakers. You can also plug the headphones into the airline's entertainment system and save yourself yet another annoying surcharge...while getting much better sound than on the headsets the carriers provide.
Because the headphones are so small, you can tuck them into a purse or briefcase and bring them out whenever needed to prevent falling into a boredom induced coma...like when sitting in the dentist's waiting room or standing on line at the DMV.
I've tried two other noise-cancelling headphones, including a borrowed Bose QuietComfort 15, which I understand cost quite a bit more. The Sony version is lighter and, for my admittedly untrained ears, comparable in sound quality. Unless you are a connoisseur and have an ear that is attuned to the subtleties of a coloratura's performance or are able to discern and become enraptured by the nuances of an arpeggio, these will do the job.
Post a Comment