Sennheiser PXC 250 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
by Sennheiser
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Our Price: $214.46 Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days Buy Used: from $45.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sennheiser PXC 250 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Customer Review: Silence IS golden when flying or at the gym...
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was shopping for a noise cancelling headphones, the first one I considered immediately was the Bose Comfort 2. I had used them before on plane trips & absolutely loved them. The only 2 problems I had with the Bose was that when the battery died, so did the silence/music/movie & that they were a lot more than I was willing/able to pay. So I did some research & found that Sennheiser was also good brand name & much cheaper than Bose. All the reviews (Consumer Reports, C-Net, other Amazon reviews to name a few) I read gave these Sennheiser headphones a thumbs up; & the price was more than within my price range of what I wanted to spend. So thanks to Amazon, I bought them.
I have now had them for over a month, & I am thrilled with my decision on buying these headphones. I have used them several times, & they work perfectly with my 5.5 generation Ipod, while on my computer playing Oblivion & other video games, & on the plane. It definitely helped in tuning out the crying babies, loud speaking people near me, as well as some overhead announcements by the Captain & Stewarts. Although I will admit that turning up the volume on my Ipod also contributed in tuning out all the noises on the plane.
The sound quality is crisp, clear, & sharp. I felt there was some depth to the sound effects while watching "Batman Begins" on my Ipod. With the noise cancelling feature turned on, my favorite songs & movies sounded even better. The bass & treble were at the perfect levels for my needs. There is no built-in volume on the headphones or 'battery wand,' but I don't really need one since I use my Ipod's or computer volume controls.
The ear pads are comfortable & the headset is quite light. Although, I will say that they sit right on your ear (not around your ear, like the Bose Comfort 2) to which could be a little uncomfortable for those who don't like any pressure placed directly on their ears. I'm one of those types of people, but these headsets didn't bother me at all. I liked the sleek compact look of the carrying case, & love the fact that the headphones fold neatly away when not in use. The inclusion of the plane & stereo/computer plug adapters was a very nice extra as well.
I was concerned that the 'battery wand' would get in my way, but to my surprise it wasn't really a problem. There is a built in 'belt clip' on the wand which works perfectly whether I was on the plane. Plus the cord between the headphone & 'battery wand' is more than long enough to able to move around without it ('battery wand') getting in the way. The headphones works superbly with my ipod & didn't shift or fall off while I was on the treadmill. The carrying case that came with the headphones has a belt loop on the back & a small zippered pocket on the front. That came in really handy since I used it to keep my Ipod & 'battery wand' protected while walking & jogging. And, yes, the Ipod fits in the bag along with the folded headphones, 'battery wand', & cord with no problems whatsoever.
The other feature I really love about these headphones is that they still work as headphones even when the 2 AAA batteries die. The battery life can go pretty quickly if you use the noise cancelling feature for a long period of time. However, now that Energizer AAA lithium batteries are now on the shelves, I haven't found any problems with prolonged use. I just have to remember to turn the noise cancelling switch off when I finally done using the headphones for the evening.
All in all, I'm very satisfied with this purchase & very happy with the headphones. I hope that this review helps others in their decision making process on whether to buy these headphones or not.
Customer Review: Great Sound, Great Price, but not for the wire-challenged
Summary: 4 Stars
I have owned this set for close to 2 years, and I still think they're one of my best "geek-o-phile" purchases. Jazz to Rock, Eminem to Muddy Waters, Setzer to Saint-Saëns, I enjoy every note and nuance over most all ambient sounds, save the loudest or most rumbling of noises. I wonder what the eardrum condition must be of the those who criticize the volume produced through this headset - if I max out my mp3 player's volume (either portable or laptop-based), the output becomes unbearably loud. As both a classical (violin) and rock (bass) musician, I appreciate cranking the tuneage, but let's keep it at 10.5 instead of 11, folks!
As with any listening device, individual experience is very subjective. In my case, I get crisp response throughout the dynamic range. I have yet to hear buzzing, hissing, or cracking at either the highs or lows, but I tend to stick with fairly high recording qualities (320k and above or VBR MP3 rips) and I don't mind mussing with my equalizer. Since I avoid them as a rule, I can't vouch for 128k rips.
(get to know your encoder - you will be rewarded)
DVD watching becomes especially rewarding with these phones, as you can hear the ambient noises that you may have missed before (i.e. crickets chirping or background conversations - right before the motorcycle crashes through the window).
I use these mostly for my mass transit commutes, and I can listen comfortably without enduring engine, freeway, and chit-chat noise. I have not traveled with them on airplanes yet, so I cannot vouch for their performance there.
The earpads and headband are very comfortable (padded leather, no less). I can wear them for hours (though ear doctors don't recommend it) without any discomfort. You WILL need to practice folding them back up - it's tricky at first. I don't use the zip case (I have a dedicated backpack pocket for them), but it appears fairly durable. With moderate use, they still appear brand new. Treat them like an expensive pair of sunglasses and they should last many years. Treat them like drugstore shades..., well, you get the picture.
All that said, the design of the wiring is just short of ridiculous. They're too long if you're walking, but too short if you're at your desk. If you're mobile, you can clip the log to your belt, but you may need to do some twist-tie work to get the optimum length for your mode of portable player. If you're at your desk, you will need to be mindful of your maximum movement radius. Many a time I have moved to the other side of my cubicle and become either disconnected or clothes-lined!
Here are the wire lengths:
33" from the 1/8" plug to the NC "log"
28" from the "log" to the Y split
I don't know what the solution would be, although a previous reviewer mentioned some sort of quick-disconnect mechanism or an option to bypass the log altogether - maybe a design feature of the next release, Sennheiser?
Again, your mileage may vary. Last time I checked, these headphones were on display at Brookstone, so you may want to bring your portable player there and try them yourself (but don't pay retail!!). Personally, I am very happy with the 250s and would definitely consider purchasing them again.
Customer Review: Still one of the best. But far from perfect!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought these Sennheiser PXC 250 noise-reducing headphones as a replacement for my trusty HDC 451's, which were excellent. For straight noise reduction, the PXC 250 is definitely better. But as a wear-it-everywhere set of headphones to improve one's overall quality of life, the PXC 250 still leaves something to be desired. (For this latter usage, the HDC 451 might still be a wiser choice.) Here's a rundown of the PXC 250's pros and cons.On the positive side, noise reduction for the PXC 250 is up 50% versus the HDC 451, going from 10 dB to 15 dB of noise suppression. Quietness is further enhanced by the 250's on-the-ear, cup-style listening units. The earphones also twist to lie flat, and the headband folds in two places to make the PXC 250 even smaller for stowing. The 250 even comes with its own black carrying case, which has a zippered pocket on the outside which is perfect for hiding the included ¼" audio and two-pronged airline adapter plugs.
On the downside, the battery carrying case (which also houses the electronics) has grown significantly - even though the battery size has been reduced from two (2) AA's to a pair of AAA's. The batteries are held in-line, rather than side-by-side. So the case for the PXC is about as long and thick as a short cigar, whereas the compartment for the HDC 451 is about the size of a box of Tic Tac mints.
The most bothersome feature of the PXC 250, though, are the dual wires emerging from the earphones (one for each side), which are probably required since the headband now breaks in two places. The wires, besides being more numerous, are also fairly thin -- which causes them to get tangled much more often when storing and unstoring them (as compared to the HDC 451 which has a single, thicker wire).
Lastly, the increased quietness of the PXC 250's enclosed ear cups, although superior for blocking noise, are no longer an "open air" style - which makes hearing ambient sounds and other people's voices more difficult. The PXC 250 is thus best suited to indoor (or stationary) music listening only, and are perhaps a little too insulating for using outdoors (or while moving or interacting with others).
In short, if enjoying music indoors (or on a plane) is your objective, the PXC 250 is definitely the way to go. If, on the other hand, you'd like to bring sanity to a noisy world by wearing your headphones everywhere, then the older HDC 451 is probably a smarter choice.
I'd like to suggest to the company (Sennheiser) that they also consider offering a behind-the-neck style so that outdoor users (like yours truly) can enjoy the benefits of superior noise reduction - while wearing a hat! And there's definitely something to be learned from the new Bose QuietComfort 2's (which are unfortunately bigger and much more expensive) which incorporate the electronics into the headphones themselves. This design allows the audio cord to be completely detached - which takes everyday noise suppression to a whole new level of convenience.
To conclude, I've tried a variety of affordably priced noise-reducing headphones and earphones from Sony, Aiwa and others. From my own experiences, the Sennheiser PXC 250 and HDC 451 are definitely the best! And I certainly wouldn't want to live life without them!
Customer Review: I'd recommend them...
Summary: 4 Stars
The BasicsConstructed of solid metal/plastic components, comfortable vinyl padding, folds up into a relatively small and flat profile, and fits great in the quality padded case that's included. The noise-canceling circuitry is contained in a separate plastic container as long and wide as a thick cigar -- not bulky at all to handle especially with the belt clip. The power switch is pushed up/down and has enough resistance where I don't see how it could be unintentionally turned on as a previous reviewer commented. It is powered by 2 AAA batteries (documentation doesn't state how long the power would last with continuous use) and will conveniently continue to function even when the batteries drain (albeit without the noise cancelation). The adapters/connections are NOT gold plated which is rather disappointing for a product of this price. Not that it matters to me, but these headphones are not "silver" colored as stated and shown in the product title and picture; they are black and gun metal gray and don't appear obnoxiously showy. The standard two year warranty is definitely an advantage over other headphone manufacturer offerings. I've never owned/used noise-canceling headphones before and therefore will be comparing them to the Sennheiser HD-280 cans I purchased at the same time.
Audio Quality
The audio reproduction of the 250s is inferior to the 280s, which I'll admit is an unfair comparison as the latter are semi-professional studio headphones. With the noise canceling circuitry turned off the audio sounds shallow and tinny because the padding causes the headphones to sit somewhat far from the eardrums. If you push the headphones against your head you'll notice the audio quality and bass response improves. When the circuitry is turned on the tinnyness disappears, but audio seems a little over-boosted particularly the bass. Mid and high range is more accurately produced. For its size, design and intended purpose these headphones have acceptable audio quality.
Noise Cancellation
The 280s definitely blocked out surrounding ambient noise better because of its closed design that fit around the whole ear unlike the 250s that just rest on top of the ear. When the noise cancellation is turned on, it does a great job of blocking out fan/air conditioning droning as well as other low-pitched noise but the circuitry produces a higher pitched hissing in return (comparable to an audio cassette tape without Dolby Noise Reduction technology). I suppose this is the effect of one noise canceling out the other, fortunately it isn't that noticeable while listening to music at moderate levels. Don't expect these to isolate you from noisy coworkers or screaming babies on an airplane; you'll still be able to hear outside conversation especially when women talk because of their higher pitched voices.
Conclusion
Although the HD-280 has a foldable design, they are still rather bulky and heavy to transport while traveling. If an acceptable compromise, I'd have to recommend them for its better sound isolation, audio quality and lower price. However I'm keeping the PXC-250 as they're very convenient to tote around, allow me to hear others when being addressed at work and have acceptable audio quality for what its worth.
Customer Review: Very satisfied
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought these headphones a couple months ago to use with a Creative Zen Micro MP3 player, because (1) I knew I had to upgrade to something better than the included earbuds, and (2) I wanted something with noise canceling ability to take with me when I periodically fly to the east coast. And I have never been a Bose fan, I'll take fidelity over artificial booming bass any day :)
So far I have been very happy with these headphones. They are not cheap (I got them here on a brief special offer, which helped ease the pain a little), but in my opinion, these headphones are definitely worth the money.
First, as far as the noise canceling goes: like other reviewers have stated, you have to know what to expect. Total noise isolation? No way. But these phones do a great job of blocking out low-frequency background noise, while preserving input audio quality, with very little 'noise' added. I have not had the opportunity to take them on an airplane, but I've been using them in the office daily, and they do an admirable job of getting rid of the rumble of three computer fans and the air conditioning. The noise canceling makes a huge difference, especially at low audio volumes. Very impressive! When turned on, a slight amplification of the input signal is apparent, accompanied by a tiny amount of high-frequency hiss, not disturbing at all though.
Audio quality, with or without noise canceling, is of course way better than with the cheap earbuds you get for free with MP3 players. The PXC250's are not audiophile standard, as are the top of the line Sennheisers (e.g. the HD650), but they produce clear, well-balanced sound, free of any perceptible distortion and with good, tight bass response. I've tried these on my home theater system and I was suitably impressed - very typical neutral Sennheiser sound. Like most audio equipment of decent quality, they seem to improve after a break-in period.
The phones are very comfortable to wear: light-weight with adequate padding all round, probably the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned. I can wear these for hours at a time without feeling any fatigue. The included carrying case and converter plugs are a nice touch, like everything with wires attached to it, it takes some time to get the hang of properly folding and stowing them, but they are certainly very portable. The construction seems sturdy enough and I expect these to last a long time with proper use and care.
Something to consider: the input impedance is quite high (300 ohms, compared to the more typical 16-32 ohms of cheaper earbuds/phones), so to drive them properly you need some oomph. My Zen Micro manages to drive them to adequate volume levels (I plan on retaining my hearing for a while still), but if you insist on stretching your eardrums to bleeding levels, you may want to consider getting a headphone amplifier if you plan to use these with portable audio devices.
All in all, I am very satisfied with my Sennheiser PXC250's.