Saturday 5 June 2010

PANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones RPHC300


Large, 1.4 drivers with Neodymium rare-earth magnets for rich, powerful sound

8Hz - 22Hz frequency response

Foldable for storage and travel

Detachable cord

Operates on one AAA alkaline battery (not included)

Whether used to block out sound while on an aircraft or to create a tranquil environment so you can enjoy your favorite CD track, these new headphones are up to the challenge. The new RP-HC300 noise canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise by creating out-of-phase sounds that equal the background noise to effectively cancel it. Additionally, the headphones reduce low frequencies such as the drone of a plane's engine or a loud air conditioning unit. The noise-canceling feature can also be switched off to allow the user to converse or to reduce background noise by virtue of the headphone's comfortable insulated housing. Includes carrying pouch and plug adapter for airplane



This review is from: PANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones RPHC300

For many, the gold standard in noise reduction headphones is the Bose Quiet Comfort 2 (QC2) and up until this point, there really hasn't been a real competitor. Until now. Cynics might call the RPHC300 a QC2 knockoff, but where is does follow the Bose lead, it does so with good reason. Performance-wise, the Panasonic is very good. Subjectively, noise cancellation is on par with the Bose, although the 'noise floor' (the hissing you hear when the electronics are turned on) is seemingly lower (better) on the Bose than Panasonic. No matter once the you turn on the music or movie you won't notice the hissing on either. In my opinion the noise cancellation performance of the 2 is equal.

Comfort-wise, the Bose is the better of the 2. The earcups are a tad small on the Panasonic, so if you have larger ears you may find the RPHC300's a bit confining. To me (I think I have larger than average ears) it's not a big deal, just a nuisance. The Panasonic does have a fairly high clamping pressure which on a long flight may lead to some fatigue but thanks to soft cushions on the earcups it isn't a big deal. Compared to the Bose, however, they are a bit less comfortable.

Sound quality is very good but bass is lacking on the Panasonic for my taste. The Panasonic's do have very large 40mm speakers but they seem to lack 'punch'. I'm not looking for teeth-rattling bass, just a little more. Otherwise, the RPHC300 are very good - just not as good as the QC2 but worlds better than what the airline will offer you and far better than the other noise cancelling headphones I've tried.

Both headphones share a fold-flat design, detachable input cable, and a carry case that makes transporting the headphones and, say an iPod, very easy. One important note, be sure to pack a spare batteries. Listed operating time on one AAA battery is a typical 17 to 35 hours, but the unit won't provide any sound with the noise reduction in the off position (or with a dead battery).

These are my 3rd pair of noise reduction headphones and the one I like the most. Considering their street price of $125-135, they're an exceptional value compared with the $300 Bose QC2....



This review is from: PANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones RPHC300

I tried my friends pair of Bose QC3 and fell in love with them, although I could never justify spending that much on a pair of earphones!

I did a lot of reading up on alternatives to the Bose. These Panasonics were reviewed in T3 magazine and came out top of the testing out of 5 models. They were hard to get in the UK but I'm glad I made the effort.

The reason most of you will be reading this review is to find out how good the noise cancelling is. First thing is first there is no such thing as 100% noise cancellation, there is not even anything close to this

Any low rumbling noises are cancelled very well but high frequencies still get through slightly. Also the more constant the noise is the better it is canceled out. Sometimes you may not think they are doing much, then after an hour you take them off and the world sounds extremely noisy!

Dont listen to the 1 star review that says they have no sound cancelling effect at all. Thats just dumb. I think some people put them on and expect to be inside an acoustic bubble - thats just not possible.

These are an excellent alternative to selling your organs for a pair of Bose. I can sit at work and get totally immersed in what I'm doing, you take them off after a while and you feel like you've been in your own little world. If you work in an office with computer noise, air conditioning units and noisy people then these are what you need

PROs.....

1. Very high build quality. Includes an tough cable that locks into the ear cup. They feel like you expect high-end headphones to feel, a nice carry case too.

2. Super sound quality. Like all speakers/headphones these take a bit of breaking in. Around 15 hours use and you will notice a much richer sound. I listen to a lot of acoustic music and they handle this brilliantly. Bass is punchy without being overdone

3. Comfort. People review these and say that they are uncomfortable but I guess it just depends on your head. With the Bose I felt like my head was being squeezed but these sit very nicely. I wear them most of the day at work and they dont bother me at all.

4. Travel. If you travel a lot then you know how tiring the constant noise can be. These headphones are worth the money just for travelling. They actually make you feel quite smug as you flick the switch and relax

CONs.....

1. The noise cancelling is slightly less than the Bose but thats what you pay the extra $200 for. When you have music playing there is not much difference between the 2 sets

2. Availability outside the USA is very limited. You can order them direct from Panasonic but that is a very expensive option.

3. As other reviews have mentioned they need a battery to work at all. The battery is nicely hidden away though

4. You really need music to enjoy the effect. The noise cancelling produces and very quiete high frequency fuzz. With music on you dont notice this though...



This review is from: PANASONIC Noise Canceling Headphones RPHC300

These headphones are about right for the price. I am comparing them to the Bose, of course, which is considered the gold standard. I think the Panasonic are of equal or better quality craftsmanship, which is good for the price. The Bose headset falls apart far too easily for the $300. This is a good alternative. But you will definitely hear the difference between this set and the Bose.

The noise cancellation is not quite as good as the Bose headsets. An additional problem is the feedback or howling sound you can get if the cords are looped around touching each other. Interestingly, I was able to pick up a local FM station on the these headsets without plugging them into anything. I e-mailed the station about this problem and it seems to have cl...




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