Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 3 stars

  Huge disappointment from Sony

  by sharklover2 on May 7, 2008

  Pros: Pretty good noise cancelling

  Cons: Very uncomfortable, Huge carrying case, poor battery life

  Summary: I have been waiting to hear these ever since I read about them in January. When I finally received them last week I was very disappointed. Things that were very ...

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  Summary: I have been waiting to hear these ever since I read about them in January. When I finally received them last week I was very disappointed. Things that were very important to me were
  Noise cancelling ability
  Sound Quality
  Comfort
  Travel Size
  Battery life
  I have been using Bose QC1, QC2 and QC3. I was looking for something better. Well did Sony succeed? Absolutely not. I would not buy these for $100. Let me start with all the negatives. While the actual headphones are only slighly larger than the Qc2 the carry case is about 70% larger. You almost need a seperate suitcase just to carry the huge case. Sony states the battery life is 16 hours and 12 hours with the 2 AA batteries. Well according to the manual you only get 15 hours and 10 on the AA. I also found the headphones to be very uncomfortable. The cushion pads are very firm and they squeeze your head. At home I found the noisecancelling to be useless but I was still somewhat optimistic that they would be great on the airplane. Sony says they block out 99% of the noise. Well they did not do that. I could not tell any difference between the noise cancelation between the QC2 and these. The sound quality is pretty good but I could not listen to them for more than 5 minutes beacuse it was hurting my jaw. SO they cannot compete with the QC2 because the Bose are so much more comfortable, are smaller to travel with and the battery lasts 3 times as long.

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  7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  THE best NC Headphones out there. No contest.

  by hifibuff on November 8, 2008

  Pros: Unbelievable NC quality and AI adaption to environment, excellent sound quality and extremely comfortable for extended wear. Battery life is good too..

  Cons: Not much I don't like - perhaps the controls could be easier to find with non-Japanese fingers when wearing the phones, and high volume listening can distort - although I was pushing these almost to hearing damage levels when testing...

  Summary: Firstly, this isn't some uninformed rant.
  I have had, and been very satisfied with BOSE Quiet Comfort 2 headphones (still very good) and less so with the QC3 phones ...

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  Summary: Firstly, this isn't some uninformed rant.
  I have had, and been very satisfied with BOSE Quiet Comfort 2 headphones (still very good) and less so with the QC3 phones I bought in addition. The QC2 until now was the best NC headphone offering with the QC3 although more compact - in my view were inferiour to the QC2's.
  
  All that has now changed. I think the effect of what NC headphone can have has just been re-defined by Sony.
  
  Sony's digital NC technology just works. It really does do as it says and reduce 99% of background noise to zero. It's worth setting expectations to reality though, as the purpose of these and all NC 'phones is just to remove the annoying rumbles and general mush that accompany travel especially on a plane, but also in a train, a busy office or a 'noisy' hotel room. My BOSE phones were pretty good at this - removing I'd say 70/80% of the annoying noises.
  
  NC headphones won't stop you hearing a screaming child sat next to you - nor will they stop you hearing the stewardess asking if you want another Gin & Tonic... they just cut out the rumble, hum and hiss of air travel and other general background din - and the Sony phones just do this very, very effectively. More so than any others I've tried. And I've tried a lot.
  I like my P&Q (peace and quiet).
  The Artificial Intelligence AI engine inside the 'phones automatically asesses the types of noise and adopts one of three NC 'patterns' - this occurs when you switch the 'phones on, or when you press the mode button. if you change environment, or the noise level /type changes.
  My experience of these MDR-NC500D headphones has been for about 3 weeks now, and has included a 12.5 hr trip back from Tokyo, a 9.5 hr flight to Beijing, and a couple of flights to/from Washington DC. I've also used them in a hotel room with noisy aircon that I couldn't turn off (in China) and in our Tokyo office where the general level of hubbub prevented my concentration in writing some reports.
  In all cases - the silence was serene enough to sleep, work or listen to music clearly.
  
  Just how good are they?
  Well good enought that I've now sold both the BOSE QC3's and QC2's... that should tell you something.
  Worth every penny in my book. Well done Sony.

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  4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Great noise-canceling over-the-ear headphone

  by augieray on October 11, 2009

  Pros: Terrific sound; great noise canceling; rechargeable batteries; loaded with features; comfortable

  Cons: Battery life; size of traveling case; price; won't work without drawing power from rechargeable battery, battery pack, or AC power.

  Summary: I previously owned a pair of Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones (PXC 300) and liked them quite a bit, but I hated the battery pack and extra wires; also, I wanted to ...

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  Summary: I previously owned a pair of Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones (PXC 300) and liked them quite a bit, but I hated the battery pack and extra wires; also, I wanted to find earphones that went over the ear for better noise cancelling.
  
  The Sony Digital noise-canceling headphones are very impressive. They seem to cancel more noise than my Sennheiser, and traveling with these cans made the air trip so much more pleasant and enjoyable.
  
  On my last trip, I was seated in the last row of a regional jet where the engines were right outside the hull from me--it was VERY loud, but with these headphones I was able to hear the quietest passages of the music. In fact, when I hit the "monitor" button (which turns of noise cancelling so you can hear announcements and the like), I was amazed at how loud the environment was and how quiet the earphones made it. (This isn't to say there was NO engine noise in the earphones, but it was obviously blocking 95 to 99% of the noise, as advertised.)
  
  I noted some people complaining these headphones were tight or uncomfortable. I had the opposite impression: The over-the-ear design was extremely comfortable! I wore them for almost seven straight hours and never had any discomfort at all (which I cannot say for the Sennheiser headphones or any earbud I've ever tried.)
  
  The earphones feature a swappable cord rather than one hardwired in. Two sizes of cords are provided--the longer one is a more typical length for headphones, while the shorter one was perfect for listening to my MP3 player in my shirt pocket. For me, it was almost as if the headphones were wireless, since there was no excess wire to get tangled or hooked on anything while getting through airports or onto planes.
  
  Another great feature is the rechargeable batteries. I appreciate not having to replace batteries. The one (mitigated) drawback is that the battery life is modest--apparently about 15 hours. But, Sony provides a battery pack that you can use to power the headphones while on the move. Or, you can plug the things in and listen to them if you're near an AC outlet.
  
  Another minor drawback is that the size of the traveling case is ridiculously large for a pair of traveling headphones. It may be tough for some people to fit the case into their briefcase along with PCs and other things one carries while on trips. But even this drawback is mitigated a bit, because the case is large in order to accommodate not just the headphones but the huge number of accessories. In the one case you can also carry the AC plug, battery pack, batteries (included!), two cords of different lengths, a jack that converts the mini to a 1/4" jack, and a two-prong airline jack.
  
  While these headphones are expensive, I think they are worth the price in terms of performance, comfort, flexibility, and ease. I recommend the Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones!

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 2 stars

  I had to return 2 Sony headsets due to the same fault

  by scottashby on January 15, 2009

  Pros: reasonable sound quality (when they actually work)

  Cons: Poor quality control from manufacturer

  Summary: I own a set of Bose QC2 headphones which my wife decided to 'comandeer' from me during a recent flight. During the layover I decided to purchase a set of ...

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  Summary: I own a set of Bose QC2 headphones which my wife decided to 'comandeer' from me during a recent flight. During the layover I decided to purchase a set of the new MDR-NC500D's. During the next flight the left can started crackling and then proceeded to produce a sound like a broken boat motor. I returned the the faulty product during the return leg of my journey only to experience exactly the same problem on the right can.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 2 stars

  Overpriced Garbage

  by US66WEST on December 28, 2008

  Pros: The phones I purchased were deffective, cracking noise coming out of both ear pieces, I returned to the store and another set they gave me did the same thing, also the phones would not accept a charge or run off the batteries they provided.

  Cons: Very poor quality control from Sony, I would suggest that you try the phones on first and push the ear pieces to see if they crackle.

  Summary: Why waste the money!

  Summary: Why waste the money!

  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Slick design, clean sound, impressive noise-cancelling!

  by d3ridinghigh on June 27, 2008

  Pros: Compared to others I have used this rates easy as the best. Clear sound, good bass, wonderful design, nice carry case.

  Cons: None I can think of!

  Summary: Simply the best headphones I have used. I really like how your ear sits comfortably completely in the ear-cup.

  Summary: Simply the best headphones I have used. I really like how your ear sits comfortably completely in the ear-cup.

  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 1 stars

  do NOT buy these headphones

  by rocknrock on February 8, 2009

  Pros: None. Totally disappointing experience.

  Cons: The entire ownership experience and disappointing resolution options.

  Summary: I deeply regret selling my Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones; they were reliable and trouble free. I thought the 'upgrade' to the Sony MDR-NC500D would meet all the 'professional' reviewing community ...

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  Summary: I deeply regret selling my Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones; they were reliable and trouble free. I thought the 'upgrade' to the Sony MDR-NC500D would meet all the 'professional' reviewing community hype. (The professional reviewers probably get a set of headphones that have been vetted and actually work.) Mine were defective -- about 30 minutes into my first flight with these Sony headphones, a low, cyclical thumping noise grew louder and louder in my left ear. (Note: I was not listening to any music; I only had the Noise Canceling on and tried every iteration of the NC AI and non-AI functions...and I also tried both the external batteries (fresh) as well as internal rechargeable batteries.) I tapped on the left can, and the motorboat/helicopter thumping subsided...then came back within 10 minutes. This did not stop throughout the flight (and the same occurred during my return flight). When I landed in DC, I tried to exchange these headphones at the Sony Style store in Tysons Corner, only to be told that my exclusive recourse was to call Sony. I telephoned Sony and was told that since I was just a few days over my first 30 days of ownership, I can only have the phones repaired or exchanged for REFURBS!! Either option would take over two weeks, plus I would have to cover SHIPPING! After spending $400, Sony won't swap a NEW pair of defective headphones for a new pair of working headphones!! Hey Sony, you've just lost a (formerly) loyal customer. This is among the most disappointing consumer electronics experiences I've ever had. Do your due diligence, other consumers have had similar disappointing experiences with these Sony phones that I've had. Do NOT buy these!! I recommend sticking with Bose.

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  1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Well, I sure like 'em

  by eagle963 on November 27, 2009

  Pros: Excellent noise cancelling and fidelity of sound.

  Cons: Small buttons for adjusting noise cancellation program in use as well as mute.

  Summary: I read the reviews here before I bought them and must admit I was a bit concerned with some of the comments. But then I always read anonymous reviews with ...

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  Summary: I read the reviews here before I bought them and must admit I was a bit concerned with some of the comments. But then I always read anonymous reviews with a bit of critical thinking and decided to give them a try. Please use critical thinking when reading my review. I compared them to what was in stock at the store (no Bose QC-15) and decided to give them a try. I have used (although never owned) Bose QC-2's in the past. I have owned 2 different sets of Shure noise blocking ear buds (excellent but uncomfortable for me during extended use) and have over the years owned several other noise cancelling headsets.
  
  I am VERY satisfied with my purchase and would buy them again. I have used them now for 3 months on several long flights and lots of small flights on Regional Jets. I use them near daily in a lab where I sit 15 feet from a rather large (and loud) air conditioning system. What I have found.
  
  There is a review here that talks about a "clicking" noise and having to return 2 sets. It is true, I too have notice a "clicking" sound on one (the widest frequency range) of the three available noise cancellation settings however, please read on. The only time I notice this clicking is during the absense of ambient background noise. In other words, I have only noticed it in places where you don't need noise cancellation. Selecting one of the other two noise cancellation curves removes the "click" and gives them the type of, for lack of a better term, background noise (sound) that other noise cancelling headphones (like Bose QC-2) give. My explanation for this, and I am not an engineer, is the DSP program in the wide setting does not have any ambient noise to cancel. I see this a lot in the lab where I work with the "visual" image of sound, breaking sound down into its individual components. When an FFT (DSP) is NOT given a signal to work with the visual display is full of "noise". Anyway that is my theory. When I use this setting on an airplane or any other area with some level of ambient background noise the click is gone and the NC is amazing. Sitting here in the queit of the house I pick another cancellation setting.
  
  Sound quality (fidelity) is excellent. I find them to be extremly comforable to wear but on this point your mileage may vary. Battery life is excellent, I have gone about 12 hours and still had battery left and it is nice to know that if the installed headphone battery does die there is a backup battery pack to finish the movie with.
  
  The headphones come with a bunch of stuff (charger, adapters, battery pack, cables) which fit nicely into a rather large carrying case. I must admit to "case envy" when the person wearing the Bose next to me puts his into a nice small case. That said, mine has enough extra room for the mp3 player, cell phone and a snickers bar. The case includes a nifty pocket on the outside to hold my boarding pass.

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• 10 stars

  Excellent, with comments...

  by paulallengraves on October 14, 2009

  Pros: Superior noise reduction, without debate. That is my primary reason for getting them, and they are several dB better than the QC2, on triple-sevens (one engine on each wing) and 747s (two engines on each wing, which is more noisy).

  Cons: The QC2s exaggerate bass (a bose constant) but for many (including me) we prefer more bass. So I tweak the bass a bit on my player, problem solved.
  
  Battery life: More is better. There's a small pack for a pair of disposable AAs,

  Summary: All in all there's a lot of little stuff to carry around in the headphone case. Bose's QC2 is smaller. QC2s have better bass response, and have better ...

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  Summary: All in all there's a lot of little stuff to carry around in the headphone case. Bose's QC2 is smaller. QC2s have better bass response, and have better battery life.
  Sony's are just as comfortable, the bass response can be equalized, and batteries have to be carried anyway. But the Sony's are much quieter. If you are looking for the best noise reduction, these are unmatched. (even my etymotics don't do as well.)

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• 10 stars

  THE BEST NC HEADPHONE

  by AWZ11ZB on November 19, 2008

  Pros: IMPRESSIVE NC MODE. WITH A REAL I.A
  VERY CONFORTABLE
  QUALITY OF SONY
  NUMBERS OF ACCESORIES
  THE BEST LOOK AND DESIGN
  BATERY LIFE
  VERY GOOD SOUND

  Cons: THE PRICE OF SONY

  Summary: THE BEST NC,
  FORGET THE AIRPLANE NOISE, YOU CANT EVEN HEARD PEOPLE TALKING,
  CONFORT, AND SLEEK DESIGN, BATTERIE LIFE IS GOOD, I HAD A 20H FLIGHT WITH IT.
  THE CASE ...

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  Summary: THE BEST NC,
  FORGET THE AIRPLANE NOISE, YOU CANT EVEN HEARD PEOPLE TALKING,
  CONFORT, AND SLEEK DESIGN, BATTERIE LIFE IS GOOD, I HAD A 20H FLIGHT WITH IT.
  THE CASE IS BIG BUT IT PROTECTS VERY WELL THE HEADPHONE, AND WE TALKING ABOUT QUALITY HERE, LEATHER CASE
  FORGET ABOUT BOSE, I TRIED THEM, RIDICULOUS NC IN FLIGHT, IT IMPLIFY PEOPLE TALKING; NON IA PROCESSOR, VERY UGLY.
  FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS HEADPHONE CAUZ THEY ARE EXPENSIVE (400USD) AND VERY HARD TO FIND IN A STORE.
  NOT FRAGILE LIKE THE BOSE
  ALSO, IF YOU FLY WITH CATHAY PACIFIC, OR SINGAPORE AIRLINE, WHICH ARE FOR ME THE 2 BEST AIR COMPANY IN TERMES OF QUALITY, YOU SHOULD NOTICE ON THE AIR PROGRAM THAT THEY SUPPORT AND ADVERTISE BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF EACH MOVIE THE SONY NC 500.
  VOILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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