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Sennheiser PXC 300 Noise Cancelling Headphones
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(4.0 out of 5)
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Quite useful for any traveler.
(5 out of 5) by Theseus on Aug 20, 2006 (Louisiana)Pros:
-Excellent noise cancelling capability
-Extremely comfortable for extended periods of time
-Great battery life
-Good audio quality (see qualification below)
-Fold up into a relatively compact space
Cons:
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, only works on lower frequencies
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, adds a low-level hiss of white noise to the background when on
-The electronics unit on the cord gets in the way
-Will not cut out as much noise as in-ear units
-Origami-like folding requires some patience
IF you are one of the lucky few who can tolerate in-ear buds (the headphones that stick into your ear canal like earplugs) AND find buds that seal off your ear canals adequately, you'll get much better noise reduction than noise cancelling headphones provide. Earbuds also provide noise reduction over a wider spectrum and do passively in the same way those little foam earplugs do. This is also, obviously, the most portable option, as these units often fit in small cases a little larger than a silver dollar in diameter.
For the rest of us, there's the noise cancelling option. So about 2 years ago I decided to go this route. I was doing a lot of traveling by plane and found the general cabin noise and engine drone to be distracting when listening to music. I went by an in-airport electronics store and tried out all of the noise cancelling headphones they had (including the highest end Bose units). I found the Sennheiser PXC 250 provided significantly higher quality audio than any of the others (including the Bose Quiet Comfort series), with a smaller package, with better noise cancelling ability, and at a lower cost. I was able to test all headsets in a side-by-side comparison with and without music in a busy airport terminal (Atlanta) and with and without noise cancelling. Let's just say the difference is impressive.
I just purchased the PXC 300 model and have found them to be even better, just as you would expect. This review applies equally to the PXC 250 model except where noted. A comparison of the two is at the bottom.
That said, all noise cancelling headphones have limitations.
First, they all are better at low-frequency noise reduction. I've heard several explanations for this ranging from technological limitations to safety reasons. Suffice it to say that they all reduce engine noise, repetitive noise (such as fans), and most ambient noise significantly. They will reduce the volume of surrounding conversations less (though still some). So this means, though you will not be put on an island of tranquility, you will have a noticeable reduction in ambient noise. The easiest way to prove this to yourself is to turn the noise cancelling circuit off and notice how much louder you tend to listen to your music in the same environment.
Second, in a quiet environment with no music playing through the headphones, you will notice a faint hiss added when noise cancelling is turned on. Most people won't notice this if they are listening to music (although some can). The amount of this noise varies from headphone to headphone and has no relationship to the quality of noise cancelling. In good quality headphones, the hiss is several orders of magnitude quieter than ambient noise in even moderately noisy environments.
Third, the noise cancelling requires circuitry and batteries to be placed somewhere. In the larger headphones (like most Bose Quiet Comfort series), they have enough room to put it in the headphones themselves. In smaller ones, like the Sennheiser units, they have a separate "wand" with the electronics in it. Neither of these is an ideal solution.
Considering all of the above, I have found the Sennheiser PXC 250 & 300 models to be the best compromise. The amount of hiss added in the background is minimal and is easily ignored in most situations. If you are an audiophile, you'll probably notice it, so you are better off in quiet places using a more traditional headset. If you are traveling, though, the hiss is such a small sacrafice compared to the ambient noise you're losing, that it's an easy trade. Of all the models I tried, the Sennheiser units were among the quietest.
When compared to the Bose Quiet Comfort 2, I find the sound quality to be superior in the Sennheiser units. The Sennheisers don't muddy the sound as much as the Bose units and the instruments on the soundstage are more distinct. Don't get me wrong. None of these units are studio reference-quality headphones. Considering the price, though, the Sennheiser units sound about as good as comparably priced non-noise cancelling headphones, if not a little better (the PXC 250 being cheaper). Besides, if you're so picky about sound quality, why aren't you listening to your music at home instead of on a plane?
I found the PXC 250's level of noise cancellation to be better than the Bose units'. The PXC 300 is even better. This may surprise some people due to the fact that the Bose QC2 unit covers the whole outside of the ear, pressing firmly against the side of the skull with the leather covered foam pads whereas the Sennheisers only press up against the ear itself. Thus, there are a lot more gaps for sound to creep into your ear canal with the smaller Sennheisers. So, as counterintuitive as it may seem, the Sennheisers still do a significantly better job of cancelling noise than do the Bose units. This may be due, in part, to the whole nature of noise cancelling and the fact that the headphones are actively cancelling out noise rather than relying on passive measures.
PXC 250 vs. PXC 300
So, comparing the PXC 250 to the 300 is the final task. Both units have the same form factor, the same "wand" containing two AAA batteries, and essentially the same look. Both are extremely comfortable for long periods of time (both are traditional over-the-head designs), though can get warm from body heat against the leather headphone cushions. Also, both fold into a smaller area in exactly the same way. The headphones have extra hinges that essentially allow the units to fold into about half the space and loosely lock in place. It's a little challenging, though, for some people to get the hang of it in the same way that a lot of people have trouble folding up car maps.
According to the company, the PXC 300 is supposed to be superior in regards to noise cancelling. This is probably provable in a laboratory setting, but is much less noticeable in the real world. Thus, in this regard, the PXC 250 is the better deal.
Sound quality is also very similar between the two. Bearing in mind that you're listening to these in noisy environments, the PXC 300 probably doesn't warrant the extra money.
Finally, and somewhat strangely, the two units come with two different carrying cases. The PXC 300 comes with a semi-hard ballistic nylon type case that opens like a clamshell with a zipper. It provides a reasonable amount of protection to the headphones. Unfortunately, I like the PXC 250 case better. It is a soft case made of ballistic nylon. However, it has a belt loop and an extra zippered pocket on the outside. Thus, you can separate your spare batteries and plug adapters from your headphones. In addition, the soft case is perfect for also carrying around an iPod in. The PXC 300 hard case has no belt loops, no extra pocket, and is a little more of a chore to carry around along with all your luggage. I'm actually swapping it out for the PXC 250 case.
In summation, the PXC 250 and 300 are both noticeably superior to their noise cancelling competitors in their intended purpose, both in sound quality and in noise reduction. They will not compete against high end non-noise cancelling units in a quiet environment, nor will they compete with in-ear buds with a comfortable fit and a complete ear canal seal (which I find uncomfortable). They will, however, provide a marked increase in comfort and quiet on those long plane, bus, and car trips, and will likely become a faithful traveling companion.
Of the two, the PXC 250 is probably the better deal. The differences in noise cancelling and sound quality between the models are minimal, especially when considering the intended environment, but the price difference is not.
-Excellent noise cancelling capability
-Extremely comfortable for extended periods of time
-Great battery life
-Good audio quality (see qualification below)
-Fold up into a relatively compact space
Cons:
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, only works on lower frequencies
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, adds a low-level hiss of white noise to the background when on
-The electronics unit on the cord gets in the way
-Will not cut out as much noise as in-ear units
-Origami-like folding requires some patience
IF you are one of the lucky few who can tolerate in-ear buds (the headphones that stick into your ear canal like earplugs) AND find buds that seal off your ear canals adequately, you'll get much better noise reduction than noise cancelling headphones provide. Earbuds also provide noise reduction over a wider spectrum and do passively in the same way those little foam earplugs do. This is also, obviously, the most portable option, as these units often fit in small cases a little larger than a silver dollar in diameter.
For the rest of us, there's the noise cancelling option. So about 2 years ago I decided to go this route. I was doing a lot of traveling by plane and found the general cabin noise and engine drone to be distracting when listening to music. I went by an in-airport electronics store and tried out all of the noise cancelling headphones they had (including the highest end Bose units). I found the Sennheiser PXC 250 provided significantly higher quality audio than any of the others (including the Bose Quiet Comfort series), with a smaller package, with better noise cancelling ability, and at a lower cost. I was able to test all headsets in a side-by-side comparison with and without music in a busy airport terminal (Atlanta) and with and without noise cancelling. Let's just say the difference is impressive.
I just purchased the PXC 300 model and have found them to be even better, just as you would expect. This review applies equally to the PXC 250 model except where noted. A comparison of the two is at the bottom.
That said, all noise cancelling headphones have limitations.
First, they all are better at low-frequency noise reduction. I've heard several explanations for this ranging from technological limitations to safety reasons. Suffice it to say that they all reduce engine noise, repetitive noise (such as fans), and most ambient noise significantly. They will reduce the volume of surrounding conversations less (though still some). So this means, though you will not be put on an island of tranquility, you will have a noticeable reduction in ambient noise. The easiest way to prove this to yourself is to turn the noise cancelling circuit off and notice how much louder you tend to listen to your music in the same environment.
Second, in a quiet environment with no music playing through the headphones, you will notice a faint hiss added when noise cancelling is turned on. Most people won't notice this if they are listening to music (although some can). The amount of this noise varies from headphone to headphone and has no relationship to the quality of noise cancelling. In good quality headphones, the hiss is several orders of magnitude quieter than ambient noise in even moderately noisy environments.
Third, the noise cancelling requires circuitry and batteries to be placed somewhere. In the larger headphones (like most Bose Quiet Comfort series), they have enough room to put it in the headphones themselves. In smaller ones, like the Sennheiser units, they have a separate "wand" with the electronics in it. Neither of these is an ideal solution.
Considering all of the above, I have found the Sennheiser PXC 250 & 300 models to be the best compromise. The amount of hiss added in the background is minimal and is easily ignored in most situations. If you are an audiophile, you'll probably notice it, so you are better off in quiet places using a more traditional headset. If you are traveling, though, the hiss is such a small sacrafice compared to the ambient noise you're losing, that it's an easy trade. Of all the models I tried, the Sennheiser units were among the quietest.
When compared to the Bose Quiet Comfort 2, I find the sound quality to be superior in the Sennheiser units. The Sennheisers don't muddy the sound as much as the Bose units and the instruments on the soundstage are more distinct. Don't get me wrong. None of these units are studio reference-quality headphones. Considering the price, though, the Sennheiser units sound about as good as comparably priced non-noise cancelling headphones, if not a little better (the PXC 250 being cheaper). Besides, if you're so picky about sound quality, why aren't you listening to your music at home instead of on a plane?
I found the PXC 250's level of noise cancellation to be better than the Bose units'. The PXC 300 is even better. This may surprise some people due to the fact that the Bose QC2 unit covers the whole outside of the ear, pressing firmly against the side of the skull with the leather covered foam pads whereas the Sennheisers only press up against the ear itself. Thus, there are a lot more gaps for sound to creep into your ear canal with the smaller Sennheisers. So, as counterintuitive as it may seem, the Sennheisers still do a significantly better job of cancelling noise than do the Bose units. This may be due, in part, to the whole nature of noise cancelling and the fact that the headphones are actively cancelling out noise rather than relying on passive measures.
PXC 250 vs. PXC 300
So, comparing the PXC 250 to the 300 is the final task. Both units have the same form factor, the same "wand" containing two AAA batteries, and essentially the same look. Both are extremely comfortable for long periods of time (both are traditional over-the-head designs), though can get warm from body heat against the leather headphone cushions. Also, both fold into a smaller area in exactly the same way. The headphones have extra hinges that essentially allow the units to fold into about half the space and loosely lock in place. It's a little challenging, though, for some people to get the hang of it in the same way that a lot of people have trouble folding up car maps.
According to the company, the PXC 300 is supposed to be superior in regards to noise cancelling. This is probably provable in a laboratory setting, but is much less noticeable in the real world. Thus, in this regard, the PXC 250 is the better deal.
Sound quality is also very similar between the two. Bearing in mind that you're listening to these in noisy environments, the PXC 300 probably doesn't warrant the extra money.
Finally, and somewhat strangely, the two units come with two different carrying cases. The PXC 300 comes with a semi-hard ballistic nylon type case that opens like a clamshell with a zipper. It provides a reasonable amount of protection to the headphones. Unfortunately, I like the PXC 250 case better. It is a soft case made of ballistic nylon. However, it has a belt loop and an extra zippered pocket on the outside. Thus, you can separate your spare batteries and plug adapters from your headphones. In addition, the soft case is perfect for also carrying around an iPod in. The PXC 300 hard case has no belt loops, no extra pocket, and is a little more of a chore to carry around along with all your luggage. I'm actually swapping it out for the PXC 250 case.
In summation, the PXC 250 and 300 are both noticeably superior to their noise cancelling competitors in their intended purpose, both in sound quality and in noise reduction. They will not compete against high end non-noise cancelling units in a quiet environment, nor will they compete with in-ear buds with a comfortable fit and a complete ear canal seal (which I find uncomfortable). They will, however, provide a marked increase in comfort and quiet on those long plane, bus, and car trips, and will likely become a faithful traveling companion.
Of the two, the PXC 250 is probably the better deal. The differences in noise cancelling and sound quality between the models are minimal, especially when considering the intended environment, but the price difference is not.
383 of 389 people found the following review helpful:
Its all about your level of expectation.....
(4 out of 5) by Scott H. on May 28, 2005 (Miami, FL United States)If you're expecting to buy these and cancel ALL outside noises, then you need NOT apply. The PXC300 like all (Bose, previous Sennheisers, Sony's, etc.) are designed to cancel out certain frequency ranges that prove to be the most annoying to commuters/travellers. These range in the 300hz - 1Khz band. Most sounds outside this range are unaffected. The positive is that for travellers looking to drown out that annoying aircraft cabin noise, these will work wonders for you. They'll also work well in auto's, trains, etc. What they are not as good for is cancelling out conversations (although they will mute it somewhat) and other higher frequency sounds around you.
Sound quality is good but not quite in the excellent category. IMO, they are better than the Bose since I find the Bose to sound very colored (sound is not the same as the source - typical Bose), the Bose seems to bottom out the bass driver when playing certain types of music, and finally the Bose noise cancellation circuit introduces more hiss than these Sennheisers.
Ergonomically the Sennheisers will travel well with you. The carry case fits the headphones, battery stick and adapters very well. The Bose, on the other hand, is a huge monster that takes up half your carry luggage.
If you're looking for a true sound isolation headphone you'd need to look at something like the Shure E4C or the Etymotic ER4P. These truly sound great and accurate while virtually eliminating ALL outside sound. The downside is that they are in ear headphones and many find them uncomfortable and difficult to wear on an airplane, especially when cabin pressure changes and your ears can't equalize the pressure as easily.
Sound quality is good but not quite in the excellent category. IMO, they are better than the Bose since I find the Bose to sound very colored (sound is not the same as the source - typical Bose), the Bose seems to bottom out the bass driver when playing certain types of music, and finally the Bose noise cancellation circuit introduces more hiss than these Sennheisers.
Ergonomically the Sennheisers will travel well with you. The carry case fits the headphones, battery stick and adapters very well. The Bose, on the other hand, is a huge monster that takes up half your carry luggage.
If you're looking for a true sound isolation headphone you'd need to look at something like the Shure E4C or the Etymotic ER4P. These truly sound great and accurate while virtually eliminating ALL outside sound. The downside is that they are in ear headphones and many find them uncomfortable and difficult to wear on an airplane, especially when cabin pressure changes and your ears can't equalize the pressure as easily.
174 of 180 people found the following review helpful:
Great travel companion
(5 out of 5) by VSOP on Apr 2, 2005 (Pelotas, Brazil)This is my first noise-canceling headphone. So I was very curious to see how it worked. And how good its sound was. I must say I'm very satisfied - the phones are well worth the price.
The phones are very light, and very soft to wear. They fit tight and their very good cushioning provide already an excellent sound insulation from the ambient. It is possible to wear the phones for hours without getting tired or your ears sore.
Without noise-canceling, the phones present a clear sound, with crisp treble e strong bass. Being closed, there is some problem with building a "natural" sound image, specially with pop music where stereo separation is artificially increased. Otherwise, sound quality is hi-fi class.
Turning noise-canceling on has in fact two effects. There is some amplification of the signal. In my case, that's great given my laptop has a somewhat low output. The amplification is coupled with a sort of "loudness" effect. There is a clear reinforcement of bass and treble. What might disturb purists actually works great for noisy environments. What about the noise-canceling effect itself? Well, it's quite amazing given you don't expect miracles. Basically, the "oooossshhh" sound generated by air conditioning, plane engines, or the bus rolling on the road disappears, or is greatly reduced. This is enough for a much greater enjoyment of your music.
My only disappointment was that the noise-canceling unit is not detachable as I expected. So, even if you don't intend to use noise reduction you have to carry the unit, that is a little larger than a fountain pen. Alas.
The phones are very light, and very soft to wear. They fit tight and their very good cushioning provide already an excellent sound insulation from the ambient. It is possible to wear the phones for hours without getting tired or your ears sore.
Without noise-canceling, the phones present a clear sound, with crisp treble e strong bass. Being closed, there is some problem with building a "natural" sound image, specially with pop music where stereo separation is artificially increased. Otherwise, sound quality is hi-fi class.
Turning noise-canceling on has in fact two effects. There is some amplification of the signal. In my case, that's great given my laptop has a somewhat low output. The amplification is coupled with a sort of "loudness" effect. There is a clear reinforcement of bass and treble. What might disturb purists actually works great for noisy environments. What about the noise-canceling effect itself? Well, it's quite amazing given you don't expect miracles. Basically, the "oooossshhh" sound generated by air conditioning, plane engines, or the bus rolling on the road disappears, or is greatly reduced. This is enough for a much greater enjoyment of your music.
My only disappointment was that the noise-canceling unit is not detachable as I expected. So, even if you don't intend to use noise reduction you have to carry the unit, that is a little larger than a fountain pen. Alas.
74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
Sennheiser PXC 300 vs Bose Quiet Comfort 2
(4 out of 5) by Joe Bruce on Aug 26, 2005 (Somewhere)I have used the Sennheiser PXC 300 and the Bose QC2 on domestic U.S. and trans-Pacific flights to/from Australia. Here are the relative strengths and weaknesses:
PXC 300
- smaller & lighter
- takes up less room in carry-on
- plays without active noise cancelling feature turned on
Bose QC2
- fully cover the ears to shield maximum sound in-leakage
- somewhat more comfortable on long flights
- will not play without noise cancelling feature turned on
I like the Bose but must tip in favor of the Sennheiser's given the substantial price difference. Wake up Bose... think "value priced smart design".
PXC 300
- smaller & lighter
- takes up less room in carry-on
- plays without active noise cancelling feature turned on
Bose QC2
- fully cover the ears to shield maximum sound in-leakage
- somewhat more comfortable on long flights
- will not play without noise cancelling feature turned on
I like the Bose but must tip in favor of the Sennheiser's given the substantial price difference. Wake up Bose... think "value priced smart design".
60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
Simply Amazing
(5 out of 5) by S. Lindvall on Jun 11, 2005For the price, you simply won't find a better set of noise-cancelling headphones. Believe me, I've looked and compared. I have read reviews stating that these are not as comfortable on long flights as the Bose QuietComfort 2 (which, by the way, cost over $100 more), but I find that hard to believe. I have worn these for several hours without the slightest bit of discomfort. The sound is amazing, as well. I have a rather good home theater system, and these sound better than it. The noise-cancelling works wonders at eliminating low-frequency droning noises, such as airplane engines, air conditioning and the like, with virtually no coloring of the music.
At prices ranging from $150 to more than $200 for a set (Amazon's is the best price of the major online retailers), these are not for everyone. However, if you want a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that actually work, and you demand excellent audio reproduction, you won't find any better than these. Included when you buy a set are two adapters (one for airplane audio jacks and one for larger stereo systems), batteries (for powering the noise-cancelling feature), and a very nice case that the headphones fold down into for compact storage and travelling. All-in-all, a terrific package.
At prices ranging from $150 to more than $200 for a set (Amazon's is the best price of the major online retailers), these are not for everyone. However, if you want a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that actually work, and you demand excellent audio reproduction, you won't find any better than these. Included when you buy a set are two adapters (one for airplane audio jacks and one for larger stereo systems), batteries (for powering the noise-cancelling feature), and a very nice case that the headphones fold down into for compact storage and travelling. All-in-all, a terrific package.