I'm glad I did not pay much for these, because I threw them away after two uses. I bought them to save space in my carry-on during my last vacation. I should have stuck with bigger ones that worked better. I could not get the bud to stay in my ear, even the over-ear clip did not help - these things are made for people with HUGE ears.
Ergonomically they might be comfortable, but I haven't logged the time to tell. They certainly feel like they'll stay on through most activities.
4' cord with L-shaped 3.5mm mini-plug
Product Description
Use these headphones to block out noise, listen to music, or do both at once! Sony Noise Canceling Headphones reduce outside noise by more than 70%. Listen to Beethoven without being bothered by the symphony of your neighbor's buzz saw. Take in the latest Salsa sounds on planes or trains. These magnificent headphones feature a "noise canceller" on/off switch (in case you need to hear what's going on around you) and a headband that folds for easy storage. It reduces noise by 70% (10dB) making it ideal for travel - it gives you peace and quiet on planes, trains, buses and cars. It is also ideal for outdoor use when you are gardening or on a noisy street. Its noise canceling circuit actually senses outside noise with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the headphones; cancels noise from 50Hz to 1, 000Hz, with a maximum of 10dB noise cancellation in the critical range from 100 to 400 Hz - where the human ear is super-sensitive. Enjoy its closed headphone design that gives you greater isolation from outside sound. Its folding headband and pivoting earpads make for easy storage in a backpack, briefcase or purse improving their portability.
Amazon.com
Retreat to a world of music, sleep on airplanes, or focus all your attention on study materials with Sony's stereo Noise-Canceling Headphones. They fit comfortably and have soft, high-quality speakers that completely cover your ears for an all-encompassing listening experience. Unlike lower-end models, these speakers don't pinch, leak sound, or cause pain with an in-ear insert. The noise-canceling feature blocks out 70 percent of all low-frequency sound. You'll still be able to hear someone speaking directly to you, but ambient noise--papers being ruffled, the rumble of an engine--disappears almost completely. Headphones plug into a Sony Discman, Walkman, and most other portable stereos or receivers. A mini jack allows you to plug the headphones into the standard jacks in airplane armrests, which will give you much better sound than the $5 disposables will for in-flight music services and movies. Sony's Noise-Canceling Headphones fold up for easy packing in a briefcase or carry-on luggage. One AAA battery is required to operate the noise-canceling function. --Cristina Vaamonde
Amazon.com Product Description
If you are looking for a pair of headphones to use in loud areas, these headphones will fit the bill. The MDR-NC20 headphones are a nice companion for the airplane, the bus ride or a loud dorm building. The noise canceling system reduces outside noise by seventy percent (10dB), allowing you to hear the music accurately. To help reduce the amount of outside noise entering the ear, Sony has made these earphones with a closed type design.
The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, delivering quality sound. Sony has installed several technical features to the headphones to ensure a quality listening experience. The thirty millimeter drive units deliver deep bass, low distortion and a wide frequency response range (16 - 22,000 Hz). Neodymium magnets give the headphones maximum energy at a minimal size and weight. These magnets also produce ample sound output with 99 dB sensitivity (NC on.) The detachable input cord allows you to connect directly to an audio source.
The headphones fold up for compact storage. The pivoting earpads are both comfortable and storable. To turn on the noise canceling system, simply flip the on/off switch. A red power LED light illuminates when powered-on. The headphones run on one AAA battery, which will run for up to forty-five hours (alkaline).
What's in the Box
Sony MDR-NC20 headphones, separate input cord and user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
(two stars!) Mechanical creaking and pressure on ear lobes, not so cool........2006-06-14
After having used this headphone for a little over a year it has become virtually unusable. The plastic parts started creaking very soon. What seemed to be tolerable in the beginning has become ridiculous now. It is triggered by the slightest movement of the head, the jaw or even by taking a deep breath and sounds like an old ski-boot right on your ear.
The shells do not encompass the ears but rather sit on the outer rim of the earlobes. And no, I don't have extremely big ears. That's simply how this headset was designed. Watching an entire film on a plane leaves you with hurting ears. The noise reduction is very good but I'd rather go nuts from the engine noise than wear the Sony MDR-NC20 for the duration of a transatlantic flight.
The sound quality with noise canceling switched off is feeble and thin. However with the noise canceling on very satisfactory.
Update: Now the cable has come apart and one side of the headphones has gone mute. After careful usage for a little over one year the MDR-NC20 is officially broken. I really wanted to love this thing and I treated it with more careful respect than anyone who actually takes their headphones on the road all the time. I will check out the Bose noise cancelers next...
(2 STARS) Sound good - Noise Canceling Poor.......2006-01-04
Sound quality of the headset (noise canceling off) is good. I'm not an expert, but I'm satisfied with the way music sounds.
As for the noise canceling, I'm not satisfied. If you've never owned the Bose Quiet Comfort then you may (I repeat may) think this is what noise canceling is all about. Unfortunately I was once blessed with the opportunity to use a set of the Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones (First Generation) and the noise canceling feature on the MDR-NC20 is weak.
With or without music, there is a lot of static. This may sound odd (to have a headset on with no music) but one of the great features of noise canceling headsets is to completely block out all the noise around you and allow you to feel isolated from a loud or crowded area. This is great for working, studying or just relaxing. However, my MDR-NC20's have annoying static that completely prevents me from having this ability. You can improve that by unplugging the main portion of the headset from the extended portion of the cord, that plugs into the headphone jack, but it's only an improvement. This doesn't help, if you want to cancel out background noise and listen to music, which to me would be the whole point of wanting noise canceling headphones.
For the price, Sony has allowed the average bear to see what noice canceling is like, to some that may be enough. I personally wish I had taken the money for the MDR-NC20 and put it towards a set of the Bose.
PS: I wanted to give it two stars. I accidentally had 3 stars selected and when I went back to edit it, I could not change the rating.
Good sound, but problems and too expensive.......2005-11-09
When I first ordered the headphones, I recieved them in the mail and they did not work, the wires or connections were messed up, I could only hear music out of one of the earphones. So I returned in in the mail. They sent me a new pair and the new one worked, it sounded really good. The only complaint, it put a lot of pressure on my ears and it bothered me if I listened to music for longer than an hour. Then after having the headphones for a year, I had the same problem that I had with the first pair. I could only hear music out of one earphone. I take care of my headphones and don't see how this could happen again unless these are not made very well. These are expensive headphones, you expect them to last a long time, but they didn't. Right now I'm trying to find out if I can replace part of the Headphone and see if it works.
MDR-NC20's are great. MDR-NC50's are LOUSY.......2005-10-03
The SONY-NC20 Noise cancelling headphones are great. Unfortunately, they have been discontinued.
I was able to find them listed on Amazon.com, and ordered them. However, the vendor sent MDR-NC50's, evidently the replacement model, and far inferior from an audio standpoint.
The vendor agreed to return them, but I was responsible for shipping them back.
Wearing the MDR-NC50 headphones yeilds an unpleasant "negative pressure" sensation on the eardrums. The sound, when using NC feature, also suffers, and is very "canned".
Great product.......2005-06-05
I have used the headphones for 2 years -- they offer a material reduction in the "droning" noise on airplanes.
Even when I am ready to sleep and I turn my music off, I leave the headphones on and it reduces the ambient noise.
I think you arrive much less fatigued.
Product Description
self-adjusting double headband with built-in auto power on/off sensor * around-the-ear earcups * selectable 3-channel transmission * automatic tuning * frequency response 18-22,000 Hz * range up to 150 feet * up to 25 hours use with built-in NiMH rechargeable battery * AC adapter * headset weight: 12.3 oz. * transmitter: 5-3/16"W x 5-5/16"H x 5-15/16"D * warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor
Amazon.com Product Description
This wireless headphone system was designed to connect with your TV or stereo system. The 900 MHz wireless system -- similar technology as the 900 MHz cordless phones -- allows you to move around the room without that pesky cord draping behind. It is easy to connect to TV, VCR, DVD or audio systems with the supplied connecting cord and plug adaptor. This system includes both transmitter and headphones.
The high power radio frequency (RF) transmitter provides excellent sound quality and transmission range, especially when compared to earlier wireless systems. The MDR-RF975RKs have a transmission range of 150 feet. The headband is self-adjusting and sports two, snug-fitting bands. The headphones come with a rechargeable Ni-MH battery. The system sports an automatic headphone battery charge system and will recharge the headphone's Ni-MH battery whenever they are set in the transmitter. You can expect an impressive twenty-five hours of use from a fully charged battery.
The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, delivering quality sound. Sony has installed several technical features in the headphones to ensure a quality listening experience. There are three transmission channels to assist in optimal reception. You can manually choose the best channel on the headphones, or choose the auto-select option and the headphones will scan for the best signal. The thirty millimeter drive units deliver deep bass, low distortion and a wide frequency response range (18 - 22,000 Hz). Neodymium magnets give the headphones maximum energy at a minimal size and weight. The PET diaphragms offer low distortion and resists bending and flexing. The closed, circum-aural design is comfortable and limits external noise. This type of headphone positions the drive units at the optimal distance from the ear canal and creates a sealed resonance chamber for excellent bass sound. To further reduce extraneous sound, Sony has incorporated a noise reduction transmission system. With the mute button you can quickly shut off the music or TV noise.
The transmitter's inputs, along with the supplied connecting cord, make it easy to connect your audio or TV component. There is even a supplied UniMatch plug to ensure compatibility. With this adaptor, you can connect the transmitter to various sound sources. These plugs accommodate both the phone jack found on high fidelity components or the mini-jack found on video components. A single volume control is found on the right earpiece for simple volume adjustments. Finally, there is an automatic power switch on both the headphones and transmitter to help conserve battery and equipment life. (The unit turns back on when the transmitter detects a signal, while the headphones turn on when they sense their placement on your head.) The headphones weigh 12.25 ounces and are a modern silver color.
What's in the Box
Sony MDR-RF975RK headphones, transmitter, connecting cord, UniMatch adaptor, AC adaptor and user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Terrible sound quality- like a cheap radio (I returned them).......2004-12-04
This sony PRODUCT MDR-RF975RK was aweful. The volume was very low, I had to crank the volume on my sterio to hear anything, there was lots of static and as you moved around it would suddenly turn into a deafening screeming sound. I was unable to use these comfortably at home or at work. In neither place do I have a cordless phone, but there was tons of interferance and they were so abrasive to my ears I gave up beacuse I was afraid I'd get ear damage. I let them charge for a full 24 hours before I used them.
I would not even try these- they sound worse than a 2$ raido speaker. My guess is that you have to have a chord, or maybe infared technology instead, or maybe you can;t live in a city ( like I do), and must not have any electornics anywhere near them.
I bought these from ( and returned them to) Vanns, which was A GOOD COMPANY to deal with. I thank Vanns for refunding my money so quickly.
Pleased UNTIL these died completely.......2004-07-01
I've had these for about 6 months. They sound great and work very well far from the source. To me the most important part of the headphones is how comfortable they feel. These feel good, but I eventually feel the need to remove them [perhaps it's the earrings].
AMENDING my review to ONE STAR: these headphones stopped working after about 8 months
Died after 40 days.......2004-04-15
I was very happy with the headphones until one afternoon they stopped working. I played with the controls and modes without luck. I moved them around on my head and they began working again (as if a wire was not making good contact somewhere). The next day they died completely.
I called sony since they were still under the 90 day waranty and after two long phone calls they said that they are eligable for replacement. However, they will be replaced only with a refurbished set that is "similar", but the person on the phone could provide no details on what kind of replacement this would be.
For the price I would expect better service (ie money back, replacement with new unit), and that they would last more than fourty days.
Think twice........2004-03-13
After receiving the headphones and following the directions to charge 24 hours, they worked fine the first couple times they were used. Then I began noticing that the indicator light on the base showed the power on when they were not in use. Shortly after, the headphones started to die after a few minutes use and would not recharge even when left as long as 2 days undisturbed.
Sony instructed me to send them in for service. After many, many follow-up calls I was told that my headphones could not be repaired and I would be sent a replacement. After many, many more calls Sony informed me that there were no replacements available and none expected within the foreseeable future. Sony offered me a full refund of the purchase price, which I accepted.
After 3 months I am again looking for a set of wireless headphones. The Sennheiser RS-65 set looks good to me. While I applaud Sony for doing the right thing and issuing me a refund, I cannot recommend this Sony product.
Light wt, easy to use, battery will not charge correctly.......2004-02-24
We bought the 900 MHZ unit because of its light wt. and distance of use. We spent the first 48 hr charging it like directed, it should have taken 24 hr., but the light did go off finally. The unit worked great all around the house with very little static. After using it 5 days the battery ran out, we put it on the recharger for another 48 hours, and the charging light never went off as directed telling us it was now charged compleatly. We called Sony and was informed the battery charge light and charge should shut off after 24 hours if not it is defective and should be replaces or repaired. We took it back and got another unit only to have the battery light never shut off after 36 hours the first time around. Sony no longer has any service centers and sends you to "Parts/Accessory Inquiries" these people know even less about this device. Are the direction wrong, will the unit battery give out from over charging, will the head set finally not recharge at all, for $150.00 thoses are big questions.
Cheap Consumer Electronics:
- Cyber Acoustics AC-850 Silver USB Stereo Headset/Microphone with In-line Volume Control
- EDGE - Memory - 1 GB - SO DIMM 200-pin - DDR - 333 MHz / PC2700 - CL2.5 - 2.5 V
- EDGE - Memory - 2 GB ( 2 x 1 GB ) - DIMM 240-pin - DDR II - 400 MHz / PC2-3200 - registered - ECC
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- EDGE - Memory - 64 MB - DIMM 168-pin
- EDGE Tech 1 GB DDR SDRAM Memory Module 1GB 400MHz DDR400-PC3200 Non-ECC DDR SDRAM 184-pin DIMM D2184
- eVGA NVIDIA e-GeForce FX 5500 256 MB, 128 bit DDR AGP 8X VGA/DVI/TV Video Card (256-A8-N313-LX)
- Fujifilm 512 MB XD Type M Picture Card ( 600002308 )
Cheap Consumer Electronics List
Cheap Consumer Electronics
Accessories & Supplies
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Refurbished & Used
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Special Features
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Electronics Features
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Electronics
Xtreme TB264DKO 264-Disc CD/DVD Case
Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)
KHypermedia 80-Minute/700 MB 48x Blank CD-Rs (200-Pack Spindle)
Sony PC-234S Audio Plug Adaptor
bang for the buck.......2005-10-10
