. The frequency of the active noise canceling drove me up the wall and I couldn’t handle them when there were long periods of silence between music tracks. However, I adjusted to them quickly. They can be used without the canceling activated as well.
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Another minor problem: I have a small head and without a hat on, they are a bit loose on top, even when they’re fully tightened. (They were lightweight and comfortable overall, however, and didn’t make my ears sweat like similar on-ear models I’ve tested.) The only other downside is the need for two AAA batteries that go into the left headphone, but it’s nothing a couple rechargeable batteries can’t handle.
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Besides a kick-ass zippered case, they come with a removable cord with one-eighth- and one-fourth-inch stereo adapters that include an in-line volume control. These can be stored in their own zippered pouch in the main case. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but there’s a section in the case that easily provides a snug place for an iPod.
I couldn’t rep these headphones anymore than I already do. Hopefully the ringing in my left ear will cease since I’ve stopped using my other cheapo headphones.
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::sigh:: another 300 dollar audiophile item that I can’t afford. I guess I’ll be stuck with my Apple iPod headphones until I can stop buying textbooks (which will be never).
Since these appear to be a direct competitor to the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones, both in functionality and price, why not provide some comparison between the two? Is one any better than the other?
Also, is this noise canceling technology so expensive that any quality headphones with it are always going to cost ~$300?
I own the Bose QC3 headphones. They are worth the extra money.
Alan-
While I didn’t have a pair of Bose or Sony’s on hand for a head to head comparison I have tried them before and the Able Planet’s were much better. I was extremely unimpressed by the Bose in every aspect. The newer Sony’s are terrible compared to the one’s of old.
I picked up a pair of these at the airport in Philadelphia yesterday for $150 + tax. I agree with the comment about the puke factor when there is no music playing, but I’ll get used to that. I had a 6 hour flight from Philadelphia to Seattle, and was able to play quieter music like Sigur Ros and Explosions In The Sky which I wouldn’t normally play on a flight – the sound quality is excellent, with very good bass. The noise cancelling on the flight was awesome. I fly several times a month for work, and I’m looking forward to getting a lot of use out of these headphones.