Seem to be very decent headphones at $30-$40 US, so a very good buy at this price. Obviously not as good as Bose etc, but still some very good reviews. And apparently very comfy to wear!
CamelCamelCamel.
I am not sure how much better any of the other affordable noise cancelling headphones are, but these look too bulky to travel with.
Might be worthwhile to to put the postage price in, as well as an approximate converted total cost
About $30 AUD delivered according to the auto postage calculation and exchange rate via xe.com (in reality, a tad more due to credit card conversion fees, etc)
First pair of noise cancelling, just ordered. NB: Unless you pay extra, doesn't look like it will arrive before christmas.
Added the 200GB MicroSD ($99USD)- total for both was $175AUD. Not bad at all
Looks like a great deal and an excuse to put another AAA eneloop to use. Gotta love a well reviewed product on Amazon with over 40 questions asked and answered.
I've just done some reading on wikipedia, two other places and scanned through the Amazon Q&As about active and passive headphones but I'm still not sure I understand them correctly. Am I correct in thinking that;
Passive noise cancelling is just the physical shape and design of the headphones - kind of like construction worker ear protection things although likely not as effective as those.
Active noise cancelling is where some technology comes into it but really only works best for the airplane engine noise situation. Loud talkers on the bus, or crying babies on an airplane are not going to be entirely blocked out by noise cancelling technology and you just have to hope your music is loud and busy enough that it might obscure the remainder of these outside noises. Edit: The babies and talkers will be reduced significantly in volume but not muted entirely? For someone like me that's a bit of a baby himself about dealing with annoying sounds these still may be quite helpful?
I have noisy neighbors and co-workers and I was hoping that noise cancelling headphones might help with that. I'd rather not feel or look like a neurotic by walking around at work or at home with ear plugs during the waking hours.
You're correct about the passive/active NC. I tried on some Bose QC25's in a store, and they have active NC. Almost all sounds were immediately cancelled out upon wearing the headphones. You can hear talk and chit-chat, but they're reduced to a murmur, and you cannot distinguish any words. Constant low-frequencies like hums are almost completely gone.
I don't think you'll ever want to completely cancel out everything though. On a plane, it's useful to watch out for announcements, etc.
Active NC is still a great technology, and if you are in places that have constant frequencies, such as a bus, car, aircraft, next to a noisy refrigerator at work etc, ANC will suit you best. If you're trying to block out talk and variable frequencies, passive NC will probably suit you better.
hey fezzo thanks for the reply
this question might be hard to answer if you haven't tried this particular pair of Panasonic or another low-budget type of headphones but I'll try anyway. the level of muffling you describe sounds quite good but do you think the effectiveness may have been because the QC25's are a significantly more expensive pair?
edit: just had a quick google but couldn't find an answer. surely someone makes headphones that are both passive and active noise cancelling? or to put it another way, noise isolating and noise cancelling?
Passive will simply be the amount of noise they can physically block, so for over the ear, the more they encapsulate the ear, the more they will block. Those that sit on the ear, less so. I have QC20s, the in ear model and if I am using them with the PS4, I do not hear the misses talking to me loudly 1 metre away. She never learns.
Yes, the more expensive, inherently the better job they will do. Bose are usually over priced under performing devices, except when it comes to ANC, in which case they are kings. Over ear, QC25s are the best, in ear QC20s are the best. Here is a decent review that tells how important the sealing of the ear is relevant tot how effective the ANC will work, ie wearing glasses ill effect over the ear models. -http://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2014/09/19/bose-quietcomfort-25-vs-quietcomfort-20/
I also have the Jabra C820s (over ear ANC) they are (were, now not made) a tonne cheaper than Bose, but still did 95% of the job. I use them when mowing etc..
I have used both types extensively. There is no such thing as 'passive noise cancelling', might be a new marketing term. There are isolating headphones built for blocking out outside noise physically through insulation and sealing off your ears. I have actually found the in ear earphones / canalphones to be the best for this: http://www.cnet.com/au/topics/headphones/best-headphones/ear…
Then there are the active ones, which attempt to actually cancel out sounds by generating an out of phase sound wave - this will give you an idea if you forgot your high school physics :-) http://www.centerpointaudio.com/Images/Noise-Canceling-Diagr…
These are extremely effective against low frequency repeating sounds / background noise like air conditioners, aircraft etc. Obviously, they cannot completely block off conversations and non repeating sounds since they can't 'react' fast enough. However the Bose ones at least have some sort of electronic isolation built in, which makes them at least as effective as isolating headphones even with non-repeating sounds. But they don't completely block off conversations etc., the best way to describe it is that people's voices seem further away. Someone sitting next to you will sound like they are at the other end of the room.
So an effective pair of active NC headphones is better than passive NC / isolating / closed / <insert marketing term> headphones in pretty much any situation. I use mine pretty much every day at work.
Remember, active NC headphones also protect your hearing by blocking out noise and letting you listen to your music at a lower volume since you don't need to pump up the volume. That is why I've never regretted the investment!
Thanks for the reply. What brand and model headphones did you buy?
Normally something that just physically blocks the sound is referred to as noise isolation, but I am sure in the USA that the marketing departments would still call them noise cancelling.
These have active noise cancellation.
Normally something that just physically blocks the sound is referred to as noise isolation, but I am sure in the USA that the marketing departments would still call them noise cancelling.
I wish Chrome had active noise cancellation so I could cancel posts from people who can't be bothered to check the specifications or read what the OP wrote before posting misleading information and attacking an entire country.
Bought one thanks
Great price, I paid $49 from dicks a month or two ago to wear in the office. Not as good nc as Bose qc25 but for the price, very reasonable. One battery lasts about 4 full days work. The headphone cups rotate a bit, but still kinda bulky. The plastic headband is pretty cheap and flimsy though. I prefer them to my momentum on-ears for office work, more comfortable and noise cancelling.
Thanks for that, just bought a pair. Estimated arrival date is 28th - 31st December.
intriguing…
Is it best to always pay in US$ ?
Your bank, your fees, your knowledge.
Sure down vote my comment, how a we to know the OPs bank fees. It is easy to see what you will pay from Amazon in Aus with their conversion, but I have no idea what the boogaloo's payment method and fees will be, so it 100% up to them to figure out.
Might be a stupid question but will the heeadphones plug into Australian devices? I know U.S. powerpoints are different to ours but im not sure about things like headphones. Thanks.
HeadPhone socket is same in most devices that fot 3mm jack
3.5mm actually
Any ETA for shipping period/time?
It shows you nn checkout process, try and see for yourself.
I got Monday, December 28 - Thursday, December 31 on my confirmed order email
It can vary based on your location and the method of delivery you chose, again, not hard to try it yourself and have factual details relevant to yourself instead of getting others info which may be completely different.
To anyone who is a frquent traveller a pair of qc15s or qc25s are a must, even if u wear them with no music to help sleep etc it still blocks out the entire noise of the plane including the screaming children, for that alone its worth it
I find the QC20s much better. The smaller size is a huge benefit alone, and I love not having the headband pressure on those loooong flights. Also easier to lie down with. The only downside is that you can't unplug the cable from the headphones and keep the headphones on and ANC running. it is all attached together. Also the battery is not replaceable, so lets see what happens in a few couple of years when it dies.
If im gonna use it mainly for PC gaming and dont really care about the noise cancelling, will i need batteries for it to still run?
If im gonna use it mainly for PC gaming and dont really care about the noise cancelling, will i need batteries for it to still run?
No.
….and got a further $5 off via the referral wiki… https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/amazon_app_referral_wili
Thanks. Estimated delivery: Dec. 28, 2015 - Dec. 31, 2015
How do they compare to all time OzB favourite - UE6000?
Aren't UE6000 not noise cancelling?
i think they are noise cancelling.
How do you get this price shipped? I have approx $30 AUD + $10 shipping for the slowest shipping rate…
Think it's expired - getting the same
Kudos to amazon for how fast they got here. just over a week
Mine turned up yesterday, what absolute heaps of shit these are. Worth $5, not a cent more. I wasn't expecting much from the noise cancelling, but they delivered nothing. I got two sets, and both they same usual heaps of junk, so not a one of problem.
Mine too. I'm wondering if I got duds. Noise cancelling does not work
Yeah look I have to say my expectations were low for a set at this price point but I was amazed at how there is NO difference when you turn on the noise cancelling except for the red light to confirm it is getting power. I was expecting there to be a low hiss or something as is often described for other sets. The only noise cancelling these things seem to be doing is from the physical shape of the cans and tightness around the ears. External ambient noise sounds exactly the same powered on or off.
How the hell are there 625 reviews on Amazon averaging at 3.5 stars out of 5? I better be able to flog these off for at least the $15 I paid but I think I will have a very tough time with that if anyone wants to try them out before buying.
I turned the power on — can still hear the humming of my computer fan. I read the manual and it claims that it can attenuate 81% of surrouding noises. Pfft. More like 1%…
No noise cancelling basically. But! These do a OK job of noise isolation and sound better than my Sennheiser 419's. They do clamp your head pretty hard though and it's not comfortable to wear for more than an hour at most.
I spoke to Amazon Chat today, they are processing a refund, no need to return these. I will give these to local charity shop.
I purchased two MDR-ZX770BN today from DSE, worked out to cost me about $103 each after all discounts. Night and day, they will get a good run through tomorrow.
nice work on getting the Sony for $103- may i ask how did you manage that? looking at them now, can only get them $10- cheaper with my mate rates coupon
They are $138.60 until the end of today - http://www.dicksmith.com.au/earphones-headphones/sony-blueto…
Thanks to the other half I get a Woolworths staff discount card, so that makes them $131.67 (Total for two = $263.34)
I purchased $250 of DSE cards form Woolworths, again 5% staff discount, so I paid $237.50 for that. I used Big W gift cards to pay that. They were purchased for 10% off in store in that recent deal, They were purchased in with eGift cards purchased mix of Groupon (7.5% and Cashrewards 10% discounts)
So the $237.50 I paid for the $250 DSE gift cards, actually cost me about $193.56. Add the $13.34 remaining form the total of $263.34 and that leaves a total outlay of $206.90. It is a little bit here or there as I can't remember the exact average I got from the combined Groupon/Cashrewards side. I say about 18.5%
Clear as mud eh.
I plan on doing a similar thing tomorrow to get a Soniq TV form JB. Only I don;t get the instore staff discount.
hi snuke,
I'm also unhappy with these headphones and would like to approach Amazon for a possible refund. Do you have any advice you can give based on what you said to them in order to get a refund?
Here is what went down:
Hi, the 2x Panasonic RPHC200K Headphones I ordered and received do not work as advertised. They offer no Noise-cancelling at all. There is no difference between On or Off.
03:33 AM PST Amazon: Hello, my name is Jaya. I'll be happy to help you.
03:34 AM PST Amazon: Can you hold for a minute or two while I pull up your order?
03:34 AM PST Me: Hi Jaya
okay
03:35 AM PST Amazon: I'm sorry to hear your item is defective Me
03:36 AM PST Me: Both of them, it seems a more poor product than singular fault / defect
03:37 AM PST Amazon: I've reported this feedback to the appropriate department in our concern to let them know about this and to make sure that this item is checked and corrected as soon as possible as business and suggestion of every customer is very important to us and we always take customers feedback seriously.
Thanks for your feedback Me
03:38 AM PST Amazon: If you wish I'll create a replacement at no additional cost or a full refund.
03:39 AM PST Me: A full refund would be preferred, I purchased two other Sony headphones today. These Panasonics are of no use and I would not like a replacement thanks.
03:39 AM PST Amazon: Yeah sure!
03:40 AM PST Amazon: May I place you on hold for 2 to 3 minutes while I create a refund for you?
03:40 AM PST Me: okay
03:44 AM PST Amazon: Thanks for waiting
03:45 AM PST Amazon: I've requested a refund of $36.96 to your American Express ****-. You'll see the refund in the next 2-3 business days.
There's no need to return the item.
03:45 AM PST Me: Thanks you, I will give these to a local charity shop.
03:46 AM PST Amazon: Sure :)
You're welcome to keep, donate or dispose of it - whichever option is most appropriate and convenient for you.
Then I got another email a day later:
This refund is for the following item(s):
Item: Panasonic RPHC200K Headphones
Quantity: 2
Reason for refund: Item not satisfactory
Here's the breakdown of your refund for this item:
Item Refund: AUD41.88
Shipping Refund: AUD11.53
Sorted, just got my refund then without any fuss or challenge. Now to find the closest charity that might otherwise have a use for these headphones
Had them delivered to my office - picked them up today and tried them. Perhaps I was lucky and got a pair that worked, but mine definitely do active noise cancellation. They don't of course kill everything, but the background hum from the aircon at work disappears when I turn on the headphones. So that's a positive. They are also light, fit my large head quite well, and came with a battery, a pouch, and an airplane socket adapter. On the negative side, although they fold flat they do not really collapse into a compact form factor for travel, and they are cheap looking & feeling. The jury is out as to how long they will last.
Overall - considering the price - I do not regret buying them (thanks OP) and look forward to my next flight in a few weeks to see how they go.
I am happy I got mine, because of the refund Amazon gave me on the headsets and freight, my freight costs for the two Flircs I also got was only $5 instead of about $25.
Even if there was some noise cancelling, these are super low quality from a construction stand point, I was disappointed before I put them on and have them not work properly.
Good to see yours do something, hopefully they do a good enough job and you’re happy with them.
thanks op