Maxell HPNCIV Noise Cancellation Headphone

I purchased 2 sets these primarily for use while traveling so my wife and I can enjoy movies and can listen to CDs and DVDs and actuallly be able to hear what's going one. The Maxwell NC headphones work quite well and for me are great "bang for the buck". Comparing cost, what they do and the value to me, I just couldn't convince myself to spend $300-350 for the Bose or other high-end head sets. I'm not an audiophile so I can't quote db cancelation, frequency response, etc. but they do what I need - filter out a portion of the background noise on a plane. They produce very acceptable sound with a very acceptable frequency range. One feature that is particularly useful is a 3-position volume switch that lets me kick up the puny volume output from my 2 listener DVD player so I can actually hear while on airplanes. Non-NC equipment just didn't let me enjoy movies or CDs. I can hear the actors lines and many of the more subtitle sound effects.

I recently bought these headphones at an airport kiosk. I knew that the prices would be inflated there, but I was already en route on a frequently-repeated set of connecting flights, and I desperately wanted noise-cancelling headphones. The fellow at the kiosk misinformed me, claiming that the batteries were included, but that was the only disappointment I've had with this product. I find them comfortable, even with my large ears. The sound quality is far and away better than any in-ear product I've tried. To listen to my iPod using these headphones is deliciously self-indulgent. At this point my only regret is that I spent over $200 on them, when I could have saved so much by planning ahead and shopping Amazon.

Aren't that special. Quality is very average, and the earphones are tight and uncomfortable, unless the user's ears and head are tiny. And I'm not talking about 3 hours into a flight. I mean after 5 minutes of use. Researched noise-cancelling phones for the past three months, looking for a high-end, affordable set of phones. Still looking. Great accessories and kit, though!

I tried this headphone with an mp3 player. First, I have to say, the 22db noise reduction rating is not correct. At the same time I tried this, I tried ATH-ANC7 (20db rating), and Panasonic NC? (22db rating), this one's performance was not even close to the performance of the products I mentioned (I have to admit even the 18db NRR Jabra might outperform this in terms of noise reduction ratings). Maybe, it is a matter of fitting (that is if you can sell a headphone with that excuse). Second, the sound quality is not very good, at least compared to ATH-ANC7 and Panasonic NC?. The music sounded muddy. Maybe, my ears are more sensitive to such problems, so, my suggestion would be if you want to buy this one, first try it and compare to others, if you like it, only then buy it.

I had a pair of Maxell MAX190400 noise canceling headphones that broke. Instead of replacing them I thought I would try other noise canceling headphones. I bought (and returned) the following: Shure SE210, Sony MDR-NC60, and the Phillips NC headphones from Best Buy. I almost decided to get the Bose headphones, but after reading the reviews I wasn't impressed especially for the price. After much frustration I decided to try the Maxell's again only this time I would upgrade to the Maxell HP/NCIV. These are the best noise canceling headphones. I work in an office that plays music that I don't like. With these headphones I don't even hear the music plus they are comfortable. In my opinion they are much more comfortable and easier to maintain that the "in ear" designs. Great product, don't waste your money and time like I did on investigating other products.