Creative Labs HN-505 Collapsible Noise-Canceling Headphones
by Creative
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CreativeAudio: English (Original Language)
Model: 5.00E+12
Product features:
- Compact, lightweight -- cancels distracting outside noise like airplane engines and loud conversation
- Lightweight, durable design with soft earcups
- Driver units - 30mm rare-earth magnet transducer
- Frequency response - 20Hz to 17kHz
- Impedance - 21 ohms
- Belkin F8V234-WHT-APL Headphone Splitter
- Belkin RockStar 5-Way 3.5-mm Headphone Splitter (White)
- Monster MCL MSTFST MINI 1/8 Stereo Female to 1/4 Stereo Male Cable Adapter
- Monster 123872-00 iSplitter Shared Headphone Adapter
- H2O Audio - Sport Series Headphones - Black
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Creative Labs HN-505 Collapsible Noise-Canceling Headphones
Customer Review: Excellent Product at an Incredible Price!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always found the cheapie little ear buds sold by the airlines in order to watch their movies utterly useless. Besides not fitting my ears (they fall out), even with the volume turned all the way up, I simply couldn't understand movie dialog in softer passages over the roar of the aircraft noise. I'd watch other passengers with envy while they relaxed comfortably using noise canceling headphones. I decided that's what I needed!
When I started shopping for a pair of noise canceling headsets for a long cross-country flight my wife and I were going to take, I decided that even though the Bose QuietComfort models were highly rated, I couldn't justify spending that much money for something we'd only use maybe 2 or 3 times per year. After a lot of research looking for less expensive alternatives, based on the features, price, and reviews I read, I settled on the Creative Labs HN-505 as the one to buy.
My wife and I recently used this model for over 10 hours each on the cross-country trip and we found they worked quiet well... but with a few minor shortcomings. Interestingly, on one leg of our trip I had the opportunity to try out the Bose QuietComfort II headset of a passenger sitting next to me and compare it side-by-side to the CL HN-505.
Here are my observations:
* The CL HN-505 is an absolutely incredible value for the money! I'd definitely buy it again.
* The fit of the earcup is sort of a hybrid between a true "over-the-ear" (like the Bose QC II) and an "on-the-ear" design (like the Bose QC III). The earcups sit part way over the ear and do not completely seal off outside noise. Presumably this design makes them more compact and less bulky for storage.
* My wife found the earcups to be a bit tight on her ears (squeezing her head). She got tired of having them on her head after 3 or 4 hours. With careful adjusting of the headset I didn't have this problem.
* While they do effectively remove the "roar" of aircraft noise, they have their limits. Since they can only mask noise within a certain frequency band and up to a certain volume level, they'll still allow some noise through at a reduced volume. If you're expecting complete silence when you turn them on, then you'll be sadly disappointed! Yes you can still hear the announcements on the aircraft PA system and still faintly hear that baby crying in the back of the plane, but they do effective reduce the overall volume of all noise to a tolerable, comfortable level. There's a very noticeable difference between being when they're turned off and on.
* A soft rushing sound (almost like white noise) can be heard in the background when turned on. This isn't noticeable in a noisy environment like an airline flight.
* When I compared the Bose QuietComfort II headset and the CL HN-505 side-by-side, I found the Bose quieter than the CL... *but* keep in mind the Bose QC II is a true "over-the-ear" design whereas that CL HN-505 is not. I can say that the performance of the Bose QC II wouldn't convince me to pay *ten* times the price of the CL HN-505
* I watched several movies on the flight and found the dialog in even the most quiet passages easy to understand.
* I like the fact the CL HN-505 only uses one AAA battery and it's conveniently hidden in the head strap (not on the cord).
* The on-off switch is located on the rear of the right earcup within easy reach while wearing, but this same location makes it way too easy to accidentally turn it on when storing it in a carry on baggage. Several times I've gone to retrieve my headset from it's storage bag, only to find it had been turned on for some unknown length of time. The good news is the battery seems to last a very long time. I've used mine for over 10 hours plus the time it was on accidentally on only one battery so far, and it's still going strong.
* I'll never again travel without them!
Description of Creative Labs HN-505 Collapsible Noise-Canceling Headphones
CREATIVE HN-505 -- Enjoy pristine audio, unpolluted by noise from your surroundings, with this advanced Noise Canceling Headphone design from the innovators at CREATIVE LABS. For travelers, music enthusiasts, and PC gamers especially, this sophisticated set of "cans" is an essential accessory! Sensitivity - 121dB Input plugs - 3.5mm and dual plug adapters -- can be used with all standard headphone jacks as well as airplane headphone jack Cord length - 1.6 meters Net weight (without battery) - 146 gramsCreative Labs' HN-505 over-ear headphones employ active noise-canceling circuitry to significantly reduce solid-state environmental noise, such as that on an airplane, to further your uninterrupted listening. Noise reduction is rated at 15 dB of attenuation at 300 Hz, which will bring welcome clarity to voices and most instruments.
Designed with mobility in mind, the headphones are constructed using lightweight material, a foldable headband, and cushioned ear-pads for comfort during extended listening.
The headphones' 30 mm rare-earth magnet transducers deliver rich, full-boded sound, and the frequency response extends across the near limits of human hearing, from 20 to 17,000 Hz (no range stated). High, 121 dB sensitivity means even an airplane's headphone jack will drive them nicely, and a supplied 3.5 mm dual-plug airplane adapter makes that possibility an even greater likelihood.
What's in the Box
Headset, 3.5 mm dual-plug adapter for airplane use, a user's manual, and warranty information.
Digital Cameras and Photo Categories