( 43 reviews )
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Posted: 06-23-2009
I have Sennheiser 200 without the noise cancelling feature and have been quite pleased with their compact design, sound quality and overall performance. Neither my wife or I have been comfortable using the in ear variety for extended periods such as on long distance flights, but desired better noise cancelling. We wanted an on the ear or over the ear headphones with noise cancelling capability for use when we travel. There is little question that the Bose does a better job of noise cancelling/ blocking, but have been turned off by their cost and bulkiness. The PXC300 is comfortable to wear for extended periods, blocks most airplane engine noise (does not block ALL noise), and offers sound quality comparable to our older 200 series. The tube holding the batteries can be annoying until you find a way to stabilize it out of the way using the clip or putting it in a pocket. It definitely is a more compact package than the Bose but does take some practice to fold it back into the case. It does not feel that rugged and should be used with some care, but at less than $130 it is adequate and I could replace it and still be below the cost of the Bose.
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Posted: 06-12-2009
The PXC 300 headphones from Sennheiser are part of the Travel Line of products offered by Sennheiser. As such, they employ a number features ideally suited for the road warriors among us. The PXC 300s include: an Ultra-lightweight design with ergonomic headband, two-point suspension and soft high-quality ear cushions for improved passive attenuation and comfort, a patented folding mechanism and protective case for storage and transportation, Advanced Circuit Technology (ACT): which reduces susceptibility to mobile phone interference, closed, supra-aural mini headphones with switchable NoiseGard(tm) active noise canceling technology, and duofol diaphragms with spiral embossing. To view a complete list of features, jump to the product page. DESIGN The PXC 300s include everything the audio-centric traveler will need on that long and winding road (cue the Beatles). The fit and finish of the PXC 300s are what one would expect from any Sennheiser product, the highest quality and craftsmanship. USABILITY The PXC 300s are some of the most comfortable headphones I have ever used. The soft and supple padding used on the earpieces and headband, provide great comfort while insuring a proper fit. I found the PXC 300s easy to use and transport. I could easily throw the travel case into my messenger bag with little added weight or space consumption. While the headphones themselves are very comfortable to wear, I found the noise-canceling module to be cumbersome. The size and shape made the module difficult to position in a comfortable manner (more on this later). PERFORMANCE Comfort and convenience aside, if the PXC 300s can not perform their two prime directives, then they are basically a subpar set of earmuffs. After extensively testing the PXC 300s, I can confidently confirm, they preform their duties wonderfully. As audio headphones, the PXC 300s did not disappoint. I listened to my reference playlist (various types of audio content at varying bit rates) and was somewhat surprised at just how well these headphones performed. As one would expect, at 128 kbps, the content was average. At 256 kbps the PXC 300s demonstrated their true metal (with a bass toward the lower end, my classic and new rock tunes got the blood pumping). The high and mid ranges were above average across all types of content. Overall, I was very impressed with audio produced by the PXC 300s. As noise-canceling headphones, the PXC 300s created a quiet, calming, and peaceful environment in which to contemplate the great dilemmas of our time. I have used some of the other brands of noise-canceling headphones (which are better known) and found the PXC 300s to meet and exceed the other brands in the space spec for spec and dollar for dollar. For those looking for a nice set of travel headphones, I can highly recommend the PXC 300s by Sennheiser. MAKING A GREAT PRODUCT EVEN BETTER I have only one issue with the PXC 300 travel headphones, I would like to see the noise-canceling module redesigned in order to reduce its overall size. I found it difficult to find a comfortable place for the module while the PXC 300s were in use. MyMac.com Rating: I am very impressed with the PXC 300 headphones. They combine many comfort and convenience features and perform in a manner becoming a product adorning the vaunted Sennheiser name and reputation. When compared with other products in this space, the PXC 300s provide a nice value as well. While I must give a very slight deduction for the noise-canceling module, make no mistake about it, these are great headphones and highly recommended. Therefore, I am awarding this outstanding product a 4.5 out of 5 on our MyMac.com Rating System.
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Posted: 05-08-2009
I got my pair of PXC300s in the mail today. These headphones do what they claim: They knock out most all low-frequency sound in the ambient environment. When I first put them on in the kitchen, with the fridge, a/c, and fan going it was like inserting earplugs into my ear canals. Deep silence descended. Higher frequency sounds such as the human voice are definitely muted, but will still be heard. As for sound quality, it is a real pleasure listening to music on my laptop or Ipod. Good bass-, mid- and high-range response. Yes, the in-line battery holder is large, but it rests easily on the table, lap or pocket. Good for the office, train or airplane, but I wouldn't necessarily want to go jogging with them. Overall, a good set of headphones for the money.
