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Headphones

Sony MDR-NC40
Sony MDR-NC40
Price range:
$63.99 - $99.99
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Summary: On-ear-type headphones that come with muting feature and a carrying bag.
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Community icon4 people have reviewed this model.
About - Sony MDR-NC40

The MDR-NC40 is part of the headphone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, noise-canceling headphone models like the MDR-NC40 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.


Sound quality:
Sound quality was determined by evaluations by trained panelists.

Noise reduction:
The noise-reduction score indicates a headphone's ability to block or cancel background noises. All headphones block sound waves to some extent when they are worn on or in your ears. This is called "passive" noise reduction. Some have tiny microphones and electronic circuitry powered by a battery that additionally reduces background noise. This is called "active" noise reduction. Both are reflected here.

Earphones weight (oz.):
Earphone weight reflects the weight of the ear pieces placed in or on your ear, or the headset placed on your head. It does not include the weight of the electronics and battery if they are separate from the ear pieces-in a compartment on the cord, for example. It does include the weight of the battery and electronics if they are integrated into the headset itself (indicated by an asterisk).
About This Brand

Sony is the leading brand in the headphone market. It covers all categories, with prices ranging from very low to very high price ranges.

Features & Specs - Sony MDR-NC40
info Works with noise reduction off Yes
info Removable ear cushion No
info Single cord exit No
info Detachable cable No
info Extension cable No
info Battery type AAA
More features and specs
User Reviews - Sony MDR-NC40
Average User Rating
 
(based on 4 reviews)
 
Good for in-flight audio
By Business traveller from Winnipeg, Canada on 1/21/2010
Pros:
Comfortable, Durable, Good sound, Good Value
Best Uses:
Traveling
Describe Yourself:
Audiophile, Frequent Traveler
Primary use:
Personal
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I purchased this product primarily for use in in-flight TV/audio systems while traveling. I am very satisfied. Signal to noise ratio was substantially improved. Airplane (low frequency) noise reduction was clearly evident (subjectively about 50%)even when the signal volume was turned off.

 
Compact convenient with decent sound
By lmbesq from Chicago on 1/11/2010
Pros:
Comfortable, Compact, Good Value
Best Uses:
Music, Portable Devices
Describe Yourself:
Commuter, Gear Head
Primary use:
Personal
How long have you owned it:
Three-to-six months
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Compact and easy to use if you don't want in-the ear. Sound cancellation works well enough, not as well as sound-isolating phones. OK for commuting, don't use these for audiophile listening.

 
Terrible
By Townieboy from Honolulu;HI on 1/4/2010
Pros:
Compact, Great Sound, Lightweight
Cons:
Barely cancels noise
Describe Yourself:
Frequent Traveler
Primary use:
Business
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Abysmal sound abatement. All it did was amplify the music rather than reduce ambient noise. DO NOT BUY.

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