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Sennheiser PXC 300 Noise Cancelling Headphones | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sennheiser
Category: CE
List Price: $179.95
Buy New: $149.95
You Save: $30.00 (17%)
New (15)
Avg. Customer Rating:  144 reviews
Color: Charcoal
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries: 2
Batteries Included: Yes
Battery: 2 AA
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 8 x 10 x 3
The PXC 300 NoiseGard Advance is an ideal traveling companion, effectively reducing background noise on planes, trains and buses and therefore eliminating one of the main causes of stress while traveling. Users can sit back and relax with their favorite music or connect the headphones to the in-flight entertainment system â or even just wear them to enjoy some peace and quiet from the noise around them. And the PX 300 can be packed away in no time. Simply fold them together and store them in a small, shockproof case â ready for the next trip. The stylish design of the PXC 300 â brushed aluminum trim rings and high-attenuation ear pads made of a new kind of leatherette â is reflected in their natural, detailed sound. A special bass tube provides the necessary power at low frequencies. With the PXC300 NoiseGard Advance, Sennheiser has even succeeded in further enhancing the NoiseGard active noise compensation system. It now has a much lower sensitivity towards interference from such sources as cell phones. Constant low-frequency noise is reduced by up to 15 dB â even 10 dB would be perceived as halving the volume. Power is supplied to the NoiseGard electronics by two AAA batteries, providing the traveler with up to 80 hours of peace and quiet. Without batteries, the PXC 300 works just like normal headphones with passive noise attenuation. In addition to a handy carrying case, the PXC 300 comes with an adapter for audio systems and in-flight entertainment systems.
Warranty: 2 years warranty
MPN: PXC300
Model: PXC300
UPC: 615104104174
EAN: 0615104104174
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Closed supra-aural stereo mini headphones with switchable NoiseGard active noise cancelling | | • | Ideal for air travel and noisy environments | | • | Patented Folding mechanism and protective soft case for storage and transportation | | • | Ultra-lightweight design with ergonomic headband, two point suspension and soft high-quality ring ear pads for improved passive attenuation and superb wearing comfort | | • | Transparent and lifelike audio reproduction due to duofol diaphragms with spiral embossing |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Travel in comfort and tune out the noise around you with the Sennheiser PXC 300 folding headset. The 3.5 mm double mono jack is compatible with most personal audio devices; the set also includes a 6.3 mm stereo jack for use with airline audio systems. The 1.6 m copper cable is reinforced with Kevlar for solid durability. Fold-and-flip headphones are designed for comfort--the ergonomic headband offers two-point suspension and soft ear cups, and can be adjusted to a variety of positions. The switchable NoiseGard active noise compensation attenuates frequencies below 1,000 Hz by up to -15 dB, so you'll be able to tune in to your music and tune out the conversation around you. A padded carrying case accommodates the headphones, cable and adapter, and the manufacturer provides a two-year warranty covering parts and service. What's in the Box:
Headset, 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) stereo jack, 3.5 mm double mono jack, soft carrying case, batteries, user's guide, warranty and registration card
Product Description
The foldable PXC 300 headphones with NoiseGard Advance active noise canceling technology let you enjoy music even in noisy environments. They reduce unwanted noise by up to 80% and the optimized circuit technology ensures reduced susceptibility to mobile phone interference. The PXC 300 is supplied complete with a protective soft case, batteries and aircraft audio adaptors.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 139 more reviews...
 Quite useful for any traveler. August 20, 2006
612 out of 615 found this review helpful
Pros:
-Excellent noise cancelling capability
-Extremely comfortable for extended periods of time
-Great battery life
-Good audio quality (see qualification below)
-Fold up into a relatively compact space
Cons:
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, only works on lower frequencies
-Like all noise cancelling headphones, adds a low-level hiss of white noise to the background when on
-The electronics unit on the cord gets in the way
-Will not cut out as much noise as in-ear units
-Origami-like folding requires some patience
IF you are one of the lucky few who can tolerate in-ear buds (the headphones that stick into your ear canal like earplugs) AND find buds that seal off your ear canals adequately, you'll get much better noise reduction than noise cancelling headphones provide. Earbuds also provide noise reduction over a wider spectrum and do passively in the same way those little foam earplugs do. This is also, obviously, the most portable option, as these units often fit in small cases a little larger than a silver dollar in diameter.
For the rest of us, there's the noise cancelling option. So about 2 years ago I decided to go this route. I was doing a lot of traveling by plane and found the general cabin noise and engine drone to be distracting when listening to music. I went by an in-airport electronics store and tried out all of the noise cancelling headphones they had (including the highest end Bose units). I found the Sennheiser PXC 250 provided significantly higher quality audio than any of the others (including the Bose Quiet Comfort series), with a smaller package, with better noise cancelling ability, and at a lower cost. I was able to test all headsets in a side-by-side comparison with and without music in a busy airport terminal (Atlanta) and with and without noise cancelling. Let's just say the difference is impressive.
I just purchased the PXC 300 model and have found them to be even better, just as you would expect. This review applies equally to the PXC 250 model except where noted. A comparison of the two is at the bottom.
That said, all noise cancelling headphones have limitations.
First, they all are better at low-frequency noise reduction. I've heard several explanations for this ranging from technological limitations to safety reasons. Suffice it to say that they all reduce engine noise, repetitive noise (such as fans), and most ambient noise significantly. They will reduce the volume of surrounding conversations less (though still some). So this means, though you will not be put on an island of tranquility, you will have a noticeable reduction in ambient noise. The easiest way to prove this to yourself is to turn the noise cancelling circuit off and notice how much louder you tend to listen to your music in the same environment.
Second, in a quiet environment with no music playing through the headphones, you will notice a faint hiss added when noise cancelling is turned on. Most people won't notice this if they are listening to music (although some can). The amount of this noise varies from headphone to headphone and has no relationship to the quality of noise cancelling. In good quality headphones, the hiss is several orders of magnitude quieter than ambient noise in even moderately noisy environments.
Third, the noise cancelling requires circuitry and batteries to be placed somewhere. In the larger headphones (like most Bose Quiet Comfort series), they have enough room to put it in the headphones themselves. In smaller ones, like the Sennheiser units, they have a separate "wand" with the electronics in it. Neither of these is an ideal solution.
Considering all of the above, I have found the Sennheiser PXC 250 & 300 models to be the best compromise. The amount of hiss added in the background is minimal and is easily ignored in most situations. If you are an audiophile, you'll probably notice it, so you are better off in quiet places using a more traditional headset. If you are traveling, though, the hiss is such a small sacrafice compared to the ambient noise you're losing, that it's an easy trade. Of all the models I tried, the Sennheiser units were among the quietest.
When compared to the Bose Quiet Comfort 2, I find the sound quality to be superior in the Sennheiser units. The Sennheisers don't muddy the sound as much as the Bose units and the instruments on the soundstage are more distinct. Don't get me wrong. None of these units are studio reference-quality headphones. Considering the price, though, the Sennheiser units sound about as good as comparably priced non-noise cancelling headphones, if not a little better (the PXC 250 being cheaper). Besides, if you're so picky about sound quality, why aren't you listening to your music at home instead of on a plane?
I found the PXC 250's level of noise cancellation to be better than the Bose units'. The PXC 300 is even better. This may surprise some people due to the fact that the Bose QC2 unit covers the whole outside of the ear, pressing firmly against the side of the skull with the leather covered foam pads whereas the Sennheisers only press up against the ear itself. Thus, there are a lot more gaps for sound to creep into your ear canal with the smaller Sennheisers. So, as counterintuitive as it may seem, the Sennheisers still do a significantly better job of cancelling noise than do the Bose units. This may be due, in part, to the whole nature of noise cancelling and the fact that the headphones are actively cancelling out noise rather than relying on passive measures.
PXC 250 vs. PXC 300
So, comparing the PXC 250 to the 300 is the final task. Both units have the same form factor, the same "wand" containing two AAA batteries, and essentially the same look. Both are extremely comfortable for long periods of time (both are traditional over-the-head designs), though can get warm from body heat against the leather headphone cushions. Also, both fold into a smaller area in exactly the same way. The headphones have extra hinges that essentially allow the units to fold into about half the space and loosely lock in place. It's a little challenging, though, for some people to get the hang of it in the same way that a lot of people have trouble folding up car maps.
According to the company, the PXC 300 is supposed to be superior in regards to noise cancelling. This is probably provable in a laboratory setting, but is much less noticeable in the real world. Thus, in this regard, the PXC 250 is the better deal.
Sound quality is also very similar between the two. Bearing in mind that you're listening to these in noisy environments, the PXC 300 probably doesn't warrant the extra money.
Finally, and somewhat strangely, the two units come with two different carrying cases. The PXC 300 comes with a semi-hard ballistic nylon type case that opens like a clamshell with a zipper. It provides a reasonable amount of protection to the headphones. Unfortunately, I like the PXC 250 case better. It is a soft case made of ballistic nylon. However, it has a belt loop and an extra zippered pocket on the outside. Thus, you can separate your spare batteries and plug adapters from your headphones. In addition, the soft case is perfect for also carrying around an iPod in. The PXC 300 hard case has no belt loops, no extra pocket, and is a little more of a chore to carry around along with all your luggage. I'm actually swapping it out for the PXC 250 case.
In summation, the PXC 250 and 300 are both noticeably superior to their noise cancelling competitors in their intended purpose, both in sound quality and in noise reduction. They will not compete against high end non-noise cancelling units in a quiet environment, nor will they compete with in-ear buds with a comfortable fit and a complete ear canal seal (which I find uncomfortable). They will, however, provide a marked increase in comfort and quiet on those long plane, bus, and car trips, and will likely become a faithful traveling companion.
Of the two, the PXC 250 is probably the better deal. The differences in noise cancelling and sound quality between the models are minimal, especially when considering the intended environment, but the price difference is not.
Its all about your level of expectation..... May 28, 2005
348 out of 355 found this review helpful
If you're expecting to buy these and cancel ALL outside noises, then you need NOT apply. The PXC300 like all (Bose, previous Sennheisers, Sony's, etc.) are designed to cancel out certain frequency ranges that prove to be the most annoying to commuters/travellers. These range in the 300hz - 1Khz band. Most sounds outside this range are unaffected. The positive is that for travellers looking to drown out that annoying aircraft cabin noise, these will work wonders for you. They'll also work well in auto's, trains, etc. What they are not as good for is cancelling out conversations (although they will mute it somewhat) and other higher frequency sounds around you.
Sound quality is good but not quite in the excellent category. IMO, they are better than the Bose since I find the Bose to sound very colored (sound is not the same as the source - typical Bose), the Bose seems to bottom out the bass driver when playing certain types of music, and finally the Bose noise cancellation circuit introduces more hiss than these Sennheisers.
Ergonomically the Sennheisers will travel well with you. The carry case fits the headphones, battery stick and adapters very well. The Bose, on the other hand, is a huge monster that takes up half your carry luggage.
If you're looking for a true sound isolation headphone you'd need to look at something like the Shure E4C or the Etymotic ER4P. These truly sound great and accurate while virtually eliminating ALL outside sound. The downside is that they are in ear headphones and many find them uncomfortable and difficult to wear on an airplane, especially when cabin pressure changes and your ears can't equalize the pressure as easily.
Great travel companion April 2, 2005
161 out of 168 found this review helpful
This is my first noise-canceling headphone. So I was very curious to see how it worked. And how good its sound was. I must say I'm very satisfied - the phones are well worth the price.
The phones are very light, and very soft to wear. They fit tight and their very good cushioning provide already an excellent sound insulation from the ambient. It is possible to wear the phones for hours without getting tired or your ears sore.
Without noise-canceling, the phones present a clear sound, with crisp treble e strong bass. Being closed, there is some problem with building a "natural" sound image, specially with pop music where stereo separation is artificially increased. Otherwise, sound quality is hi-fi class.
Turning noise-canceling on has in fact two effects. There is some amplification of the signal. In my case, that's great given my laptop has a somewhat low output. The amplification is coupled with a sort of "loudness" effect. There is a clear reinforcement of bass and treble. What might disturb purists actually works great for noisy environments. What about the noise-canceling effect itself? Well, it's quite amazing given you don't expect miracles. Basically, the "oooossshhh" sound generated by air conditioning, plane engines, or the bus rolling on the road disappears, or is greatly reduced. This is enough for a much greater enjoyment of your music.
My only disappointment was that the noise-canceling unit is not detachable as I expected. So, even if you don't intend to use noise reduction you have to carry the unit, that is a little larger than a fountain pen. Alas.
Sennheiser PXC 300 vs Bose Quiet Comfort 2 August 26, 2005
68 out of 69 found this review helpful
I have used the Sennheiser PXC 300 and the Bose QC2 on domestic U.S. and trans-Pacific flights to/from Australia. Here are the relative strengths and weaknesses:
PXC 300
- smaller & lighter
- takes up less room in carry-on
- plays without active noise cancelling feature turned on
Bose QC2
- fully cover the ears to shield maximum sound in-leakage
- somewhat more comfortable on long flights
- will not play without noise cancelling feature turned on
I like the Bose but must tip in favor of the Sennheiser's given the substantial price difference. Wake up Bose... think "value priced smart design".
 OK, but not good enough... June 6, 2006
62 out of 69 found this review helpful
I travel once to twice every month and I want to buy a pair of good noise-cancelling headphones so that I can listen to my iPod or get some rest.
First, I tried a Sony NC50 at a Sony Style store. The NC50 put out so much accoustic pressure to my ears and it really hurt. Then, I tried Sennheiser PXC-250, PXC-300, and Bose QuietComfort 2 extensively. First time, I brought both PXC-250 and PXC-300 to a trip from San Diego to Newark. There is no significant performance difference in terms of noise cancelling. The PXC-300 has a better case. Then, on my next trip, I borrowed a Bose QuietComfort 2 from a colleague of mine and compared it with PXC-300. After extensively testing (with and without music, with and without background people talking, and etc.), I found it is about 20-30% less of noise with Bose. Also, my ears felt warm and uncomfortable after 30 min with PXC-300 because of the over-the-ear style.
I understand everyone else's comment on Bose being over-priced, but if you are looking for the best noise-cancelling performance on an airplane, unfortunately there is no other way around it. Bose is certainly the best.
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