Able Planet True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones

The True Fidelity headphones come with a hard-shell case and several audio adapters

As the low-end model in Able Planet's noise-canceling line, the True Fidelity headphones offer slightly less sophisticated speaker components than the Sound Clarity and Clear Harmony models. As a result, they're the best choice for consumers who are price sensitive, or who have hearing disabilities that require more high-frequency precision. That's because the True Fidelity headphones emphasize the upper and mid-range frequencies more than the other two, helping hard-of-hearing listeners better enjoy the full audio spectrum while they listen to music or news radio. The Clear Harmony headphones, by contrast, reproduce the most bass of the three, making them ideal for audiophiles who value a robust low-frequency performance and aren't intimidated by the higher price tag. The Sound Clarity phones fall somewhere in the middle, with the same rich clarity and noise-reducing performance of the Clear Harmony headphones but with a bit less bass.

Linx Audio Technology
Although the speaker components differ, all three headphones share Able Planet's patented Linx Audio technology. Originally developed for a new generation of top-of-the-line hearing aids, Linx Audio technology alters the audio signal to increase the intensity of higher-frequency harmonics. This makes it easier to hear words, music, and sounds in the higher frequencies where clarity is often lost, while also ensuring that speech and other high-frequency sounds are not smothered by bass tracks. Able Planet compares the results to the difference between hearing a "C" note on a piano as opposed to a "C" chord. The "C" chord, which sounds richer and more complex, demonstrates the impact of adding harmonics to the audio signal.

Listen to the difference between Able Planet's Linx Audio technology and standard audio sources

Linx Audio technology also fits into Able Planet's mission of creating audio solutions for people with hearing disabilities. By filtering undesirable sounds and noise via the state-of-the-art active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, Able Planet headphones encourage users to listen to music at lower volumes to reduce long-term hearing loss. The phones also provide crisp sound for people already suffering from moderate hearing problems, and even accommodate hearing aids thanks to a new technology that restricts electromagnetic interference.

Special Features
True Fidelity headphones also reduce distortion at higher volumes by soft-clipping the sound wave rather than squaring it off, delivering a full-bodied frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and an industry-leading 18 dB of active noise cancellation. And as a bonus, the phones offer an inline volume control that makes it easy to turn the volume up or down without reaching for your portable audio device. Other features include a 5-foot removable cord with 1/8-inch, 1/4-inch, and two-prong airline adapters; a lightweight adjustable headband that provides a superior fit; full-size swiveling ear cups with soft cushions; and a hard-shell protective carrying case with a storage area for iPods and other MP3 players.

The headphones--which can be used at home as well as on the road with TVs, computers, portable DVD players, CD players, MP3 players, and assisted listening devices--fold flat for easy storage.

Note: The noise cancellation feature requires two AAA batteries (not included), but can also be turned off should the batteries run down. As a result, users can still listen to music without power, unlike many competing noise-canceling headphones.

What's in the Box
True Fidelity headphones, removable cord, 1/8- and 1/4-inch stereo adapters, two-prong airline adapter, hard-shell carrying case, user's manual.