Sony MDR-NC50 Noise Canceling Headphones

 (119 customer reviews)

I just tried these 'phones on with my iPod in the Sony store

they are DEFINITELY much better than the $300 Bose

here are the pros -

1. Sound Quality --- terrific sound quality --- I almost forgot I was standing in a store, because I was so wrapped up by how great my tunes were sounding

2. Noise Cancelling --- definitely makes a difference here - there is more pureness and depth within each tune, once cancelling is on ----- however, the headphones still sound great even without Noise Cancelling on

3. Comfort ---- the ear-cups on these things are terrific! I hated how the $300 Bose had a type of 'suction' element to them - these cups wrap around real nicely, closing in on your ear, but making it fine to rest your head upon them, as well

4. MONITOR BUTTON --- this was really cool! These 'phones have a button on the side (a sliver button) that upon being pressed, the music is elimated and all outside noises are allowed in...Read more

I recently purchased the MDR-NC50 headphones (~$149) as an upgrade for Aiwa HP-CN6 noise canceling headphones purchased in the fall of 2003 (~$65). I've used the HP-CN6 on many flights. I also recently purchased Centrios noise canceling headphones for a family member (~$39). I haven't tried Bose's headphones yet.

Of the three headphones, the new Sony headphones do the best job at noise cancellation and are the most comfortable, while the Centrios doesn't appear to knock out as much noise as the Aiwa. In addition, while you can typically hear some white noise when noise cancellation is in effect, the Sony headphone's white noise sound is definitely much quieter than Aiwa and Centrios. The Aiwa's white noise seems to be the loudest. You can appreciate the difference if you listen to quieter sections of music. For example, with the MDR-NC50 while listening to Mozart's Horn Concerto #1, you definitely are not distracted by the white noise as you are with the HP-CN6...Read more

About a month ago, I had my Bose QC2 headset (along with my MP3 player and 1GB CF card) stolen from among other personal belongings at a western states airport. Devastated, I dreaded the prospect of shelling out ANOTHER $300 to "Dr. Bose" for a replacement set of his mystical noise-canceling cans.

As luck would have it, however, both the Bose headset and the Sony headset are available as redemption "rewards" under a popular credit card that I typically use when I travel. At that time, I had accumulated enough "points" on my account to get the Sony headset, but I needed another 8,000 or so to get the Bose headset. At the rate I accumulate "points," waiting to get enough points for the Bose set would have taken many months, and I just couldn't wait that long to replace my noise-canceling cans. So ... I decided to take a chance and get the Sony cans instead. Now that I have received the Sony headset and put them through their paces, I don't regret my decision at all. I found...Read more