Product DescriptionWhether used to block out sound while on an aircraft or to create a tranquil environment so you can enjoy your favorite CD track, these new headphones are up to the challenge. The new RP-HC300 noise canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise by creating out-of-phase sounds that equal the background noise to effectively cancel it. Additionally, the headphones reduce low frequencies such as the drone of a plane's engine or a loud air conditioning unit. The noise-canceling feature can also be switched off to allow the user to converse or to reduce background noise by virtue of the headphone's comfortable insulated housing. Includes carrying pouch and plug adapter for airplane
More noise muffling than cancelling (Rating: 2 out of 5) Pros: Comfortable, well made, nice case, folds flat
Cons: Does not really do much noise cancelling.
Wanted these for airplane trips. I found that they muffled noise rather than cancelled them and then only lower frequency noises at that. You have to turn on the switch for them to work but there is no big difference in them with the switch on or off. Plus you get slight hissing with the switch on.
I didn't really expect them to shut out all noise but was dissapointed in the level of noise that still leaked through. Haven't had the chance to compare with other headphones.
As for sound quality for music, they seem fine but that is not why I bought them.
highly recommended (Rating: 5 out of 5) great product for reasonable price - my son loves this headset and it is very comfortable!
customer service (Rating: 2 out of 5) Product works well, however customer service has een VERY POOR. Headset slider slips out of track. Unusable. Have been unsuccessful in trying since 1/12/07 to return/exchange product. Company does not respond. Amazon does not respond. Lesson learned. I'm stuck with this inferior product but will NEVER purchase electonics on-line. Learn from my mistake.
Cash Canceling Headphones (Rating: 1 out of 5) Here is why this product fails to deliver on the $150 price I paid for it. First, it does NOT cancel noise but only an eighth of low frequency ambient sound which essentially is... nothing. The "noise canceling" label misleads. At best, the label should read "Low frequency reducing". Second, the quality of sound it delivers misses the lows and highs one expects for such a high priced set of headphones. Third, while it is bearable, it is uncomfortable. Fourth, it is overpriced, whether at $90 or $150. I would not have paid more than $20 had I known what I was REALLY getting.
I would try another brand if I were you. As it is, I will now have to spend MORE money getting some honest to goodness Noise Canceling headphones that actually deliver on the promise. And that is why I say buying Panasonic RP-HC300 headphones are "cash canceling" because after you pay the $90 or $150 asking price, you have to go out again and spend another $150-200 for some REAL noise canceling headphones that actually do the job.
Be forewarned.
Random Noise (Rating: 2 out of 5) I have had these headphones for a few years now. I also do a lot of traveling for my company (ie flying). About a half year ago the headphones started emiting small pops and hisses (all of which are pretty much covered over by music). I contacted Panasonic help center and they referred me to an "authorized dealer". A search from their website shows the nearest "authorized dealer" is a measly 1200+ miles from my location. I followed through email about location and they never replied. I will not purchase another Panasonic product again.