Sennheiser PXC 250 Noise Canceling Headphones (Silver)

Portable audio takes on fresh life with quality headphones, and Sennheiser's folding, lightweight, closed-ear PXC 250 is designed to keep outside noises out and headphone sound in--perfect for use in busses and libraries alike.

Increase the peace! The PXC 250 features a noise reduction unit
that cancels out background noise.

When engaged, NoiseGard active noise reduction drops steady-state low-frequency noise (from about 500 Hz and below) by 15 dB--which the human ear perceives as more than halving the noise--thus enhancing the clarity of your music. The noise reduction circuit requires 2 AAA batteries (not included), but the headphones work fine without the circuit engaged.

Sennheiser's fold and flip design lets you turn the ear pieces 90 degrees and fold the headphones closed. Their ported design lets them move more air for greater bass response.

What's in The Box
6-foot Kevlar-reinforced cord, .25-inch stereo adapter, airline adapter, belt pouch.

With all the latest advances in digital music and sound fidelity, should you be using those headphones that came with your portable MP3 or CD player? Here's a way to get the best possible sound - The Sennheiser Way. The Sennheiser PXC 250 is a closed, dynamic, supra-aural mini stereo headphone with NoiseGard active noise compensation (requires 2 AAA batteries). Due to their active and passive attenuation of ambient noise, they let you enjoy music even in noisy environments. The headphones are foldable and come with a convenient belt pouch, making them an ideal travel companion.

Customer Reviews:

more than good enough

I travel half the time on business. Music is my travel companion.

Whether Mozart, the Stones, or Steven Curtis Chapman, I'd be a man out of his mind if the music had to stay at home. Four months ago I finally sprang for the noise-cancelling headphones that full-age ads by Bose in several newspapers and magazines I read told me I needed to have.

The ads were right. There is nothing like life with the little noise-cancelling switch turned on and the music flowing effortlessly to grateful eardrums and then on to a happy little brain.

Yet the ads were wrong. I didn't need to pay four times as much for the Bose. This Sennheiser, with its very nifty packability and its cool little carrying case, is where the value lies.

If you go with Sennheiser, you won't regret it. Plus, you can download lots and lots of albums with the money you saved.
--2006-12-22

Excellent Headphones: Sound Pricing, Great Sound!
I tried both the Bose QC2 and the cheaper Aiwa NC-6. I would say that in a spectrum with these 2 headphones occupying each end, the Sennheiser would be just next to the Bose. The reasonable pricing and the compact size compared to the Bose make these headphones very competitive. I tried them next to a washer/dryer to simulate a plane engine roar as much as possible and they do a fantastic job eliminating the rumble. The sound quality is great and clear. The only negative is the somewhat involved folding mechanism.
--2006-12-22

Great Sound, Great Price, but not for the wire-challenged
I have owned this set for close to 2 years, and I still think they're one of my best "geek-o-phile" purchases. Jazz to Rock, Eminem to Muddy Waters, Setzer to Saint-Saëns, I enjoy every note and nuance over most all ambient sounds, save the loudest or most rumbling of noises. I wonder what the eardrum condition must be of the those who criticize the volume produced through this headset - if I max out my mp3 player's volume (either portable or laptop-based), the output becomes unbearably loud. As both a classical (violin) and rock (bass) musician, I appreciate cranking the tuneage, but let's keep it at 10.5 instead of 11, folks!

As with any listening device, individual experience is very subjective. In my case, I get crisp response throughout the dynamic range. I have yet to hear buzzing, hissing, or cracking at either the highs or lows, but I tend to stick with fairly high recording qualities (320k and above or VBR MP3 rips) and I don't mind mussing with my equalizer. Since I avoid them as a rule, I can't vouch for 128k rips.
(get to know your encoder - you will be rewarded)

DVD watching becomes especially rewarding with these phones, as you can hear the ambient noises that you may have missed before (i.e. crickets chirping or background conversations - right before the motorcycle crashes through the window).

I use these mostly for my mass transit commutes, and I can listen comfortably without enduring engine, freeway, and chit-chat noise. I have not traveled with them on airplanes yet, so I cannot vouch for their performance there.

The earpads and headband are very comfortable (padded leather, no less). I can wear them for hours (though ear doctors don't recommend it) without any discomfort. You WILL need to practice folding them back up - it's tricky at first. I don't use the zip case (I have a dedicated backpack pocket for them), but it appears fairly durable. With moderate use, they still appear brand new. Treat them like an expensive pair of sunglasses and they should last many years. Treat them like drugstore shades..., well, you get the picture.

All that said, the design of the wiring is just short of ridiculous. They're too long if you're walking, but too short if you're at your desk. If you're mobile, you can clip the log to your belt, but you may need to do some twist-tie work to get the optimum length for your mode of portable player. If you're at your desk, you will need to be mindful of your maximum movement radius. Many a time I have moved to the other side of my cubicle and become either disconnected or clothes-lined!

Here are the wire lengths:
33" from the 1/8" plug to the NC "log"
28" from the "log" to the Y split

I don't know what the solution would be, although a previous reviewer mentioned some sort of quick-disconnect mechanism or an option to bypass the log altogether - maybe a design feature of the next release, Sennheiser?

Again, your mileage may vary. Last time I checked, these headphones were on display at Brookstone, so you may want to bring your portable player there and try them yourself (but don't pay retail!!). Personally, I am very happy with the 250s and would definitely consider purchasing them again.

--2006-12-04

Second pair, the best headphones I have owned
The first pair of these headphones were broken when someone stepped on them (my fiance) and graciously offered to get me a new pair :) I can honestly say these headphones are excellent in sound quality, I also own Sennheiser HD-500's and both models I have used are richer, warmer and more clear than any other brand of headphones I have owned. They fold conveinently and are very handy for use with an IPOD walking or at the office. They are also excellent for drowning out noisy co-workers or other pesky ambient noises. I would STRONGLY advise these to anyone who is thinking of making the purchase. I got mine at Electronica Direct and their customer service was beyond my expectations, I would advise others to consider them as well.
--2006-11-30

Awesome and amazing
I was skeptical about ordering the product, but based on the other reviews and compared with Sony and Panasonic, I took the final plunge and ordered it.
I am so AMAZED by the quality. The noise cancelling is so awesome and I am only happy I took the deal on amazon and ordered it.

I would recommend this product who want to listen to music blissfully.
--2006-11-28

- Sennheiser