Jan Meier
King Corda
Member of the Trade: Meier Audio
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2001
- Posts
- 854
- Likes
- 195
Dear Headfellows,
Today, during a visit at the Sennheiser distribution centre near Münich, I received one of the first copies of the new PXC-250 headphone with NoiseGard active noise reduction. Just some first impressions.
The PXC-250 is the successor of the HDC-451, a system that I regularly use when I have to travel long distances by plane or by car. I don't use it to listen to music but the mere reduction of noise simply makes me feel more relaxed. However, the HDC-451 has a few issues that always gave me the feeling that there was space for improvement. I therefore was very eager to test the PXC-250. It was used while driving back to my home and it must be said, I'm very pleased with this system.
The HDC-451 mainly reduces frequencies between 100 and 1200 Hz. This removes most of the annoying engine noise and allows you to still make conversation and to hear all warning-signals. In Germany it is therefore officially allowed to wear the system while driving car (provided you don't use it to listen to music).
My main problem with the HDC-451 are the very low frequencies that are hardly cancelled. An engine that rotates at 3000 tpm will still be heard/felt (although at a much suppressed level). The PXC-250 does a much better job. Low frequencies are almost completely eliminated and high frequencies are also reduced. It is still possible to make conversation but sound is much more quiet as it is with the HDC-451. As a result driving with the PXC-250 is even more relaxed as it is with the HDC-451. Unfortunately, when I read the user manual (afterwards, at home) it was explicitly stated that the PXC-250 should not be used during traffic (and the representative couldn't tell me whether this system will obtain an allowance such as the HDC-451 has).
Another advantage of the PXC-250 over the HDC-451 is its size and the fact that it's foldable. Being fold the headphone has the same size as a pair of glasses. The electronics (driven by 2 AAA batteries) has the size of a very thick pencil. The total system is more easy to carry than the HDC-451 and comfort is relatively high. It does look a little bit fragile though and the wires are very thin.
Both systems also can be used to listen to music. Sonically the PXC-250 is clearly superior to the HDC-451. The latter always needed the electronics to be activated to obtain decent sound. The PXC-250 also can be used as a normal headphone with the electronics deactivated. And sound quality is surprisingly good. Deep bas, clean highs. A mere joy that allows for serious listening! With the electronics activated the low frequencies are eliminated by the noise guard system and thereby sound looses some of its qualities but still is very useful.
The PXC-250 comes with a nice carrying case, an airplane adapter and a 3.5 to 6.5 adapter. First release will be by the mid of January (hopefully).
Cheers,
Jan
Today, during a visit at the Sennheiser distribution centre near Münich, I received one of the first copies of the new PXC-250 headphone with NoiseGard active noise reduction. Just some first impressions.
The PXC-250 is the successor of the HDC-451, a system that I regularly use when I have to travel long distances by plane or by car. I don't use it to listen to music but the mere reduction of noise simply makes me feel more relaxed. However, the HDC-451 has a few issues that always gave me the feeling that there was space for improvement. I therefore was very eager to test the PXC-250. It was used while driving back to my home and it must be said, I'm very pleased with this system.
The HDC-451 mainly reduces frequencies between 100 and 1200 Hz. This removes most of the annoying engine noise and allows you to still make conversation and to hear all warning-signals. In Germany it is therefore officially allowed to wear the system while driving car (provided you don't use it to listen to music).
My main problem with the HDC-451 are the very low frequencies that are hardly cancelled. An engine that rotates at 3000 tpm will still be heard/felt (although at a much suppressed level). The PXC-250 does a much better job. Low frequencies are almost completely eliminated and high frequencies are also reduced. It is still possible to make conversation but sound is much more quiet as it is with the HDC-451. As a result driving with the PXC-250 is even more relaxed as it is with the HDC-451. Unfortunately, when I read the user manual (afterwards, at home) it was explicitly stated that the PXC-250 should not be used during traffic (and the representative couldn't tell me whether this system will obtain an allowance such as the HDC-451 has).
Another advantage of the PXC-250 over the HDC-451 is its size and the fact that it's foldable. Being fold the headphone has the same size as a pair of glasses. The electronics (driven by 2 AAA batteries) has the size of a very thick pencil. The total system is more easy to carry than the HDC-451 and comfort is relatively high. It does look a little bit fragile though and the wires are very thin.
Both systems also can be used to listen to music. Sonically the PXC-250 is clearly superior to the HDC-451. The latter always needed the electronics to be activated to obtain decent sound. The PXC-250 also can be used as a normal headphone with the electronics deactivated. And sound quality is surprisingly good. Deep bas, clean highs. A mere joy that allows for serious listening! With the electronics activated the low frequencies are eliminated by the noise guard system and thereby sound looses some of its qualities but still is very useful.
The PXC-250 comes with a nice carrying case, an airplane adapter and a 3.5 to 6.5 adapter. First release will be by the mid of January (hopefully).
Cheers,
Jan
