Sony MDR-NC40 information from Consumer Reports

Sony MDR-NC40

Price range:

$63.00 - $113.91

Summary: Portable close, on-ear noise-canceling headphones that come with carrying case and mini-plug-to-airplane-jack adapter.

8 people have reviewed this model.

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Type: Portable headphones

About - Sony MDR-NC40
The Sony MDR-NC40 is part of the headphone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, noise-canceling headphone models like the MDR-NC40 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Sound quality: Represents the tonal accuracy, clarity, detail, ambience, and dynamics of the audio reproduced by the headphone. Noise reduction: Represents how well the headphone reduces ambient noise when the active noise cancelation feature is activated. Sensitivity: An assessment of how loud headphones will play for a given audio input signal level. This is an important consideration if the headphones will be used with audio devices that have relatively low maximum audio output signal levels like some battery powered portables. Some models have 2 sensitivity levels given: one with the highest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch ON and the other with the lowest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch OFF.

About - Sony MDR-NC40

The Sony MDR-NC40 is part of the headphone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, noise-canceling headphone models like the MDR-NC40 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Sound quality:: Represents the tonal accuracy, clarity, detail, ambience, and dynamics of the audio reproduced by the headphone.
Noise reduction:: Represents how well the headphone reduces ambient noise when the active noise cancelation feature is activated.
Sensitivity:: An assessment of how loud headphones will play for a given audio input signal level. This is an important consideration if the headphones will be used with audio devices that have relatively low maximum audio output signal levels like some battery powered portables. Some models have 2 sensitivity levels given: one with the highest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch ON and the other with the lowest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch OFF.

About This Brand
Sony is the leading brand in the headphone market. It covers all types and styles, at all price ranges with wide distribution.

About This Brand

Sony is the leading brand in the headphone market. It covers all types and styles, at all price ranges with wide distribution.

Features & Specs - Sony MDR-NC40
Works with noise reduction off Will operate without the noise-canceling circuitry activated; allows the model to be used as standard headphones if the batteries die. Works with noise reduction off	Yes
Monitor function (mute) Has a control that turns off the audio, and in the case of noise canceling models turns off the noise canceling function, so that ambient sounds can be heard. Useful for hearing ambience like travel announcements without turning off the audio player or removing the headphones. Monitor function (mute)	Yes
Integrated microphone Has an integrated microphone for use with some cell phones or audio players with a recorder function. Integrated microphone	No
Call connect/disconnect control This allows you to answer or disconnect from a phone call with some cell phones. Call connect/disconnect control	No
Integrated volume control This allows you to adjust the volume without having to dig into your pocket or purse for a player. Integrated volume control	No
Integrated player control This allows you to control some player functions (for example: play, pause, track skip) via a control without having to dig into a pocket or purse for a player. Integrated player control	No
Noise canceling unit in earpiece The electronic circuitry for the noise cancelation function is integrated into headphones earpiece rather than incorporated as a separate module that is integrated into the audio cord. Noise canceling unit in earpiece	No
Detachable cable A detachable cable allows the headphones to be used for noise canceling without the cord being connected to a music or video player, or dangling from the headset. Detachable cable	No
Cable length (in.) Cable length indicates the approximate length of the cable from the headset or earpiece to the plug, measured in inches. Cable length (in.)	59
Battery type The number and type of batteries used. Battery type	(1) AAA
Low battery indicator An indicator to show that the headphone battery power is low and will need to be replaced or recharged. Low battery indicator	Yes
Weight (oz.) Reflects the weight, in ounces, of the headphones including the audio cable and batteries, if any. Weight (oz.)	4.2
More features and specs

Additional Information (The information below has been supplied by an external source.)

General Information
Manufacturer	Sony Corporation
Manufacturer Website Address	www.sony.com
Product Model	MDR-NC40
Product Name	MDR-NC40 Stereo Headphone
Product Type	Headphone

User Reviews - Sony MDR-NC40

Consumer Reports User Reviews

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By BWC

from Oil Slick, Louisiana

3.0

Noise Cancelling?

5/31/2010

Pros

Comfortable

Compact

Durable

Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Home Audio

With My Computer

Comment:

I use them while watching television or listening to music after hours as not to disturb my wife. I didn't really need the noise cancelling feature, I wanted to see how well they worked. In a variety of background noises, I was unable to discern they had any noise cancelling ability. I recently replaced the long dead battery and considered taking them on a vacation that including air travel. I opted for the buds instead leaving them behind. My son was house sitting decided on experimenting with them, and independently decided they didn't work.

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

By Bob

from Costa Mesa, Ca

4.0

Best Value For Noise Cancelling

3/1/2010

Pros

Comfortable

Compact

Durable

Good Bass

Good Value

Great Sound

Lightweight

Stylish

Cons

Best Uses

Traveling

Comment:

Use between LA & Hawaii. Almost as good as my wife's Bose but $150.00 less to purchase

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

By Jumping Jack

from Framingham, MA

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great Headphones for the Money

2/21/2010

Pros

Comfortable

Compact

Good Bass

Good Value

Lightweight

Stylish

Cons

Best Uses

Music

Portable Devices

Traveling

With My Computer

Working Out

Comment:

Got them for Christmas to use with my new itouch...so much better than the ear buds.... Sound canceling is not bad at all and the sound is quite good. While they are not audiophile quality, they are light, easy to use, great to travel with and an all around pleasure...they've made my itouch listening experience so much better. A great value for the dough.

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months

Bottom Line

Other User Reviews

1.0

(based on 1 reviews)

By janegreen2009

User has 3 Days of experience with this product

1.0

MDR-NC40 Noise Canceling Headphones (Enclosed, 102dB, 2.82 oz)

10/04/2009

Strength

Weight is great and size is terrific.

Weakness

Way over priced for several reasons: (1)wiring is too short; (2) too tight resulting in ear discomfort; (3) hard to really hear any stereo sounds. Adjusted everything and it did no good.

There are only 2 pluses for this headphone; the lightweight and size of the product which allows for laying down comfortably without too much bulk pressing on the ears. However, there are several reasons I would never buy it again and would have returned it but because of all the issues and fees that have to be paid just to return it, I chose not to. You can bearly hear the stereo sounds at all; the wiring is much too short for a regular CD player unless of course, you are sitting on top of it. The earphone sections are too tight and causes sore ears after about an hour of use. This is not a worthwhile product because it does not deliver quality or performance and is uncomfortable after about an hour and that's stretching it. I tried 3 times to use the product but gave up. I attempted to adjust it but that did not work either. Personally, I think it is a ripoff.

Source: Price Grabber

See all 8 user reviews

Ratings

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