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Shanks405
46
Oct 26, 2019
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Have likewise owned these (black) for several years. At the time, and before I got hooked on this personal audio jonesing, I simply wanted to step up from a decent pair of Audio Technica consumer ANC phones for travel and these caught my attention with strong reviews in several top hifi magazines. Paid $250 (down from original $400 list). The ANC inflight disappointed - okay, but better at blocking mid frequencies than low engine rumble, where even the ATs beat them. Plus even though foldable these are bulky without case and the case (albeit top quality) added that much more bulk for travel. (I’ve since been gravitating to better noise isolating iems for flight). That said, these are terrific headphones, and with a dozen pair of phones and another dozen iems in my collection from $50 to $600 range (trad drivers, closed, open, planar, BA), I can say these are indeed a tremendous buy at $100 (the accessories alone are worth that). I’ve found them immensely comfortable and sturdy, but I’ve kept them on a stand and stopped folding them long ago, so wear is minimal in this regard. At home or office, the passive isolation from the well made pads is more than fine, and there’s no sound leakage (says my wife, who’s easily annoyed by such things at night). PSB is a leading CDN speaker manufacturer, and these are tuned (to my ears) to deliver a very full and present live “speaker” experience. The three settings offer a flat/off setting (on board electronics not engaged). Driving with a mobile phone will render anemic sound at this setting, and an amp would be recommended. However, the middle setting brings in a matched on board amp powered by the replaceable AAA batteries (ups volume like a gain switch), and the third ANC setting doesn’t alter this amplified sound signature at all (no hiss). These offer great listening without the ANC, and additional isolation with it, without noticeable audio degradation.. If you are new to this hobby and want to start with $100 in to get something that sounds like $500 off a phone, buy the PSB’s and then pick up the $40 FIIO i1 (lightning to 3.5mm) or similar (USB to 3..5mm/Android) cable dac/amp adapter and get ready to smile. If you already own higher end desk or portable dac/amp gear, grab these to remind yourself what it was like to sit in front of a good stereo system jacked up in your dorm room playing your favorite album (no matter what you used to listen to) once upon a time. If you don’t like them (unlikely), keep the $35 case for another set of cans, and park these under the tree for someone this holiday season. (Cons? Takes 2 AAA batteries. As these have been out since 2012, PSB can be forgiven. Without ANC I’m getting 20+ listening hours with a pair, and I have used rechargeables without a problem thus far. Also note, if not already obvious, these are too big for practical on the go or fitness use.)
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Oct 26, 2019
WilcoRoger
27
Oct 26, 2019
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Shanks405I'd count the AA batteries as a plus - no built-in obsolescence when the built-in battery dies (as is the case with most other current ANC cans). Also on the plus side - you can listen to them without any batteries, again not something a Bose is capable of...
Oct 26, 2019
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