Coby: The Quiet Headphones

I received a surprise Christmas gift this year; a set of Coby Digital Noise Canceling Headphones. Since they were not on my list and I have several other headphone sets in my home, I was a bit puzzled when my husband presented me with this gift. However, as soon as I used them for the first time, I understood that the latest technology places this product head and shoulders above the rest.


Technology

Many people are confused by the term noise canceling headphones, making the incorrect assumption that noise canceling headphones totally eliminate background noise. Not so! The headphones actually contain tiny microphones (one in each earpiece) that detect ambient sound and generate an equal but opposite soundwave, that blocks out the noise. Noise canceling headphones block out approximately 70% of background noise, allowing the user to hear more music, and less background noise.

The result of the noise canceling effect is that major background noise such as automobile traffic, transit system, and airline noise are drastically reduced. Less noticeable noises such as telephone and doorbell rings are pretty much non-detectable at average volume.

Sound Quality

I was surprise by the excellent sound quality produced by the Coby Digital Noise Canceling Headphones. I can actually hear higher frequency sounds while listening to classical music, that I could not hear previously with standard headphones. Much like a HDTV produces a more clearly defined picture, these headphone produce a more refined, an amazingly rich, clear, stereophonic sound, allowing one to hear and distinguish individual instruments. I used these headphones while traveling via automobile and found that they did reduce the traffic and engine sounds to a very low rumble, enabling me to hear the music more clearly. This product produces an amazingly high quality sound, even when I play my CD's on a very inexpensive portable CD player.

Features

The entire package includes a swivel earcup design, an enhanced bass setting, comfortable extra padded earcups with adjustable headband, a carrying pouch, a AAA battery and dual plug airline adapter. The headphones are smaller than standard size, barely covering my small ears, easily portable, and lightweight.

Specifications

For the technically minded, specifications include:

Professional digital quality sound
Powerful neodymium drivers for deep bass sound
Noise reduction level: 12 db at 300 Hz
Cord length: 120cm

Warranty

The manufacturer agrees to repair or replace the product with a new or reconditioned product at no additional charge. The warranty does not cover any products which has been subjected to neglect, unreasonable use, accident, violation of operating instructions, or any product that has been repaired or modified by an unauthorized service agent.

Recommendation

I have always enjoyed the fuller, more concentrated, intimate sound available through the use of stereo headphones, and have sampled a lot of headphones over the years. The Coby Digital Noise Canceling Headphones are easily the best moderately priced (@$20.00) headphones I have ever used.

The claims on the package likely contribute to the general misunderstanding and confusion surrounding noise canceling technology, and are a bit misleading, since they state that the product eliminates background noise in any environment. The more accurate description is that they reduce, rather than eliminate, background noise.

Still, I highly recommend this product, especially for use on airlines or various other forms of public transportation. While the headphones do not completely eliminate background noise, the noise canceling technology does significantly reduce the noise, resulting in a better sound quality, with the added features of a comfortable fit and portability.