Sony MDR-NC50 Review-Pictorial

[Ishiyoshi]

MDR-NC50 | Noise Canceling Headphone

The MDR-NC50 is one of the best noise canceling headphones I've tested thus far. My impressions:

The good:

--> The NC50 offers superb ambient noise isolation - the rumble of aircraft engines was efficiently eliminated.

--> The NC50's leather pads are quite comfortable; fits tightly around your ears

--> Somewhat strong bass with acceptable mid-range and treble detail

--> Good vocal detail (*vocals are somewhat nasal during initial use)

--> Bundled with great carrying case, which can be used to store other headphones such as the Sony Eggo with a portable MiniDisc Player/Recorder (*see picture below)

The Bad:

--> The strong bass is sort of a mixed bag - can be a little overwhelming especially if you like to listen to your tunes with EQ; so, you will need to tune the EQ to compensate accordingly.

--> Due to its tight fit, the NC50 can be quite uncomfortable for long haul flights.

--> Retails at $199

Conclusion:

I can't really recommend the NC50 unless you are strictly employing it for in-flight entertainment.

--> Enjoy the pictorial.

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MDR-NC50 | Carrying Case

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[AMPlitude]

awesome

[Damage]

Looks a bit reminiscent of the XD series, sans the big wire auto headband adjustment spring thingy, of Doom!

While I know I'm asking you to compare apples and oranges, I'll ask anyways. How does the NC50 sound vs. the XD400 without any noise cancelling? From your impressions, they remind me of the XD400 and to some extent XD300's initial SQ...

Or for that matter, would you recommend this vs. the in-ear monitors (dunno if you have experience with any) such as the Shures.

I would also like to know how you manage to take so damn awesome pics of your gear. You need to share your secrets with the rest of us mere mortals.

[Ishiyoshi]

While I know I'm asking you to compare apples and oranges, I'll ask anyways. How does the NC50 sound vs. the XD400 without any noise cancelling? From your impressions, they remind me of the XD400 and to some extent XD300's initial SQ...

Without noise cancelling, the NC50 is unfortunately mediocre at best; in my opinion, it is not even on par with the XD400.

Or for that matter, would you recommend this vs. the in-ear monitors (dunno if you have experience with any) such as the Shures.

I have no experience with in-ear noise cancelling monitors, thus, I can’t provide you with the appropriate recommendations. However, I suspect in-ear monitors would be more comfortable than the NC50 for long hour use. As I’ve mentioned in my impressions, the NC50 can be quite uncomfortable for long haul flights.

I would also like to know how you manage to take so damn awesome pics of your gear. You need to share your secrets with the rest of us mere mortals.

Well, no secrets here If I may say so humbly, the results of my macro photographs are from years of experience in photography. The key to good macro photography is lighting, the right exposure, tripod and most important, your creativity. In addition, if you employ the digital format, it is important that the white balance is set correctly.

[mercury_in_flames]

looks like the pics are gone.

[Ishiyoshi]

looks like the pics are gone.

Thanks for the note, Greg. Pictorial-Review fixed.

[kittie1823]

Sweet 'phones. What MD deck is that? I have an older NetMD 710 and I'm thinking of upgrading

[Ishiyoshi]

Sweet 'phones. What MD deck is that? I have an older NetMD 710 and I'm thinking of upgrading

Thanks. That's a MZ-RH10.