Reviewed: March 24, 2010
Reviewed by: Jason Flick
Manufacturer
Able Planet
Type: Gaming Headset
System: PC
Rating: 8.9
What's in the box:
MSRP: $129.99
On a daily basis, I am usually using some sort of handheld device, console or PC to great extent. More time than not I’m also using a pair of headphones due to my choices of playing times and places. I also use headphones on daily basis so when AblePlanet released their new True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ I looked forward to giving them a whirl.
The founders of AblePlanet have made it their goal to remove a barrier that has limited people’s ability to live to their lives to the fullest. One of those barriers is sound and to the world of gaming sound is everything. Well almost everything, but to a person with limited hearing AblePlanet’s patented Link Audio® technology has helped them rediscover what they’ve started to loose.
The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones or the NC300B is AblePlanet’s newest entry level product featuring their patented Link Audio® technology and state-of-the-art active noise cancellation (ANC). I’ve personally used an AblePlanet headset for my PC before and quite frankly I found them to be one of the best headsets I’ve ever used. It’s time to see how the NC300B stacks up and if it delivers the same quality that I’ve heard first hand.
Aesthetics - 9
The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones features a classic over the head design with added padding to allow for a more comfortable wear over longer periods of time. The cones surround the ears to further add to their comfort as well as sealing most unwanted noises out. The NC300B are your conventional sized headphones that are made out of black hard plastic with the noise-cancelling switch located on the lower back of the right earpiece.
The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones uses one 3.5mm analog plug that can be used on any computer or audio device. Unlike most basic headphones, the NC300Bs features a removable audio cable with in-line volume control, which is one thing all full-sized headphones need to have starting right now. Also in the package is a 1/4” home stereo adapter, one AAA battery, an airplane adapter, and a hard protective carrying case.
Durability - 9
The first AblePlanet headset that I had the opportunity to use is still going strong and still intact. After more than a week of solid use the True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones have held remarkable strong. I’m not a huge fan of headphones that swivel to lay flat in a bag or case, mainly because that’s where they usually break on me. The NC300B however is solidly built and one of the strongest pair of headphones that I’ve ever used to date. The removable audio cable as I mentioned above is also one of the smartest features that AblePlanet could have implemented. Another problem with most headphones is that if the speakers don’t stop working, then the cord usually gets yanked or stepped on to the point of shorting out. By having the cable detachable it’s not a problem anymore.
Performance - 9
The true test of any pair of headphones is how well they perform time after time. It’s safe to say that as far as sound quality goes the True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ perform remarkably.
The main reason for the True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones amazing sound is the inclusion of AblePlanet’s patented LINX AUDIO®. This technology enhances sound quality, filters undesirable sound and reduces distortion while increasing perceived loudness without increasing volume and ruining your ears.
Though the LINX AUDIO® is main reason for AblePlanet’s success the Active Noise Cancellation is what really makes these headphones shine. Most noise canceling devices that I’ve ever used in the past never seemed to quite do the job quite like I wanted it to. The NC300Bs with the noise cancelling activated tuned out almost all sound even in some of the noisiest locals.
Value - 8
The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO® delivers amazing sound quality and great noise cancelling for the package. The included battery lasted a lot longer than I expected especially since I accidentally left the noise-canceling feature on more times than I care to remember. The detachable audio cable prevents you from damaging the audio connection, which is a feature, all full size or high-end headphones should have. The included adapters and hard case make this case perfect for travel.
Overall – 8.9
As an avid music listener and a gamer, I cherish any headphones that give me the clearest possible sound. The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO® pretty much suit my everyday needs especially when I’m on the go. Their swivel design makes them perfect for travel as well as home and office. The True Fidelity Active Noise Canceling Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ retails for $129.99 which puts them in the mid to higher end price range and are absolutely worth it.