Review: Able Planet True Fidelity NC-300W Noise Canceling Headphones

My interest in Able Planet piqued when I learned they offer stereo headphones for those with age associated hearing loss. They also make wireless and noise canceling headphones, even hearing aids, and the common thread between them is Linx Audio technology. Linx Audio is designed to improve speech intelligibility and to reduce harsh distortion to help protect hearing. I'm not an audiologist but I value my hearing and if there is a product to assist those with hearing loss and protect against hearing loss, I'm for it. So I decided to check out a pair of Able Planet NC-300W stereo headphones with noise canceling.

The NC-300W is Able Planet's entry-level model, a closed-ear headphone with a detachable audio cord and in-line volume control. They come in a zippered hard case with a ¼" headphone jack adapter, an airline jack adapter and a single AAA battery to power the Linx Audio and noise canceling features.

They are very comfortable and have a secure fit around the ears but not too tight. They can be used solely for noise cancellation without the cord or connected to a stereo for music listening. The unique feature is Linx Audio.

The human ear is a delicate device that loses its sensitivity with increasing age, particularly to high frequencies. Hearing loss is a fact of life never mind the damage that can be caused by too many loud rock concerts.

Linx Audio is designed to improve speech intelligibility for those with age associated hearing loss and to reduce harsh distortions that could damage hearing. It does two things:

It increases the level of high frequency harmonics to enhance speech clarity and make it easier to hear some words and sounds, such as 'f'', 's' and 'th'. Harmonics are overtones of a sound and are important for speech clarity and play a role in the accurate reproduction of music. Its effect is to increase perceived loudness without increasing volume.

Secondly, Linx Audio employs "soft-clipping" to remove undesirable sounds and harsh clipping distortion especially at higher listening levels. Less harshness and reduced distortion is less likely to cause hearing damage and improves listening.

Overall, the Able Planet True Fidelity headphones are comfortable and very easy to listen to with all kinds of music. With Linx Audio turned on, the harmonics of the upper mids and highs are slightly easier to hear but not out of balance with the rest of the music. It's sort of like turning up the treble a bit, but only the harmonics are affected. Vocal details and some percussion instruments become easier to hear more clearly. There is a noticeable lack of harshness or edginess yet it's easy to pick out musical details. Check out the difference with the Linx Audio simulator on the Able Planet website.

Bass sounds full and warm, although a bit heavy when listening to iTunes on my computer. I had to adjust the equalizer to reduce the bass output even when it was set to 'flat'.

The noise-canceling feature provides excellent sound isolation. The amount of noise reduction is not specified; however, suffice to say that unless you're standing next to a jet engine, they work great.

I like the in-line volume control in the cord. It's very handy and easier to adjust than a volume control on the side of the headphone.

Safe listening levels and hearing preservation should be a concern for all who love listening to music. The best speakers and headphones mean nothing if you can't hear the details and subtle acoustic cues that make music and music reproduction so enjoyable.

The Able Planet headphones make it easier to enjoy your favorite music and protect your hearing at the same time. Priced at $129, the NC-300W is very comfortable and effortless to listen to - a good choice for travelers and music lovers that just want a bit of peace and quiet. They're available in black, white or silver. You can purchase them from a dealer, online or compare prices here.

Specifications

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 115 dB (off), 121 dB (on)
• Price: $129
• Contact: Ableplanet.com