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Panasonic RP-HC500 Noise-Canceling Headphones

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Brand: Panasonic
Category: CE

List Price: ~~$199.99~~
Buy New: $88.95
You Save: $111.04 (56%)

New (7) Used (1) from $87.87

Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

177 reviews

Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries: 1
Batteries Included: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 5.1 x 8 x 10.3
Legal Disclaimer: Sale Ends: 12-30-2008. You may return or exchange merchandise purchased from Macy's @ Amazon by mail only. Certain items are covered by warranty as indicated. To obtain a copy of the warranty prior to purchase, please write to: macys.com Customer Service Dept.; P.O. Box 8215; Mason, OH 45040; Small Ticket Department-Warranty;

MPN: RP-HC500
Model: RP-HC500
UPC: 379882620065
EAN: 0379882620065
ASIN: B000OKH6ZI

Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days

Features:

•	92% noise reduction - 22dB at 200Hz
•	Plug adaptor for aircraft
•	Battery life: approx. 40H with AAA alkaline battery
•	When noise-canceling effect is off, can be used as normal headphones
•	Comes with hard case

Accessories:

•	Shure SCL2 Sound Isolating Earphones with Single Dynamic Driver, Black
•	Energizer(R) Max(R) AAA Alkaline Batteries, Pack Of 12
•	Energizer L92BP4 Battery, Lithium Aaa Photo Battery
•	Philips HL150 Lightweight Stereo Headphones
•	Able Planet Clear Harmony Over the Head Stereo Headphones

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Whether used to block out sound while on an aircraft or to create a tranquil environment so you can enjoy your favorite CD track, these new headphones are up to the challenge. The new RP-HC500 noise canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise by creating out-of-phase sounds that equal the background noise to effectively cancel it. Additionally, the headphones reduce low frequencies such as the drone of a plane's engine or a loud air conditioning unit. The noise-canceling feature can also be switched off to allow the user to converse or to reduce background noise by virtue of the headphone's comfortable insulated housing. Includes carrying pouch and plug adapter for airplane Suitable for MP3 and iPod players

Customer Reviews: Read 172 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

simply the best at noise cancellation July 30, 2007
Ari Elias Bachrach (Philadelphia PA)
101 out of 102 found this review helpful

My company switched offices about a month ago, and myself and a few coworkers found ourselves in a room underneath a very large and very loud air conditioner. Combining that with the network equipment in the corner made for a headache-inducing work environment. Several of my coworkers already owned the Bose QC2 and QC3 - I decided to get these since they were a third the price. After several side by side comparisons, it became obvious to all of us that these were simply the best at noise cancellation. They also have a sound quality on par with the Bose. The only downside is that they can be a little bit uncomfortable to wear for a long time (although admittedly I do have a big head). I showed them to a few other friends and everyone's reaction was the same - the world simply seems to to disappear from your ears. The amount of damage these things save your ears is incredible - I'm practically addicted to them by now.

5 out of 5 stars

Panasonic RP-HC500 vs. Audio-Tehnica quiet point ATH-ANC7 March 24, 2008
Phillip Wagner (Houston)
55 out of 56 found this review helpful

I originally purchased the Audio-Tehnica quiet point ATH-ANC7 headphones most because of it's overall positive rating vs. Bose Quiet comforts. However, once I received them I viewed some ratings for the Panasonic RP-HC500 and decided to purchase one of those as well in order to compare the two.

My observations:
Cost: Panasonic was ~$7 cheaper.

Appearance: Both are pretty much the same form factor. The slight nod goes to Audio-Technica for it's looks. Both carrying cases are similar in shape and appearance.

Comfort: Both headphones were equally comfortable on my large ears.

Noise cancellation: Panasonic wins by a substantial margin. My wife verified this in our noisy car.

Sound: Both sound the same to me. However, my main focus was on noise cancellation.

Battery: Panasonic indicated that some models come with rechargeable battery (mine came with standard battery). However, using rechargeable batteries is important to me. Audio Technica explicitly stated to NOT USE rechargeable batteries. Panasonic wins.

Accessories: Both brands came with identical accessories except that the cord that came with Audio Technica was about 2" longer. No advantage either way.

I ended up returning the Audio Technica headphones and am very happy with the Panasonics.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent performance... Bose quality at less than a third the price December 22, 2007
Nick from Shelburne VT
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Just tried these out on a few flights this past week: they worked beautifully. If you try these at home you might feel that the noise reduction is not that great. But when you use them in flight, the reduction of the jetliner ambient noise is superb. Regarding some earlier reviews: (1) not that good for iPods [mp3]?: Nonsense. Excellent reproduction for any analog output, period. (2) Getting a better price elsewhere?: Nonsense. The amazon price is about as good as it gets... and I trust them not to peddle grey market goods.

5 out of 5 stars

Panasonic RP-HC500 Better than Bose QuietComfort 2 & 3 November 20, 2007
M. Duque
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

The good: Eliminates all the background noise without introducing any other annoying sound. They are much cheaper too.:-)
The Bad: The blue light on the side (power on). Flight attendances think is a wireless headset.
Details:
I have used these headphones for a while now and being a previous owner of a QuietComfort 2 & 3 I can tell you they are much better.
The main deference is that with the Bose headphones is that while in use I still had the sensation of having an annoying sound but with the Panasonic RP-HC500 I do not hear any of the plane background noise.

5 out of 5 stars

Will Never Travel Without Them Again April 6, 2008
Pax Romana (New Jersey, United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I don't normally write reviews but in this case I just had to. I bought these for my second trip from New York to India. My first trip was an absolute disaster between all the engine noise, babies whining/crying, and background conversations. Results after using them on my second trip?

1) Engine noise....completely gone.
2) Babies crying...does not totally eliminate it, which I knew going into this. However it REALLY takes the edge off. While I was aware of the whining and crying it was FAR less severe with the headphones. Plain and simple. I did a with and without experiment at the first chance and needless to say they stayed on.
3) Background conversations....again not totally eliminated (if nearby you) but they become so muffled as to appear to fade into the background. After a while I simply stopped noticing them.

Bottom line? I will NEVER travel again without them. Paid for themselves immediately if you ask me. You cannot go wrong.