Sennheiser PXC 450 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser PXC 450 headphones deliver clear, detailed sound with strong, deep bass and offer high comfort for long-term listening. Key features include a convenient bypass mode for listening without power and a talk-through button for hearing outside noise, according to the review. However, the headset is highly revealing of low-quality audio sources and features a bulky design that is inconvenient for travel. The earcup volume controls can be awkward to operate, the unit is expensive, and engaging the active noise cancellation may slightly degrade audio texture.

The Trusted Reviews analysis of the Sennheiser PXC 450 NoiseGard 2.0 highlights these over-ear headphones as a premium choice for frequent travelers, offering superb sound quality, detailed audio, and effective noise cancellation. Key strengths include exceptional comfort for long-term wear and an innovative TalkThrough feature that allows external conversations without removing the headset. However, the review cites drawbacks including a high price point and a bulky design that is impractical for commuting or sports. Additionally, while audio is detailed, fans of heavy bass may find the sound signature too neutral.

Review Summary The Sennheiser PXC 450 is a large, circumaural closed-back headphone retailing for $449.95 that delivers strong noise-canceling performance for commuters and audiophiles. It stands out for its exceptional acoustic seal and its superior soundstage representation, which projects audio well outside the listener's head rather than trapping it deep inside the ears. Equipped with NoiseGard 2.0 active noise cancellation, it achieves a claimed 90% reduction of external sounds, effectively drowning out low-level train and track roar during travel. Notable functional features include a "talk-through" mode that temporarily mutes music for conversations, a detachable six-foot cord, and a compact folding design that packs tightly into an included cloth carrying case. Pros and Cons Pro: Excellent soundstage that outperforms competitors like muddy-sounding Bose models.Pro: Effective 90% active noise cancellation that beats 85% alternative models.Pro: Premium, thick, and replaceable leather ear pads providing a strong acoustic seal.Con: Bulky, helmet-like size makes for heavy and clumsy cosmetics on the go.Con: High impedance (150/750 ohms) requires maximum iPod volume or an external amplifier.Con: Ergonomic defect where the inner driver of the left phone rubs...

The Sennheiser PXC 450 headphones are categorized as average, featuring great audio reproduction for neutral listening and decent audio leakage performance, but they suffer from a poor, closed-back soundstage and slightly overpowered mid-range frequencies. While the build is robust, the design is highly uncomfortable for extended wear due to the inner-earcup construction. RTINGS.comPhysical limitations include a bulky design unsuitable for sports and severely lacking active noise isolation, making them ineffective for commuting or loud environments. RTINGS.com

The Sennheiser PXC 450Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. active noise-cancelling over-ear headphones (MSRP $449.95) are evaluated as a highly comfortable option well-suited for long-distance travelers. The pros emphasized in the review include their exceptional, feather-light comfort that easily accommodates larger head sizes without causing pressure, alongside a generous package of connectivity accessories like a 1/4-inch adapter and an airplane adapter. Furthermore, they excel in passive sound isolation even when turned off, and activating the active noise cancellation blocks up to 20dB of ambient noise, making them highly effective at drowning out the low-end roar of buses and airplanes. However, the headphones suffer from several technical and practical cons that may deter audio purists. Sonically, they feature a quirky frequency response that boosts low-end bass and creates dramatic volume peaks and dips between 2.5KHz and 6KHz, an anomaly that becomes even more exaggerated when active noise cancellation is switched on. On the usability side, they require a AAA battery to power the noise-cancelling unit, creating an ongoing hassle and expense for the user. Finally, they feature a very...

The Sennheiser PXC 450 NoiseGard headphones offer outstanding active noise cancellation and superior audio quality, making them a powerful competitor to the Bose QuietComfort series. They excel at eliminating ambient sounds, notably outperforming Bose pairs in cutting out high-frequency hiss from environments like air conditioning units. Sonically, they deliver a highly satisfying, exciting, and distortion-free experience featuring deep, powerful, and tight bass alongside crisp mid and high frequencies. They also offer an extremely comfortable circumaural over-ear fit, a sturdy 55.1-inch detachable cable, and an included dual-mono airplane adapter. Additionally, standout usability details include a "bypass" switch to listen to music in passive mode without using battery power, and a convenient "Talk Through" button that mutes music and activates an external microphone for easy conversation without removing the headset. Despite their stellar technical achievement, the headphones have a few notable drawbacks. Most significantly, at $450, they are considered exceptionally expensive—costing $100 to $150 more than comparable Bose models—which keeps them from being an easy recommendation for everyday consumers. Physically, they are quite large and may feel bulky to some, even though...

The Sennheiser PXC 450 over-ear wireless headphones are recognized as former What Hi-Fi? Award winners that offer a highly detailed, dynamic performance smoother in the treble than some competitors. They feature a functional volume control and a dedicated "talk-through" button built onto one ear cup, which allows users to silence their music with a single touch for quick conversations. Additionally, the headphones are noted for providing a very snug and comfortable fit along with highly effective noise-cancelling capabilities. Despite these strong features, the review highlights that the PXC 450 headphones have been outclassed by the Bose QuietComfort 15s, which deliver superior spatial imaging, deeper insight, and more adept active noise cancellation. A major drawback of the Sennheiser headphones is their steep price point, as they were tested at a premium price of £300.00 and are explicitly flagged in the review as "not cheap". While they remain a great and durable purchase, they ultimately fall short of the sonic space and elite noise-masking precision offered by their Bose rival.

The Sennheiser PXC 450 noise-cancelling headphones are reviewed by CNET as a high-end, premium option specifically targeted at business travelers and frequent flyers who demand exceptional sound accuracy on the move. Designed to compete directly with the Bose QuietComfort range, these enormous over-ear headphones boast outstanding build quality with a tough aluminum-spined headband, luxurious earcups that stay cool during long sessions, and a clever dual-folding mechanism that packs neatly into an included hard case. In terms of performance, the PXC 450 delivers highly balanced, impeccably clear audio across different genres, coupled with highly effective active noise-cancellation that easily neutralizes office air conditioning and deep ambient train roar.