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Sony MDR NC500D Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£270
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Sony MDR NC500D review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

6.6

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

5.0

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

5.2

Battery

4.0%

5.8

Calls & Controls

Very good
6.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(48)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(48)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 5.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    10

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 2.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • sony-mdr-nc500d
sony-mdr-nc500d

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony MDR-NC500D is a pioneering set of closed-back, over-ear digital noise-canceling headphones featuring 40mm neodymium drivers and a broad frequency response of 5Hz to 24,000Hz. These headphones are distinguished by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) noise-canceling engine that automatically selects between three modes optimized for airplanes, buses/trains, or offices, achieving up to 99% ambient noise reduction at 160Hz. They offer a lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy construction (approx. 195g) and a dual-power system providing up to 16 hours of use from the internal lithium-ion battery or 28 hours when combined with the included external AA battery pack. Main pros include its highly effective digital noise suppression, comfortable pressure-relieving urethane padding, and a comprehensive accessory kit with airline adapters. However, notable cons include a high premium price point, the inability to operate in passive mode without battery power, and occasional reports of weak or mushy bass response compared to other high-end models.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR NC500D

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

5.0

Features

10.0%

7.5

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

5.2

Battery

4.0%

5.8

Calls & Controls

7.1
Sony MDR NC500D has a technical score of 7.1 points, which is higher than that of 84.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(48)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(48)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.6
Sony MDR NC500D has a user score of 6.57 points, which is lower than that of 85.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
3.2
Sony MDR NC500D has a popularity of 3.2 points, which is lower than 59.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.1

Price

7.6
Sony MDR NC500D has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 76.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Sony MDR NC500D supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Sony MDR NC500D uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sony MDR NC500D uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Sony MDR NC500D reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR NC500D is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

2
Sony MDR NC500D has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sony MDR NC500D supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Sony MDR NC500D supports ambient sound mode. 23.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR NC500D does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

2
Sony MDR NC500D offers 2 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 92.6% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony MDR NC500D does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

16 hours
Sony MDR NC500D offers battery life with ANC of 16 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

3 hours
Sony MDR NC500D needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

195 g
Sony MDR NC500D weighs 195 g, lighter than 57.5% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Sony MDR NC500D vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC500D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony MDR NC500D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC500D includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR NC500D includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR NC500D offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR NC500D offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.73 mm vs 60 mm
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR NC500D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC500D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    Sony MDR NC500D has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC500D has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC500D has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Sony MDR NC500D has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR NC500D supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC500D supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR NC500D offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Sony MDR NC500D has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Sony MDR NC500D is lighter than the average headphone (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Sony MDR NC500D supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Sony MDR NC500D has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Sony MDR NC500D can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • On-device controls
    Sony MDR NC500D includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Sony MDR NC500D reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony MDR NC500D has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Sony MDR NC500D supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
  • 13 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR NC500D has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (30 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 14 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR NC500D is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC500D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 9 years older release date
    Sony MDR NC500D was released earlier than the average headphone (2,008 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2008
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
    When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR NC500D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR NC500D does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Sony MDR NC500D has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 14 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR NC500D is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR NC500D is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 13 mm tighter earcup width
    Sony MDR NC500D has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (30 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR NC500D has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (30 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.30 mm vs 43 mm
  • 3x more expensive
    Sony MDR NC500D is more expensive than the average headphone (£270 vs £90).
    Sony MDR NC500D is more expensive than the average headphone (£270 vs £90).£270 vs £90
  • 21.8% lower user score
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.57 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Sony MDR NC500D has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.57 vs 8.000).6.57 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Battery
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR NC500D and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
48 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
48 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony MDR NC500D?

  • Superior digital noise cancellation with three environment-specific modes (airplane, train, office)
  • High level of comfort with soft leather-like earpads suitable for long-haul flights
  • Solid mid-range audio performance and clear high-frequency details
  • Generous accessory package, including a durable hard carrying case and various adapters
  • Includes an external battery pack that allows for extended use using standard AA batteries

What customers dislike about Sony MDR NC500D?

  • High retail price relative to competitors, often considered poor value for money at its original MSRP
  • Bass can sound 'mushy' or lack punch, with some users reporting distortion at high volumes
  • Proprietary built-in lithium-ion battery is non-removable and has a shorter lifespan than some rivals
  • The large carrying case and extra accessories add significant bulk for travelers

Expert reviews

G
gizmodo.com
23/07/2008
Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones - Gizmodo

The Sony MDR-NC500D is reviewed by Gizmodo as an exceptionally lightweight and comfortable pair of over-the-ear headphones, making them ideal for frequent flyers on long-haul flights. The standout feature is its highly effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Noise Canceling technology, which automatically detects and filters environmental frequencies across three distinct...Read more

R
reviewed.com
01/08/2010
Sony MDR-NC500D Headphones Review - Reviewed Would you like to compare the noise-cancelling performance of this specific model against newer Sony head...

The Sony MDR-NC500D over-ear headphones deliver highly effective active noise cancellation, featuring an advanced AI mode that matches three specific environments: airplane, public transit, and office settings. Designed to compete directly with Bose's QuietComfort series, these headphones excel in long-term comfort due to their heavily padded, soft faux-leather cups and a cushioned...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/05/2010
Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphone Review - Head-Fi

The Sony MDR-NC500D features highly capable active noise cancellation with three environment modes, performing better than the Bose QC2 and offering a comfortable, lightweight design with excellent, clear midrange frequencies. While the ANC is effective, the sound signature suffers from a noticeably unnatural, processed digital artifact in the bass region and heavily rolled-off...Read more

C
cnet.com
03/02/2009
Sony MDR-NC500D review - CNET

Sony MDR-NC500D Review Summary The Sony MDR-NC500D over-the-ear headphones stand out as the world’s first digital noise-cancelling model, utilizing an on-board digital signal processor to intelligently analyze and filter out disturbing ambient sounds. Built with premium magnesium and aluminium alloys, these lightweight headphones completely envelop the ears rather than sitting on...Read more

S
smh.com.au
05/01/2009
Review: Sony MDR-NC500D - SMH (The Sydney Morning Herald)

The Sydney Morning Herald review highlights the Sony MDR-NC500D's breakthrough digital noise-cancelling technology, which superiorly neutralizes a broader frequency range—including speech—compared to analogue rivals. Tested on flights and buses, these $699 AUD headphones outperformed the Bose QuietComfort 3 by blocking nearly twice as much external noise. the review notes...Read more

C
cnet.com
21/10/2008
Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones review - CNET Australia

The Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones offer high-quality construction with an understated, durable design made of thick plastic and a lightweight magnesium alloy. A major standout feature is its feedback-type digital noise cancellation, which places the microphone near the ear to highly accurately eliminate ambient environmental sounds like aeroplanes or trains....Read more

W
wired.com
20/10/2008
Review: Sony MDR-NC500D - WIREDGo to product viewer dialogue for this item.

The Sony MDR-NC500D enters the high-end noise-cancelling market by challenging the Bose QuietComfort 3 with sophisticated digital signal processing and a "digital cool" sound profile, which excels at midrange frequency reproduction. A significant disadvantage is its poor performance with low-end audio, resulting in aggressive distortion on heavy bass tracks at higher volumes....Read more

W
wired.com
02/10/2008
Review: Sony Noise Canceling Headphones Sound Great, but Bulky - WIRED

This WIRED review evaluates the Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Cancellation HeadphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. by comparing them against the industry-standard Bose QuietComfort 3Go to product viewer dialog for this item. across multiple real-world environments. The reviewer praises Sony's exceptional, customizable digital noise cancellation, which successfully...Read more

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cnet.com
18/04/2008
Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones - CNET

The Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones are praised by CNET as a premium, highly effective audio solution tailored for frequent flyers and daily commuters looking to block out low-end environmental rumble. A major pro of these headphones is their superior, computer-analyzed digital noise cancellation, which effectively adapts to specific environments like airplanes,...Read more

C
cnet.com
16/04/2008
Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling review - CNET

The CNET review of the Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones awards them a solid 7.7 out of 10 score, highlighting them as an excellent, premium option tailored for frequent fliers and daily commuters. The pros center around their exceptional feedback-type digital noise cancellation, which places microphones near the ear to highly accurately analyze and block out...Read more

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computerbild.de
15/01/2009
Review: Sony MDR-NC500D - COMPUTER BILD", "Sony MDR-NC500D review - COMPUTER BILD

The Sony MDR-NC500D is a noise-canceling headphone model evaluated by Computer Bild as a highly capable, albeit expensive, travel companion that earned a satisfactory overall grade of 2.5. The review highlights its industry-leading digital noise cancellation technology, which set lab measurement benchmarks by completely filtering out constant low-frequency ambient sounds like...Read more

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01net.com
20/10/2008
Review: No need to turn up the volume to enjoy your music

The Sony MDR-NC500D is a premium, compact headband headphone designed to deliver high-fidelity audio quality while isolating the listener from surrounding noise. It features an advanced digital noise-canceling system that processes environmental sounds via an internal microphone and a digital signal processor (DSP) to generate opposing sound waves. While the manufacturer's claim of...Read more

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ma62.fr
07/10/2009
Elektor No. 376 - Review: Sony MDR-NC500D", "Elektor No. 376 - Test Bench: Sony MDR-NC500D

The feature article "Test pratique de dix casques antibruit" (Practical Test of Ten Noise-Canceling Headphones) in the October 2009 issue of Elektor Magazine (No. 376) evaluates a selection of ten consumer headphones designed to eliminate ambient noise through active and passive technology. The review targets everyday users looking to enjoy music undisturbed in loud environments...Read more

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