Sony MDR-NC50

Pros: attachement for in-flight use, Rich sound, Great job phasing out transient noise than Bose did

Cons: Instead of a AAA battery use a Lithium-ion battery

Summary: Hi:

I was just was at my local Apple store over the weekend.

I asked the salesperson to set-up the Bose QC-2 and the Sony MDR-NC50 on a Apple Nano which I own. To test the two sets for myself.

I would highly recommend anyone buying any headset to test them; since headphone preferences are extremely personal in addtion to fit and comfort.

The Bose QC-2 is priced at $299.00 and the Sony MDR-NC50 is priced at $149.00.

I was looking for a pair of noise canceling sealed headphones for in-flight travel.

The Sony came with an in-flight adapter (two prongs), some of the airlines that I travel on use a two prong instead of one prong to listen to in-flight movies.

So the added attachment from Sony was a plus. Bose does not offer this so I would have to pick one up at a Radio Shack at an additional cost.

For me price was not an issue and I found both headset to be comfortable.

However after listening to both the Bose QC-2 and the Sony MDR-NC50. I opted for the Sony MDR-NC50.

Why?

1. Sony did a much better job phasing out transient noise than Bose did.

2. Sony fit my head better as well as provided a better seal for my ears.

3. Sony did a better job filtering out background noise, i.e. people talking and music in the background then did Bose.

4. I found that the Sony produced a better sound to my liking, a richer bass and an overall richer sound.

Conclusion:

Based on my needs and my listening taste I preferred the Sony MDR-NC50 to the Bose QC-2

In addition the volume on my 1gig Nano and my 30 gig Ipod was good enough to drive these headphones with no problem.