Drop, charge, and lose the cords
CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 12/13/2004
- Released on: 08/01/2004
We'll start on a positive note: priced at $40 list, Virgin Pulse's VP-HSN-1000 noise-canceling (NC) headphones are among the most affordable models we've seen. The padded leatherette earpieces have a luxurious feel, and the capsule-shaped, matching gray, semisoft carrying case is attractive. Also, a plug adapter is supplied to connect directly to the stereo or the dual jack of in-flight music services. But that's it; we've just run out of nice things to say about the HSN-1000s.
The rated life expectancy of the AAA battery powering the NC circuitry is a paltry 10 hours, which is significantly shorter than that of most NC models. Even with the gentlest handling, the plastic battery-compartment cover popped open a number of times. Worse yet, the noise-canceling effect was so barely noticeable on a New York City subway that we had to check that it was actually on. While the quieting effect was marginal, it did boost the headphone's volume a little--and it needed a boost because the HSN-1000s are power hungry. Even with our iPod's volume control pegged to the max, the Virgin headphones didn't play very loud. Another gripe: their 62-inch-long cable was at least 20 inches too long for portable use.
Not only did these headphones produce a "canned" sound that felt stuck inside our head, they flattened the music's dynamic range and generally performed like an uninspired $10 model. By comparison, Sony's $59 MDR-NC6 noise-canceling headphones sound more open, with greater treble and bass detail, and they can play much louder. Their noise-canceling powers, however, aren't much better than the HSN-1000s'.
Most helpful user reviews
-
Average user rating:
0 stars
Not yet available
Back to product review - My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 1 of 1 user review
- See 1 user review Write review
Submit your review
