Sony has unleashed array of new noise cancelling products during the last quarter of 2006 – that began with the MDR-NC22, MDR-NC32 and culminated with the new Network Walkman S700/600 series which feature built-in noise cancellation technology. The MDR-NC60 as shown during CES 2007 represents yet another new Sony product which aims to bring a “new level of peace and quiet to a noise-polluted world.” Designated to replace the MDR-NC50 (debut in summer of 2005), the MDR-NC60 offer increased ambient noise cancellation performance up to 85 percent. According to Sony’s press release, increased noise reduction performance is approximately five percent more than prior generation headphones and Sony tests indicate that the MDR-NC60 headphones offer noise reduction of more than 16.5dB at the 200Hz level.
The MDR-NC60 appears to reflect Sony’s commitment to style and technology – features a sleek earcup with sophisticated piano-black finish, ear and head cushioning, and a single-sided cord. Complementing the noise canceling features, 40 mm drivers and neodymium magnets allow the new headphones to reproduce clearer and crisper sound.
Designed with a dual-use capability not found in other high-end noise canceling models, the MDR-NC60 can also be used without battery as high quality conventional stereo headphones to accommodate individual listening preferences as the environment changes. Another convenient feature is a monitor switch located on the outside of the left earpiece that lets you temporarily suspend the noise cancellation feature and mute the music to listen to flight attendants or announcements.
The MDR-NC60 will be available at SonyStyle stores and leading retailers nationwide in March 2007 for about $200. With that MSRP, hopefully the new MDR-NC60 will feature better SQ and comfort over the MDR-NC50 as reviewed within ATRACLife. Stay tuned for its specifications.
