Harman Kardon NC Headphones

No traveler’s backpack is complete without a set of headphones, but the standard iPhone earbuds just don’t cut it in terms of sound quality. Plus, all that noise on planes and trains can drown out your jams, so what is an audiophile adventurer to do? Competing with Bose QC-15 and Beats Studio, Harman Kardon released their NC model, specifically designed for noise cancelation. HK has been putting out quality headphones in recent years, and aims to provide a better alternative to the popular brands.

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The NCs feature the company’s iconic, retro, square earpieces, but with a more modern metal-and-leather construction. It’s recommended you try the pair on before purchasing, as they are not adjustable. Rather, the headphones come with two interchangeable metal bands that might not provide a snug fit. A detachable cable feeds audio into the left earpiece, which is also used to charge the noise cancellation battery with a proprietary USB cable. The headphones come with a case and fold flat, but not into the band like many other models, which could be an issue for travelers with limited space.

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Harman Kardon’s NC line has a nice tonal balance with plenty of detail in the high end, but without any harshness. While the noise canceling isn’t quite up to par with the Bose QC-15s, it is sufficient enough to bring down a plane engine. It does affect the sound quality though, with a noticeable bump in the bass when it is turned on, which can sound muddy on some tracks. All in all, the Harman Kardon NCs are a great alternative to other brands, featuring excellent construction and design. Learn more about the headphones at harmankardon.com.

© Harman Kardon | NC