Success Story: Sony MDR NC6 Noise-Canceling Headphones
By John Laposky -- TWICE, 8/18/2008
A robust feature set at a very sharp price point proved a winning combination for Sony, whose MDR NC6 headphones topped unit sales of active noise-canceling headphones for the 12 months ending in May.
Starting out at a suggested price of $59.99 when it debuted in late 2004, and now widely available at a street price less than $45, it is the least-expensive model on the list except for the Philips HN060 ear buds.
The NC6 feature swiveling earcups to allow the unit to fold flat for stowage and a single-cord design to reduce tangling and snagging. It also ships with a soft storage bag.
The headphones' switchable noise-canceling circuit blocks solid-state noise from 40 to 1,500 Hz. Ambient sound can be reduced over 10 dB at 300 Hz, according to the company.
Features include a plug adapter to connect directly to a stereo and a dual jack for in-flight entertainment systems. It operates on one AAA battery which can drive the noise-cancelling function for up to 30 hours.
Top 10 Active Noise-Canceling HeadphonesUnit volume share at retail
June 2007 - May 2008
| 1 | Sony MDR NC6 |
| 2 | Philips HN110 |
| 3 | Philips SHN2500 In-Ear Earbud |
| 4 | Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 |
| 5 | Philips HN060 Ear Bud |
| 6 | Bose QuietComfort 3 |
| 7 | Koss QZPRO Collapsible |
| 8 | Bose QuietComfort 2 |
| 9 | Philips BHN |
| 10 | Philips HN050 |
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