Creative Debuts Two ANC Headphones

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 2/1/2012

Milpitas, Calif. - Creative Technology unveiled two active noise-canceling headphones on Wednesday.

The HN-900 are currently available for $99.99.

The second model, the Aurvana X-Fi 2, also has 40mm drivers. This model features three technologies meant to improve sound.

First, the X-Fi audio technology is said to improve sound quality and provide a virtual surround-sound effect. Second, the X-Fi Crystalizer technology reportedly uses such algorithms to make any digital audio sound better by intelligently and selectively restoring the highs and lows that were lost during MP3 or other compression. Finally, the X-Fi CMSS-3D virtually transforms stereo headphone playback into the more immersive listening experience of a surround-sound speaker system, Creative said.

Consumers can switch between these three technologies and active noise cancellation on the headphone controls. When all of the technologies are employed, operating time is listed at nine hours on two AAA batteries. The Aurvana X-Fi 2 will also operate in passive mode when the batteries die.

Frequency response is listed at 20Hz to 20kHz; noise reduction level is 20dB, and impedance is 450 ohms when on and 72 ohms when off. They will be available this month for $199.