Use these headphones to block out noise, listen to music, or do both at once! Sony Noise Canceling Headphones reduce outside noise by more than 70%. Listen to Beethoven without being bothered by the symphony of your neighbor's buzz saw. Take in the latest Salsa sounds on planes or trains. These magnificent headphones feature a "noise canceller" on/off switch (in case you need to hear what's going on around you) and a headband that folds for easy storage. It reduces noise by 70% (10dB) making it ideal for travel - it gives you peace and quiet on planes, trains, buses and cars. It is also ideal for outdoor use when you are gardening or on a noisy street. Its noise canceling circuit actually senses outside noise with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the headphones; cancels noise from 50Hz to 1, 000Hz, with a maximum of 10dB noise cancellation in the critical range from 100 to 400 Hz - where the human ear is super-sensitive. Enjoy its closed headphone design that gives you greater isolation from outside sound. Its folding headband and pivoting earpads make for easy storage in a backpack, briefcase or purse improving their portability.

Retreat to a world of music, sleep on airplanes, or focus allyour attention on study materials with Sony's stereo Noise-Canceling Headphones. They fit comfortably and have soft, high-quality speakers that completely cover your ears for an all-encompassing listening experience. Unlike lower-end models, these speakers don't pinch, leak sound, or cause pain with an in-ear insert. The noise-canceling feature blocks out 70 percent of all low-frequency sound. You'll still be able to hear someone speaking directly to you, but ambient noise--papers being ruffled, the rumble of an engine--disappears almost completely. Headphones plug into a Sony Discman, Walkman, and most other portable stereos or receivers. A mini jack allows you to plug the headphones into the standard jacks in airplane armrests, which will give you much better sound than the $5 disposables will for in-flight music services and movies. Sony's Noise-Canceling Headphones fold up for easy packing in a briefcase or carry-on luggage. One AAA battery is required to operate the noise-canceling function. --Cristina Vaamonde

If you are looking for a pair of headphones to use in loud areas, these headphones will fit the bill. The MDR-NC20 headphones are a nice companion for the airplane, the bus ride or a loud dorm building. The noise canceling system reduces outside noise by seventy percent (10dB), allowing you to hear the music accurately. To help reduce the amount of outside noise entering the ear, Sony has made these earphones with a closed type design.

The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, delivering quality sound. Sony has installed several technical features to the headphones to ensure a quality listening experience. The thirty millimeter drive units deliver deep bass, low distortion and a wide frequency response range (16 - 22,000 Hz). Neodymium magnets give the headphones maximum energy at a minimal size and weight. These magnets also produce ample sound output with 99 dB sensitivity (NC on.) The detachable input cord allows you to connect directly to an audio source.

The headphones fold up for compact storage. The pivoting earpads are both comfortable and storable. To turn on the noise canceling system, simply flip the on/off switch. A red power LED light illuminates when powered-on. The headphones run on one AAA battery, which will run for up to forty-five hours (alkaline).

What's in the Box
Sony MDR-NC20 headphones, separate input cord and user's manual.