Poor noise-reduction; your money is best spent elsewhere
Written: Jul 15 '05 (Updated Jul 20 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, carrying case, includes battery and airline adapter.
Cons: Virtually no noise-reduction, no auto-off, no instruction/user manual.
The Bottom Line: Poor sound-quality along with overpowering 'artificial-sounding' bass and almost no noise-reduction, definitely make this unit one to avoid.
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| makowals's Full Review: Coby CV-190 Consumer Headphones |
I bought my pair of Coby CV-190 for $19.99 at "Pep Boys" Auto store--having always wanted to own a pair of noise-reduction headphones but not wanting to pay the $$$. Unfortunately, with these headphones, 'you get what you pay for.'
I was most attracted to the unit's price. I've never seen a pair of NR headphones for less than $75-$100, so when I saw this pair was on sale for $19.99, I was intrigued. For less than $20, I wasn't going to break the bank and was willing to take a gamble.
Inside the package, the headphones did come with some redeeming 'extras,' such as a carrying case, a AAA battery for the noise-reduction function, and an airline adapter. However, the unit did not come with a brochure, manual, or any literature to explain how the noise-reduction feature works.
Even for an inexpensive pair of headphones, the sound quality of the Coby CV-900 is very poor. There is an abundance of bass, but the bass is distorted, 'hollow', and artificial-sounding; it overpowers the sound, and not in a good way. Treble sounds are light and completely overwhelmed by the bass in the headphones. The only thing I've managed to successfully listen to with no complaints have been audio books.
On my unit, there appears to be more 'noise reduction' when the NR function is powered off--than when it's on. The earpads fit tightly to the ears and effectively block out most outside noise. When the NR function is on, however, there is a noticable 'buzzing' or 'static' noise. It's faint, but enough to be annoying when trying to concentrate on what's being played over the headphones. There is also no auto-off function, so if you fall-asleep with the headphones on, you'll find yourself needing some extra AAA batteries on stand-by.
Overall, I was glad to have tried this item, however--the sound quality is extremely poor (borderline awful). Unfortunately, the only redeeming factors with this unit are the fact that some basic accessories are included. Anyone interested in noise-reduction headphones would be better-off buying a 'cheaper' pair from Brookstone or The Sharper Image for less than $100. Certainly in this case, you get what you pay for.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
makowals
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Member: Mathew K
Location: Midwest USA
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 0 members
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