The Able Planet Sound Clarity (NC510B) headphones are a decent pair of noise reduction headphones with some great features for the price. Of course the Sound Clarity NC510B headset does have its own set of cons, but none of them should be considered deal breakers.

Settling at a cool $199.99, the Sound Clarity NC510B headset holds its own against the competition (Sony MDR-DS6000, Creative Aurvana X-Fi, JVC HA-NC250). The Sound Clarity headphones sound just as good, if not better, than the name brand models.

Sound Clarity Noise Reduction Headphones – What’s Included?

The Sound Clarity body form is very simplistic; the exterior is adorned with a matte black finish and a single chrome bezel on the outside of each ear cup. The interior of each ear cup is covered in a soft fabric which is very similar in makeup to a pleather or synthetic leather type material.

The standard 3.5mm adapter cord (5ft) includes an inline volume control and is covered in a sturdy, but thin, external casing. Aside from the extra length and durability features the NC510B cord is also completely detachable which is fantastic for portability and extension support.

The Sound Clarity noise reduction headphones are bundled with a storage case, that is made of a fabric material which is in turn reinforced by hard plastic. Additional features include a bundled 1/4-inch stereo adapter, and a dual pin Airline connection adapter, and of course the box is also bundled with AAA batteries.

But that’s enough about how the Sound Clarity noise reduction headphones look, and what they come bundled with, let’s move on to the point of this review: the critique of the headset’s audio features.

Able Planet (NC510B) Noise Reduction Headphones Review

The Able Planet Sound Clarity noise reduction headphones feature a 20-20,000Hz frequency response range with a combined sensitivity (1KHz) at 115dB (off) and 121dB (on). What that means exactly is that the sensitivity and sound quality are better when the headphones are turned on.

Some of the best noise cancelling headphones work in passive mode, which means when the noise reduction feature is turned off sound still transmits clearly through the headset. Of course the Sound Clarity headphones still play sound when the noise reduction feature is turned off, but the sound output is significantly lower. In fact, unless the user is in a very quiet and peaceful environment, the only way to use the NC510B headset is with the noise reduction feature turned on.

All Able Planet noise reduction headphones use a patented Lynx audio technology to provide better, and louder, quality sound that can be enjoyed at lower volume limits. Basically Lynx audio technology is similar to hearing aid technology; Able Planet claims it is designed to “enhance sound quality and speech clarity for all levels of hearing”.

As Able Planet advertises the Sound Clarity noise reduction headphones do provide a clear and precise quality sound that can be enjoyed at lower volumes. In fact, one of the best features of the Sound Clarity (NC510B) headphone set is that there is no requirement to turn the volume loud to enjoy the connected media – even if the surrounding environment is loud. All media sound levels sound fantastic with booming lows and clear, precise highs.

When the volume is turned up higher than normal however, there is a slight distortion in high sound frequencies. The distortion is not painstakingly noticeable, and doesn’t really happen unless the headphone volume is turned up quite high; but true audiophiles might have some problems with such an issue.

The Able Planet Sound Clarity noise reduction headphone set is certainly worthy of the $200 price tag, and can be considered as some of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market at the moment. The only exception to the price is the questionable durability of the actual headset body. Of course no one is going to treat an expensive pair of headphones poorly, but some users who travel a lot might see some issues with the hard plastic exterior. The questionable body durability can most definitely be looked over thanks to the bundled case, which should do well to protect the headset – unless dynamite is involved.

Able Planet Sound Clarity Noise Reduction Headphones

All in all, the Able Planet Sound Clarity noise reduction headphones will provide excellent audio and sound and can be had for a much lower price than some other of the best noise cancelling headphones. Even though the Able Planet name is not as well known as say, Sony; their products are well worth the purchase. The Sound Clarity headphones are proof that new kids on the block, can hold their own against some of the more experienced guys.

The Able Planet NC510B model is one of the best mid-grade noise cancelling headphones on the market. So if you’re looking for a great pair of noise reduction headphones that are guaranteed to provide excellent quality sound, check out the Able Planet Sound Clarity (NC510B) headset.

Click here to buy them now on Amazon, which is the cheapest place we found to buy the Able Planet NC510B headphones. It’s also certainly worth noting that Able Planet is currently offering a bundle that includes an iPod Touch (8GB) with select Able Planet noise reduction headphones.