Sony boasts that its Sony MDR-NC500D headphones are the first to use digital noise-canceling technology. While a built-in digital equalizer is a step in the right direction, these headphones don't do much more than many of the other analog noise-canceling headsets we reviewed.

Digital technology shows the future of noise cancellation technology

They have no passive play option

Sony introduced the MDR-NC500D at CES 2008 as the world's first fully digital noise canceling headphones, setting the $400 USD price tag accordingly. The all-digital design allows more flexibility in performance compared with analog models; you can dial in the appropriate level of noise cancellation...

The Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones cost $400. While that might seem like a lot of money, I can only suggest to you that these headphones are akin to sliding a stick of warm, melty butter into each ear - not in the sense that sticking butter in your ears would likely impede your...

The Sony MDR -NC500D headphones are a set of noise-cancelling over-ears. With the noise-cancelling feature and premium price ($400), it certainly appears the NC500Ds are Sony's answer to Bose's QuietComfort series. Even the carrying case looks identical to the one Bose offers.

The over-the-ear MDR-NC500Ds are, according to Sony, the world's first digital noise-cancelling headphones. Lightweight and extremely comfortable, they certainly provide the best noise-cancelling experience we've had to date.

Lightweight construction; Fantastic noise-cancelling performance

Expensive; Weak bass response

The Sony MDR-NC500D headphones are suitable for music listening or movie watching, and they pack in some high quality noise-cancelling technology which makes them great for commuting or long-haul plane trips. Sound quality is good and the headphones are well constructed, but they are expensive.

Stylish and scratch-resistant exterior; comfortable padding; battery pack for extended use; good sound quality; noise cancelling works exceptionally well

Tight fit may annoy some; must be powered to work

Sony is certainly no stranger to the headphone market. The company's portable line may very well be the most popular after-market earphones. It has quite an array of full-size "cans" as well as a decent selection of noise-cancelling models.

Superior noise cancellation; Solid sound quality; A plethora of useful extras; Including a battery pack for extended use

Cannot be used without noise-cancellation activated; Tight fit may be uncomfortable for some users; Expensive

Sony is making a lot of noise about its latest noise-cancelling headphones. The usual way this type of headphone works is that the device "listens" to the ambient noise and broadcasts a "mirror image" of the sounds into the wearer's ears, thus neutralising background noises.

These headphones are amazing but for some reason when im on the bus i hear thumping noises. I use these usually for my Djying or when im changing audio levels in songs or doing homework the block out my sibblings noise really good and for that thank you Sony.

Loves Jazz

Hates Dubstep

I received these as a gift for Christmas. Put the battery in and they don't sound any different between on and off. Actually there is slightly more noise when they are powered on. Went outside where there was more ambient noise and there was no difference between on and off.

Nothing

It doesn't seem to do anything