Sennheiser has had a pretty quiet 2016 in the portable audio space. It was, of course, very timely that they chose to launch the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless last month. For some background, the 'PXC' range of Sennheiser products are consumer-centric noise canceling headphones that have been around since 2002. We take a first glimpse at what this offers.
Who's It For?
Those who need a quiet commuting experience without the cables.
What's the Big Deal?
1. Noise Canceling
With its PXC series, Sennheiser uses its NoiseGard hybrid adaptive noise cancelation technology to block out ambient noise. We're not too sure what the 'Hybrid' part means or how effective it is. We'll update this once we get our paws on a unit.
2. Fold Activation
The headphones will auto-on when you unfold them from storage mode. When removed from around your ears, they'll supposedly pause the music. When folding them back in place, they will switch off. How's that for convenience?
3. Flexibility in Usage
The PXC 550 provides an abundance of options. You can use it in wireless mode and wired mode (with the provided cable). On wireless you can initiate pairing over Bluetooth (v4.2) or via Near Field Communications (NFC). For further customization, Sennheiser provides a compatible mobile app called CapTune (Android 4.1.2+ / iOS 8+) that functions both as a music player and sound tuning.
4. Battery Life
This promises 20 hours of power with Bluetooth + ANC activated. If using the audio cable + ANC, then this increases to 30 hours. Wireless usage is on par with the Bose QC35 though the wired mode duration lasts a full 10h less.
5. Touch Controls
The playback controls leverage on touch sensitive area on the exterior of the earcups. This keeps the PXC 550 design clean. What remains to be seen is how functionally effective this is.
Pricing
They currently go for USD 400 worldwide. We're checking with Sennheiser Singapore for both pricing and availability.
Availability
The Sennheiser PXC 550 is available worldwide at Sennheiser's online shop and duty free retailers from mid-July. However, it is not available in Singapore as yet. As such, you can choose to support us by purchasing from Amazon via our affiliate marketing link.
Who's It For?
Those who need a quiet commuting experience without the cables.
What's the Big Deal?
1. Noise Canceling
With its PXC series, Sennheiser uses its NoiseGard hybrid adaptive noise cancelation technology to block out ambient noise. We're not too sure what the 'Hybrid' part means or how effective it is. We'll update this once we get our paws on a unit.
2. Fold Activation
The headphones will auto-on when you unfold them from storage mode. When removed from around your ears, they'll supposedly pause the music. When folding them back in place, they will switch off. How's that for convenience?
3. Flexibility in Usage
The PXC 550 provides an abundance of options. You can use it in wireless mode and wired mode (with the provided cable). On wireless you can initiate pairing over Bluetooth (v4.2) or via Near Field Communications (NFC). For further customization, Sennheiser provides a compatible mobile app called CapTune (Android 4.1.2+ / iOS 8+) that functions both as a music player and sound tuning.
4. Battery Life
This promises 20 hours of power with Bluetooth + ANC activated. If using the audio cable + ANC, then this increases to 30 hours. Wireless usage is on par with the Bose QC35 though the wired mode duration lasts a full 10h less.
5. Touch Controls
The playback controls leverage on touch sensitive area on the exterior of the earcups. This keeps the PXC 550 design clean. What remains to be seen is how functionally effective this is.
Pricing
They currently go for USD 400 worldwide. We're checking with Sennheiser Singapore for both pricing and availability.
Availability
The Sennheiser PXC 550 is available worldwide at Sennheiser's online shop and duty free retailers from mid-July. However, it is not available in Singapore as yet. As such, you can choose to support us by purchasing from Amazon via our affiliate marketing link.
