I was sure that a wireless headphone with active noise reduction can be either very expensive or very bad. That is, if the budget is limited it is better to buy quality in-ear headphones with passive noise cancelling because overhead or closed “ears” for the same money will either with a terrible sound, or terrible “noise reduction”. In General, in relation to Philips SHB9850NC I was initially skeptical, they say, headphones for post-crisis 13 thousand rubles is unlikely to please steep sound quality or noise canceling.
Philips SHB9850NC, official portrait
If models like Philips NC1 or Sony MDR-1RNC, in principle, we can expect something good, then look SHB9850NC consolation prize for those who did not have enough money for normal headphones. However, just a couple of days of using skepticism vanished, and my opinion about the new product began to change for the better.
What’s what
Philips SHB9850NC
Type:
closed wireless headphones
The size of the radiator:
40 mm
Frequency range:
8 Hz – 23,5 kHz
Resistance:
16 Ohms
Sensitivity:
109 dB
Maximum input power:
40 mW
Weight:
190 g
Interfaces:
wired 3.5 mm, Bluetooth, NFC
Approximate price:
12 990 rubles
So, SHB9850NC – not too small and lightweight closed headphones with a Bluetooth connection. It also has a switchable noise reduction system and built-in microphone. The gadget comes with a USB charging cable (headphones can be recharged from the mains or from your laptop or portable battery) and AUX cable for a wired connection. This Philips true to yourself – every one of the latest Bluetooth headphones (M2BTBK, SHB9250) left the ability to connect over the wire.
Design and ergonomics
After a modest and minimalistic design SHB9250 SHB9850NC seems too intricate and impractical. The outer side of the cups and their mounting are covered with glossy plastic which initially is a bit off-putting. The following moot point: too much freedom in turning and tilting the cups. To fine tune the shape of the head is redundant, and compactly fold the headphones, despite their flexibility, it is not possible. Even more cumbersome JBL Everest 700 are more convenient for transportation.
General view of Philips headphones SHB9850NC
The inner surface of the cups Philips SHB9850NC
In General, the design looks a little awkward, but thanks to her headphones sit well on head. Headband is not very tight, absolutely no pressure and no discomfort. With SHB9850NC you can easily go a whole day, only occasionally shifting their neck. The same 700 Everest from JBL such can not boast.
Philips SHB9850NC in standby mode
The outer side of the calyx Philips SHB9850NC
Ear cushions is made of soft faux leather, beneath which is a thick layer of special foam that softens the landing. Headband is a hidden arc and metal three types of materials outside. Closer to the cups, corrugated plastic, and in the center is as soft faux leather, both on abacura.
Headband headphone Philips SHB9850NC
Unfortunately, this model can not boast of protection against dust and moisture, so in the pouring rain to use them is not worth it. But passive protection is ensured at the proper level – all connectors and buttons are located at the bottom of the cups. The exception is micro-USB, which is hidden under the clip on the right Cup.
Micro-USB connector on the right Cup Philips SHB9850NC
No buttons to control playback or adjust the volume on the cups there. Instead, the touch pad is not so easy to get used to.
Experience
It would seem nothing special – the recently reviewed Philips headphones SHB9250 offer exactly the same approach. However, there is a difference. Headphones noise cancelling I rarely was able to increase or decrease the volume to the desired level – the indicator is constantly “away” onwards and upwards. It was easier to use the gestures, and turned the taps in the bottom and the top of the panel, but looking not so easy to get to the desired area. And if you accidentally touch the center, playback will automatically pause. Removed pause with a slight delay.
Headphones Philips SHB9850NC folded
Okay, you get used to it, but I really missed the possibility of a complete shutdown of all these sensors to control the volume from your smartphone was more convenient.
Speaking of volume, it is worth noting that the maximum level seems just outrageous – to use it you will never have. “Noise reduction”, of course, will not save you from all external sounds, some sounds of the street still make their way, but they are heard barely, so Philips SHB9850NC can be used as a personal generator of silence. In the Moscow metro or at the airport you will not hear the Intrusive ads.
The sound of music are within the earphone, so that people sitting in an airplane or library room likely never will hate you when you turn Igor Nikolaev.
Very convenient was the mute button of the NR to the bottom of the left Cup. This way you can talk to someone without removing the headphones.
Headphones Philips SHB9850NC on the neck
As for the sound, I have not experienced a strong enthusiasm. The sound character is very similar cheaper SHB9250, except that the bass was more pronounced. For pop music, indie rock and all electronic genres headphones well suited, however, in specific areas (jungle, drum ‘ n ‘ bass, Opera, violin/cello) Philips headphones are not the best way. Slightly better quality can by connecting your headphone wire, but in this case you will have to work the noise reduction system.
In the end
Headphones Philips SHB9850NC is a perfect example of affordable earphones with good sound quality and noise cancelling. Recommend can those who spends much time in the subway, trains or airplanes. The feeling of silence, against which music is played, get used immediately. To return to the headset without the “NR” after that, do not want. The design is a bit strange, I would say black, but soft and comfort-fit on the head completely compensates for this. But the main advantage Philips SHB9850NC is a great autonomy. With active noise cancelling and music they work about 16 hours, in the listening mode without “NR” – more than a day, and in generator mode of silence they throw as much as 36 hours according to the test results. If they were a bit smaller, I would even recommend them as earplugs for those external sounds interfere with sleep.
Of the competitors, I would pick the JBL Everest 700, these headphones are very close in sound, but look much cooler and are much more expensive. Well, among the products Philips is close to the characteristics of the model SHB8850NC.
Philips SHB9850NC
Liked:
- soft ear cushions, comfortable fit
- excellent noise reduction
- the autonomy of
Did not like:
- awkward touch controls
- illogical design of the cups