Reviews for Harman Kardon Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

I finally found it! The headphones I want.
I've tried multiple NC headphones from Bose QC15 to Monster Inspiration to Beats Executive. Each had its own strengths:
Bose - comfort and the best noise canceling of the bunch, but falls short of the durable quality end
Monster - extremely uncomfortable and mediocre sound quality
Beats - the best build quality of the four, but annoying buzzing sound with noise canceling on... bass was too overbearing for me, but some may like it

The Harman/Kardon NC Headphones are the perfect balance of all four with an added classy design. The designers at HK must have placed great care and effort in designing a superior product. When I first put the headphones on, I noticed how comfortable they were. They stayed comfortable for a LONG time. The sound quality blew me away. These sure don't feel like they're noise canceling. The muffled sound of most NC headphones is gone. Harman/Kardon stands up to its name for superior quality sound!

On negative aspect... the case. For such a classy headphone the case that it comes with can be described by one word... bleh. H/K, if you're reading this, please update the case. The Beats Executive had the best case of the four.

Conclusion:
Look no further. Don't waste time trying to look for the perfect NC headphones! Go grab this while it's in stock!!!

I would give these 5 stars for sound reproduction and noise canceling. However, I would give them 2-3 stars for comfort. They feel fine for an hour but anything longer than that and they really start to hurt. I wanted to love these but I will be returning them. Maybe HK will get them right in the next design release.

I was debating whether or not to purchase this pair of headphones or the Bose Quiet Comfort 3. Apple was extremely helpful, informing me that they had a special policy for the holiday that a customer can purchase and or return the product if they are unhappy with it (whether or not it was opened or not, it just cannot be broken). So I purchased the Harman Kardon NC, opened it right in the store and listened to songs for about 30 minutes to make sure I liked them. The noise canceling feature (on/off switch) blocked out the holiday festive apple store and mall altogether; also, these headphones were able to block out noise without the noise canceling switch on. These headphones, being a around-the-ear headphone, really separates your music from unwanted noise.

As for the build, they look great. They are made out of aluminum, leather and a minimal amount of plastic (the wire, if that). There is no adjustable headband; however, Harman Kardon designed this pair of headphones with two metal headbands, one of which is surrounded with leather and stretches very well to fit your head. The headphones come with an extra metal headband for those with slightly larger heads.

For sound quality, I am 100% satisfied with the sound, coming from a Bose Quiet Comfort 2. I don't ever think I would buy Bose after listening to this brand or even Bowers and Wilkins. The mids and hi's are extremely clear and crisp which are complimented extremely well with a non-overpowering bass that is vivid, crisp and punchy at the same time. This is because of Harman Kardon's implemented "bass tube" that allows these characteristics.

Pros: compatible with all my apple products (iphone, ipod and laptop)
sound is fantastic
looks great

Cons: not as portable as I would have liked (heavy/bulky)
not as comfortable as hoped, very tight for me and I have a smaller head (Bose QC3 or Bowers and Wilkins P5 were more comfortable)

Note: This pair is rechargeable BUT if the battery dies, the headphones will still work and play music. The internal rechargeable battery is for when you want to switch on the noise canceling feature.

Highly recommended.

Most of the other noise canceling headphones i've tried (Beats and Bose) affect the sound quality when you turn the noise canceling function on. I found that these headphones do a great job whatever the setting.