| Sennheiser PXC 550 | Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 | Able Planet ANC XNC230B | Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000 |
Top 11%1,253 points Top 11% 51 likes | Top 2%1,373 points Top 2% 52 likes | Top 60%561 points Top 60% 20 likes | Top 48%732 points Top 48% 26 likes |
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Top specs and features
Sennheiser PXC 550 vs Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 vs Able Planet ANC XNC230B vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000: 27 facts in comparison
1. highest frequency
The highest frequency at which device produces audio. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.
23000Hz
Sony MDR-Z1R: 120000Hz
20000Hz
20000Hz
26000Hz
2. lowest frequency
The lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.
17Hz
Sony MH1CBLK: 1Hz
20Hz
20Hz
5Hz
3. weight
227g
Sony MDR-EX150AP: 3g
289g
363g
12g
4. has sound isolation/passive noise reduction
The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
45% have it
5. has a neodymium magnet
Devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. They also have more bass and clear high notes.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
35% have it
6. sound pressure level
Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.
110dB/mW
AKG K553 Pro: 144dB/mW
93dB/mW
121dB/mW
106dB/mW
7. no battery needed
This device works without batteries. It weighs less and you don't have to worry about recharging or replacing the battery.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
69% have it
8. has a detachable cable
With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
39% have it
9. has a tangle free cable
The cable is designed to minimize tangling.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
24% have it
10. has an in-line control panel
There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
46% have it
11. can be folded
Folding devices are good for transporting as they take up less space in your bag.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
31% have it
12. can be used as a headset
A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for applications which require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones etc.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
41% have it
13. has stereo speakers
Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
76% have it
14. Can be used wirelessly
Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
21% have it
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15. has an over-the-ear form
Comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This model is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors. It offers potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
40% have it
16. has active noise canceling/noise reduction
This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
13% have it
17. control panel placed on a device
There is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
17% have it
18. travel bag is included
The device comes with its own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
63% have it
19. has included ear pads
Allows you to change ear pads without buying new ones.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
42% have it
20. has an L-shaped plug
An L-shaped plug is better if the jack is on the left or right side of the device, so that the cable isn't bent, and is less likely to break when the device is in your pocket.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
31% have it
21. has a straight plug
A straight plug is better when the jack is on the top or bottom of your player.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
50% have it
22. has a battery level indicator
An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
12% have it
23. has a 3.5mm male connector
A standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
83% have it
24. has a rechargeable battery
The battery can be recharged and used over again.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
14% have it
25. has an in-ear form
The in-ear device is ultracompact and lightweight, with little or no interference with earrings, spectacles, hats, or hairstyles. It is inserted in the ear canal itself and blocks out a lot of environmental noise. It has stronger bass tones and is unlikely to fall out of the ear.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Able Planet ANC XNC230B
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS1000
34% have it
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