Solitude XCS Active Noise Canceling and Amplifier Headphones-Next Generation

I did lots of research before ordering these. I'm glad I did.First off - noise cancelling works, and works well. It doesn't do much in the voice frequency range, but as for the low repetitive frequency of an airplane, or the loud HVAC system in my lab at work - it simply disappears.They are comfortable. These are an over-the-ear design so your ears may need to breathe from time to time. I will be wearing them for the majority a very long overseas flight to Asia, and I can't imagine any issue sleeping with them on.The plug is removable ear cup which is key for storage, reliability, and convenience of moving around in-flight without a cord to manage.The sound does cut the low end somewhat with NC enabled, as expected. The sound quality is good - the highs are crisp - so it is clear that the driver has high dynamic range. With NC off, the sound fills out in the low end. In amp mode, the lows are boosted and I suppose that would be ideal for some genres. I mostly listen to rock - but I'm happy with the way they sound, fit, and cancel noise.I've tried a $50 sony pair that did nothing. I also have tried the Bose QC's which may have done more in the voice range than these as far as NC goes (it was a long time ago). But I certainly couldn't imagine paying $200 more for those.Excellent value. I do recommend them.

UPDATE AND LOWERED SCORE:I noticed after using my headphones under normal wear, that cracks developed just above the earpieces, where they join the band, so I used gorilla glue to prevent further expansion. Also one of the little sides where the bands adjust came off.... not happy... plastic has an issue under normal use.Last week I took my XCS's on their first trip, 30 hour trip to Guam. I kept them off my bag and around my neck, however, on the very first leg of my trip (1 hour flight) to Atlanta, they slipped off my lap on to the floor, breaking at the same point as my original headphones. Right at the pivot point! This tells me there was a design flaw, or the quality of the plastic is bad. That being said, I was PO's and was not going to get on my 16 hour leg, with no NC headphones. I would up spending $400 for the Parrot Zik 2.0 NC headphones, they are all metal and the noise canceling is light years ahead of the XCS.OLD REVIEW:I have owned an "X" for over 7 years. Traveled all over the world with it and loved it. I used to also own a set of pilot headsets that were NC, manufactured by Solitude. So I like their stuff....Dummy me, last trip I decided not to use the hard case for my "X", and just hang it over the handle of my shoulder bag... BIG mistake! I broke the right earpiece at the pivot joint.I have tried a couple different glues with no joy.. Going to try gorilla glue next, but with a couple upcoming trips to Asia I did not want to risk being part way into a 22 hour flight day and have it break. So I bought the "XCS". Fit and feel are just about the same as the "X", the NC seems to be the same. One difference is the "boost" which amplifies the audio more. This is something the "X" did not have.

A few things about me: I'm opinionated but I very rarely post reviews. I'm not an audiophile. I dislike headphones and headbands. I travel for pleasure about 4 times a year.I own and used the Kindle Fire (1st gen) for my recent trip with the Solitude XCS NC Headphones.I felt that the Solitude XCS NC Headphones warranted a positive review.Used recently for: A round-trip cross-country flight (San Francisco to DC and from Boston to SF) and Amtrak (DC to NYC and NYC to Boston).I would buy again. (I already plan to buy a few more as gifts for family & friends.)The Solitude XCS has 3 listening options:Base ("off")Noise Cancelling (NC)Volume BoostLiked:Unlike the Bose QC 15, WILL work while "off," or without batteries (I do not own the Bose QC 15, but did note this while testing it in stores, no batteries or power/off, no sound at all). With the Solitude XCS, you will hear background noise while off but also your music, video, game.The "On" function of the NC worked wonders in cancelling the background noise. You Will hear a slight "static" or white noise if your device is off. Voices of people can still be minimally heard but definitely quieter. Example: On my flight from Boston to SF, there were 3 women chatting very loudly on the other side of the plane (exit row Left side - I was sitting exit row Right side). With the Solitude XCS, the loud plane noise was greatly minimized and I only heard the women faintly. I was able to enjoy the in-flight movie ("The Heat") in peace.Neutral:Overall material quality seems fine. Could be better but no complaints so far. I purchased the Solitude XCS for about $85 via Amazon. Worth the money.Didn't like the way the headphones fit on my head/over my ears with the L and R orientation listed on the ear covers. Reversed the orientation, much better (L ear cover over my Right ear).Fit on my head well and was comfortable (did not fall off - most head phones and headbands fall off of my head, that is why I do not like them). Granted, I was sitting and not walking or moving about. Did not try wearing them while sleeping.I'm not an audiophile. The quality of the music and videos seemed fine to me.There is some noise "leakage" from the headphones but seemed normal to minimal compared to other headphones & earphones. On a plane or train, you won't even notice (and your neighbors won't notice). But in a quiet room, the person next to you will hear some noise (as expected with the vast majority of headphone or earphones).The case (structured case) protected the headphones well and has a small pouch that holds the extra plugs and an extra set of batteries. But definitely not a small or compact item. Seemed about the same case size and headphone size as the Bose QC 15.Cons:Volume boost - boosts volume of device but does not do any noise cancelling.The volume of the music, video, game varies depending on the device (and the music, video, game). I basically had the Solitude XCS headphone volume cranked up all the way and adjusted the volume of the music & video. (I own and used the Kindle Fire (1st gen) for my trip.)There was a "film" of something on the cord and plugs upon first opening of the product. Probably from the manufacturing and packaging process. Bothered me. Wiped these items down with a slightly damp cloth. Fine afterwards.Summary:I liked the Solitude XCS NC Headphones. Not perfect but the Noise Cancelling worked well. I plan to continue using them on future trips. I also plan to buy a few more as gifts for family and friends.Immediate update (24-Nov-2013):Apparently Amazon is no longer carrying this item. :-(So I can longer purchase this product for friends and family. Too bad. Hope they bring it back. Amazon is carrying the Solitude Plane Quiet headphones. Will consider purchasing those instead...