With noise-canceling headphones, listen to the silence

ROAD TESTBy Hugo Mart–n

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Mark Twain once said that the less a man knows, the bigger the noise he makes and the higher the salary he commands. Although today’s technology still can’t eliminate the ear garbage emitted by such a highly paid blockhead, we have made great strides in reducing the ambient noise travelers endure on planes, trains and automobiles.

Noise-canceling headphones don’t muffle sound like a set of earplugs. They use internal microphones, circuitry and speakers that create an alternate sound to counteract incoming noise, thus canceling 50% to 70% of ambient sound. Sorry, this technology doesn’t work on screaming infants or snoring seatmates.

First look: The Sony MDR-NC6 is one of the least expensive noise-canceling headphones on the market. With a plastic frame, an external compartment for a AAA battery and speakers that lie right on the ears, these are the Yugos of noise-canceling headphones.

Likes and yikes: The frames do not fold to a convenient travel size, and the ear padding offers almost no passive noise reduction. Even worse, the active noise reduction system — the internal electronics — creates a hiss that is almost as annoying as the outside noise.

The 411: $52, available at electronics stores.

First look: Philips has a legacy of reproducing great sound and with these headphones — model HN110 — has begun to build a reputation for eliminating bad sound. Meet the Honda of noise-canceling headphones: efficient, reliable and worth the price.

Likes and yikes: The headphones are collapsible and fit into a stylish pouch. The metal frame is sturdy and the comfortable ear cups surround the ear, muffling more sound. If you have big ears, the small ear cups may be tight fit.

The 411: $65 at Best Buy

First look: From the company that pioneered noise-canceling technology comes the Bose QuietComfort2 headphones, featuring soft frame padding and an ergonomic design for ultimate comfort. The active noise-canceling technology, coupled with the soft ear cups, gives outside noise a one-two punch. If money is no object, these are the headphones for you.

Likes and yikes: The ear cups and the frame are so softly padded, you’ll forget you are wearing headphones. Drawbacks: The QuietComfort2 won’t let you hear music from an outside source unless the headphones are switched on. Then there is the eye-bulging price.

The 411: $299 at the Bose Showcase Store at the Glendale Galleria.

First look: The QuietComfort3 is the latest generation of Bose noise-canceling headphones. In comparison to the QuietComfort2, these headphones are lighter, and the speakers sit on the ear without a padded ear cup.

Likes and yikes: The noise-canceling ability has not been reduced by the loss of ear padding. But the rechargeable battery pulls out of the headphones and plugs into the wall, so it’s a sure bet you’ll forget the battery in a hotel-room socket.

The 411: $349 at the Bose Showcase Store at the Glendale Galleria.