When it comes to noise-cancellation headphones and quality—they do tend to go hand-in-hand—very few brands can tout the sort of success that Bose headphones have enjoyed over the years. The company’s QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 15 series headphones have set the highest possible par or active noise-cancellation, and though there have been many competitors looking to emulate their achievements, we haven’t seen many actually pull through. Until now, that is. The Able Planet Clear Harmony NC1050 is a brilliant pair of headphones, and though the design is nothing new, the noise-cancellations certainly is. Clocking in at around the same price range as the QuietComfort models, the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones looks to be the first, true competitor in the field. For our full thoughts on this killer set of cans, check below for our full headphone review.
Design and Comfort
Clear Harmony NC1050
As to be expected, the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones don’t fall far from the Bose tree. Thankfully, Able Planet has decided to ditch the chrome and shine look of most Bose knockoffs, instead shooting for a more refined matte black look that we appreciated immensely. The headband and earcaps are both lushly padded, and during a recent lengthy commute, we had no problem wearing the cans for an extended period of time. The phones are a bit on the heavy side, especially with the battery compartment tucked into the right earcap. However, it’s not enough weight to be a deal breaker, and on the whole we think very few consumers will be genuinely bothered by it. However, the bulky in-line control module is a bit more of a mystery. For its size, we’d hoped to see some iPhone or iPod controls, but sadly we only discovered a single volume rocker: Where did all the additional huskiness come into the design? Beats us.
Sound Quality and Performance
In terms of noise-cancellation, we didn’t find much to complain about where the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones are concerned. The Bose models still seem to perform a bit better (that advanced, decade-long circuitry works like a charm) but on the whole, the Clear Harmony NC1050s managed to adequately block out ambiance, even on a noisy city street. Likewise, the sound quality itself rather impressed us. Audiophiles may thumb their noses at the sound improvements (the bass has been lifted a bit, while the sibilant highs have been chopped) but the overall effect is a listening experience that’s quiet, punchy, and clear as a bell. It’s still not quite as warm or full as a Bose pair of cans, but we feel all but the pickiest of listeners will enjoy the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones.
Overall Value
At $350 on the market, the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones are directly competing with the top-of-the-line Bose models. If you’re opposed to the famous brand, but want similar noise-cancellation and audio performance, there’s really no better option we know of than the Clear Harmony NC1050 headphones. They’re crisp, clean, and silent as the grave. All in all, a solid pair of cans, to say the least.
