Sony MDR-NC500D

Tour

The Sony MDR-NC500D headphones are made of glossy black plastic with black faux-leather padding. The cups tilt and swivel around, and the band can extend (and also has padding).

The left ear cup has ports for audio and power cables; the power cable port has a plastic cover to mask it when not in use.

The right ear cup has a few buttons: AI NC MODE (lets the headphones listen to the ambient noise, then determine the appropriate noise cancellation level), a power switch, a Monitor Mode button (turns off playback and noise cancellation), and an LED indicator for power and ‘listening’ mode.

In The Box

You will find all sorts of cool stuff in your NC500D box. In addition to the headphones, you’ll find two audio cables of different lengths, a power cord, a 1/4-inch adapter, an airplane adapter, and a battery pack (complete with two Sony brand AA batteries).

Durability (5.50)

The MDR-NC500D headphones are well built. The plastic case is durable, the pad covers won’t tear particularly easily, and the twisting cups and extending band are robust. Of course, moving parts and a non-removable battery are both minor durability issues. The biggest durability issue, however, is the really thin cloth guarding the sound element. The sound element itself sticks out and would be unguarded if it weren’t for the cloth draped over it. The inclusion of the short audio cable indicates these headphones are meant to be used while exercising. We can’t see this very-permeable cloth doing a particularly good job keeping your gross sweat away from the sound element. This isn’t a deal breaker by any means, however — just something buyers should be aware of.

Also, although not directly a durability issue, the headphones squeal if something bumps up against the sound element. We’re guessing it’s just a ‘Hey, watch it!’ warning, but its inclusion doesn’t say much for the safety of the sound element.

Aesthetics (6.00)

The Sony MDR-NC500D headphones are smaller than the average over-ear, decked out in faux-leather padding, and made of a glossy black plastic. As over-ears these headphones aren’t exactly inconspicuous, but at least they look sharp. The only aesthetic issue that might arise are the fingerprints you’ll leave behind on the glossy, black plastic. Other than grabbing your prints at every opportunity, the NC500Ds look good. It doesn’t jump out and scream ‘Look at me, I am gorgeous,’ but then again, most adult users wouldn’t want loudly narcissistic headphones. Lookin’ good, MDR-NC500D.