Sennheiser as a company, has been around for years, and is definitely not a novice in making high-end headphones. If there are a pair of headphones you can compare the PXC-450 with then it would be Bose's QuietComfort 3. However, the PXC-450 outruns the QC3 with its features. If you guys are seriously looking for a good pair of high-end headphones, and somehow get smitten by the product on the basis of its features and performance, do make it a point to go through my conclusion and especially the price of the product. All the best!
Design
Coming from a company like Sennheiser, you really don't want to question the build quality of its products. You can be certain that the PXC-450 not only looks sturdy but also makes for a comfortable pair of headphones.
The circumaural earcups have a roomy ear space, yet I can't emphasize more that with products like these it's always advisable to make a suggestive calculation of your ear size and dimension. Although, I faced no problems what-so-ever in the many hours I used it, many of the big-to-slightly-bigger ear sized bumchums of mine did find it a tad uncomfortable after a bit of use. This, I observed, was mainly due to the protruding driver inside the earcup.
Now there is no denying that the PXC-450 is quite bulky, but the weight is evenly spread. In fact the weight is shared equally by the headband, so your ears are saved from the pressure and squeeze of the entire bulk. Also, one of the best things about the headphones is that they can be folded and stowed away. To aid carrying around the PXC-450 comes along with a black carry case. There are separate slots to fit batteries (I'll come to that in sometime) and also one that fastens the double mono airplane adapter in place. Since this product is marketed as a travel companion more than a sound enthusiasts' play tool to use in places like studios (I have my own reservations about that!!), the casing makes it easy to carry. Also, the cable is replaceable/removable.
If you push the left earcup inwards you will notice a button that activates the Noise cancellation feature. The Function buttons are all on the right, including the battery compartment.
I am a frequent traveller, and very happy with the 'investment' I made in Sennheiser PXC 450. Yes, they are not for the light hearted. They are the Mercedes of headphones. They do not come cheap, but excel in every aspect of sound reproduction and comfort. No match with the Bose QC3.
