Headphones Review: Panasonic HX450C

One of the first boxes I opened after our move contained a brand new pair of Panasonic HX450 Headphones.  I picked them up at Marshall's for the princely sum of $29.99.  So far, they have been well worth the price.

Panasonic HX450 Headphones

HERITAGE

Panasonic is no stranger to music, stereos, and speakers.  They were successful with their mid-range Technics stereo brand during the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.  This stereo heritage carries over into the specs for these headphones.

SPECIFICATIONS

These HX-450 headphones have 36mm drivers and large, snug, ear cups that do a good job of isolating the listener from exterior noise.  If you are listening to these, people will have to smack you upside the head to get your attention.  The frequency response of these headphones ranges from 9 Hz to 25Mhz. 
They have a built in microphone with remote on the cord. 

COMPATIBILITY

According to the box, these headphones are compatible with the following Apple phones:  iphone 3gs, iphone 4, iphone 4s, and iphone 5.  These headphones are compatible iPod touch, iPod nano, iPod Shuffle, and iPod classic.  Finally, they also  work with iPad, iPad 2, iPad (Third and Fourth generation), and iPad mini.  For the rest of us, it has a 3.5mm stereo plug that works with nearly everything.  I have been using them with an LG smartphone.

COMFORT

These headphones are well constructed and comfortable.  They don't get too hot during periods of extended wear.  The ear cups are a bit tall and oval and sometimes felt a little narrow for my ears.  However, I was able to wear them for extended periods without any issue.

AVAILABILITY

While I bought these headphones at Marshall's, the discounters inventory is often hit-or-miss.  I was able to reliably find Panasonic HX450 Headphones on Amazon in a variety of colors.

OVERALL

I would highly recommend these headphones as a high quality inexpensive set of headphones for any stereo.

Accuradio, A Phone, and some Cans

Our move was a disaster.  Our new apartment sucks.  We haven't even unpacked while we contemplate our fate. In the meantime, I'm listening to AccuRadio on my cellphone with a pair of JVC headphones from a discount store like Ross.  The music isn't audiophile quality, but it sounds pretty good.  It's a bit of a comfort.

I like the spy movie and TV themes on the 007 Channel, Secret Agent Radio, and Open Channel D.  I also like the throwback vibe of The Rat Pack channel.  But, when I want something more modern, I opt for HitKast.  If you want dirt cheap audio and you have an internet connection, it's hard to beat AccuRadio.

Moving Vintage Audio Equipment

We're moving.  In the chaos, I've had to ditch my turntable, my modest collection of seventy-nine cent vinyl, and my big Technics speakers.  It's downsizing.  But, someone at Goodwill will find some good stuff.

Since the turntable went, I'll probably part with the tape deck as well.  We just don't have many cassettes.  Plus, the sound quality of cassettes isn't that great anyway.

The fun part will be rebuilding our stereo system with the idea of being compact, practical, and--since we'll still be in an apartment--neighborly.  Going forward, I see digital formats and more internet radio in our future.  It will be interesting.