Able Planet's Clear Harmony Noise Canceling Headphones
How's this for irony: You know how we're all going to end up needing hearing aids, thanks to too much cranking up of the volume on our iPods? Well the technology that underlies Able Planet's Clear harmony headphones (called Linx Audio) was actually developed to boost the sound quality of hearing aids. You can hear the difference up in the higher frequencies of your music. These 'phones are very comfortable, especially for people with big heads. Some travelers will appreciate that, instead of being powered by a rechargeable battery, two AAA's juice the headphones, providing up to 35 hours of use. A volume switch is conveniently located on the headphone cord. And a lovely carrying case rounds out the package. Some users, who still enjoy sensitive and intact hearing, might detect a slight background hiss. But since they tend to be discounted for $100 less than the competing Bose QuietComfort 3s ($234 at Amazon at last check), it's hard to complain.
List Price: $349
— Josh Quittner