Denon Noise Cancelling Earbuds review: Serious sound value
Denon noise canceling earplugs
RRP $159.00
"Denon nails the basics with great sound and great noise cancellation."
benefits
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Comfortable fit
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Outstanding sound quality
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Very good noise cancellation
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Very good transparency
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Good call quality
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IPX4 water resistance
disadvantage
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No wireless charging
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No EQ or control adjustment
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No bluetooth multipoint
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Require frequent fit adjustments
Though legendary Japanese audio brand Denon was late to the true wireless earbud party, they've made the plunge with two new budget models – the $159 model AH-C830NCW with active noise cancellation (ANC) and the $99 AH-C630W. We look at the noise-cancelling model to see how Denon's first attempt at true wireless compares to similarly priced earbuds from the leaders in the space.
Known design
Denon Noise Canceling Earbud (left) and Apple AirPods Pro. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
It's pretty clear from the start that Denon is making a game for the people who like Apple's AirPods Pro. Placed side by side, the noise-cancelling earbuds and the AirPods Pro look very similar, especially considering the Denons come in white (you can also choose black).
There are some subtle differences: Denon's stems are slightly thicker and feature a sleek chrome-plated tip. And instead of Apple's pinch controls on the stems, Denon uses the more common touch-based style Apple uses on its first- and second-gen AirPods.
Google Fast Pair makes Android connection simple: flip open the cover and tap the connect button on your phone's screen.
In the box, Denon includes three sizes of silicone ear tips to help you get a good seal and a short USB-C charging cable.
The relatively large charging case has a flat base, allowing it to stand on its own, and features a sleek, angled lid that's easy to open and close. Unfortunately, getting the earbuds out of the case can be difficult. The outer shell's super-smooth plastic makes it difficult to get a good grip, so you'll need to master the technique of using your thumb as a lever to slide each earbud out of its socket high enough for you to hold it with your index finger. Unlike the AirPods Pro, the case doesn't support wireless charging.
links
According to Denon, the Noise Canceling Earbuds are Bluetooth Class 1 devices, which usually means they should have a better range than non-Class 1 devices. But I found the range to be about average — 30 to 40 feet indoors and 50 to 60 feet outdoors . Within these distances, the connection was very stable and latency was never an issue when watching videos.
Android users get Google Fast Pair, which makes the initial connection as easy as flipping open the back cover and tapping the connect button on your phone's screen.
Slippery fit
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
When inserted, the Denon Noise Canceling Earbuds are really comfortable. They're just small enough to avoid the feeling of something wedged deep in your ears, but they also offer decent surface contact with your outer ear to keep the buds from moving.
The noise-cancelling earbuds show their greatest strength when it comes to sound quality: they sound fantastic.
But the fit isn't secure enough for reliable use in high-impact activities like running, although with an IPX4 rating they can certainly handle sweat and rain. They also tend to loosen up when you're talking – something that could prevent them from being ideal companions on long Zoom calls. During a recent video call I had to reset them several times.
App-free simplicity?
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
In another Apple-like move, Denon keeps things simple with the noise canceling earbuds – all functions are controlled by the buds themselves and there's no Denon companion app for iOS or Android. On the one hand, there is not much to learn. A single tap on the right earbud starts and stops your music, a double tap skips forward, and a triple tap skips back. When a call comes in, a double tap on the right earbud will answer the call and a second double tap will end it. Meanwhile, single taps on the left earbud toggles ANC mode from on to ambient, then off.
But on the downside, the lack of an app means no firmware updates, no EQ or control adjustments, and no advanced features like Fit Tests or Find My Earbuds.
Sensitive control
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
The touch controls work really well, but it's very easy to accidentally trigger them when inserting the earbuds or adjusting them in-ear. You'll get a quick feedback tone letting you know a tap has been detected, taking the guesswork out of it, and response times are lightning fast. The noise-cancelling earbuds are also equipped with wear-and-tear sensors that can quickly and reliably pause and play your audio when you remove or reinsert them.
To learn more about all controls, you need to download the user manual from the Denon website. For some reason, the included quick start guide doesn't mention being able to reject calls or mute the mic during a call, both of which are possible.
Constant noises like fans or other machine-based hums are reduced to a whisper.
The only thing missing is a volume control, and there's no way to toggle between ANC and ambient modes without going through off mode.
However, you get access to your phone's assistant and can use each earbud independently for calls and music. When you do this, the playback controls that would normally be on the right earbud are transferred to the left earbud if you're just using that side.
Great sound
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Ultimately, most of us want our earbuds to offer great sound quality above all else. And this is where the noise canceling earbuds show their greatest strength. Denon says it applied its Sound Master tuning to these earbuds. I can't tell you exactly what that means, but I'll tell you one thing: you sound fantastic. Absolutely clear across the frequency range and with a wonderfully wide and precise soundstage, they offer the same level of performance you'll find in true wireless earbuds that cost a lot more, like the excellent $230 Technics EAH-AZ60.
While it's true that there's no way to tweak the EQ settings either with the buds or via an app, I wouldn't change a thing. Low-end bass is punchy but warmly resonant, giving tracks like Hans Zimmer's Time all the depth they deserve, and there's enough midrange detail to have you sinking and discovering (or rediscovering) jazz standards by Miles Davis or The Dave Brubeck Quartet ) can ) items that smaller earbuds would hide.
Whisper quiet
As the name suggests, the Denon Noise Canceling Earbuds feature a hybrid ANC system and it's very impressive. Variable noises like traffic and background conversation are almost completely eliminated, and boomy, consistent noises like fans or other machine-based hum are reduced to a whisper.
I compared Denon's ANC to the very best: Apple AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM4 and it was almost impossible to tell the difference. The Denons produce a very slight hiss when not listening to music and there isn't much external noise to cancel out, but otherwise they do a great job of keeping things nice and quiet.
Transparency mode is almost as good – it lets in a lot of ambient noise but doesn't quite erase the feeling of wearing earbuds like the AirPods Pro can. My only complaint, as I mentioned, is the inability to toggle directly between ANC and transparency.
call quality
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Overall, calling the Denon Noise Canceling Earbuds is very good. External noise is largely suppressed, and your voice will sound rich, not thin and tinny like some earbuds can. There was the occasional wobble, as can happen with any earbud, but I don't think your callers will be bothered by that.
You can also turn on transparency mode during a call, which lets you hear more of everything, including your own voice, and really reduces caller fatigue. If only the earbuds didn't have a habit of coming loose during conversation, they would be ideal.
battery life
Denon claims up to 4.8 hours per charge and 19 hours total if you include the charging case and have ANC enabled. If ANC is switched off, this lasts for up to six or 24 hours. That's about the same as the AirPods Pro, meaning not bad – enough for a full day – but nothing impressive by today's standards. I haven't been able to fully test these claims since the wear sensors can't be bypassed, but based on the remaining battery life shown in my Google Pixel 5's control center, it looks pretty accurate. You'll get an audible low-battery warning from the earbuds, but there's no quick-charge option to top up a low battery.
Our opinion
Although not as fully featured as some Denon true wireless earbuds Noise Canceling Earphones (AH-C830NCW) Absolutely kill it when it comes to sound quality, noise cancellation and value for money.
Is there a better alternative?
Near this price, your best alternatives are:
- $130 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro: Better battery life, wireless charging, and customizations, but sound quality and ANC aren't as good.
- $170 Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro: Better battery life, wireless charging, customizations, and Hi-Res audio on Android devices, but ANC isn't as good.
- $180 Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless: A more secure fit, tons of app-based adjustments, volume control, and sound and ANC quality to match Denons.
how long will they last
It's always hard to tell with true wireless earbuds, as battery life can drain over time, but the case and earbuds look well made, and the earbuds' IPX4 rating means they're not affected by mild water. Denon backs the noise canceling earbuds with a one-year limited warranty.
Should you buy them?
Yes. As long as you're not bothered by the lack of an app for EQ and control customization, and you're not planning on using them for workouts or sports, the Denon Noise Canceling Earbuds (AH-C830NCW) are excellent value for money given their sound and ANC.
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