Panasonic RP-HC56-K Review

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(Update: Panasonic RP-HC56-K might not be available anymore)

Panasonic delivers an upgraded ANC experience with their RP-HC56-K noise cancelling earbuds.

Compact and stylish, these earbuds deliver good performance in a travel-friendly package.

  • Compact design & attractive style
  • Powered by AAA battery
  • Bonne performance en matière d’atténuation du bruit
  • Clip pour vêtements inclus dans le tube en ligne
  • Les câbles peuvent s’emmêler facilement
  • Les unités qui tombent en panne peuvent générer un gémissement dans les oreillettes
  • Le contrôle du volume semble de mauvaise qualité

Annulation du bruit


Star Rating


4.0 Excellent

Pour un coût moyen de moins de 50 $, ces écouteurs sont très performants par rapport à d’autres marques dont le prix est plus de deux ou trois fois supérieur.

Les RP-HC56-K offrent une

réduction active du bruit

fiable, parfaite pour les trajets quotidiens ou les voyages. Ils font un bon travail d’annulation des bruits du moteur et de l’habitacle, ainsi que des bruits de la route.

Il y a une certaine quantité de

fuites sonores

en raison de la conception ouverte du conducteur/de l’enceinte qui est commune à de nombreux écouteurs ANC. Cela peut poser problème si vous les utilisez dans des pièces calmes ou des bureaux.

Durabilité


Star Rating


3.0 Good

The components and assembly of these earbuds are decent quality, and a carrying pouch is included to help protect them from minor damage when traveling.

The cables are prone to some tangling, but that is just a simple nuisance and not really a product durability concern.

When these earbuds work, they work very well, but it seems that a few users have experienced a “whining” or high-pitched sound when the ANC circuit is engaged.

This is likely due to an electronics or component malfunction and should be

covered within the standard 3-month warranty

period if you experience the issue.

Another weak component worth noting is the in-line slide volume control. It may be possible to damage the control with excessive pressure or mishandling.

Comfort


Star Rating


4.5 Almost Perfect

The lightweight design and interchangeable eartips provide a high level of comfort.

Pressure points are minimal and the cables worn down under the ears keep wires from interfering with eyewear.

Panasonic seems to have thought through one other design feature that adds to the comfort level – a small clip on the back of the pen-style tube easily attaches to pockets or clothing for easy carrying.

Features


Star Rating


4.0 Great

The

Panasonic

RP-HC56-K uses a small cylindrical tube to house the AAA

alkaline battery

and active noise cancelling electronics. A fresh battery can last up to 40 hours.

The ANC circuit is easily engaged by pushing the on/off button on top of the in-line battery and electronics tube. A red light illuminates to indicate the device is on.

A slide volume control is also located on the tube, but there are no other controls for device playback or an in-line microphone for talkback functionality.

Also in the box are an audio adapter plug for 3.5mm to dual airplane

headphone jack

and a soft cloth carrying pouch.

Sound


Star Rating


3.0 Good

Audio purists may not fully appreciate the sound quality of the RP-HC56-K earbuds, but they sound pretty good for the average listener.

Music is easy to listen to and content for movies or audiobook playback is very clear.

The bass is slightly exaggerated, but these aren’t going to be delivering pounding low frequencies for bassheads.

Mids and highs are

balanced

for a pleasing playback experience that isn’t shrill or

sibilant

.

Overall volume and power performance are reasonable, but you’ll want to make sure not to overdrive these earbuds, as the audio quality diminishes at higher levels.

As noted earlier, if the ANC circuit becomes defective you will likely hear a high-pitched whine or squeal from one or both of the earbuds. This is really the only notable audio concern with these earbuds.

While these are not a premium or boutique-quality set of earbuds, they are perfectly suited for the casual traveller or even as a backup set for the road warrior.

Panasonic’s RP-HC56-K noise cancelling earbuds are a solid product at a great price. They offer quality active noise cancelling and agreeable listening experience.

(Update: Since this is an older model it might not be available anymore)

Specifications

Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
Back design: Closed-back
Drivers: 9mm
Frequency range: 10-20.000Hz
Impedance: 103 Ohm
Weight: 0.56 oz (16g)
Mic & Controls: Yes
Water resistance: No
Battery life: 40h (for ANC)
Charging time: AAA batteries
Active noise cancelling: Yes
Bluetooth codecs: /
Wireless range: /
Microphone: Inline