Denon AH-NC732 review

These are good noise cancelling headphones, but sound quality could be a lot better for the money Tested at £250.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

These headphones are good noise cancellers, but sound quality could be a lot better for the money

Pros

  • +

    Comfortable fit

  • +

    some useful accessories

  • +

    good noise-cancelling

  • +

    detailed sound

Cons

  • -

    Dull, uninspiring presentation

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The noise-cancelling AH-NC732s from Denon get off to a promising start. First off, they're a compact, lightweight, folding design. Secondly, they're on-ear as opposed to over-ear so you only look like a cyberbaby – as opposed to a fully-grown cyberman.

Each ear-piece is fitted with a 40mm driver unit and an ear cushion made from a combination of urethane foam and soft leather.

The 'phones come with their own travel case, inside which you'll find accessories for every eventuality: two detachable cables (0.7m and 1.5m lengths), an airplane dual plug adaptor and a 6.3mm headphone adaptor.

Noise-cancelling tech works well

The Denons are comfortable, and the noise-cancelling does a fine job of muting outside interference.

We only have one real gripe with them, but it is a very important one – sound quality.

Detail levels are fine, but there's a real lack of dynamics. Up-tempo tunes that should be bursting with energy sound dull and uninspired.

They're happy to plod along at a reduced rate of knots, which isn't what we expect from a pair of headphones at this price.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test