Denon challenges Sony with new wireless noise-cancelling headphones

Denon challenges Sony with new wireless noise-cancelling headphones

Denon has expanded its Global Cruiser premium headphone range with two wireless models, the AH-GC25Ws and AH-GC30s (pictured top), and the wired AH-GC25NCs.

The latter two also boast newly-developed noise-cancellation functionality - which puts them in competition with the likes of Sony's class-leading WH-1000XM3.

Denon’s latest-generation proprietary active noise cancelling system uses dual microphones on each earcup, with three noise cancellation modes – 'City', 'Office' and 'Flight' – offering various levels of isolation for different environments.

One tap on the earcups also activates a feature that lets ambient sound back in so you can hear, say, a flight announcement without having to remove the headphones.

Both wireless models – the AH-GC25Ws and AH-GC30s – utilise aptX HD Bluetooth technology, although a wired connection through USB connectivity is also available.

Battery life is a claimed 20 hours when using both noise cancelling and Bluetooth, or 25 hours when only using noise cancelling. They also allow two devices to be connected to them simultaneously. The wired AH-GC25NC’s battery life with noise-cancellation is naturally higher, at 40 hours.

The AHGC30s – the most premium model of the three – use the 40mm FreeEdge drivers normally reserved for Denon’s flagship range, with floating diaphragms supposedly reducing resonance and helping to deliver precise pistonic motion.

In the US, the AH-GC30 ($399) will be available starting March 2019, while the AH-GC25NC ($299) and AH-GC25W ($249) will follow in April and May respectively. 

They will also be available in the UK this month, priced as follows: AH-GC30 (£299), AH-GC25NC (£265) and AH-GC25W (£215).

MORE: Best wireless Bluetooth headphones 2019: in-ear, on-ear, noise-cancelling

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.