Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
Update on Dec. 26, 2024, 8:42 a.m.
In our increasingly urbanized world, silence is becoming a rare commodity. The cacophony of traffic, construction, and crowded spaces creates a constant undercurrent of noise that can impact our focus, productivity, and even our well-being. This pervasive noise pollution isn’t just an annoyance; it can lead to stress, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. While earplugs offer a rudimentary solution, they also block out sounds we might want to hear. This is where the sophisticated technology of active noise cancellation (ANC) comes into play, offering a dynamic and intelligent way to manage the soundscape around us. Sony’s WH-CH720N headphones represent a significant step forward in bringing this technology to a wider audience, combining effective noise cancellation with a comfortable, lightweight design.
The WH-CH720N: An Overview
The Sony WH-CH720N is a pair of wireless, over-ear headphones designed to provide an immersive audio experience by significantly reducing unwanted ambient noise. It achieves this through a combination of advanced hardware and software, including Sony’s proprietary Integrated Processor V1, dual noise sensor technology, and adjustable ambient sound control. Beyond noise cancellation, the WH-CH720N offers high-quality audio reproduction, a comfortable and lightweight design, long battery life, and seamless connectivity options, all at a competitive price point. These headphones are a good option for those seeking a refuge from the auditory overload of modern life, whether it’s for focused work, relaxed commutes, or simply enjoying music in its purest form.
Design Philosophy - “Engineered for Comfort and Performance”
Sony’s design philosophy for the WH-CH720N centers on the seamless integration of advanced technology with user comfort. Recognizing that even the most sophisticated headphones are ineffective if they’re uncomfortable to wear, Sony has prioritized a lightweight design and ergonomic construction. Weighing in at just 3.5 ounces, the WH-CH720N is Sony’s lightest wireless noise-canceling headband model to date. This emphasis on minimizing weight, coupled with a redesigned headband that distributes pressure evenly and plush earcups that provide a gentle yet secure seal, demonstrates Sony’s commitment to creating a product that can be worn comfortably for hours on end. The headphones were re-designed to create more space around the ears, to make them more comfortable for long listening sessions. This user-centric approach is a hallmark of Sony’s engineering, ensuring that the technology serves the user, not the other way around.
Active Noise Cancellation: Deconstructing the Magic
The core of the WH-CH720N’s appeal lies in its active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities. But how does it actually work? It’s not simply about blocking sound; it’s about actively counteracting it. To understand this, we need to delve into the physics of sound.
Sound travels in waves, characterized by their frequency (the number of waves per second, determining pitch) and amplitude (the height of the wave, determining loudness). ANC technology leverages the principle of destructive interference. In essence, it creates a sound wave that is the exact inverse of the unwanted noise. When these two waves meet, they effectively cancel each other out.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Dual Noise Sensor Technology: The WH-CH720N employs two microphones on each earcup – one feed-forward and one feed-back. The feed-forward microphone captures external noise, while the feed-back microphone monitors the sound reaching your ear. This dual-sensor approach allows for a more comprehensive analysis of the ambient soundscape.
- The Integrated Processor V1: The Brains of the Operation: This is where Sony’s proprietary technology comes into play. The Integrated Processor V1 is a powerful chip that rapidly analyzes the data from the microphones. It identifies the frequencies and amplitudes of the incoming noise waves with exceptional precision.
- Generating the Anti-Noise: Based on this analysis, the processor generates a precise “anti-noise” wave. This wave is 180 degrees out of phase with the noise wave – essentially, its peaks align with the noise wave’s troughs, and vice-versa.
- Destructive Interference in Action: The anti-noise wave is then played through the headphone speakers. As it mixes with the incoming noise, the two waves interfere destructively, significantly reducing the perceived loudness of the noise.
It’s important to note that ANC is most effective at canceling out low-frequency, constant sounds like the drone of an airplane engine or the hum of traffic. It’s less effective against sudden, high-frequency sounds like a car horn or a human voice, though it still provides some attenuation. This is not a limitation of the WH-CH720N specifically but rather an inherent characteristic of current ANC technology. As one user accurately points out, while using Beats Solo Pro with ANC they can’t hear anything, not even someone yelling, but the WH-CH720N “will drown out the hum of a fan pretty well, but they let in a lot of ambient noise (like my husband coughing in the next room right now!).” (jenjaine, February 26, 2023)
Adaptive Sound Control and Ambient Sound Mode: Tailoring Your Soundscape
While complete noise cancellation can be desirable in some situations, there are times when you need to be aware of your surroundings. The WH-CH720N addresses this with its Adaptive Sound Control and Adjustable Ambient Sound Mode.
Adaptive Sound Control uses intelligent sensors and algorithms to automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your activity and environment. For example, it might detect that you’re walking and allow in more ambient sound for safety, or it might sense that you’re on a train and increase the noise cancellation to block out the rumble.
Ambient Sound Mode, on the other hand, gives you manual control. With 20 levels of adjustment, you can precisely calibrate how much external sound you want to let in. This is particularly useful when you need to have a quick conversation or be aware of announcements without removing your headphones. Sony provides a “Focus on Voice” feature that allows the user to chat without removing the headphones. This level of customization puts you in control of your auditory experience.
Sound Quality Beyond Noise Cancellation: DSEE and Balanced Tuning
While noise cancellation is a primary feature, the WH-CH720N doesn’t compromise on audio quality. Sony has a long-standing reputation for audio excellence, and these headphones are no exception. They feature a well-balanced sound signature that’s designed to reproduce music accurately across a wide range of genres.
Moreover, the WH-CH720N incorporates Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE). This technology addresses a common issue with compressed audio formats, like MP3, which often lose high-frequency details during the compression process. DSEE intelligently restores these lost frequencies, resulting in a richer, more nuanced sound that’s closer to the original recording. One user confirms this, stating, “Sound quality is excellent out of the box… The sound was nice. I still tweaked it but if I wasn’t able to change it a bit, I would still be happy.” (jenjaine, February 26, 2023).
Connectivity and Convenience: Seamless Integration with Your Digital Life
The WH-CH720N is designed for seamless integration into today’s connected world. It features Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable and reliable wireless connection. It has a multipoint connection that allows you to pair the headphones with two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between, say, your phone and your laptop without the hassle of re-pairing. As one user describes their experience: “I use the headphones for watching music videos on YouTube and Netflix. I use my phone to adjust the equalizer for the music playing on my iPad.” (jenjaine, February 26, 2023).
For situations where a wired connection is preferred or necessary, the WH-CH720N also includes a 3.5mm audio cable. Additionally, the headphones are compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing for hands-free voice control. The “Precise Voice Pickup Technology” ensures clear voice calls.
However, some users have reported issues with connectivity. One user experienced random disconnections when using the headphones with an iPad, even when only 18 inches away. They noted that the app showed a connection failure and required a restart. This suggests there might be occasional compatibility issues with certain devices or software configurations. “Maybe they don’t like Apple devices? I’m not sure….” (jenjaine, February 26, 2023). Another user reported occasional drops in audio when connected to a Sony TV and router in the same room. (Neeraj Negi, August 7, 2023)
Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Audio Journey
The WH-CH720N boasts an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours with noise cancellation enabled. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted listening throughout even the longest flights or workdays. And when you do need to recharge, the quick charge feature provides up to 60 minutes of playback from just a 3-minute charge via the USB-C port. This is a significant advantage for users who are always on the go and need a reliable power source for their headphones.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Designed for Extended Wear
As mentioned earlier, comfort is paramount in the design of the WH-CH720N. The lightweight construction, combined with the plush earcups and redesigned headband, ensures a comfortable fit even during prolonged use. However, one user did note that after a few weeks of use, the padding on the earcups seemed to compress, causing the drivers to press against their ears, leading to discomfort during extended wear. This highlights the importance of considering individual ear shape and size when choosing headphones. “After a few weeks of use the padding has relaxed enough so that I can feel the drivers poking my ears.” (jenjaine, February 26, 2023)
