Coby CV194 Noise Cancellation Digital Stereo Folding Headphones (Black)

I think the two reviewers gave poor scores to this product are not experienced and are buying the wrong product for their needs. Having to travel very frequently for work and used quite a few noise cancelling headphones on 737, 757 and 747 flights, I have to say this product is pretty darn good. I picked it up at a local big chain drugstore for a ridiculously low price on clearance. I was very concerned about the product when I read the reviews but totally changed my perception when I tried this product.

Here are my take on this:

Sound quality: as one other reviewer pointed out, the mid-range is muddled. Higher frequencies are pretty clean and lower frequencies bass are a bit exaggerated. I disagree that an sound engineer wasn't consulted. Actually I think Cody did an really good job.

Build quality: good plastic and nice finish. Foam padding is reasonable comfortable after long wear. Adjustable headband is done on a metal track. Overall,...Read more

I have a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 2 headphones, and wanted a cheaper backup. In looking at the Coby phones, they look remarkably similar to the Bose. In fact, so similar that I wouldn't be surprised if both products were made in the same factory. The build quality of the Coby is, I'd say, as good as that of the Bose QC2. A bonus is that the Coby will play sound even without a battery, unlike the Bose QC2.

Sound reproduction-wise, I'd rate the Coby as good as the Bose.

Now, two reservations about the Cobys:
1) The first pair I got had very loud static in the circuitry and I exchanged them for a second, which was OK.
2) While the noise cancellation of the Coby is about the same as the Bose QC2, the Coby has a very slight background hiss that is noticeable if you use then without a sound source. Actually, I find this preferable to the Bose's total lack of electrical noise. Why? Because no noise-canceling phones so far will completely filter out...Read more

I got a great deal on these headphones, and they were exactly what I wanted: A simple, comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Unfortunately, after only two months of use the ear cups started flaking and leaving tiny black specs all over the sides of my face. It could be because I've been wearing them out in the cold a lot, and maybe this could be avoided by treating them with something? Regardless, this shouldn't happen.

I'm pretty sad about it and I think it's too late to try and fix them. Everything else about them is great.