Appearance & Design
Let’s start by appreciating the careful consideration that Harman Kardon put into the design of the FLY ANC headphones. The package comes with a sleek hard-shell carrying case that mirrors the classy look of Sony’s WH-1000XM3 case. This added touch sets Harman Kardon apart, considering many headphones in the same price range don’t offer such an accessory. Customers have responded positively to the aesthetics of the FLY ANC headphones.
The headphones feel solid in your hands and don’t make any creaking sounds when you adjust the headband. They are covered almost entirely in faux leather, giving them a premium and luxurious appearance. The FLY ANC headphones are also foldable and come with a carrying case, making them easy to transport.
Specifications
Take a look at the specifications of the FLY ANC headphones:
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency response: 16 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 100 dB SP
- Impedance: 32 ohms (unit impedance)
- Battery life: 20 hours per full charge (with ANC on), 30 hours per full charge (with ANC off)
- Weight: 281 g
- Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Audio Codecs: AAC, SBC
Battery Life
The FLY ANC headphones boast an impressive battery life. With the active noise cancellation (ANC) feature activated, they can last up to 20 hours, which is enough for three to four days of use before needing to be recharged. When the ANC is turned off, the battery can last up to 30 hours. With careful use, you may only need to charge them once a week. Additionally, these headphones support fast charging, providing 2.5 hours of use with just a 15-minute charge.
It’s worth mentioning that Harman Kardon opted for a micro USB charging port instead of the more common USB-C. This decision surprised many, as most brands are transitioning to USB-C. However, it’s a minor detail to consider when reviewing the Harman Kardon headphones.
The Connection
Connectivity is a crucial aspect of the FLY ANC headphones. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, they deliver reliable performance. The FLY ANC headphones allow for multipoint connectivity, enabling you to connect two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them. They provide zero latency when using apps like Netflix, Disney Plus, or HBO Max to watch movies or videos on both iPhones and Android devices. However, slight delays may occur when watching YouTube videos.
Sound Quality
The Fly ANC headphones deliver a warm and captivating sound. The bass produces a reverberating subwoofer effect, emphasizing its strength and resonance. While it may not be as powerful as the Sony WH-1000XM3, the Fly ANC headphones excel in the mid-range. This forward-facing main frequency range offers excellent separation between vocals and instruments. Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM3 or Sony WH-CH710N, the Fly ANC headphones provide more engaging vocals and instruments, along with impressive stereo bass and a spacious soundstage.
The highs are crisp and well-balanced, avoiding harshness. The overall sound profile is tuned to highlight the mid and low frequencies, making every song sound rich and enjoyable. The FLY ANC’s microphone performs exceptionally well, isolating your voice and effectively canceling out background noise.
Comfort
While the Fly ANC headphones offer a comfortable fit, they may not match the level of comfort provided by Sony or Bose headphones. For individuals with average head and ear sizes, these headphones fit securely without excessive clamping force. However, those with larger heads or ears may find them slightly constricting. Some users may also feel that the clamping force is slightly too strong. Additionally, the earcups are relatively small, which could impact comfort during long listening sessions. In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones feature larger earcups.
All the physical buttons of the Fly ANC headphones are conveniently located on the right ear cup. While having all the buttons on one side is usually advantageous, it can sometimes be challenging to remember their specific locations, leading to accidental button presses. The standard buttons include volume control, play/pause, and song rewind. Furthermore, the left ear cup features a touch-sensitive surface that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone. This combination of physical buttons and touch interface makes the Fly ANC headphones quite unique.
Applications
The Fly ANC headphones come with the My Harman or Kardon app, which offers various features. The app includes an EQ adjustment option, allowing you to customize your music listening experience. You can modify the audio profile and add additional markers as desired. While not as extensive as the modifications available for the FLY TWS headphones, the changes are still visible.
One standout feature of the FLY ANC headphones is the integration of Alexa or Google Assistant. You can easily access Google Assistant support by adding FLY ANC as a device to your Google Assistant settings. To activate the Assistant, simply press and hold the left headset. Tapping once displays a list of your alerts.
If you regularly use Google Assistant and own an iPhone, this feature can be extremely useful. However, keep in mind that for this feature to work, the Assistant app must remain open in the background. This app is the last feature we’ll highlight in our review of the Harman Kardon FLY ANC headphones.
In conclusion, the Harman Kardon Fly ANC headphones offer exceptional sound quality and a refined design. Priced between 5 to 6 million VND, they provide an elegant and high-end option. Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as limited sizing and the use of a micro USB charging port, the Fly ANC headphones deliver impressive active noise cancellation performance. Overall, they are an excellent choice, especially when considering mid-range models.
Read more:
