[gazmangaz]

I am looking at some decent noise-cancelling headphones. Comfortable and wired. Hopefully something so comfortable that I can easily fall asleep in when the music is not on (of course )

The only two well review headphones I can find are:

Bose Quietcomfort 15:
Bose QuietComfort 15 Review on CNET UK
Sennheiser PXC 450
Sennheiser PXC 450 noise-cancelling headphones Review on CNET UK

Anyone know of any other alternatives that may be cheaper??

[jellyheadjeff]

I bought Sennheiser PXC250s as a cheaper alternative. I've not compared them to more expensive options so can't comment on how they compare & have only used them for flights.

I've been very pleased with them on a flight - it doesn't eliminate the noise entirely but greatly reduces it. The noise reduction does add a low level hiss but overall think they work pretty well & fold up nice & small. The battery pack is bulky but has good life & I like the fact that it uses standard batteries rather than built-in finite life rechargebles.

[Sunshinewelly]

the goldring ns1000 are back down to £49 at play - usually £150

[Curlyone]

This is a good review site for noise cancelling headphones:

Ten of the best... noise-cancelling headphones • Register Hardware

[Drubbing]

Do you really NEED NC?

If not, closed phones with good isolation will sound way better for the same money. NC's aren't cheap, and the ones that are, will sound pretty crap.

From that link - any review that claims the Bose QC sound 'a delight' is not to be relied upon. They sound ok, but for the price, they are crap value.

[Curlyone]

Then what would you suggest?

I want to listen to music on my ipod on my commute to and from work. So my headphones have to compete with the London underground and then Great Western trains. For my sins, I listen to classical and world so the sound quality is more important than the beat and it's very frustrating to loose a whole section as we the train screeches into a station.

I don't like pushing phones into my ears (maybe because I have small little ones) but then I don't want to look like an air plane pilot either?

Suggestions much appreciated.

Best

[Sunshinewelly]

the goldrings are brilliant at the price of £50

[Drubbing]

A lot of NCs have battery packs, so they're hardly public transport friendly, and none are particularly discreet. If, as you say, SQ is the most important thing, then NCs won't do justice to your cost outlay.

Canal phones really are the best option for isolation and transportability.