[kheb3350]

Apologies if has been asked before. I bought a new Mp3 player and used the stock headphones on the London underground and in the gym. I couldn't hear anything unless I put the volume up to extremely loud levels. Are there any decent headphones that would help to cut out the noise on the tube, and the loud music in the gym?

I noticed that most people were using the normal ear bud variety, but how they can actually hear their music I don't know.

[fnloud]

I use Sony MDREX71SLB fontopia in ear buds, I can't wear the stock mp3 buds due to dumb size ear hole! These things sound great, and at £30 I think they're pretty good value for money.

Good luck!

[kheb3350]

Hi - but do they pretty much cut out the noise in loud places like the tube or do you have to have the volume really loud?

I noticed the buds of those are rubbery and plug into the ear (like ear plugs), rather than being of the apple ipod type variety, which are quite loose. Does that type of design make a difference?

[mrfaize]

Sennheiser CX300??? - I have a pair winging their way to me right now.

[fnloud]

The Sennheiser looks quite nice too. The Sony cuts a far chunk of the background noise out. They're great on a plane as you can sleep with them in your ears and not even notice they're there, cuts the white noise right out to a very low hum.

*edit
Sorry, forgot about the design bit. I think it's essentially because the rubber part forms a seal with the ear, and this helps with cutting out the background noise. Also good quality magnets, speaker design etc help over stock cheapies.

[kheb3350]

Anyone got any idea how those ear plug type headphones like the CX 300s and Sony Fontopias compare to something like the Sennheiser PX 200s in terms of cutting out background noise (on tube, gym etc.) and sound quality? Was reading to CX 300 thread - getting some good comments on cutting out noise and sound.

[russelkhan]

If you don't want something stuck inside your ear canal, then you need a good set of closed-back 'phones that cut out the outside noise. I would recommend the Bose TriPort, which you can try out at the Apple Store in Regent Street. They aren't very well-respected in hi-fi circles, but they're comfortable, light, cut out a lot of background noise, and the sound is bloody good compared to cheap earbuds and stock 'phones supplied with iPods and other up-market players. I've used mine on the tube and they're great. Just take your player along to the Apple Store and give them a go.

Another option is the active noise-cancelling phones, but you need batteries and there'll be an extra box dangling from your headphone cable.

[Spinning Plates]

As russelkhan said you need a pair of canal phones or IEM's (In Ear Monitor).

I got the Shure E4G's off Ebay for 120 quid.

I cannot hear anything outside of them when music is playing and I don't even have my nano at full volume. I have to be extra aware when crossing roads as I can only rely on my eyes.

If you shut your eyes with a pair of these on you'd only know you were on the tube because of the vibrations/smell.

[kheb3350]

Okay - will pop down to Apple on Regents Street and have a look. Funnily enough I was there on Monday and had a quick look at the headphones, but mainly the Sennheisers.

I've used IEMs when they were first introduced a few years ago and have never looked back. The passive noise cancelling abilities these silicone tipped things are capable of are fantastic. Some people can't get used to them. I say persevere at first and experiment for best fit - you will be rewarded.

I drive long haul journeys up and down the country and on long stretches (like the A1 from York to Newcastle) in the early hours of the morning, use IEMs to block out the serious noise my squeeking old diesel van makes at 80 mph. Turning up my stereo is just plain suicidal

I also use them: 1) at the gym. 2) on the Tube. 3) on a 747 4) b4 i go to

The best IEMs for the money? Shures are too expensive and the arguable improvement in sound per £ over my following recommendations is debatable. I am using CX300s at the moment great! Its asymmetrical cable is suited to gym use and sound is very balanced. Avoid Sony EX71s : its cable will turn to chewing gum in 2 months and the bass is uncontrolled. The Creative EP630s are a good budget buy: they use the same housing as the CX300s but have different sounders.

[kheb3350]

Thanks - went for the ear canals and bought the Cx 300s. I looked at the Shures but a bit too pricey for me. The CX 300s are very good although I would say that I need a shirt clip - sometimes I catch the wire and the canal phones fall out.

[GETanner]

Originally Posted by kheb3350

Thanks - went for the ear canals and bought the Cx 300s. I looked at the Shures but a bit too pricey for me. The CX 300s are very good although I would say that I need a shirt clip - sometimes I catch the wire and the canal phones fall out.

Having not tried a pair of CX 300s, I'm not certain if this will work but...

Have you tried wearing them upside down and hooking the wire over your ears and then around the back. My e4c are designed to be worn this way and they stay solid in the ears regardless of any pulling on the cable.

is an example of what I mean.
G

[kheb3350]

Originally Posted by GETanner

Have you tried wearing them upside down and hooking the wire over your ears and then around the back. My e4c are designed to be worn this way and they stay solid in the ears regardless of any pulling on the cable.

Thats a great tip . Just put them on that way and they work fine. When I pull the cable it just moves my left ear instead and will keep trying them like this.

[GETanner]

Originally Posted by kheb3350

Thats a great tip . Just put them on that way and they work fine. When I pull the cable it just moves my left ear instead and will keep trying them like this.

Happy to help

G