Noise Isolating v's Noise Cancelling

[raven219]

As I seem to spend more time on the tube and will have 6 long haul flights in the next couple of months I thought I would get a new set of headphones. What I am not sure is whether to go for noise isolating type such as the Shure SE110 or a noise cancelling pair like the Senhesier PXC250.

Any advice from those who have used both types?

Cheers

[bsuttie]

Yes, for prolonged use I would definitely go for noise cancelling. I bought a pair of 250s in Schiphol recently before a long haul flight and they made such a difference.

Noise isolating may suit you well for short trips because of the convenience factor, but for comfort on long haul - noise cancelling.

regards

Brian

[NicolasB]

Noise-isolating (of the fit-inside-your-ear-and-make-an-airtight-seal-in-your-auditory-canal) variety will likely do a better job of actually keeping out noise. Noise-cancelling will more comfortable to wear.

[HiFi Headphones]

I agree to some degree about the comments made regarding comfort, but I personally don't have a problem with have in-ear sound isolating earphones in my ears for many hours at a time.

I personally love the way in-ear sound isolating earphones sound. I like the incredible level of detail that they bring to my music - something that no pair of noise cancelling headphones I've tried is able to offer.

As I said, I think it's more than just a difference in comfort and convenience. It's also a radically different type of listening experience.

[Jules Tohpipi]

I have a pair of PXC450s which I adore. I regularly wear them for 10 hours on the aeroplane and it causes zero suffering at all. Sound quality is excellent and the noise-cancelling works a treat. It removes that roaring sound that stays in your ears for hours after getting off the plane. It also makes listening to the headphones 10x better too as you are greatly improving the S/N ratio.

Previously I used a pair of MX500s. These are in-ear but not designed to be noise-isolating in any way. I must be the sensitive type as I couldn't stand to have them in for more than two hours - so that put me off trying any other in-ear solutions.

The noise-cancellers are very effective at removing LF sounds e.g. aeroplane engines, but not nearly so effective at removing mid and high frequencies. So I doubt they will be that useful on the tube - but I've never tried. I don't know about the PXC250s, but my 450s are on the large side - so I'd feel too conspicuous wearing them on the underground.

[raven219]

Have ordered a pair of the Sennheiser's (got them for £50) and will give those a try first.

Thanks

[andyUK101]

I prefer noise isolating for short to medium trips but find they get a little uncomfortable for longer trips

They also take a little getting used to

I have used the 250s but found them a little flimsy and quite uncomfortable, i didnt like the small ear pads on them as they didnt seem to sit right

The 350 and 450 or Bose QC2/3 are much more comfortable to wear as they either enclose my ears totally (senn and QC2) or have much more comfortable padding (QC3)

[HiFi Headphones]

If it must be the noise cancelling variety, then an alternative to Sennheiser and Bose is the excellent Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 noise cancelling headphone.

The ANC7's are a hell of a lot cheaper than Bose QC2's, the sound quality is equally as good and in my opinion the build quality is much better than Bose.

[raven219]

If I were to get a pair of in-ear buds as well, what are the current budget/mid-range favourites?

Cheers

[andyUK101]

Originally Posted by raven219

If I were to get a pair of in-ear buds as well, what are the current budget/mid-range favourites?

Cheers

Ive always quite liked the Senn CX range at the low/mid end, the 300s are quality headphones for the price and the 400 a decent sell up

[HiFi Headphones]

Yes, the Sennheiser CX300's are a safe bet, but I'm not a big fan of the strong bass response. I find that the bass overwhelms the mid frequencies. If you are a basshead you may like them.

If you can stretch to £50 then the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio earphones are very nice sounding headphones and offer excellent noise isolation. They are proper ear canal earphones, whereas the CX300's seal on the entrance to the ear canal.

[jhmaeng]

Originally Posted by HiFi Headphones

If it must be the noise cancelling variety, then an alternative to Sennheiser and Bose is the excellent Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 noise cancelling headphone.

The ANC7's are a hell of a lot cheaper than Bose QC2's, the sound quality is equally as good and in my opinion the build quality is much better than Bose.

Good recommendations. I tried these out for a few tracks recently and I was very impressed by the sound quality, comfort and build quality. Much, much better choice than Bose in my opinion.

[raven219]

Well the PXC 250s have arrived and with out being plugged into anything they were tried standing next to the tumble dryer. Quite impressed with the noise reduction. Then plugged them into my ipod without the noise cancellation switched on and was bitterly disappointed because there was no bass at all. Turned on the circuity and there was volume and bass and clarity a plenty.

Have now played a bit with the EQ settings and got the bass back to a reasonable level. Seems odd though that to listen to Metallica, Muse and Garbage I have to have the setting on R'n'B!

Will now see how the phones work on transport next week.

Cheers