Headphones

[leny]

What are some good headphones that are good to use while flying? Are there any that have both the single jack as well as the double, so it can 'adapt' to the airline you are flying: eg double for Qantas and single for Virgin with Live2Air? I'm looking for a headphone, but am not sure where I should start looking and what brands are generally good for what price.

 

[dragonman]

What are some good headphones that are good to use while flying? Are there any that have both the single jack as well as the double, so it can 'adapt' to the airline you are flying: eg double for Qantas and single for Virgin with Live2Air? I'm looking for a headphone, but am not sure where I should start looking and what brands are generally good for what price.

This has been discussed here many times. Just do a search for headphones and all will be revealed.

 

[simongr]

For $10 at most you can buy a 1 to 2 adapter.

 

[nlagalle]

What are some good headphones that are good to use while flying? Are there any that have both the single jack as well as the double, so it can 'adapt' to the airline you are flying: eg double for Qantas and single for Virgin with Live2Air? I'm looking for a headphone, but am not sure where I should start looking and what brands are generally good for what price.

I've got the Bose QC2 headphones and they are sensational. If you have some money seriously invest in a good set of noise cancelling headphones. Bose are expensive, but there are cheaper options as well. Most will come with a plug adaptor to suit MP3 players and aircraft jacks.

Nick

 

[NM]

For $10 at most you can buy a 1 to 2 adapter.

I think they may be even cheaper than that at D!ck Smith Electronics. I seem to remember $5.99 or similar price.

 

[simongr]

On problem though is buying an expensive set of headphones and then buy a cheap connector defeats the purpose of having good headphones...

 

[serfty]

On problem though is buying an expensive set of headphones and then buy a cheap connector defeats the purpose of having good headphones...

If the "cheap" connector provided a reliable thru connection with the same minimal impedance/capacity of a "non-cheap" connection, the listener would be able to discern no difference in the audio.

One must remember that in the air there's no need for high power current sucking devices such as as one may find in home theater systems.

 

[tuapekastar]

I'm assuming from this discussion and the numerous others regarding headphones that generally an aircraft's IFE system 'delivers' sound of sufficient quality to justify purchasing and using your own good quality headphones?

When that rotten four-letter word (work) doesn't get in the way and upset trip plans (as has happened twice already) I'll take another 'big trip' and would seriously consider purchasing quality headphones, but only if they were going to plug into a system that delivers some decent sound.

 

[dragonman]

I'm assuming from this discussion and the numerous others regarding headphones that generally an aircraft's IFE system 'delivers' sound of sufficient quality to justify purchasing and using your own good quality headphones?

When that rotten four-letter word (work) doesn't get in the way and upset trip plans (as has happened twice already) I'll take another 'big trip' and would seriously consider purchasing quality headphones, but only if they were going to plug into a system that delivers some decent sound.

Good quality headphones with noise reduction offer a vastly superior experience than the ones given out (especially in Y). Movies are easier to hear, engine noise is hugely reduced.

Just don't expect the same surround sound you might get at home.

 

[simongr]

I also find that with my headphones I dont have to have the volume as loud so dont get that distortion. Mind you I use my headphones for everyday rather than just onboard - one of teh reason that noise cancelling are not really an option for me...

 

[Shano]

I find with the noise isolating headphones that I have that I only need to have the volume just up from the minimum setting when using the IFE. Contrast with the QF Y offerings where the volume needs to be pretty much at full.

They are also great ear plugs when trying to sleep.

 

[NM]

I'm assuming from this discussion and the numerous others regarding headphones that generally an aircraft's IFE system 'delivers' sound of sufficient quality to justify purchasing and using your own good quality headphones?

Yep. My Shure E3s block out the cabin noise equally as well when connected to the aircraft IFE and to my iPod or laptop. So I can enjoy the noise isolation qualities all the time, and the audio quality from my iPod or laptop.

 

[ludoh]

I'm using Sennheiser PX250 in the air as well as sometimes in the office (to block aircon noise) or at home (to block out GF noise ). They come with all adapters and are foldable. Definitely good "investment".

 

[Shano]

.....or at home (to block out GF noise.....

That's quite an achievement!

 

[browski]

FWIW,
Battery life on your laptop might be extended if you switch the volume mode on your Bose QC2's to "high" and then turn your laptop volumes down to almost nothing.

Browski

 

[simongr]

For further references check out these threads

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...se-cancelling-12471.html?highlight=headphones

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...ing-headphones-9076.html?highlight=headphones

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...ng-headphones-11386.html?highlight=headphones

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...ing-headphones-4929.html?highlight=headphones

It is a somewhat frequently debated topic

 

[tuapekastar]

The responses here have convinced me it's a good idea to purchase a set, so when the time comes...

Cheers

 

[Philip76]

I have a pair of AKG K28NC headphones and they're excellent. Even with the coughpy sound systems I usually encounter on planes, they do a good job and really do remove a lot of constant noise. Taking them off after wearing them for a while is similar to stepping into a noisy factory.

Unfortunately I left them on a Qantas plane the other night so I'll never see them again. I need to buy some new ones now.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

FWIW, I've acquired over the years two sets of Sennheiser NCs (PXC150 and PXC300) as well as the Bose QC3s.

The Sennheisers come in a much smaller package than the QC3s (and are cheaper). Additionally you can use the Sennheiser as a normal set of headphones without turning on the NC functionality (e.g. if the batteries are flat). the Sennheiser's take normal AA batteries, so you can get new batteries pretty much anywhere in the world.

The downside to the Sennheisers is the overly complicated system they use (jack to battery compartment to headphones). I find the cables tangling up all the time, and getting them out/packing them away is a PITA sometimes.

The QC3s are very comfortable, and cancel noise just as well as the Sennheisers. They are easier to pack away. However the case they come in is enormous (in comparison), and the battery must be charged to use it.

The QC3s cost $599 here in Aus, but only US$349 (+ state sales tax) in the US, so consider buyng them in the US (given the current exchange rate). Note that the US package only comes with an adapter for US power points, whereas in Aus you get a range of different adapters.

HTH

 

[thegurio]

I have Sony NC-3's i believe. They are about $190ish - but if you ask you can get them for around $170 odd. They are just as good as the Sienhieser's and work with or without a battery and i have been using them for the last 8 months and haven't replaced the battery yet. It's an AAA so they are easy to find everywhere as well but as i said you won't have to replace them often. This has included about 3hrs every 3 weeks and one 36hr each way in november...

They are white and the most fascinating thing was the fact that a FA told me to turn my ipod off before take-off... Her face turned red when she realised that it was plugged into the plane!

P.S. I was sitting in the exit row last time and the FA told the guy that he couldn't wear his noise cancelling headphones as he couldn't hear what was going on. Now, they were the big type, over-ear ones but i have little ones and it has never been said to me. Has anyone had anyhting said to them when sitting in exit rows when using NC headphones?