Isolating earphones

[VirginiaF]

I have always been a best of all worlds kind of woman, so I have (since 2006) a set of Bose Quiet Comfort 2 on ear noise cancellation phones as well as a set of in ear Shure 4c-n Isolating Earphones.

I have found the Bose set very good for both noise reduction and for sound reproduction, and as the name implies, they are very comfortable. In fact, quite often, if I wish to have a sleep, I will put them on with out connecting them (the cord can be removed).

The only negative attribute about these is that they are a little bulky, so take up some of that precious 7kg that you are allowed on board. Also, they rely on an AAA battery, so on long flights, I take a spare, and use rechargeables so they can be refreshed at the hotel or lounge before the next flight. Also, I have encountered many FAs who will ask for them to be turned off on ascent and descent. Ironically, that's when you need them most.

Enter the Shures. I have always been impressed with Shure electronics, and went for a pair of these on Amazon a few years ago when Shure were introducing new models. I got these for a much lower price than what the equivalent, then current models were selling for. I also bought an "attenuator" - a volume control, which is handy when the PA interrupts your favourite movie with news that breakfast is about to be served or turbulence is anticipated, which comes through very loud (the reason for which I can't fathom). Anyway, because they are passive (not reliant on electronics for noise cancellation), they can be used during ascent and descent.

In times of trouble, Paul McCartney found that Mother Mary comes to him. Well, for me, when there is a screaming child within the next row or so, I find that BOTH Bose and Shure at the same time make for an absolute noise cancellation environment!

As for using noise cancellation equipment during ascent and descent, I always thought that the reason for this was supposedly because electronic equipment can interfere with the plane's electronic equipment. This seems to be reasonable, however, I note that those flying F on Kingfisher Airlines (KFR) get Bose sets gratis ... I wonder if they are given out after ascent and collected on descent.

As for the "best" (although I'm not sure to what extent quality and cost are traded off), I often refer to cnet: Best earbuds - best earphones - CNET Reviews

I hope this helps.

 

[tuppaware]

I've heard these are a good copy of the Bose -

http://headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=435

 

[straitman]

I've heard these are a good copy of the Bose -

Audio Technica: ATH-ANC7b | Headphonic: Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more

A very good price when compared to the original Bose product but has anyone actually used them to confirm the comparison :?:

 

[Davo70]

I've used both the 'over ear' and 'earbud' noise canceling headphones and I'm definitely in favor of the 'over ear' version. I currently have a Jabra set, that are now discontinued, that are fantastic. The real benefit of the set I have is being able to use them when there is no input. I can turn on the noise canceling and hear almost nothing! This gave me the best sleep on my last trip back from the US.

+1 for the Jabras. (C820s might be the model you're talking about ?). Mine are a godsend and helps being able to turn the NC on / off.

Choice Magazine rated them marginally ahead of the big name competition in a product test a year or so back. Shame they've pulled the pin on production, though I think there's an online technology retailer in Qld that may still sell them. Might get a second set for backup purposes.

 

[jbryan5]

I have a pair of Etytomic ER6i . They are fabulous, albeit a little expensive and few distributors.

An advantage is they they operate without power (ie they block sound without generating a reverse sound wave) . So some posts talked about removing the battery powered cancelling phones on takeoff.landing, the Etytomics will be able to stay in.

 

[serfty]

One of the main reasons they need to be turned off for descent etc. is that you can't easily hear any PA announcements. This would probably not be a good thing in an emergency.

This happened to me in Feb, I was watching a movie on my laptop intently and was surprised to be quite sternly asked to turn it all off by an FA. :shock:

I was surprised about this but SWMBO was beside me and advised me the 'turn of electronic devices' and 'prepare cabin for landing' calls had been made some time before. I had heard none of it.

 

[ColinP]

I've heard these are a good copy of the Bose -

Audio Technica: ATH-ANC7b | Headphonic: Australian Headphone Specialists: Buy Etymotic, Alessandro, Audio Technica, Ultimate Ears, Talisman, Meier Audio and more

A very good price when compared to the original Bose product but has anyone actually used them to confirm the comparison :?:

I have a pair of ATH-ANC7 (not b). They're great. I'm more than happy with them. I haven't tried the Bose so can't compare.

 

[uzza]

I have Monster Beats by Dr Dre, most definately not the best for noise cancellation and they have pretty terrible noise leak. However they are quite pretty and they are quite good for listening to music, especially rap/hip hop (excellent clarity and deep deep bass!) as I do so I'm happy with them. You won't hear any background noise on a plane when your using them but your neighbours will hear the lyrics to the song as clear as day

 

[Davo70]

One of the main reasons they need to be turned off for descent etc. is that you can't easily hear any PA announcements. This would probably not be a good thing in an emergency.

This happened to me in Feb, I was watching a movie on my laptop intently and was surprised to be quite sternly asked to turn it all off by an FA. :shock:

I was surprised about this but SWMBO was beside me and advised me the 'turn of electronic devices' and 'prepare cabin for landing' calls had been made some time before. I had heard none of it.

But wouldn't you have felt the descent starting and switched off the laptop ?

I reckon SWMBO was trying to get you in the s*hit with the FAs by not letting you know when the first call was made.

 

[NM]

Specifically making this thread on isolating earphones so we don't get into a debate about ety/shures vs bose.

Hmm, reading the thread, this didn't work

Looking at buying a pair shortly. Currently between the Etytomic ER6i and Shure SCL2 (ie sub $150)

Both are decent earphone and I expect you would be satisfied with either.

Conisdering pairing with a Shure PTH unit (available on ebay for about $60 delivered) for use on an airplane.

I suggest you put the $60 towards the next model up in the range ... or a bottle of scotch. I have two Shure PTH units and find them pretty much useless when travelling. One unit was given to me by a friend who bought a set of SE530 PTH and tried it on a flight and decided he loved the ear phones and didn't like the PTH unit so he gave it to me to use with my E3s. Then I lost my E3s and bought my own SE530 PTH so had a second unit and have not even taken it out of its plastic bag.

I find the PTH just make for a tangle of wires and is difficult to locate the unit and button. Its far quicker and easier to just pop one ear piece out to talk to the flight attendant.

Maybe I should sell my two PTH units on eBay

 

[Puffy]

I have a pair of ATH-ANC7 (not b). They're great. I'm more than happy with them. I haven't tried the Bose so can't compare.

I have the ATH-ANC7b.... they are fantastic. I would say the sound quality is a little better than the Bose and noise cancellation a tiny bit below. The accessories you get are excellent. Good thing is you can still use them as headphones even if the AAA battery dies and you dont have a replacement. The Bose units use a propriety rechargeable battery and totally useless when it dies.

Audio Technica are comfortable and reasonably priced. You know they are good if Bose tried to sue them.
I highly recommend them.

 

[moa999]

Hmm, reading the thread, this didn't work

I did try

I find the PTH just make for a tangle of wires and is difficult to locate the unit and button. Its far quicker and easier to just pop one ear piece out to talk to the flight attendant.

Useful feedback and probably why no-one else has copied the feature.

Both are decent earphone and I expect you would be satisfied with either.

After more searches, purchased a pair of Ultimate Ears 220VI. Not the upper end of isolation (advertised at 16db), but added bonus of working with my blackberry as well, and at a price (<$75) that I couldn't turn down.

Will put it towards a bottle of T10

 

[serfty]

But wouldn't you have felt the descent starting and switched off the laptop ? ...

Actually I did not. After over a thousand flights I was surprised at that. The only thing I have considered is that the flight was generally smooth; IIRC we came from BNE straight over Heathcote and into MEL on 16, so no real banking.

... I reckon SWMBO was trying to get you in the s*hit with the FAs by not letting you know when the first call was made.

She does not think that way. She has enough issues actually flying, let alone worrying about things like that.

 

[dejium]

I purchased the Sony headphones that are currently being cleared out at Officeworks, around $199 at JB HiFi stores, I am very happy with the performance for $49 delivered:

Officeworks | Sony Earbud Noise Cancelling Headphones

That is an exceptional price. I bought mine in Japan in 2008 for almost double.

Good timing for this post - the cord on mine got caught in the armrest on the way back from HKG, exposing the wire inside. *Wonders if CBA Plat CC insurance will cover this one.... maybe not*

Just bought 3 pairs - a spare and a couple of gifts. Thanks for the heads up markis!