Noise Cancelling Headphones

[Yada Yada]

NM. You indicated that you got a pair sent to a US address for US$135, are you able to post where you got them from so I can arrange a similar purchase as that's nearly a AUD$100 saving.

Hey Macca,

I've used Shop the States a number of times over the past two years to purchase goods online from outlets that can't/won't ship overseas. You simply register with them and they issue you with a US address for shipment of your purchases. You then go off and order whatever you want online and pay via credit card. If an online seller does not accept non-US credit cards, you can instruct Shop the States to order it on your behalf and then reimburse them via PayPal or credit card. And they will hold purchases for you and consolidate them into a single shipment if you wish.

Mrs Yada Yada has used it to purchase manchester (e.g. bed linen) and bolts of fabric for sewing, and I've ordered clothing and musical equipment (e.g. drumheads etc). Works a treat.

 

[NM]

NM. You indicated that you got a pair sent to a US address for US$135, are you able to post where you got them from so I can arrange a similar purchase as that's nearly a AUD$100 saving.

The guy selling them on EBay on Australia (alanchan1024) is very reliable (he has been our major source of Shure microphones over the past few years) and has them listed now for $209.95, which is not too much more than the US$135 I paid for the last ones I bought about 12 months ago - and that was for buying 3 sets to get that price. So for a single set, purchased locally, that is a reasonable deal and still way below retail price.

Many USA dealers advertise they will beat any advertised price.

 

[BiziBB]

The guy selling them on EBay on Australia (alanchan1024) is very reliable (he has been our major source of Shure microphones over the past few years) and has them listed now for $209.95, which is not too much more than the US$135 I paid for the last ones I bought about 12 months ago - and that was for buying 3 sets to get that price. So for a single set, purchased locally, that is a reasonable deal and still way below retail price.

Many USA dealers advertise they will beat any advertised price.

NM, I've been tempted to buy E3c's from this eBay seller too, so it's good to get a good review of him.

Among the people who you've supplied the E3c, have most been able to get a good airtight fit? Did you source the in-ear foam bits from the same seller or another online or eBay source?

The attraction of a local dealer who sells on eBay makes this source seem ideal for those of us wanting just 1 set.

Can you or anyone here compare the sound quality of Apple v E3c earbuds on an iPod? Thanks!

BB

 

[NM]

Among the people who you've supplied the E3c, have most been able to get a good airtight fit? Did you source the in-ear foam bits from the same seller or another online or eBay source?

Some people have preferred the yellow expanding foam type and other prefer the plastic sleeves. So it is a personal preference. The foam type are supposed to be disposable (single use??), but I know people who use them over and over. But of course they cannot really be washed and used by another person as can be done with the plastic sleeves.

I have a contact who works for an AV company and he can get the foam sleeves when we need them, so have not had a need to purchase on-line.

The attraction of a local dealer who sells on eBay makes this source seem ideal for those of us wanting just 1 set.

Indeed. Especially if you would need to be paying international shipping to purchase from USA. I have bought from US suppliers and arranged delivery to my US work colleague and collected from him on my next trip over there, thus saving the international shipping fee. But local purchase will be much faster.

For micophones, alanchan ships using Austraia Post ExpressPost pack for fast delivery. I assume he does the same for E3s.

Can you or anyone here compare the sound quality of Apple v E3c earbuds on an iPod? Thanks!

Sorry, never used the Apple earbuds.

 

[Maca44]

NM, I've been tempted to buy E3c's from this eBay seller too, so it's good to get a good review of him.

Among the people who you've supplied the E3c, have most been able to get a good airtight fit? Did you source the in-ear foam bits from the same seller or another online or eBay source?

The attraction of a local dealer who sells on eBay makes this source seem ideal for those of us wanting just 1 set.

Can you or anyone here compare the sound quality of Apple v E3c earbuds on an iPod? Thanks!

BB

Just be sightly careful about buying from a certain ebay seller mentioned in these threads. I purchased a pair of Shure E3c earphones in May 06, and did not use them until August when I purchased an ipod. On the second day of use one of the earphones broke away. I contacted this certain ebay seller who explained that he is not a dealer, that his dealter was in the USA and he couldn't replace them or do anything about the warranty except send them back to the USA at a cost of $30 to me. I contacted Jands Pty Ltd, Sydney who are the Australian importers of Shure products, and when they asked me for the three digit number on the jack it was discovered that they were manufactured in May 2005 (old stock). Jands told me that they had a problem with glue on some of the earphones, took it to Mascot and they were more than happy to replace them with a new sealed product. Now that's customer service for you, but don't expect too much from the ebay seller even though his price to me was $193. Other suppliers do charge more than $193, but it could be worth it.

On a different note, the difference between the ipod earphones and the E3c is like chalk and cheese. If I use the E3c in the ipod, stand in front of the TV with the sound up normal, I can't hear the TV. They are great, and I thank NM for his advice to buy them.

 

[BiziBB]

Just be sightly careful about buying from a certain ebay seller mentioned in these threads. I purchased a pair of Shure E3c earphones in May 06, and did not use them until August when I purchased an ipod. On the second day of use one of the earphones broke away. I contacted this certain ebay seller who explained that he is not a dealer, that his dealter was in the USA and he couldn't replace them or do anything about the warranty except send them back to the USA at a cost of $30 to me. I contacted Jands Pty Ltd, Sydney who are the Australian importers of Shure products, and when they asked me for the three digit number on the jack it was discovered that they were manufactured in May 2005 (old stock). Jands told me that they had a problem with glue on some of the earphones, took it to Mascot and they were more than happy to replace them with a new sealed product. Now that's customer service for you, but don't expect too much from the ebay seller even though his price to me was $193. Other suppliers do charge more than $193, but it could be worth it.

On a different note, the difference between the ipod earphones and the E3c is like chalk and cheese. If I use the E3c in the ipod, stand in front of the TV with the sound up normal, I can't hear the TV. They are great, and I thank NM for his advice to buy them.

Thank YOU Macca44.
I believe many eBayers are timid in the face of getting negative feedback, so do not give negative feedback, or like in your case, are happy with the product when it arrives but less happy with the seller's support and/or products when it is actually tried.

I'll take this warning seriously.
While it seems to be a matter of trust or trial and error in buying audiophile earbuds or quality NC 'cans', I've found probably more recommendations for the E3c's than anything else.

FYI, Digital City has some cheap (JVC?) NC headphones for $60 down from $100, but I'd rather wait and get the E3c's, hopefully around $200 from a local dealer.

I'm just getting over buyer's remorse for ordering an iPod Nano rather than a Video (I didn't think the Video 30Gb was almost as thin as the Nano). It will do until the next (hopefully) breakthrough iPods with video. [/remorseful rant]

Better just to load it with gigs of music and keep looking for some Shure buds!

Thanks again Macca and NM ^

 

[LotusEliseDriver]

FYI, trivia..

Just 'cause I'm a big Lotus fan, I think it was Lotus and Colin Chapman who actually came up with idea of active noise cancelling..

See Chubby was a mad flyer and would fly all over the world in small planes.. can somebody please confirm this??

I know when Lotus was taken over by GM they shook their heads why moeny was going to in-plane (not via head phones) noise cancellation project Lotus had going..

Mr D..

 

[BiziBB]

Hi,
I recall Lotus promoting noise cancelling systems for potential new vehicles around the late 80s/early 90s, but my perception is Lotus failed to release its hyped luxury coupe (with the glass roof/rollover windows a la Subaru SVX.

I suppose it had been taken over by GM by then, considering GM's shocking Piazza Turbo coupe was marketed as 'handling by Lotus'. I think it really could have been 'handling...fixed by Lotus'.

Surely the micro-sport cars like the Elise could use noise cancelling considering they would have no soundproofing or interior trim!

Any truth to the rumour that Shure is Irish (to be sure...)?

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

Can you or anyone here compare the sound quality of Apple v E3c earbuds on an iPod? Thanks!

Tthe good news is that the iPod buds aren't that bad, even though they are like wearing a sign around your neck saying "I own an iPod". The bad news is that the sound quality from (a) iPod's headphone output stage (spend the extra 15c guys), and (b) most MP3, is pretty weak anyway. The limitation is unlikely to be with decent ear stuff (and I don't mean the $10 D Smith specials I use at gym)

 

[LotusEliseDriver]

Hi,
I recall Lotus promoting noise cancelling systems for potential new vehicles around the late 80s/early 90s, but my perception is Lotus failed......)

Not true.. there was some Lotus Esprit S3 with this built in as a feature.. active noise cancelling would happen through the speakers... Also ended up in some japanese Isuzu cars (also owned by GM.. )

Any truth to the rumour that Shure is Irish (to be sure...)?

Well.. fiddle de dee .... nout shure.. ya would ge grand if that be true..

 

[M@rcoPolo]

I got a pair of Logitech Noise Cancelling headphones... same quality of Bose at 1/2 the price (paid $199 from City Software - next day delivery with 2 year Aussie warranty...)

Logitech Products > iPod/MP3 Accessories > Headphones

 

[NRMOZ]

In terms of value for money I'm more than happy with my Sony Noise Cancelling and folding earphones - and these are now some years old with more than a few round the globe trips behind them...

I remember thet were $250-00 rrp in Oz, and I found them in Tokyo for $125-00 OZ... since regarded them as a true bargain...

 

[Altair]

Creative recently released a set, from memory the model is HN-505 or something like that and i saw them in last week's DS (**** smith) advertisement, it was priced at around AUD $65.

have not found a decent review for them yet.

I had a QF trip where they gave out the portable DVD. The headphones that they provided were Cr*p, could not hear much. When they brought out the Duty Free cart and I wanted to buy, I had a "sorry" voucher due to expire in a week, the Travel Adapter (the one that can handle virtual all plugs around the world) but they were out of stock. I then looked through the DF mag and saw they had the Bang & Olufsen and the Creative headphones. The FA allowed me to try both before I bought and I selected the Creative.
Things I noticed Bang & Olufsen $195 were good but the price difference was not enough over the difference in quality. Creative $60 did reduce the background noise and I must say I cannot really hear people with them on. Creative are comfortable for about 3 hours, no hot ears but you do feel like there is an air pressure thing going on. Oh I was able to hear the DVD while those around me using the QF headphones gave up....
Edit (NM was correct the $195 are Bang & Olufsen NOT Bose)

 

[NM]

I then looked through the DF mag and saw they had the Bose and the Creative headphones. The FA allowed me to try both before I bought and I selected the Creative.
Things I noticed Bose $195 were good but the price difference was not enough over the difference in quality.

I think you will find that the $195 earphones offered for sale in the Qantas in-flight duty-free magazine are not Bose, but are in fact Bang and Olufsen. These are ear buds and not noise cancelling nor sound isolation earphones.

The Bose QC2 or now their new QC3 noise cancelling headphones cost closer to A$500 retail price.

 

[Altair]

I think you will find that the $195 earphones offered for sale in the Qantas in-flight duty-free magazine are not Bose, but are in fact Bang and Olufsen. These are ear buds and not noise cancelling nor sound isolation earphones.

The Bose QC2 or now their new QC3 noise cancelling headphones cost closer to A$500 retail price.

Yes you are right, B&O, I just checked on the QF website. It was interesting that the FA said they WERE noise cancelling. Anyway the Creative ones did the job well for me and they have been appropriated by Mrs Altair. I think that I will look at the some of the other earphones that have been reccommended on this thread.

 

[Amerrican]

I have had the Bose headphones for the last year. They cost a lot more but IMHO are superior to the cheap NC headsets

Mine have the separate NC unit attached by wires to the headset, but if you can afford it, I think the later model (Quiet Comfort 2) might be better, as all the circuitry is in the headset and you can unplug the wire and not get tangled up. On the other hand, I guess they must weigh more than mine.

The Bose are the only way to go. I've had two different Sony's and the Sennheisers, but the Bose are more comfortable and do a much better job. The design is also vastly superior (they fold flat and have a terrific case).

The QC3's are the current model, although they don't look to be much different than the QC2's.

 

[Flying Fox]

Hi say that the QF J Class headsets are really good.

From my trip last week back from LAX I can totally recommend the combination of their ear-plugs & their headsets (with the TV turned off) for making the cabin perfect for a great sleep (I got 7 hours uninterrupted).

As for the new Bose Headsets (Version 3 I think) I tried them in-store and they were amazingly good. I did find that when I pressed them hard against my ears that they squleed (feedback).

 

[crazydave98]

Another option to noise-cancelling (active) headphones is noise-isolating (passive). I have found the Etymotic ER6i to be just outstanding - better noise reduction and more comfortable (they are in-ear) than any of the noise cancelling types that sit over your ears and make sleeping or turning your head impossible. Etymotic Research, Inc. - High-fidelity Earphones and Hearing Instrumentation The "i" denotes they are specifcally for i-pods and portable devices, but they have worked extremely well for me on long haul flights plugged into IFE with CX, AZ, QF, NZ & EK. I had a baby crying in the seat next to me all the way on HGK-SYD and couldn't hear the little blighter at all as I enjoyed the movie marathon.

They are a single-pin design but a double pin adaptor costs only $10 - the local distributor in Perth threw them in for me for free.

cheers

CrazyDave98

 

[Prof Henry]

I'm extremely happy with my Bose QC2s; noise cancelling does work without having to be connected to a jack so you can walk around the cabin (or your office - mine is adjacent to a big construction site at the moment!). They are much more effective than my wife's Sony's. While the Bose do allow you to hear that the FA is talking to you, the Sonys seem to magnify the sound of the loquacious insomniacs. The battery life with the Bose is better than advertised.
As a number of others have said, DON'T buy them in Australia. Bose apparently only allows them to be sold here through actual Bose stores, not licensed reatailers (like other Bose products), and so there's no competition at all.

 

[eagle]

Hi MBeder
You ask about noise cancelling headphones. From my experience and research on this, there are three brands worth considering:

1. Bose QuietComfort2: these are very comfortable and the noise cancelling technology is top rate. However the price is also high, (around AU $500) and there is no price competition on these. There is also a new model, QuietComfort3 which is available in North America. These have a new style of headphone, which sits over the ear rather than completely around it.

2. Solitude. These look quite similar to the Bose (although one or two grams heavier), and the noise cancelling technology is also very good. They are also $200 cheaper. However, the comfort does not seem to be quite as good. My partner and I bought a pair each for international travel and we did find a bit of discomfort on wearing for hours at a time. The main cause is the pressure caused by the high-tensile steel headband that keeps the headphones around the head. However, I did find that by bending the band backwards a few times (counter to its intended direction), the pressure could be reduced a little, to a more pleasant level. After that, I have been very happy with them. You are right that the ears can get a little hot with these, and probably with the Bose too. I think the only answer is to take rest breaks every hour or so.

3. Sennheiser PXC 300. These are around same price as the Solitude. Their design is to sit on the ear, rather than around it. Because of this they are smaller and lighter, and fold up into a neat little package. The noise cancelling, however, is not quite as good as Bose or Solitude. Nevertheless they do a pretty good job and some will no doubt find them more comfortable (my partner does -- she prefers to wear them than the Solitude). A small disadvantage of these is that the battery pack is permanently fixed to the lead that goes into the headphones, but it does not cause too much inconvenience.

From our experience using the above (we have used Solitude and Sennheiser, and have friends who swear by the Bose), we think they are really great for long flights. They also make it much more pleasant when watching in-flight movies or listening to in-flight audio.

Peter