[HELP] Noise Cancelling Headphones Suggestions

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › [HELP] Noise Cancelling Headphones Suggestions

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2514 posts

Uber Geek
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#1716290 7-Feb-2017 06:12

Polk Audio Ultra Focus

I recently replaced mine with another pair after they developed a fault with the controls. No issues so far with the replacements, and they are rated as some of the best NC headphones for SQ.

Gemini

429 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1716364 7-Feb-2017 09:33

I think it depends on your goal

If you want to fully cancel ambient noise and enjoy the silence (bar the slight hissing) then Bose is best (or maybe this new Sony). Just watch out for fakes!

If you just want to lower the ambient noise to a level where you can hear your music/vocal track without cranking the volume to dangerous levels, other noise cancelling headphones will do that for less $$$

If you can find some on Amazon with 60%+ positive reviews you are doing well!

Baudy

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1719505 13-Feb-2017 16:52

Some options I've tried or owned:

Sennheiser PXC-450: These were by "on the go" headphones for a good few years. They are rugged and sound good (a good clean and detailed and (reasonably typical) Sennheiser sound, potentially a bit light on bass for some people. The replacement cable is astonishingly cheap for a brand like Sennheiser (~$28) so these will chug away for years quite happily. They are pretty large (though they do fold flat so they can be stored reasonably well). I've owned these and can recommend them.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless: My current headphones. If having bluetooth headphones is worth it for you then I recommend you give them a try. If you are in Wellington I can point you towards a shop you can demo these. These were the first bluetooth headphones I tried that had sufficiently good sound to cut the cord, and FWIW I'm very happy with the switch. Compared to the PXC-450 they have a more up front bass response. The battery life is great (~26 hours on one charge). I use these now and recommend them

Bose QC-35: I'm not a massive Bose fan but these do sound pretty good. I'm not convinced by the build quality compared to the Sennheiser options, but they are a bit cheaper. Noise cancelling is best in class. I've tried these briefly

Bose QC-25: Corded and the default connection cables are ridiculously thin and flimsy. They sound decent (though not as good as the 35's). Compared to the PXC 450 they sound slightly worse, but (being Bose) their NC is better. Can likely be found for cheaper than any of the above options (indeed I have a hardly worn pair that I could easily be convinced to sell)

Martynnz

74 posts

Master Geek

#1719894 14-Feb-2017 11:28

Hi,

Realise that this thread has sort of run its course. Thought I'd add my pick for any future browsers. I got the PSB M4U-2. I compared them to the bose at the time. They were around the same price. The advantages were sound quality (they are really highly rated for this) and they work as normal headphones even when the battery has run out which the bose at that time didn't.. They aren't quite as good as a bose with noise cancelling but I still find them more than acceptable when travelling. They are a little bulkier as well. In summary I haven't regretted my decision.

The sonys sound impressive and the verge has just reviewed them as well. (http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/13/14595356/sony-1000x-noise-canceling-wireless-headphones-review)

Cheers

Martyn

gcorgnet

1078 posts

Uber Geek

#1719904 14-Feb-2017 11:45

Hi, I recently got the Sony MDR-ZX770BN ($199 at Noel leeming or via Flybuys)
They are surprisingly good for the price. NC is a lot better than my previous BlackBox model and sound quality is great (to me anyway)

Plus they are Bluetooth which is awesome ;-)

lxsw20

3552 posts

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Subscriber

#1736141 14-Mar-2017 02:43

Just like to say I've had surprisingly good service from Bose in the UK. My QC25's died with the right ear failed issue they seem to commonly get. Emailed Bose, who got me to send them to to them (just the headphones nothing else) and I now have a referb pair (possibly new) with a new case and cable. Good work Bose. I got bored of waiting and got some QC35's in the mean time so now have a backup pair.

mpvincent

83 posts

Master Geek

#1747377 25-Mar-2017 08:32

Lion blitz: which supplier did you get the mdr1000x from?

Thanks

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neb

11294 posts

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#1747465 25-Mar-2017 11:19

lxsw20:
I got bored of waiting and got some QC35's in the mean time so now have a backup pair.

You win the "my other Rolls Royce is in the garage" award this time :-).

LionBlitzz

12 posts

Geek

#1747481 25-Mar-2017 11:35

mpvincent: Lion blitz: which supplier did you get the mdr1000x from?

Thanks

I got it on trademe from a guy who bought it from a duty free shop at Heathrow airport. I did a bit of travelling lately myself and you can buy from any major airport. Except New Zealand atm.

ETA for NZ is May or June I think.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#1747483 25-Mar-2017 11:44

Just beware of Bose's prices for parts replacement. The adapter on my QC25 broke and I found a few things:

- Bose NZ website lists prices and button for "BUY NOW" but the buttons don't do anything - you have to call and order on phone

- Absolute Audio in Wellington wants $30 more than the listed price on the site for the cable

- Noel Leeming salesperson says "Sure will order one for you at this price" but then never replies the email I sent to him, in front of him, with a link to the product code

Is there a Bose shop/reseller in Auckland? Will be there next week so might order there.

sidders80

755 posts

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#1747487 25-Mar-2017 11:48

freitasm:

Just beware of Bose's prices for parts replacement. The adapter on my QC25 broke and I found a few things:

- Bose NZ website lists prices and button for "BUY NOW" but the buttons don't do anything - you have to call and order on phone

- Absolute Audio in Wellington wants $30 more than the listed price on the site for the cable

- Noel Leeming salesperson says "Sure will order one for you at this price" but then never replies the email I sent to him, in front of him, with a link to the product code

Is there a Bose shop/reseller in Auckland? Will be there next week so might order there.

There is a Bose shop in Newmarket if you are going to be around that area

Sid

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#1747531 25-Mar-2017 12:34

Auckland has the Newmarket store, Av World, Albany Extreme, Noel Leeming and JB HiFi off the top of my head.

freitasm

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#1747539 25-Mar-2017 12:35

Thanks, will hunt around then.

mpvincent

83 posts

Master Geek

#1747608 25-Mar-2017 15:50

LionBlitzz:
mpvincent: Lion blitz: which supplier did you get the mdr1000x from?

Thanks

I got it on trademe from a guy who bought it from a duty free shop at Heathrow airport. I did a bit of travelling lately myself and you can buy from any major airport. Except New Zealand atm.

ETA for NZ is May or June I think.

Thanks. I was at Changi airport yesterday and the was lots of them available all for around $560 hence was surprised to see you mentioning $420.

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1759852 9-Apr-2017 16:57

As I'm now doing quite a bit of travelling, I decided to treat myself to some ANC over-the-ear cans. After reading various reviews and opinions, I went for the Sennheiser PXC 550's @$499 (on sale @ Noel Leeming until the 11th). These will supplement my Shure SE215 IEM's.

Should arrive this week - lookin' forward to it!

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