Noise Canceling Headphones in the Office

[Pider]

I have a pair of Bose noise canceling headphones that I use when traveling. They are just fine for the purpose. Most of the time I don't plug them into anything.

However, my son just sent me a message wanting my opinion about what noise canceling headphones to get for wearing in his new office cubicle. My only experience has been with the Bose. I told him I'd ask the collective wisdom of AA and get back to him.

He's a budding audio aficionado, and the recipient of much of my gear, so I'm sure he might be interested in noise canceling that is also musical, if there is such a thing.

[-E-]

If you can find them, the Senn PXC450's are still the bee's knees.

I've listened to many others trying to find a "better" replacement and each time I run back to the Senns.

On our last family trip there were 4 of us on a 6 hr flight and all with different "high-end" NC cans - the Senns were clearly the winners. (that and I traveled with the Meridian Explorer which did not suck...).

[scirica]

I use two very different styles of earphones when traveling. If I need true isolation with audiophile sound I reach for the Shure SE 535's.

Lately however I've been enjoying a pair of Focal Spirits. Really work great with digital music sources. While not an active NC design, I find the closed cup over the ear is isolation enough and I don't get any if the negative artifacts of noise canceling. Very musical.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by scirica

I use two very different styles of earphones when traveling. If I need true isolation with audiophile sound I reach for the Shure SE 535's. Lately however I've been enjoying a pair of Focal Spirits. Really work great with digital music sources. While not an active NC design, I find the closed cup over the ear is isolation enough and I don't get any if the negative artifacts of noise canceling. Very musical.

Another vote for the Shure SE535. I use them for plane travel and can wear them comfortably for several hours at a stretch. There are of course many other good IEMs out there these days, but in general a good pair of IEMs with a good fit, especially custom fit or flanged ear pieces, will provide more sound attenuation than active noise canceling phones.

[imprezap2]

Bose Quiet 15 is much better then the Sennheiser PXC450. I own both and the Bose exceeds the Sennheiser in Noise cancelation, comfort, battery life and sound quaility.

I am absolutely not a Bose fan, but the Quiet 15 for mobile use is great.

Olaf