Noise Cancelling Headphones

Apologises if this is a topic covered previously, did a search but couldn't find anything. Given the technological world is constantly updated maybe if has been mentioned before could benefit from a refresh.

Was wondering on any recommendation in the mid price (100-150) level for noise cancelling headphones. Currently have a Sony pair, can't recall which model, but the earpieces are foam without any covering, so bit uncomfortable and after an hour very hot.

Have a few flights coming up, so thought would invest in a new pair. Am tempted to blow the budget and go with the Bose QC3s, if I knew they'd block out Mrs Carter [:w] as well then would be no contest, but are these really worth it??

quote:Originally posted by carter
Apologises if this is a topic covered previously, did a search but couldn't find anything. Given the technological world is constantly updated maybe if has been mentioned before could benefit from a refresh.

Was wondering on any recommendation in the mid price (£100-£150) level for noise cancelling headphones. Currently have a Sony pair, can't recall which model, but the earpieces are foam without any covering, so bit uncomfortable and after an hour very hot.

Have a few flights coming up, so thought would invest in a new pair. Am tempted to blow the budget and go with the Bose QC3s, if I knew they'd block out Mrs Carter [:w] as well then would be no contest, but are these really worth it??


ukcobra recommended Bose QC2 headphones recently - I'm sure you will get some good advice from others too.

Another vote for Bose QC2 here

i have the BOSE QC3 and can thoroughly recommend them, only issue is price, but to me they were worth it.

[Darren Wheeler]

Yet another vote for QC3. Yes, they are expensive but well worth it and the best is never cheap. Just remember to avoid noise-isolating as they just physically block the noise out.

Oh, http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27260 [:D]

QC3 & QC2 on most websites are between £250-£300 mark however do a little more searching http://www.soundvariations.co.uk/bose-q ... s-19-p.asp and you will find there are pretty good deals out there.

cheers

alex

Thanks, seems BOSE the way forward, either QC2 or QC3. I hear its a personal choice between the two, one being on ear as opposited to sitting around the ear. Guess a visit to John Lewis to try them on for size before an Amazon order (or would they be cheaper shopping in T3?)

[RichardMannion]

If you are heading out to the US anytime soon, they are cheaper there even with the poor exchange rate.

Failing that, if you buy direct at the moment you get a free iPod Shuffle and you can split the payments on 0%.
http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/home-entert ... /index.jsp

quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
If you are heading out to the US anytime soon, they are cheaper there even with the poor exchange rate.



I was in Baltimore 4 weeks back and went into Bose to buy a pair assuming they would be cheaper there, and they came out at near £210 after your tax rebate, so im glad i sat on the fence and came back empty handed because on two pairs iwill have saved £130[:0]

Im sitting on the fence because, QC3 which i prefered and also being a little smaller than QC2 have had fairly poor reviews and so im thinking about the SENNHEISER PCX 450 which appear to be vastly superior from the reviews i have read up on!

Cheers

alex

quote:Originally posted by Alex V

I was in Baltimore 4 weeks back and went into Bose to buy a pair assuming they would be cheaper there, and they came out at near £210 after your tax rebate, so im glad i sat on the fence and came back empty handed because on two pairs iwill have saved £130[:0]

Im sitting on the fence because, QC3 which i prefered and also being a little smaller than QC2 have had fairly poor reviews and so im thinking about the SENNHEISER PCX 450 which appear to be vastly superior from the reviews i have read up on!

You have to try them on for size, and get the best fit for you. They're your ears, so you know what's best for you. Try, and don't rely too much on reviews - take them with a pinch of salt.

However... lol... I personally find my QC3's the best noise cancelling headphones available out there. I've used on the flights to the states, and all the way to SIN/Australia and back.

I personally didn't like any of the Sony range, as I could hear a constant high-pitched whine in the background. My ears are fairly sensitive. I really liked the Seinheissers, but the fit didn't feel right and I ended up prefering the audio quality and souncd cancellation from the QC3's over those...

You can always attempt eBay if you use it, if not - I got mine from a Bose outlet in Bichester Village, if you're anywhere near commuting distance.

Thanks Richard, did think the US would be the best place to get them and my next flight is to SFO en route to LAS, however for those 10 hours I would want my new toy, patience isn't one of my virtues. Anyone travelling through T3 soon would very much appreciate a price check for me [:w]

Have found this....
http://www.soundvariations.co.uk/bose-q ... s-19-p.asp

Another belated vote here for Bose QC3s. The decision between 2's and 3's is purely size related. A lot of my travel is 'hand luggage only' and the QC3's fit better in my bag.

Singapore airlines votes for QC2's as these are what they hand out in first class (albeit with a funny plug on to stop you stealing them...)

QC2s.

The QC2's cover the ears, and I ususally wear them for 6+ hours, without my ears getting hot or hurting.

The QC3's actually sit on the ear, and can apply pressure causing some discomfort in some people.

Bose have a very good reputation for after sales service.

quote:Originally posted by carter


Have found this....
http://www.soundvariations.co.uk/bose-q ... s-19-p.asp


Err!! didnt you see this already posted for you earlier[^][^]

cheers[:D]

alex

[Darren Wheeler]

£125??

Sorry, but in my book that is suspiciously cheap, even for slightly used (?!?!?!?!?!). Bose retail for QC3 is currently £299.

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/pop-up/Popu ... 9001;=null

cheaper alternative, (Circa £100-150) but equally effective, quality brand and well rated. Also work as standard headphones when no battery
audio-technica - QuietPoint ATH-ANC7's

Before i bought mine i looked at the comparison between here and the US, the thing i found was that the UK models come in a case with all the extras, different plug adaptors, spare battery etc. The US ones were only the headphones and by the time i bought the extras the cost was the same.

I got them from Dixons at LHR as i flew out last year, can't rememebr what i paid but i think it was about £250 so saved about £50 getting them tax free.

Traded up from my QC1's to QC3's for $100 by sending them to Bose in the US about a year ago.....bargain. [:D]

Seems the Bose QC range wins on votes here, have heard the Sennheiser are probably better quality and work even without the battery but are bit bulkier and cyberman like.

Going back to the original post tho, was looking to spend in the £100-£150 range, thanks northenhenry for your suggestion. Any others in this range??

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
£125??

Sorry, but in my book that is suspiciously cheap, even for slightly used (?!?!?!?!?!). Bose retail for QC3 is currently £299.

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/pop-up/Popu ... 9001;=null


I have just got in touch with the company making the offer and they are ex display with no case and box, not sure i would buy these now!

cheers

alex

[Darren Wheeler]

quote:Originally posted by Alex V
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
£125??

Sorry, but in my book that is suspiciously cheap, even for slightly used (?!?!?!?!?!). Bose retail for QC3 is currently £299.

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/pop-up/Popu ... 9001;=null


I have just got in touch with the company making the offer and they are ex display with no case and box, not sure i would buy these now!

cheers

alex


For ex-display, read manky ears and who know what else. LOL

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
quote:Originally posted by Alex V
quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
£125??

Sorry, but in my book that is suspiciously cheap, even for slightly used (?!?!?!?!?!). Bose retail for QC3 is currently £299.

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/pop-up/Popu ... 9001;=null



I have just got in touch with the company making the offer and they are ex display with no case and box, not sure i would buy these now!

cheers

alex


For ex-display, read manky ears and who know what else. LOL



[:$]

I wouldn't touch with a barge pole [n]

I've got and recommend Bose qc2 - good quality sound, good noise cancelling and very comfortable.

Carry case is a bit bulky but all in all a quality product.

[buns]

After Sales Service with Bose is top notch [y][y] My QC2's developed a fault and were replaced free of charge

buns