Headphones: Noise Cancelling Options?

Creag

Creag

The Boar's Rock
Joined
May 19, 2009
Messages
46,474
Reaction score
9,073
Location
Joburg
Another call for headphones help thread. Dreadfully sorry. Did look through the recent threads and nothing really jumped out at me.

I am looking for headphones to use in an open plan office environment. It's just too noisy to concentrate on the work I do (analytical and product development).

It needs to be noise-cancelling, as I want something to cut as much of the background noise out as possible. I use my headphones to listen to music at quite a low level (my hearing is already damaged, so dare not risk turning it up too loud).

Presently using a set of Sennheiser HD202, which I love, but it doesn’t cancel noise. Pity.

I would like it to be over-the-ear for comfort. My budget is R1,500 – R2,500 (but will stretch that further ... ‘cause I am getting desperate for serenity).

Any recommendations will be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you all! :)
 
Just a heads up. If you want really strong noise-cancelling cans to use for long periods of time, then you might also want to look at using a media player that supports crossfeed (natively or through a plugin). Closed noise-cancelling headphones have really strong channel separation and this can lead to increased listening fatigue and headaches, but of course depends on how the music is mixed and the individual involved. Crossfeed can help with this, because it mixes the two channels and so reduces separation.
 
Rudimental said:
Just a heads up. If you want really strong noise-cancelling cans to use for long periods of time, then you might also want to look at using a media player that supports crossfeed (natively or through a plugin). Closed noise-cancelling headphones have really strong channel separation and this can lead to increased listening fatigue and headaches, but of course depends on how the music is mixed and the individual involved. Crossfeed can help with this, because it mixes the two channels and so reduces separation.
Click to expand...

Just a question (for a noob), what would you define as long periods? I tend to get up hourly to stretch and grab coffee. I seldom do stretches longer than 40 mins.
 
Bose have a few decent active noise canceling options available. Not sure how much they cost (You should probably think about selling one of your limbs) But apparently they sound good, are extremely comfortable and can be used for hours and hours.

EDIT: Can also reccomend these: http://www.soundz.co.za/pSEHD215/Sennheiser-HD215-II-WEST-Headphone.aspx

I own them. Build quality is great, very comfortable, and they seal the outside sound out. Designed for DJ use, they could be perfect for your needs.
 
Last edited:
McT said:
Thank you, crysis. Not badly priced either.
Click to expand...

They make higher end models that achieve the same purpose too if you feel like burning through some extra money :P But honestly those are sufficient and sound nice. Just avoid buying them from PC shops, they usually the most expensive for proper audio for some reason. I would give your local music shop a look as well.
 
I have the Vulcan, just note when you have the NC on, the music will be a bit flat. It takes away some of the base.

At work I use my Sony XB 500's they so snug and cut out so much noise even though they don't have any NC. I wear them almost the whole day. Some times without music playing, just for the quiet.
 
Last edited:
A colleague of mine let me try his gun ear muffs. R300. And they cancel noise in the extreme. Just wow!

Then he let me try his Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Headphones. I am now genuinely in :love: with the headset. Yes, it's out of my price range, but heck, they are awesome. Music set to it's lowest volume and I couldn't hear a colleague standing next to me talking to me. What to do... :|
 
Bose QuietComfort 15 I reckon. They are the best by most accounts.
 
kayvee said:
Bose QuietComfort 15 I reckon. They are the best by most accounts.
Click to expand...

I should never have seen them :cry: they are really comfortable and deliver great sound. The NC ability makes it what I am looking for. :)
 
McT said:
A colleague of mine let me try his gun ear muffs. R300. And they cancel noise in the extreme. Just wow!

Then he let me try his Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Headphones. I am now genuinely in :love: with the headset. Yes, it's out of my price range, but heck, they are awesome. Music set to it's lowest volume and I couldn't hear a colleague standing next to me talking to me. What to do... :|
Click to expand...

The Bose Quiet Comfort 15 are tops in my opinion. Just be careful if you buy 2nd hand as the previous model did not come with the multifunction connector cord.
I have the QC 15 as well as the QC 3. The QC 3 are smaller and fit onto the ear. I don't see them here at all - I bought mine at Heathrow Airport, London.
If you would like to own my QC 15, make me an offer. They are still like new and fully boxed. Just send me a PM.

Edit: I see the QC 15 retails for around R4200 at the moment:(:(
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X