Travel Technology - Great noise isolating earbuds super cheap

Just saw the following deal at Buy.com - Altec Lansing High Definition Noise Free Headphone Etymotic Research Earbuds - IM616 $39.99 (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202046156). Qualifies for Free Shipping. Buy.com normally sells this for $60, it's typically in the $70's & $80's on other sites, and the Altec-Lansing site lists it at $100.

I've had a pair of Etymotic ER6i's for about 3 years and consider them vastly superior in sound fidelity and noise isolation to any over-the-ear products that I've tried (including the latest Bose). Some don't care for in your ear products, but I have no trouble forgetting they are in there and going to sleep.

I've done some very limited research, and I believe the Altec-Lansing/Etymotic IM616 is essentially an Etymotic ER6i rebranded and in a slightly different housing. The IM616 specifications (http://www.alteclansing.com/downloads/US_IM616_SELL_SHEET.pdf) are virtually identical to the Etymotic ER6i specifications (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/epcomp.aspx).

In any event, if you've ever wanted to try this type of noise isolation, $40 shipped is very, very cheap.

Awesome deal, ordered one. Thanks!

Does this work if you just plug it into the armrest on a flight? Does it take power directly through the plug?

Does this work if you just plug it into the armrest on a flight? Does it take power directly through the plug?

These are passive noise canceling (noise isolating) and don't need power to cancel out the noise.

These are passive noise canceling (noise isolating) and don't need power to cancel out the noise.

Right you are. No volume control, no batteries. Under 1 oz.

If you are a new Google Checkout user you can get another $10 off. Plus, there is a "free magazine subscription" that you can elect not to get and receive $10 back via mail, making these $20 with free shipping. I ordered this morning :)

If you are a new Google Checkout user you can get another $10 off. Plus, there is a "free magazine subscription" that you can elect not to get and receive $10 back via mail, making these $20 with free shipping. I ordered this morning :)

Thanks for the heads-up

How does the noise cancellation quality stand up to an "active" noise-cancellation headphone? Is the passive type basically just a fancy earplug? I've been on some pretty awful flights with screaming children, so am definitely in the market for something that works.

How does the noise cancellation quality stand up to an "active" noise-cancellation headphone? Is the passive type basically just a fancy earplug? I've been on some pretty awful flights with screaming children, so am definitely in the market for something that works.

Personally I find isolating headphones better then canceling.

When correctly installed (takes some practice) they are also more comfortable. I can easily fall asleep on my side with my Etymotics in.

How does the noise cancellation quality stand up to an "active" noise-cancellation headphone? Is the passive type basically just a fancy earplug? I've been on some pretty awful flights with screaming children, so am definitely in the market for something that works.

Ditto to what ScottC said. Noise-cancelling will not block all frequency ranges, rather they electronically change the phase of noise within certain ranges. Some see this as an advantage - they can hear people talking to them (or screaming children). Also, some users report an unpleasant interaction with the engine's hum while in flight. Typically they provide only 25-35 db max noise reduction within the range. Also, when you have no music playing, you will notice a soft hissing noise. You may have to crank your volume up to compensate for the loss of clarity created by the noise reduction circuitry.

The noise isolation type used here will typically provide 35-42 db noise reduction. You will barely be able to hear the screaming child next to you. There is no masking or hissing noise to mar the music.

Not everyone enjoys the feel of the in-the-ear headphones. They have to be inserted pretty far in to properly seal, and you may initially pretty odd, like your head is fogged up with a cold. If you are patient, you can get used to them pretty quickly. Also, they can get gummed up with earwax. On these models, there is a tiny filter that protects the speakers & electronics, and you simply change them once or twice a year (they give you a tool plus spare filters). The 3-part soft rubber tips come off and are easily washed if they get gummed up.

As far as listening to music, the sound quality of these units is much better than any on-the-ear headphones at any cost. As for noise reduction, no on-the-ear noise cancelling headphones come even close to these (caveat: must be properly inserted in the ear), though the huge around-the-ear headsets can come close.

These sound awesome! I've been looking for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for a while, and I just ordered these. I'll review as soon as I get them!
-W

Okay, I'm in too. Thanks deubster for all of your information on this great deal, and to thelark for the Google Checkout tip for saving me even more $$$. :)

Thank you. :)

Thanks for this great tip! I have wanted some for a while but didn't want to spend the $. this is great and easier to carry than the big bose ones!!

Ok I bought One too.

And the price was right. :cool:

Thanks OP ^

Thanks for the tip... I currently use a pair of Shure ec3's and am curious to see how these will stack up. If they indeed rank up with the Ety 6 series, I will be very happy.

As far as listening to music, the sound quality of these units is much better than any on-the-ear headphones at any cost. As for noise reduction, no on-the-ear noise cancelling headphones come even close to these (caveat: must be properly inserted in the ear), though the huge around-the-ear headsets can come close.

I agree, although IMHO, the around-the-ear headsets do not even come close. I tested my Shure E2c's against the complimentary Bose QC2's in 10J on the AA 777, right next to the big Rolls-Royce Trent 800 turbofan. The Shure headphones won hands down, and were much cheaper. I was in the market for replacing them since they have reached the end of their service life, so these will do very nicely, with a super deal on top of it. Thanks for the tips debuster and thelark! :cool: :)

Already shipped, a record for buy.com!

Are there earphones that combine the best of the "noise isolating" in-ear benefits with the "noise-cancelling" technology? I have the Sony noise-cancelling earbuds (similar to the MDR N11AW (http://www.buy.com/prod/sony-mdrnc11aw-noise-cancelling-earset-cable-connectivity-ear-bud-white/q/loc/111/202804153.html) at Buy.com) and would be curious to how these compare with the ones you recommend here.

Any insight?

Found some reviews:

Shure E3c vs. Etymotic ER-6i (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=121808)
Shure E2c vs. Etymotic ER-6 (http://www.andpop.com/article/2853) (note this is the 6, not the 6i model)

Thanks for the info, just need to be quicker with these deals; they are now $78.07.

Thanks for the info, just need to be quicker with these deals; they are now $78.07.

That's because Buy is sold out.. They went fast. I think their sales ranking went up 1200+% and that was yesterday!