Recommendations for noise canceling headphones
#1
Original Poster
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Recommendations for noise canceling headphones
I have never been impressed with the noise canceling headphones handed out by Delta when I have flown Business Elite in the past. I have a few long flights coming up flying in coach (DTW-HKG, SYD-LAX, ATL-DXB, NRT-BKK) and was considering buying a high-priced pair of brand new Bose noise canceling headphones. Would anyone recommend them? Are they worth the price? Thoughts? Sorry if this is misplaced, but I flew DTW-AMS and had a loud German man behind me talking about the nuances of American life for 6 hours and it put me in a sour mood.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
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I recently got the Bose QuietComfort 15 noise cancelling headphones (used Marriott Rewards points). I think they are slightly better than the ones Delta provides in BE but they are fantastic. I take them with me on most flights now.
They do a great job getting rid of the constant airplane noise. I don't think they will help much with the loud talkers though.
They do a great job getting rid of the constant airplane noise. I don't think they will help much with the loud talkers though.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Chooses not to participate in FlyerTalk any longer because of objection to homophobic comments and lack of concern by staff.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/only-...policy-ft.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/only-...policy-ft.html
Last edited by inyourvillages; May 3, 2010 at 5:01 pm
#6
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I am changing the title of this thread to read "Recommendations for noise canceling headphones" from the original title of " Delta Comfort On Board".
In addition I am moving this discussion over to the Travel Tech board which is the correct home for this subject.
RSSrsvp - Moderator
In addition I am moving this discussion over to the Travel Tech board which is the correct home for this subject.
RSSrsvp - Moderator
#7
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Beware of Bose headphones
Bose headphone break easily.
Last year I purchased a set of Bose QC2. I used them for 4-6 flights before the head band broke where the band joins the earpiece. Bose does not sell the piece, so I have to purchase a replacement set for $97 US.
So 299 plus tax and shipping plus $97 plus $ 14 return shipping for the broken set, I question if Bose headphones are worth it. I have been very careful with my Bose, always in the case when not in use etc.
After My QC2 broke I found my seat mate's Bose headphone had broken also, and he said breakage was quite common. So I did a web search and found that cracks and breaks where quite common. So I have to question If the Bose retail headphones that the public can buy ( not the headphone the airline buy) are properly designed and are durable enough to be worth over $300 ( for 6 flights)
As a comparison: My wife has had her Sennhisers for 3 years. She wads then up and throws them in the bottom of her carry on and they are still working!
I am Quite disappointed in the Bose company. They sound good as long as they last! But they are way to fragile for frequent flyer use!
( I got chuckle when I saw the Bose.com add on top of the page!0
Before you purchase do a google search for "Bose Headphone repair".
Last year I purchased a set of Bose QC2. I used them for 4-6 flights before the head band broke where the band joins the earpiece. Bose does not sell the piece, so I have to purchase a replacement set for $97 US.
So 299 plus tax and shipping plus $97 plus $ 14 return shipping for the broken set, I question if Bose headphones are worth it. I have been very careful with my Bose, always in the case when not in use etc.
After My QC2 broke I found my seat mate's Bose headphone had broken also, and he said breakage was quite common. So I did a web search and found that cracks and breaks where quite common. So I have to question If the Bose retail headphones that the public can buy ( not the headphone the airline buy) are properly designed and are durable enough to be worth over $300 ( for 6 flights)
As a comparison: My wife has had her Sennhisers for 3 years. She wads then up and throws them in the bottom of her carry on and they are still working!
I am Quite disappointed in the Bose company. They sound good as long as they last! But they are way to fragile for frequent flyer use!
( I got chuckle when I saw the Bose.com add on top of the page!0
Before you purchase do a google search for "Bose Headphone repair".
#8
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Agreed. They're designed to neutralize low frequencies like rumbling. They're specifically designed not to cut out voice frequencies. It's so you can hear someone yelling 'evacuate!' or 'fire!.
#10
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freee
The headband on the QC2 v1.0, was a weak spot, I just had a pair from over four years ago, replaced for free (indeed, it did cost me 10$ to ship them to BOSE) but they were clearly out of warranty, I had no receipt and they shipped us a QC2 v2.0 model.
Also, for one with a broken pair of basically ANY of their NC line, many many many people call in are are offered the QC15, the new ones for 99$, or at leas a new QC2.0 v2.0 pair for the same 99$. This can also be done at a bose store and as some have reported extensively here on FT, at the BOSE kiosks in the airports. It isn't a stated policy in their T&C's or warranty, but if they continue to do it for basically all comers, then it becomes a defacto practice nonetheless.
#11
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There are lots of threads here on NC options - try a search.
Many folks, myself included, greatly prefer an in-ear option, a Shure or an Etymotic noise-blocking earphone, over a Bose or similar over-the-ear noise-canceling solution. They are much, much smaller/lighter, cut noise across the frequency band vs. the Bose narrow band, and a comparably priced pair sound better, IMHO. Or you can get a set for <$200 that sound just as good.
Many folks, myself included, greatly prefer an in-ear option, a Shure or an Etymotic noise-blocking earphone, over a Bose or similar over-the-ear noise-canceling solution. They are much, much smaller/lighter, cut noise across the frequency band vs. the Bose narrow band, and a comparably priced pair sound better, IMHO. Or you can get a set for <$200 that sound just as good.
Last edited by CPRich; Apr 12, 2010 at 1:57 pm Reason: See note below
#13
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
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noise cancelling
There are lots of threads here on NC options - try a search.
Many folks, myself included, greatly prefer an in-ear option, a Shure or an Etymotic, over a Bose or similar over-the-ear noise-blocking solution. They are much, much smaller/lighter, cut noise across the frequency band vs. the Bose narrow band, and a comparably priced pair sound better, IMHO. Or you can get a set for <$200 that sound just as good.
Many folks, myself included, greatly prefer an in-ear option, a Shure or an Etymotic, over a Bose or similar over-the-ear noise-blocking solution. They are much, much smaller/lighter, cut noise across the frequency band vs. the Bose narrow band, and a comparably priced pair sound better, IMHO. Or you can get a set for <$200 that sound just as good.
Although, someone makes a true in ear noise CANCELING headphone, I think it is like 750$?
#14
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Correct, my fault for editing/re-wording on the fly. I'll update the original.
#15
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I like the Bose QC15
From the previous owner of Bose QC-1 and QC-2, I prefer the QC-15. The reason I like these better is they are over the ear like the QC-1's and 3's while the QC-2 is on the ear. I wear glasses and do long flights on a regular basis so I find over the ear more comfortable. Besides I think over the ear perform better.
Someone stated beware they break, I have broken mine and Bose replaced them at no charge each time (still under warranty). I recently took in a very old set of QC-1's to the local Bose store and they offered me a good trade up program to the QC-15's (half price I believe not bad for pulling something from the bottom of the drawer).
Someone stated beware they break, I have broken mine and Bose replaced them at no charge each time (still under warranty). I recently took in a very old set of QC-1's to the local Bose store and they offered me a good trade up program to the QC-15's (half price I believe not bad for pulling something from the bottom of the drawer).