Originally Posted by TimCLE
I own the Sony's and couldn't be more pleased when it comes to portability, sound quality and comfort level.
On an unrelated note, Bose makes a VERY expensive product for aviation headets...they run most private pilots around $1,000. I own a pair of trusty David Clark's that ran me about $200, and when I switch it up and put on my friends Bose headset, I ask him why he spent $800 more. I think purchasing the Bose option, whether it be for traveling or piloting, you're paying for the name. Period.
Two things, first the comparison between Bose and Sony and others. I have a pair of NC20s and a pair of QC2s. I would not accept at all that with the Bose you are paying only for the name. The Bose are more comfortable, have a higher volume, better noise isolation and better features. On the other hand, they are nearly 3 times as much as the Sony NC20.
So I completely disagree with the point that the Bose are just selling the name. It is just that the cost/benefit curve on a product like this is almost never linear. The Sonys map on that curve at a much better place in terms of value as opposed to quality.
Okay, sorry, that was a bit off the point. As far as other options, the Sony NC20s are fantastic. Compact, good sound, reasonably comfortable. I bought mine at B&H Photo Video for a good price but I see that ecost.com has them for $107 new and $59 refurbished. I would go with the NC20s rather than the cheaper NC5s. They seem to be a lot nicer than the NC5s based on looking at the features. The NC20s are a bit below the Bose, but not much and at a much more attractive price.