Originally Posted by Meerkat
Hi from HK...
Two main schools of thought on this one...the passive type of bud which fits so snugly in your ear that it pretty much cancels out all exterior sound, or the active ones that produce "anti-noise" to get rid of most background sound. A lot of it will come down to personal perference. I don't like the bud type because they irritate my ears, but I've heard that the do cut out almost everything. Actually there is also a bud type (although not as snug) that has active NC too. I have a set of Sony NC11s which are active buds, but recently upgraded to Bose QC2s. The Bose is a proper "closed" headset, so it might be too bulky for you, although they do fold flat into a neat carry case. They cut out most of the rumble of engine noise, but if you're sitting next to a screaming toddler they won't help totally!
As far as jacks go, the only sockets I've seen on board (BA and a host of other carriers) are a standard one (either 1/8" or 1/4") or a three-pronger. Actually only two prongs are needed (the third I assume is for power). Both of my sets came with the necessary adaptors, but I've seen them for sale in airports anyway in case you want to use your ordinary set.
Do a search on the Travel Technology forum for stacks more info.
Nick
I have the sony NC11's and wouldnt particularly recommend them. I have never really noticed any noise cancelling effect when switched on, so I am not sure what it is they actually do. They are powered by a AAA battery and fit a normal single prong slot, but also come with a double prong adapter in a rather nice and compact velour bag.
After looking at the they seemed to make perfect sense since you can wear them when sleeping without waking everytime you roll over on to your side. However whilst they function quite well as headphones, they dont seem to do much (if anything to cancel out ambient noise), they also do not go very loud, so that doesnt work as a noise cancelling option either. Overall very poor value for money IMHO, at around £100 a pair. The bose ones sound tempting, but seem to bulky to cancel noise when sleeping, anyone else have any recommendations?