Gasfoodlodging

Following on from another recent thread, I thought I'd start this to get an idea on FTers thoughts on the BP/ PE headsets and comparisons to their own sets.

I've had about 3 sets of BlackBox C18 NR earphones (always leaving them behind on domestic!!), and recently compared them to the premium headsets on AIRNZ (772, if it makes a difference).

I found the set I had in BP a few months ago to be very good, however that may have had something to do with the fact that the front of the plane is quieter. Really nice sound, good cut out of exterior noise, and comparable to my C18s soundwise. AIRNZ set was more comfortable due to them being over-ear.

The set I cheekily used in Economy (seat 35-ish), were not as good. Not sure if this was due to there being a difference in BP vs PE product, or the increase in cabin noise. My C18s much better this time around.

What are others' experiences?? Keen to hear of headphone experiences/ recommendations (and to move away from recent whine-fest topics on here

NZ*Trout

My traveling earphones are a pair of Etymotic hf5 earbuds. They are noise isolating, not noise canceling, but they eliminate noise far better than any noise canceling headset I have come across. Smaller and no batteries to boot.

Rebound

I use Blackbox M10 Noise Cancelling headphones - pretty good given the price also!

http://www.blackboxonline.com/nz/products/m10/

ajnz

Fairly happy with my now elderly Bose QC2s, and Sennheiser CX300 (or MM30i depending on which bag I grab). I've found the headphones in BP are not as comfortable or as good as the QC2s, particularly for sleeping.

justakiwi

I'm far from a Bose fanboy, but I went for the QC15s. Awesome noise-cancelling ability. For the past two years, What Hi-Fi have agreed: http://www.whathifi.com/review/bose-quietcomfort-15

pbl22

I had a pair of etymotic er3's (or something). They were ridiculously expensive, but very good, until the cord actually broke off from the earpiece.

Now (and have for a few years) use Blackbox i10s, which are designed for iDevices only. I really like them.

But, I still want something better than the BP headsets to plug into the aircraft sockets.

Susiew237

I've got the blackbox m10's also and am very happy with them, but am in no way a sound purist. I wanted them for noise cancelling specifically and they do help. I would probably say the Bose NC's are slightly more comfy on the ear but at twice the price, I felt I could live with the M10's. Dont like in ear phones at all as I actually like to sleep with mine on.

mmonster

I guess I am not answering your original question directly...
but I agree that the noise cancelling provided to BP/GE pax are good enough for me, I am too lazy to bring my own and the cost of leaving it on board is just too great! just too many pieces to carry, especially with the 3 point connector....

what I am trying to say here is, I HATE the sharp noise the jack makes on AirNZ
on several occasion that sharp noise it makes hurt my ears and I am sure it damage my hearing..... does anyone know if that is poor jacks or what?

I find it very annoying that sometimes that sharp noise is made whenever the cable is touched or moved, it is rather challenging not to "not" touch it when you have all the recline you kind of want on BP!

the funny thing is, I think it is 99% the jack coz I was on the first commercial flight on ZK-OKN and I was on the brand new seat, the jack works perfectly the WHOLE flight!

Rotodavid123

Bose QC15's for me. Expensive but when I spend >8 hours per week flying, a great investment. Certainly much better than the BP ones and IMO superior to the ones NZ provide as their Christmas gift choice.

pbl22

What type are the NZGE Christmas gift headphones? Having missed out on being a GE the past few Christmases, I haven't had a chance for these, but am looking forward to this year's gift (assuming NZ still gives GEs a gift and that the phones are on there).

Rotodavid123

I think they are a Blackbox but not sure what model. Someone else might be able to confirm.

Thai-Kiwi

I think so, as I nearly brought a set on TradeMe from someone who had acquired a set (GE gift I suppose). In the end I grabbed a set of Panasonic NC that does the trick for the moment with my low flying rate.

poopbunny

Sennheiser PXC450 seems to beat all the business class supplied ones, I have given up comparing.

ASJOHNSTONE

The on board ones aren't great; I use some Sony noise cancelling ones. I'm also not sure how the supplied BP ones are cleaned.

mad_atta

On HKG-LHR in BP a week or so ago there were not even noise cancelling headphones at all... Not sure if that was a one-off or a sign of bad things to come.