Noise Reducing Headphones
 

I'm making up my birthday list http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif and I've decided that noice reducing headphones are definitely going to be on the list. I've gone back and searched the board, and it seems that people have recommended the BOSE Headset, the Brookstone Headset and the three Sony types (open ear, ear plug and closed ear).

What I couldn't tell is if people's experiences were based on comparing between the headsets, or just liking the one they had bought initially and kept using.

Has anyone done a comparison to see which seems to be the best? I suppose the two things I would think are important are comfort and noise reduction.

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!!

BaldEmu -- I know there are a whole bunch of threads about this spread over various forums, you might want to search.

I have the Sony NC-10's (earbuds) and NC-20's (headphones). They're OK on the plane (I find it hard to sleep with them on, but it makes it much easier to hear a movie), but the NC-10's are great on the bus, which I take every day -- filters out the bus noises and the inane chatter about high-tech stocks, which seems to be the only topic of conversation on mass transit here in Silicon Valley!

I too have both the Sony NC-10s and NC-20s. I prefer the NC-10 earbud model because they are easier to sleep with. The NC-20s do a little bit better job filtering noise when used with earplugs, but I still prefer the NC-10s.

If price is an issue, the Noise Buster Extreams are about the same as the Sony's low end ones in performance and can be had for $45 or so now.

gotitdirect.com has 3 noise cancelling headphones: (search with # number)

Maxell HPNC1 $38.49 #: 0014-HPNC1
SENNHEISER HDC451 $131.99 #: 0014-HDC451
Sony MDRNC20 $134.09 #: 0014-MDRNC20

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[This message has been edited by DH (edited 09-11-2000).]

wendolene borrowed the NC-10's this morning. She was going to the dentist, and she hates the sound of the drill.

They worked! The dentist is considering ordering some headphones for his office to loan to patients.

Regarding NC 10's: I tried to get myself a pair this spring in Canada, and Sony told me that they had been discontinued. Got the same story in both Vancouver and Calgary. So I have no idea what their status is in the US.

I have used the SENNHEISER HDC451 for almost a year now. While there difficult to sleep with, they are dream to listen to music and watch videos with. It makes the cross continent / ocean trips almost bearable!

The NC-10 is still listed on the Sony website and can be bought for about $140 at several online electronic stores.

I have used the NCT Noise Busters for many years: they are great, but a little difficult to sleep with. Wonderful for watching movies though...
The new ones at Brookstone don't fit tightly over my ears.

Frank...