In Reply to: Noise Canceling Headphones Survey posted by GerSONIC on September 20, 2002 at 09:31:57:
A few years ago there was a New York Times article which compared several models (if you haven’t been to the NYT website, you will be asked to register but it is free).The general consensus at headwize.com and head-fi.com (headphone enthusiast sites) is that:
I have the Sennheiser HDC451 and I don’t experience the air pressure discomfort that some people do with active noise reduction headphones. It is good at reducing constant low frequency droning noise (such as in an airplane, or computer and ventilation noise in an office) but allows other sounds through such as conversation. Personally I do not want the level of isolation of Etymotics because I want to be able to hear announcements and be aware of activity around me (especially in the office). I find it does make flying more pleasant. However the sound is unexceptional and I would not want it as my only headphone.
- None of the currently available noise cancelling headphones offer high quality sound (in comparison to standard headphones).
- Better isolation is achieved with passive blocking of outside sounds. In particular, Etymotic headphones are known for having exceptional noise isolation because they are inserted into the ear canal like earplugs, and they also have high quality transducers.
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Follow Ups
- Re: Noise Canceling Headphones Survey - rkw 09/22/0223:40:39 09/22/02 (0)