next best noise cancellation headphones?

[gearguy]

time to buy new travel gear for my upcoming trip. That means new luggage, an iTouch, an iPhone for the boyfriend (who turns 25 in
two weeks).

still looking for noise cancellation headphones. The best appears to be Bose QC2 or QC3 but they are pretty steep.

Any recommendations from the board on next best headphones?

[Bob]

When I bought mine, I listened to two or three of them including the Bose (the most expensive at about $200.00 at the time). I couldn't tell the difference in sound quality between the three of them (part of that may because my hearing is not good), liked the wrap-around (versus some foam pad or plug type gizmo) of the cheapest set (the Maxell brand), and bought them. They were about $50.00. They really help in improving the quality of the sound of the entertainment system on the planes and seem to cut out about half of the background noise. I also use them to listen to items on my laptop.
First thing I pack these days in my carry-on bag.

[francois]

I use Panasonci RP-HC500 which seem to work well. Not sure of cost, they were a gift. Maybe $100.

[travelerjim]

Noise Cancelling Headphones Buyers Guide

from : The Travel Insider Newsletter ( a great newsletter FREE issued weekly)

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/index.htm

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwa ... sindex.htm (http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/noisecancellingheadphonesindex.htm)

A comprehensive buyers guide and reviews about active
noise cancelling headphone technology

Noise reducing headphones come in all shapes and sizes,
and at many different price points, from as low as $20 to as high as $350.

This guide and related reviews tells you what you need to know
so you can choose the make and model of headphone that is
best suited for your needs and your pocketbook.

Surprise - the most expensive noise reducing headphones are not necessarily the best, with a product less than one quarter the price meeting or beating the specifications of the highest priced product.

Use this guide to make a better informed decision about whether you should get noise cancelling headphones or not; and if you feel them to be right for you, use the reviews to choose the model that best meets your needs.

Many readers will choose to read from the top down on this page,
but if you want to skip straight to the review summaries and links,
....read more..

Summary of reviews:

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwa ... tm#reviews (http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roadwarriorcontent/noisecancellingheadphonesindex.htm#reviews)

----------------------

I hope this helps you find the headphones you are seeking...
Please post your decision and review here after you buy & try...

I am also interested in buying a new noise cancelling headphone set :-)
Thanks...

The Civil Partner gave me a pair of Bose QC1s befor my RTW trip this Christmas. They weren't really advisable on the ski slope at Whistler/Blackcombe but really came into their own during 14 hours on Air Canada. They take a pretty good shot at canceling the annoying music my gym plays but don't quite get there. I rather think he paid more than $200 though.

[netrix]

My favorite are Shure (http://www.shure.com)! I prefer the earphone style, and their
noise cancelling technology beats anything I've ever tried!

[Davey612]

Netrix is right. I used to carry a Bose headphone but after awhile, I found them too big.

I switched to the (now discontinued Shure sound isolaing E2c). They function a little bit different than the Bose system. It uses instead, a foam fitting sleeve to cut the outside noise. You could say it is like having foam earplugs with headphones.

At first I was skeptical because I thought the foam would be unconfortable. But I gave it a try. They have become my primary headphones, even in daily life. The foam sleeves are actually very comfortable.

[bing]

After reading the info, just wanted Jim to know I have purchased the NC 7. Naturally I'll let you know in a few weeks how well they work when I get back from Amsterdam. Still 6 months till I get back to Thailand.

My vote is AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-ANC7 for $132 USD
I used these flying to LOS and worked great.
Here are somewhat dated (July 2007) notes on earphones from online reviews...
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-ANC7 $132 comfy, solid, good as Bose top rated by WIRED zine
JVC HA-NC100 $40 blocks only some lower frequencies, leaving engine roar unabated
PANASONIC RP-HC500 $100. quality nearly indistinguishable from the Boses for a third the price.
JBL REFERENCE 510 circuitry and battery not in earcups, in box on cord $150 phones least comfortable
LOGITECH NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES $155 not as good as bose
ABLE PLANET CLEAR HARMONY, LINX AUDIO $300 noise-canceling is only so-so
BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 2 $300 noise cancellation is amazing
BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 3 $350 QuietComfort2 on-ear not surround-ear. rechargeable battery, hassle
SENNHEISER PXC 450 $450 too big