To the one with discerning ears, a high quality headset is invaluable, irreplaceable! This point was brought home to me recently when I answered a lifestyle survey that included a question - which of two items is the one you cannot leave behind for a flight - a book or headphones? In the past I would have answered a book, but this time around, my answer was most definitely - my headphones! Of course this response presupposes that you have a music player. In my case, like many, that is my iPhone. I use Apple iDevices almost exclusively where available - phones, tablets, notebooks, and my music and podcast libraries are filled! So having a headphone serves a multitude of uses, and I'll get into more of that later on.
I'll share with you the headsets I've used, and the reasons for my recommendations. If you're looking for a review that gets into the nitty gritty numbers on frequency range, stereo separation, etc., you'll need to find another review because I won't get into those details. What I will provide though, is a practical review and tips to help you enjoy your headphones and enrich your listening experiences, hopefully for a long time.
Noise canceling headphones have microphones to "listen" to and detect ambient sounds, and then create "negative" sound waves to cancel out these unwanted noises. Red or blue LEDs, or both, signify the noise canceling electronics built into the headphones. These are Sennheiser MM450 on ear noise canceling headphones.
Here goes. My first noise canceling headphones were on-ear JBLs of many years ago. They were as I remember, about PhP 7k+ then. They had an AA battery compartment with microphone (for detecting ambient sounds) that was separate from the headphones, and it was wired. The music reproduction and noise cancelation were good, of course way better than any earbud at that time, though modest in overall performance. But even with these JBLs, turning on the noise cancelation gives you that distinct "vacuum" sound - quiet, like the air has been sucked out of the room, like entering a well designed sound room with good acoustics and closing the door behind you. By the way, the reason I got into headphones was that my daughter really wanted Skull Candies and so I got her one. While trying it on, I realized what I had been missing by using only earbuds. So I first got my own JBL on ear headphones without noise canceling, then got these JBLs with noise canceling, and they were really a great leap on sound performance.
I'd used them on many business class trips from the Philippines to the U.S., where the roominess of the cabins didn't make them so inconvenient. And it's always nice to have headphones with those telltale red or blue LEDs, signifying to anyone but the uninitiated that these were noise canceling headphones :) not the ordinary stuff.
I have to say though that because of the separate battery compartment, the wires would at times get cumbersome. And so it was a matter of time before these headphones would be upgraded.
Note on airline headphones. Some airlines offer their own premium noise-canceling headphones on Business Class. So don't just automatically snob the airline headphones when on Business Class. Plus, many business class entertainment systems offer a wide range of music choices, and the ability to create your own playlists. Great for checking out music that's not in your libraries.
If you're on Economy, your best bet is to pull out your own premium headset, and be sure to have an airline adapter plug if you intentionally want to watch a movie, or as a contingency for when something interesting comes out on the screens.
Bose on-ear headphones, not noise canceling. These were close to about PhP 10k at that time. I got these because after repeatedly trying them on and comparing with my JBLs, I found that the noise isolation and sound reproduction of the Bose ear pads and speakers, delivered a noticeable improvement versus the noise canceling and sound output of the JBLs. Plus, the Bose had better overall feel, better fit with my head and ears, better build quality, and were just an overall more premium headset.
The Bose on ear headphones, without noise canceling, were my next set of premium headphones.
I also considered the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 on-ear headphones with noise canceling, but I was bothered that when the batteries run out, the unit no longer works. The price at that time I think was around PhP 20k, a considerable sum that I decided I wouldn't maximize since I only used my headphones when traveling and particularly on flights. And so I went for the Bose without noise canceling.
These Bose headphones are really good, and the sound is amazing. Another difference between these and the JBLs is that you get a Bose hard case with formed, felt-covered padding to protect your precious headphones. This adds to the premium statement of the headphones. Build quality as I mentioned is very good, and you feel that every time you fold the earpieces for storage, and when you take them out to use. They look and feel very solid, and finely finished. Store the headphones in the case when not in use, and you'll get more years out of them. The case makes them bulky though, so make allowance in your hand carry luggage. These headphones are easily distinguishable from their noise canceling siblings via the black-colored exterior of the earpieces.
Now these Bose headphones are very good for listening. However on a jet liner with that continuous overbearing drone, you just have to wonder if you're really getting adequate sound isolation. And that would bug me on flights! So much so that I would bring both this Bose and my JBL with noise canceling! Plus, when I'm on business class flights, I couldn't help but notice people who would take out their noise canceling headphones with those distinguishing red LEDs once the flight is cruising and people are getting settled. And then there's that subtle feeling of being second class within business class if you're not using noise canceling headphones! Oh there would be a few people using standard earbuds in the business class section, but for the seasoned and aware traveller, this is a no-no!
And so after a few more flights with this internal struggle, I'm off hunting for my next headphones upgrade!
My next headphones were an Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC25, on-ear noise canceling headphones. I was at the Singapore Changi Airport Duty Free terminal then, and the sales staff impressed on me that this was model was very good, even comparable with the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones, at less than half the price! He handed me a magazine article that had a write-up comparing this Audio-Technica model with the Bose QC-3 noise canceling headphones, plus some other models, and it had a very good review. I normally take a long time when buying my stuff, really comparing features and performance (e.g. it took me 4 months to buy my F30 BMW 3-series, and also 4 months to buy my latest headphones!), but this time around, I just grabbed the headphones in their sealed box, and headed for my flight.
Unfortunately, I wasn't very satisfied with the Audio-Technica. It wasn't all I imagined it to be. The build quality was not comparable to the Bose, and neither was the fit (contrary to the magazine article claims!) it just felt... like a lower grade model. I didn't use this on much trips. Soon, my wife was using these headphones at our Avalon condo kitchen whenever using her Vitamix blender. These are one of the best blenders you can buy, but quite loud. So she would close the kitchen door, and put on these noise canceling headphones, and voila, we'd have great, healthy fruit and vegetable shakes! A nice feature of the Audio-Technica is that, similar to the Bose noise canceling headphones, you can unplug the cable connector, and use them as expensive noise canceling ear muffs! And since my wife was now regularly using this headset, it strengthened my case for getting new, replacement headphones. And yes, at his time we were already based in Singapore, and I was flying more frequently, as much as three return flights every month! More reasons to get s good headphone. Plus, if you've lived in Singapore, you know how integral earbuds and headphones are to the Singapore culture and lifestyle.
Being careful to select a good quality, hard-working, classy headphone, I finally selected the Sennheiser MM450 on-ear, noise canceling, Bluetooth headphones.
More on the Sennheiser, they're really great, packed with features, and rich in sound reproduction! I got them for about SGD 650, not a small sum, but they serve multiple uses. The Bluetooth feature is really convenient. No wires to mess around with on planes, so no bother even when on coach class in my frequent short flights between Singapore and Malaysia. Also, since they're often connected to my iPad, just a press of the play button on the headset turns on the music. I can adjust volume and advance tracks, even without taking out my iPad. Also, the Sennheiser MM450 is great for taking phone calls, even joining conference calls while on the road. Noise cancellation for both ears lets you listen clearly as if in a conference room, and the microphone targets the range of typical conversations and screens out very high and low pitch environmental noise. The result is that the people you converse with don't struggle to understand when you're speaking, nor are they bothered with much extraneous noise. Of course as part of etiquette, mute your phone when you're not speaking. With this headset, I've made many important calls while in taxis to and from the airport, and while inside Changi and other airports. The Bluetooth has worked very well, and it has complete compatibility with the iPhone and iPad.
The Sennheiser build quality is very good, and the headphones fold into a light, compact package. A nifty feature is that when your battery is drained, you can continue to use this as a standard headset by using the cable provided. Plus, it's easy to charge the headphones on the go using standard portable batteries with USB ports. But if you charge your battery before a trip or at the end if the day like an iPhone, you'd be hard pressed to run out your batteries. And after about three years of regular use, these headphones are just like new! The only drawback for these headphones is that after I use them for three hours or more, say in a long flight or while working or lounging at a Starbucks, my ears hurt. Overall, this Sennheiser MM450 is one of my top noise canceling headphone recommendations, really a great buy!
Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Canceling, on-ear headphones. I'll be direct. This is my other top noise canceling headphone recommendation. You would surmise from my earlier notes the reasons why - superb sound reproduction, very clear, and I would say superior to the Sennheiser. Noise cancelation is also extremely good. I got my pair just two months ago, as they were on special sale in Singapore. I got them for SGD 532 at Changi Duty Free, versus the regular Duty Free price of SGD 653.
Bose would be back to regular pricing in Singapore by now, but Atlas, the distributor would usually have a privilege discount month every year. The price of this unit in the Philippines is about PhP 25k, so buy in Singapore if you can.
Why did I get the Bose QC3 now when I gave it a pass previously? I was caught by the claim of new and better performance. Also, the box now includes a cable that lets you play, advance music, adjust volume, give instructions to Siri on your iPhone or iPad, and take phone calls. Bose is known for rich, lifelike and detailed sound quality. And the QC3 for being comfortable to wear, all of which I confirm. I also read that the battery can last for a whopping 20+ hours! much more than I need between charges.
The Bose QC3 noise canceling headphones look and feel premium, luxurious. This one, you won't hesitate to wear on any business class flight!
A note on using noise canceling headphones on planes, simply for noise canceling. if you can just use the compressible foam earplugs. They work better. And allow you to sleep with your neck unrestrained. Then just whip out your noise canceling headphone when you're going to use them with music, podcasts, movies, etc.
Where's the best place to check out and buy headphones?
Get them from Singapore if you can. My recommended store - Stereo Electronics. Their shops are at the Basement 4 of Ion Orchard, and the 4th floor of Plaza Singapura. Get their address details here, or visit their Facebook page from here. The staff, both Singaporean and Filipino, are very friendly and helpful. Ask them what kind you're looking for, and they'll be glad to recommend options, and let you try them on. You can try all sorts of brands to decide for yourself which one is right for you.
A note on Soul Electronics and Soul by Ludacris.
I bought a pair of SL100's for my son about two Christmases ago, but they broke in 3 months . The plastic headband just gave way. Poor design and build quality. We called the service center in Singapore, but were advised that kind of damage really happens, and wasn't covered by the warranty. So, all that's left from that purchase, is this carrying case! I wrote to Soul Electronics before writing this blog but didn't get a response. They may have improved already, but I haven't bought any other product from them after the unpleasant experience so I don't know, and I couldn't recommend this brand.
On-ear versus Over-ear headphones.
You realize by now my preference for on-ear versus over-ear models. I like the former as they are more discreet and more corporate-looking. They can also vibe very sleek, whether in a business suit or casual wear. As for the large over-ear models - they look too "teenish", and the wearer seems only to care for his music, with nary a care for anything else. Plus, they're overly bulky to carry around in a bag, especially an airline handcarry luggage. They're just not for me. In the photo I'm wearing the Bose QC3 noise canceling headphones. Very premium feel and look, with a slim profile. For me, this has the best visual appeal.
The good news on Audio Technica.
In writing this article, I took out my Audio Technics headphones again, and after more than three years, they work fine! So, as headphones for listening at home (now in Manila), they work quite well. And as "spare headphones" I always keep them beside my easy chair, ready for use. On the other hand, my Bose QC3 or my Sennheiser is always in my Bally messenger bag, with me whenever I leave the house, whether I drive to the a venue then sit at a cafe to read, or if I have a flight.
The only thing with the Audio Technica is that now, the leather on the ear pads is failing, though this is not an issue when used at home.
Bose uses superior materials.
For comparison, see the leather on the ear pads of my four year old Bose, non noise canceling. Even with regular use, the leather is very much intact. And sound quality is still very good! A testament to the build quality if the Bose headphones.
Giving glory to God.
It's unmistakable how much technology and electronics R&D goes into developing and commercializing these noise canceling headphones. These are no mere products of chance, or of mistakes. Even if we put the right elements and materials into a ball along with a functional non noise canceling headphone - a great head start, then put these in a washing machine for five billion years, add sparks of electricity every now and then, we still couldn't expect to get out a Bose QC3! If it takes so much technology to match the listening abilities of our ears, could our ears just have formed from elements that suddenly sprang to life and against all odds, reproduced and became more and more complex contrary to observable science?
The Bible says God made our ears - and I believe that!
The ear that hears, the eye that sees— the Lord made them both. (Proverbs 20:12 GW)
Happy listening!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I'll share with you the headsets I've used, and the reasons for my recommendations. If you're looking for a review that gets into the nitty gritty numbers on frequency range, stereo separation, etc., you'll need to find another review because I won't get into those details. What I will provide though, is a practical review and tips to help you enjoy your headphones and enrich your listening experiences, hopefully for a long time.
Noise canceling headphones have microphones to "listen" to and detect ambient sounds, and then create "negative" sound waves to cancel out these unwanted noises. Red or blue LEDs, or both, signify the noise canceling electronics built into the headphones. These are Sennheiser MM450 on ear noise canceling headphones.
Here goes. My first noise canceling headphones were on-ear JBLs of many years ago. They were as I remember, about PhP 7k+ then. They had an AA battery compartment with microphone (for detecting ambient sounds) that was separate from the headphones, and it was wired. The music reproduction and noise cancelation were good, of course way better than any earbud at that time, though modest in overall performance. But even with these JBLs, turning on the noise cancelation gives you that distinct "vacuum" sound - quiet, like the air has been sucked out of the room, like entering a well designed sound room with good acoustics and closing the door behind you. By the way, the reason I got into headphones was that my daughter really wanted Skull Candies and so I got her one. While trying it on, I realized what I had been missing by using only earbuds. So I first got my own JBL on ear headphones without noise canceling, then got these JBLs with noise canceling, and they were really a great leap on sound performance.
I'd used them on many business class trips from the Philippines to the U.S., where the roominess of the cabins didn't make them so inconvenient. And it's always nice to have headphones with those telltale red or blue LEDs, signifying to anyone but the uninitiated that these were noise canceling headphones :) not the ordinary stuff.
I have to say though that because of the separate battery compartment, the wires would at times get cumbersome. And so it was a matter of time before these headphones would be upgraded.
Note on airline headphones. Some airlines offer their own premium noise-canceling headphones on Business Class. So don't just automatically snob the airline headphones when on Business Class. Plus, many business class entertainment systems offer a wide range of music choices, and the ability to create your own playlists. Great for checking out music that's not in your libraries.
If you're on Economy, your best bet is to pull out your own premium headset, and be sure to have an airline adapter plug if you intentionally want to watch a movie, or as a contingency for when something interesting comes out on the screens.
Bose on-ear headphones, not noise canceling. These were close to about PhP 10k at that time. I got these because after repeatedly trying them on and comparing with my JBLs, I found that the noise isolation and sound reproduction of the Bose ear pads and speakers, delivered a noticeable improvement versus the noise canceling and sound output of the JBLs. Plus, the Bose had better overall feel, better fit with my head and ears, better build quality, and were just an overall more premium headset.
The Bose on ear headphones, without noise canceling, were my next set of premium headphones.
I also considered the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 on-ear headphones with noise canceling, but I was bothered that when the batteries run out, the unit no longer works. The price at that time I think was around PhP 20k, a considerable sum that I decided I wouldn't maximize since I only used my headphones when traveling and particularly on flights. And so I went for the Bose without noise canceling.
These Bose headphones are really good, and the sound is amazing. Another difference between these and the JBLs is that you get a Bose hard case with formed, felt-covered padding to protect your precious headphones. This adds to the premium statement of the headphones. Build quality as I mentioned is very good, and you feel that every time you fold the earpieces for storage, and when you take them out to use. They look and feel very solid, and finely finished. Store the headphones in the case when not in use, and you'll get more years out of them. The case makes them bulky though, so make allowance in your hand carry luggage. These headphones are easily distinguishable from their noise canceling siblings via the black-colored exterior of the earpieces.
Now these Bose headphones are very good for listening. However on a jet liner with that continuous overbearing drone, you just have to wonder if you're really getting adequate sound isolation. And that would bug me on flights! So much so that I would bring both this Bose and my JBL with noise canceling! Plus, when I'm on business class flights, I couldn't help but notice people who would take out their noise canceling headphones with those distinguishing red LEDs once the flight is cruising and people are getting settled. And then there's that subtle feeling of being second class within business class if you're not using noise canceling headphones! Oh there would be a few people using standard earbuds in the business class section, but for the seasoned and aware traveller, this is a no-no!
And so after a few more flights with this internal struggle, I'm off hunting for my next headphones upgrade!
My next headphones were an Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC25, on-ear noise canceling headphones. I was at the Singapore Changi Airport Duty Free terminal then, and the sales staff impressed on me that this was model was very good, even comparable with the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones, at less than half the price! He handed me a magazine article that had a write-up comparing this Audio-Technica model with the Bose QC-3 noise canceling headphones, plus some other models, and it had a very good review. I normally take a long time when buying my stuff, really comparing features and performance (e.g. it took me 4 months to buy my F30 BMW 3-series, and also 4 months to buy my latest headphones!), but this time around, I just grabbed the headphones in their sealed box, and headed for my flight.
Unfortunately, I wasn't very satisfied with the Audio-Technica. It wasn't all I imagined it to be. The build quality was not comparable to the Bose, and neither was the fit (contrary to the magazine article claims!) it just felt... like a lower grade model. I didn't use this on much trips. Soon, my wife was using these headphones at our Avalon condo kitchen whenever using her Vitamix blender. These are one of the best blenders you can buy, but quite loud. So she would close the kitchen door, and put on these noise canceling headphones, and voila, we'd have great, healthy fruit and vegetable shakes! A nice feature of the Audio-Technica is that, similar to the Bose noise canceling headphones, you can unplug the cable connector, and use them as expensive noise canceling ear muffs! And since my wife was now regularly using this headset, it strengthened my case for getting new, replacement headphones. And yes, at his time we were already based in Singapore, and I was flying more frequently, as much as three return flights every month! More reasons to get s good headphone. Plus, if you've lived in Singapore, you know how integral earbuds and headphones are to the Singapore culture and lifestyle.
Being careful to select a good quality, hard-working, classy headphone, I finally selected the Sennheiser MM450 on-ear, noise canceling, Bluetooth headphones.
More on the Sennheiser, they're really great, packed with features, and rich in sound reproduction! I got them for about SGD 650, not a small sum, but they serve multiple uses. The Bluetooth feature is really convenient. No wires to mess around with on planes, so no bother even when on coach class in my frequent short flights between Singapore and Malaysia. Also, since they're often connected to my iPad, just a press of the play button on the headset turns on the music. I can adjust volume and advance tracks, even without taking out my iPad. Also, the Sennheiser MM450 is great for taking phone calls, even joining conference calls while on the road. Noise cancellation for both ears lets you listen clearly as if in a conference room, and the microphone targets the range of typical conversations and screens out very high and low pitch environmental noise. The result is that the people you converse with don't struggle to understand when you're speaking, nor are they bothered with much extraneous noise. Of course as part of etiquette, mute your phone when you're not speaking. With this headset, I've made many important calls while in taxis to and from the airport, and while inside Changi and other airports. The Bluetooth has worked very well, and it has complete compatibility with the iPhone and iPad.
The Sennheiser build quality is very good, and the headphones fold into a light, compact package. A nifty feature is that when your battery is drained, you can continue to use this as a standard headset by using the cable provided. Plus, it's easy to charge the headphones on the go using standard portable batteries with USB ports. But if you charge your battery before a trip or at the end if the day like an iPhone, you'd be hard pressed to run out your batteries. And after about three years of regular use, these headphones are just like new! The only drawback for these headphones is that after I use them for three hours or more, say in a long flight or while working or lounging at a Starbucks, my ears hurt. Overall, this Sennheiser MM450 is one of my top noise canceling headphone recommendations, really a great buy!
Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Canceling, on-ear headphones. I'll be direct. This is my other top noise canceling headphone recommendation. You would surmise from my earlier notes the reasons why - superb sound reproduction, very clear, and I would say superior to the Sennheiser. Noise cancelation is also extremely good. I got my pair just two months ago, as they were on special sale in Singapore. I got them for SGD 532 at Changi Duty Free, versus the regular Duty Free price of SGD 653.
Bose would be back to regular pricing in Singapore by now, but Atlas, the distributor would usually have a privilege discount month every year. The price of this unit in the Philippines is about PhP 25k, so buy in Singapore if you can.
Why did I get the Bose QC3 now when I gave it a pass previously? I was caught by the claim of new and better performance. Also, the box now includes a cable that lets you play, advance music, adjust volume, give instructions to Siri on your iPhone or iPad, and take phone calls. Bose is known for rich, lifelike and detailed sound quality. And the QC3 for being comfortable to wear, all of which I confirm. I also read that the battery can last for a whopping 20+ hours! much more than I need between charges.
The Bose QC3 noise canceling headphones look and feel premium, luxurious. This one, you won't hesitate to wear on any business class flight!
A note on using noise canceling headphones on planes, simply for noise canceling. if you can just use the compressible foam earplugs. They work better. And allow you to sleep with your neck unrestrained. Then just whip out your noise canceling headphone when you're going to use them with music, podcasts, movies, etc.
Where's the best place to check out and buy headphones?
Get them from Singapore if you can. My recommended store - Stereo Electronics. Their shops are at the Basement 4 of Ion Orchard, and the 4th floor of Plaza Singapura. Get their address details here, or visit their Facebook page from here. The staff, both Singaporean and Filipino, are very friendly and helpful. Ask them what kind you're looking for, and they'll be glad to recommend options, and let you try them on. You can try all sorts of brands to decide for yourself which one is right for you.
A note on Soul Electronics and Soul by Ludacris.
I bought a pair of SL100's for my son about two Christmases ago, but they broke in 3 months . The plastic headband just gave way. Poor design and build quality. We called the service center in Singapore, but were advised that kind of damage really happens, and wasn't covered by the warranty. So, all that's left from that purchase, is this carrying case! I wrote to Soul Electronics before writing this blog but didn't get a response. They may have improved already, but I haven't bought any other product from them after the unpleasant experience so I don't know, and I couldn't recommend this brand.
On-ear versus Over-ear headphones.
You realize by now my preference for on-ear versus over-ear models. I like the former as they are more discreet and more corporate-looking. They can also vibe very sleek, whether in a business suit or casual wear. As for the large over-ear models - they look too "teenish", and the wearer seems only to care for his music, with nary a care for anything else. Plus, they're overly bulky to carry around in a bag, especially an airline handcarry luggage. They're just not for me. In the photo I'm wearing the Bose QC3 noise canceling headphones. Very premium feel and look, with a slim profile. For me, this has the best visual appeal.
The good news on Audio Technica.
In writing this article, I took out my Audio Technics headphones again, and after more than three years, they work fine! So, as headphones for listening at home (now in Manila), they work quite well. And as "spare headphones" I always keep them beside my easy chair, ready for use. On the other hand, my Bose QC3 or my Sennheiser is always in my Bally messenger bag, with me whenever I leave the house, whether I drive to the a venue then sit at a cafe to read, or if I have a flight.
The only thing with the Audio Technica is that now, the leather on the ear pads is failing, though this is not an issue when used at home.
Bose uses superior materials.
For comparison, see the leather on the ear pads of my four year old Bose, non noise canceling. Even with regular use, the leather is very much intact. And sound quality is still very good! A testament to the build quality if the Bose headphones.
Giving glory to God.
It's unmistakable how much technology and electronics R&D goes into developing and commercializing these noise canceling headphones. These are no mere products of chance, or of mistakes. Even if we put the right elements and materials into a ball along with a functional non noise canceling headphone - a great head start, then put these in a washing machine for five billion years, add sparks of electricity every now and then, we still couldn't expect to get out a Bose QC3! If it takes so much technology to match the listening abilities of our ears, could our ears just have formed from elements that suddenly sprang to life and against all odds, reproduced and became more and more complex contrary to observable science?
The Bible says God made our ears - and I believe that!
The ear that hears, the eye that sees— the Lord made them both. (Proverbs 20:12 GW)
Happy listening!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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