In need of some assistance

[SarahNade]

I am looking for a pair of headphones under $50 (anything slightly higher is pushing it, but not out).

Noise isolation is a must. I am spending Christmas with my family in a very small cabin with only two bedrooms, neither of which will be mine. I get the futon in the loft, way out in the open. My mother has this distinctively loud voice that really carries. I love her to death, but I need to be able to escape. I am slightly Obsessive Compulsive and I cannot tolerate certain noises interfering with my me-time. I really value my me-time. Also, if they block out TV noise and radio noise, that would be great. I would imagine circumaural would be best for isolation, but if the supra-aurals work just as well, then bring it on.

(I know this little tidbit is a little much, but I need everyone to know my desperation)


Now, let's discuss quality. I currently own a pair of J2 Jbud's. I know they are probably not the best for the audiophiles out there, but I don't know any difference, so anything equal to or greater in quality would be fine.

Looks shouldn't matter, but since I only plan on using them for trips and at home, I wouldn't mind something kinda snazzy. I like to feel cooler than I am sometimes.

Now, I know nothing could probably meet my dream expectations, so I fully expect sound to leak in one way or another. Any advice you fine people might have for me will be greatly appreciated.
Peace out, have a Happy Holiday, and thanks again.

PS. I'm sorry this is so long. I could go on forever if I had more time, and if wasn't afraid of boring people.

[ph0rk]

if you want isolation, you want IEMs. $50 headphones cannot compare.

Look at some Shure e2c's - they can be had for around $50 now, and isolate great.

[SarahNade]

If I hadn't just bought my J2's I wouldn't be so hesitant to buy another pair of IEMs. But I'm not completely against the idea.

I am looking at headphones because I want it to be obvious when I am listening to music so people won't try to talk to me.
I probably should have mentioned that noise canceling headphones are fine too.

[ph0rk]

I doubt you'd find noise canceling (active) headphones worth a damn under $50.

I wish it wasn't the case, but it is. The only sub $50 headphones I've touched of late have been open, so I can't help you beyond the nudge towards IEMs.

Perhaps you could wear a large hat or something while listening to music?

[Uncle Erik]

Poke around and see if you can't find a Sony MDR-V6 for about $50. I had a pair for years and still think they're pretty good. They should meet all of your requirements except for the snazziness part. They're studio gear, but I suppose you could give them a paint job or put an interesting headband on them. You could check the DIY Forum for ideas and suggestions on that - some members make beautiful and interesting headphone mods and I'm sure they'd help you out.

[1Time]

An IEM is your only real solution. Any headphones in this case would fail. I suggest posting in the portable headphone forum.

[ph0rk]

Audio-Technica | ATH-M30 Headphone | ATH-M30 | B&H Photo Video

Those might work, too. I've tried other cheap AT sealed cans and they did the job ok.

[Menisk]

I find it amusing that you specifically want them to be able to see that you are listening to music so they won't disturb you. Don't you like talking with your family at christmas? If it's inlaws then that's understandable. :P

[SarahNade]

I have a little problem with noises. It's hard to explain but certain noises that don't fit into my current situation just irritate the hell out of me. I get completely focused on the sound. I love being with my family. It's the between times when everyone is just chillin' out that bother me. Usually I'd just go to my room to be alone for a while and re-energize. I like to be in control of my environment, if that makes any sense. Again, it's an obsessive compulsive thing. It's hard to explain. I've gotten better over the years (medication).
Thanks to all the people who offered their help. I'm gonna start looking at some IEMs as was the advice of phork. I was a little overly particular in my description. And I think I am over anticipating my vacation.
Thanks to all who contributed and feel free to continue if you think you know of anything good.

[ph0rk]

I am not luncheon meat.

But yes, given that avoiding noise seems to be the primary concern, I'd look in to IEMs - Shure, Etymotic, and Ultimate Ears all have models that can isolate by ~25 dB or more.

[SarahNade]

Hehe. I caught my self and fixed that little typo.

[SarahNade]

Thanks again Phork!