Recommendations for isolation and comfort in a noisy-ish environment

[Vosper]

Hi everyone I've enjoyed reading the forums here for a while, now it's time to make a post.

Here's my situation: I am a university student studying computer science. This means I have to spend long periods working in computer labs. There tends to be a fair bit of background noise from the aircon, 30-ish computers and people talking. I need to be able to block out as much of the background noise as possible so I can program. To this end I purchased some Sony MDRNC-5 (noise cancelling) headphones. Just for the record: They stink. Don't ever buy them, in fact don't even listen to them if you can avoid it! I made that purchase before I knew anything about audio.

I'm now in the market for some new closed 'phones. The two main requirements are comfort and isolation. Don't get me wrong; I love my music, but great sound actually comes third to these other requirements. I'm using a Sharp MD-MS722 minidisc as my source. I don't really want to have to purchase an amp, though I would consider it if it was going to make a significant difference.

From my readings, I have become aware of the following options:
Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Etymotics ERP-4
Beyerdynamics DT 250-80

What have I missed? What other closed headphones will be comfortable, isolating and run off a Minidisc?

Whatever I get should be comfortable for hours of continuous use (you know what it's like when the deadline's near).

I'm giving you guys a lot of responsibility here There's not many opportunities for listening to headphones where I live so I'll probably be buying unheard from the 'net..

[nales]

* DELETED : Redundant *

[joelongwood]

Welcome to head-Fi, Vosper. Just get the Etymotic ER4P and don't look back. They will sound incredible straight out of your Sharp.

[PodMan]

Hi, the ex70/71s are not the best in sound quality by all means. however, they are small, very comfortable and extremely portable. they isolate pretty well as well.

i use the ex70s whenever I am on the bus with my minidisc player, i like them a lot in noisy areas once i turn down the bass a few notches.

anyway, they might be of interest to you if you want something small, relatively cheap, and good for on the go. if you have the cash, by all means get the etys.

[joelongwood]

Originally posted by nales
atrac is a real ****ty compression codec (advocated by zealots who haven't done any abx testing--and frankly aren't interesting in partaking such an endeavor either) so you can't seriously be interested in high-fidelity audio.

Now that's helpful.
Vosper, if it sounds good to you, that's all that matters. I enjoy MD for what it is: a very good sounding, extremely portable medium. In general, does CD sound better? Yes. Does vinyl sound better than CD? Yes. I enjoy them all.......because it's all about the music.

[stan23]

I second joelongwood's recommendation.

The ETYs would be your best bet.

The only problem, is that your ears will need some time to get used to them. After several weeks, your ears will adjust and they will be very comfortable.

I take them on cross country 5+ hours flights all the time. I can also sleep with them on.


The ETY effect is also one of a kind. I have not heard another headphone that can produce the "symphony in your head" effect such as the Etymotic's.. Great stuff

[Vosper]

Perhaps I should have mentioned that the Minidisc is a concession to size and convenience while I wait for a portable that supports good audio compression codecs. My digital audio collection is archived with high quality codecs such as MPC and high-bitrate Ogg Vorbis. As soon as a competent digital audio player comes out that supports multiple formats, I'll be buying.

To joelongwood: Are the Ety's comfortable for hours?

[NewSc2]

Originally posted by joelongwood
Now that's helpful.
Vosper, if it sounds good to you, that's all that matters. I enjoy MD for what it is: a very good sounding, extremely portable medium. In general, does CD sound better? Yes. Does vinyl sound better than CD? Yes. I enjoy them all.......because it's all about the music.

Music is always the most important! Sony R-10's and Sennheiser Orpheuses will sound like crap if Ja Rule is what's playing

[joelongwood]

As stan said, once your ears get used to them (if they ever do.......some people just can't take them), they are extremely comfy, BUT you always know they are there, as there is a slight sensation of pressure in your ear canal. This statement refers to the silicon tips. The foam tips are more comfy and they just disappear after awhile.
If you purchase from Headroom, you have 30 days to try them out. That should be more than enough time to find out if they're for you.

[AIM9x]

Very comfortable. I've worn them for 8 hours straight once.