Headphones that isolate sound
Jul 19, 2003 at 5:18 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 18
TwCyS

TwCyS

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I am looking for recommendations for good headphones that isolate sound, so the person sitting next to me won't get disturbed.
Also, I don't know very much about headphones, and that is the reason I joined this forum; so if there is pivotal information that I need to know before looking into headphones, could yall please advise me? Thank you.
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Jul 19, 2003 at 5:27 PM Post #2 of 18
Welcome to the wonderful world of high-quality headphones. But watch out, audio nirvana doesn't come without a price tag.

I'd recommend the Search button, as this question's been asked a gazillion times already. Much can be learned from searching these forums, as well as HeadRoom's buying guides.

The standard responses to this questionare:
The Etymotic ER-6 (about $120), ER4P or S (huge advancements for $250 or so)
The Sennheiser HD-280 Pro (closed headphones with great sound but ugly looks, $99)
The Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506 (good phones for about $80)

And don't worry, ask ten people and you'll get ten different responses.
 
Jul 19, 2003 at 6:03 PM Post #3 of 18
I sometimes use my Etymotic ER4P in exactly the situation you describe. My girlfriend will be sitting next to me in bed reading and I'll be listening to my headphones and she can't hear a thing.

The main reason I use them though is because of the excellent sound quality. They sound fantastic.

MJ
 
Jul 20, 2003 at 4:19 AM Post #4 of 18
I agree with musicjunkie. I recently upgraded my headphones from the ER6s to the ER4Ps and there is definitely a difference. If you have the money to spend I would really consider the ER4Ps, you won't be disappointed.
 
Jul 20, 2003 at 5:09 AM Post #5 of 18
ahem you guys are forgetting the shure's as well... they are actually very good as I own the cheapest one(e2c) and am very satisfied with it for portable use. And u dont get that microphonic stuff the ety ppl have to endure, just the usual thud of your feet hitting the ground but that's normal...
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Jul 20, 2003 at 8:47 AM Post #6 of 18
The best isolation would be the etymotic 4p or 4s.

But if you don't like sticking things in your ears, and if we're only talking home use, then the Ultrasone HIFI 650 isolates better than the etymotic er6 with silicone tips.

Ultrasones are available through Meier Audio, and there's a link on the front page.
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For portable use, it's gonna be a battle of the Shures and Etys.
 
Jul 20, 2003 at 3:23 PM Post #7 of 18
If you are only worried about not disturbing others you might be interested in the Sennheiser MX500 earbud for less than $20. You will still hear outside sounds but your headphones won't leak sound out. They sound great - much better than the price would indicate. newegg.com usually stocks them for about $16 shipping included.
 
Jul 20, 2003 at 7:11 PM Post #9 of 18
Supposedly the HD280s provide 32 db of isolation or so ive read. Having compared them with my etys (using foamies), I prefer the isolation of the etys.
 
Jul 20, 2003 at 9:59 PM Post #10 of 18
I would say 32db from hd280's isnt passive... even etys dont give that mutch.
 
Jul 21, 2003 at 12:29 AM Post #11 of 18
I don't believe it either. I compared them both and I had to question it. Sennheiser says this on their site, although they do preface it with "up to." Heres the link .
 
Jul 21, 2003 at 7:22 AM Post #12 of 18
Hfi-650 uses pretty mutch same casing -->should be pretty same isolation, and I would have to guess these are around 20, I cant measure by any real ways, but when i hit them to my knee, i cant hear anything.
 
Jul 21, 2003 at 8:34 AM Post #13 of 18
Yeah, the 650's pass the dachshund-barking-at-door test, at least with music on. With music off it turns the bark into something more conversational.
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I don't have any foam tips to test ATM, but I'd say the er6 would do at least as well with foamies, maybe better.
 
Jul 21, 2003 at 3:58 PM Post #14 of 18
Hey Cys, welcome to Head-Fi.

The headphones you used at my house were Sony MDR-7506 (aka MDR-V6). They isolate very well and considered the best bang for the buck (around $60 ebay for V6). Read up my impressions on them, you should find it easily using the search function. Just type "Sony 7506 impressions" and it should be at the top of the results.

They Etys are way out of your price range (believe me, your mom will kill you if you bought those).

For really cheap, closed headphones, look into the Philips HP170. They go for $20 at Target. Even cheaper on ebay.
 
Jul 22, 2003 at 1:23 PM Post #15 of 18
This thread really interests me too. Correct me if I am wrong but those db figures quoted are isolation from outside & not keeping the sound in which is what I understood TwCys is actually looking for. The etys are probably one of the best overall. 'the other half' can't hear a thing when I have them on. The Sony MDR-V6/7506 is pretty good too. The MX-400/500 will leak sound faintly. These are based on my experiences & 'reports' i.e. level of complaints from the other half! I normally listen at moderate volumes (just under loud).
 
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