[ahmedwk]

I am completely new to this headphone frenzy. I am planning on a VERY LONG TRIP to Australia next month so I started checking local stores for sound-isolating headphones.
I eliminated all except two. I know some will say they are completely different and it's like comparing apples to oranges but here they are:
1. Bose QC-15: The best noise cancelling headphone.
2. Denon AD-H 1100
 
the problem is the huge difference in price. the Bose costs 350$ (Amazon 300$) while the Denon costs 135$ (Amazon 200$).
So the price is like three times. I really want to go for Denon. but I don't want to get it then discover on my trip that it was a bad choice for traveling.
 
Anybody can advise whether Denon is suitable for air travel? or do i need a specialized headphone with active noise-cancellation like QC-15?
 
sorry for blabbering too much.

 

[SONIC BOOM]

well the qc15 will be much better for air travel but the denons should be better for everything else

 

[ahmedwk]

lol. If I could read this response yesterday!
I bought the Denon yesterday. If i read ur response, I would definitely went for Bose.
 
Thanks any way

 

[SONIC BOOM]

the denons should be fine, they will be better for everyday use and you dont have too deal with a bunch a batteries

 

[ahmedwk]

thanks. but I will get the Bose QC-15 too because the main purpose is for travel.
Also I feel that I am not getting the most of my headphones. Their performance in shop was superior to my own computer. do i need to upgrade my sound card? or add an amplifier.

 

[ahmedwk]

ok. I tried my speakers on my iPhone and they are amazing. My computer sound card truly sucks. I am getting new one

 

[SONIC BOOM]

well a amplifier would helps most headphones at least sound a little better, but if you iphone sounds better then your computer, what about getting a portable amp/dac, like the fiio e17. it should be a great improvment from your computer and you can also use is with your iphone with a fiio l3 cable

 

[ahmedwk]

thanks sonic. ur help is great.
Yesterday I got Sound Blaster Audigy and yes.. the difference is amazing.
Unfortuatenly i couldn't find fiio models in local shops, so I will research the available portable amp / dac and get one too . I think I already started the path of Audio Fanatic

 

[SONIC BOOM]

happy listening

 

[roma101]

Instead of spending so much on the Bose have you thought about some of audio Technica'a NC offerings? I have the ANC7 an find them to be very good for plane use (may not beat the Bose in NC but it is still good at what it does and sounds better - I even prefer the sound to the D1100 but that's due to my own preferences). Anyway they do the job at a cheaper cost and with better build quality. AT currently has the ANC7B and the new ANC9 which is worth considering.

 

[daveDerek]

rather than trying to cancel the noise thru circuitry, look into iems (in ear monitors) to physically block the sound, get the best sound quality, and the ultimate in portability.

 

[roma101]

Quote:

rather than trying to cancel the noise thru circuitry, look into iems (in ear monitors) to physically block the sound, get the best sound quality, and the ultimate in portability.

Agreed, this is really the best way to go if you are okay with using IEMs. Using my Etymotic HF3 gives me the best experience when on a flight or train.