[zardoz]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the board.

I've been using the HD-280's for almost a year now, but I'd like to get a pair of cans that provide even more isolation, than the 280's rated 32db.

After doing some searching on here and the net, the only pair that I've seen that provide more are the Beyer T 770 M , which are rated at 35db.

I'd really like to stick with cans and stay away from those in-ear pieces (I'm just not a fan of those). Price really doesn't matter either.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[halcyon]

The ratings are somewhat misleading. They usually for one test tone at one frequency.

While DT770 might provide slightly more isolation (with pads switched to fake leather, and using the old Pro model with higher clamping force), I don't believe it's that great.

Better isolation you can probably only get by buying special Kenwood/Koss equipment meant for outside on-the-road studio work (like formula 1 race tracks).

Or, the better aproach, go IEM. More isolation, better sound quality, when using custom moulds.

 

[Mercuttio]

Man, I dunno. I'm not sure if the DT770-80 is less insulated than the version you're looking at, but I definitely think that the HD280s I had blocked out more noise. Your only real route is IEM, I think. Don't bother with "noise cancelling" stuff, it won't really work for you.

 

[JB.]

I agree with halcyon's recommendation, and would add that active noise cancellation may also be an option for you. However, for the best performance in both sound quality and isolation, you can’t do better than an IEM.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

The only one I can think of giving excellent isolation and great sound is the Sennheiser HD 25-1

 

[Firestarter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT The only one I can think of giving excellent isolation and great sound is the Sennheiser HD 25-1

afaik the HD 25-1 doesn't isolate as well as the 280 pro's

no graphs for 770's tho

http://graphs.headphone.com


edit: well poke my butt and call me a fatty, apparently the HD 25-1's isolate even better than the 280's!

 

[zardoz]

Hmm.....I can't find those 25-1's anywhere. Must be a discontinued model.

 

[Firestarter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zardoz Hmm.....I can't find those 25-1's anywhere. Must be a discontinued model.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sennheiser-HD-25...QQcmdZViewItem

can't find them on the sennheiser usa page tho

 

[zardoz]

I think there were 3 different lines of the HD 25 models, no? I've come across the 25-SP, but not the 25-1.

I'll call that eBay seller and ask. Thanks!

 

[Firestarter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zardoz I think there were 3 different lines of the HD 25 models, no? I've come across the 25-SP, but not the 25-1. I'll call that eBay seller and ask. Thanks!

there are many HD 25 models, the most popular being the 25-1 if i'm not mistaken

HD 25 SP - cheap version, might suit you very well
HD 25-1 - preferred version for portables
HD 25-13 - special 600ohm studio version, needs an amp
HMD 25-1 - specialized headset, used primarily in airport control towers afaik

there are some more varieties based on both the -1 and the SP version

 

[Oistrakh]

I recommend the Bose Quiet Comfort 2

 

[zardoz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firestarter there are many HD 25 models, the most popular being the 25-1 if i'm not mistaken HD 25 SP - cheap version, might suit you very well HD 25-1 - preferred version for portables HD 25-13 - special 600ohm studio version, needs an amp HMD 25-1 - specialized headset, used primarily in airport control towers afaik there are some more varieties based on both the -1 and the SP version

Alrighty, so I assume that ALL of the HD-25 line provide the same noise attenuation level, but they just vary for options?

Oistrakh, thanks but I'd prefer passive.

 

[episiarch]

I can't speak for the DT770, but I own HD280, HD25(=HD25-1), HD25-SP, A900, K271, FC7 (and a few others) as well as ER-4 and E4. Of all my headphones, the HD280 is the most isolating. The HD25 and HD25-SP come next, but really are a class below HD280, isolation-wise. A900, K271 and FC7 are further down, in roughly that order.

To really do better than the HD280, I think you'll need to go to IEMs. Either ER-4 or E4 is about equally isolating on me, but YMMV since fit is so individual.

 

[Firestarter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by episiarch I can't speak for the DT770, but I own HD280, HD25(=HD25-1), HD25-SP, A900, K271, FC7 (and a few others) as well as ER-4 and E4. Of all my headphones, the HD280 is the most isolating. The HD25 and HD25-SP come next, but really are a class below HD280, isolation-wise. A900, K271 and FC7 are further down, in roughly that order. To really do better than the HD280, I think you'll need to go to IEMs. Either ER-4 or E4 is about equally isolating on me, but YMMV since fit is so individual.

weird that the headroom measurements tell a different story

 

[episiarch]

Conceivably on some ears (or on a test dummy) the supraaural HD25 might block out more sound than the circumaural HD280. But on my own personal ears: no.