[mattpitts74]

Hi Guys,

I'm a bit stuck I have found a number of threads here about various headphones for commuting, but mostly from several years ago.

I was all ready to buy a pair of Sennheiser 6xx, but I had forgotten their design wouldn't be suitable for most of the uses which is often commuting on a train. I am currently borrowing my partners Sennheiser HD 4.5 wireless headphones. These are fine, but I find the sound a bit thin and lacking in much bass.

My naive assumption was that I could buy a better sounding pair of wired headphones? Anyway, once I started looking and realised that all the open headphones won't be any good for these situations I got a but lost with so many models.

I'm ideally after something with

best sound, obviously
neutral
good noise cancelling
good comfort for long journeys 3-4 hours

I've tried various pairs of IEM's and have never found them to be very comfortable, but would be willing to try again.

So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Alcophone]

I'm quite happy with my Focal Listen. Enjoying them almost daily during my commute despite having the much more expensive Ether C Flow 1.1 (which is better, but stays at work).
I use the Listen with Brainwavz sheepskin leather memory foam earpads. That makes them more comfortable and increases the sound stage, but takes away some of the low end intensity, which is sad.

 

[WilcoRoger]

The noise cancelling headphones are meant exactly for such sitution. The Sony wh-1000xm3 seems to be the leader (with the m2 very close at about half price if you still can find it). Bose have the N700, B&W the PX7 and Senn the Momentum 3 - all of them are much praised on head-fi.

 

[626tomp]

I'm quite happy with my Focal Listen.

The wired version? I tried out the wireless version of them and was massively underwhelmed, especially considering how much they cost.

In terms of commuting, i just use a pair of galaxy buds, didn't think that i would really be the kind of person to use true wireless earbuds, but i love them. Its just so convenient having them in such a small form factor, definitely a major plus over full size headphones.

 

[Alcophone]

The wired version? I tried out the wireless version of them and was massively underwhelmed, especially considering how much they cost.

Yes, the wired version. I briefly heard the wireless version (albeit with the optional wire) at a show and that wasn't quite as compelling, but I have never heard the wireless version in wireless mode.

 

[TheoS53]

Etymotic, period.

Great passive noise isolation, easy to drive, sound signature can range from VERY neutral (ER4-series) to slightly warmer (ER2SE), or a bit warmer and bassier (ER2XR).

I was a bit apprehensive about the comfort at first, but after a few days of using them exclusively they became very comfy and I can easily wear them for way over 4 hours.

 

[rmsanger]

I commute daily on light rail and use a Tranya rimor and t3 ear buds. I prefer nothing being over my ear no wires and something light weight for the train over sq.

 

[Ynot1]

Fiio EH3 is new with noise canceling but it is way too under budget. I think drop had $50 off if you spend $200 or more. But timing is everything with the drop though.

 

[PointyFox]

Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Audeze Mobius, or IEMs. I owned the SONY WH-1000XM3 and they were ok sound quality-wise, but they had a defect that caused a popping sound when I moved my head on one side and only with the noise cancelling on. It's a widely reported issue.