Headphones for plane travel?

[Adeptus]

We're going overseas later in the year. 20-something hour flight each way.

Soo... I'm looking for some suggestions for headphones that have decent noise reduction/isolation. I've mostly ruled out the active noise-cancelling type, as it sounds like they're not that great at either noise reduction or sound quality. That leaves me with IEMs or closed (probably circumaural) cans.

1. For myself, I want something fairly balanced, with decent but not overpowering bass.
2. For my wife, something with strong midrange.
3. For my 7 year old daughter, something cheap but still decent... best I've seen is UltimateEars LoudEnough, but some non-IEM suggestions would be good too.
4. For all of us, good isolation, and a budget of around $100 each. Needs to be able to handle the level output from the plane's headphone socket. Portability would be good.

Some that I've seen recommended are:
IEMs:
Westone UM1
UE SuperFi 3
Shure SCL2 / SCL3 / SE110 / SE210

Closed 'phones:
Extreme Isolation EX-25 / EX-29
Koss QZ-99
Milian Soundstage ST
Audio Technica ATH SQ5
AKG K414P

Recommendations on any of these, or other suggestions, please!

 

[psyllium]

As far as circumaural headphones go, I find they will block out the mid + treble but let the bass from the engine through. For this reason I would think about bassier phones of this type or IEMs, unless you want to hear more of the plan than your music.

Also, I noticed when I plugged my Sennheiser HD25's into a plane headphone socket, there was some really terrible noise making its way in, mostly because I think the HD25's are super sensitive. If you are using sensitive headphones you might want to considering bringing a headphone amp or something else that has a volume control with you.

I've flown with both Sennheiser HD25's (which are way out of the budget you've suggested) and AKG K81DJ/K581DJs. Both do a good job at isolation but the way they sit on your head might not be the best for a long flight. I would suggest the K81DJ/K581DJ's if one of your family members wanted a set of not-too bad sounding (although quite bassy) headphones for afterwards too.

But yeah, IEMs might sort you out for this exercise... some other head-fi-ers will surely be able to help you in that department

 

[oak3x]

The Shure Line, particularly the se210, se310, se420, se530 provide excellent sound and excellent sound isolation...

I have used the se310 on many flights cross country

 

[Adeptus]

Thanks for the input

More opinions welcome!
Quote:

Originally Posted by psyllium /img/forum/go_quote.gif As far as circumaural headphones go, I find they will block out the mid + treble but let the bass from the engine through. For this reason I would think about bassier phones of this type or IEMs, unless you want to hear more of the plan than your music.

A couple of the ones I listed (Milian & Extreme Isolation) were designed for use by musicians, particularly drummers, and for mixing in the same room as live drums. I would have thought blocking out bass was an important part of that... Has anyone had experience with these specific models?

Quote:

Originally Posted by psyllium /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've flown with both Sennheiser HD25's (which are way out of the budget you've suggested) and AKG K81DJ/K581DJs. Both do a good job at isolation but the way they sit on your head might not be the best for a long flight. I would suggest the K81DJ/K581DJ's if one of your family members wanted a set of not-too bad sounding (although quite bassy) headphones for afterwards too.

How do the K81DJ compare to the K414P? The 414 fold away nicely, which would be a plus if they're otherwise similar.

 

[goldfilm]

Don't forget the ER4P with foam. Looks like one of the best isolators in town...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/w...lators-344101/

I'm taking a plane in two weeks. I'll post my experience.

 

[wavoman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adeptus /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... How do the K81DJ compare to the K414P?

The review on Headroom claimes the K414P is better at noise blocking than the K18DJ.

AKG K 81 DJ @ HeadRoom - Right Between Your Ears

 

[Mr_Junesequa]

For your daughter there are special iem headphones for children, various manufacturers.

For you and your wife isolation provided from headphones such as shure and alike wont completely drown out aircraft noise.

imo ur looking for a headphone with max isolation which doesnt give you a headache because of the extreme highs over a long period.

stay away from Shure for the headache part..

 

[psyllium]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adeptus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the input More opinions welcome! A couple of the ones I listed (Milian & Extreme Isolation) were designed for use by musicians, particularly drummers, and for mixing in the same room as live drums. I would have thought blocking out bass was an important part of that... Has anyone had experience with these specific models? How do the K81DJ compare to the K414P? The 414 fold away nicely, which would be a plus if they're otherwise similar.

The K81DJ do fold away flat like other AKG's. I haven't heard/seen the K414P before, but yeah see the other posts above.

Can't help you re: the other phones sorry!

 

[babya]

Sony MDR-NC6, can style, has airline adaptor included. Noise canceling and also be used as a normal headphone, when nc is off.

 

[feh1325]

make sure your wife and daughter are willing to wear iems
most people don't like the feeling of em

 

[nickdawg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by feh1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif make sure your wife and daughter are willing to wear iems most people don't like the feeling of em

Yeah, especially kids. Even the smallest size sleeve may be too big for younger ears. The circumaural options may be a better choice.

 

[Coop47]

I'd suggest adding the Senn HD280 to your list of closed cans to consider. Easily powered, good sound and good isolation. They also fold up, making them a bit easier to stick in your carry-on.

 

[cancam]

Shure SE series are fairly good at noise isolation and have a good sound production. It should be a good deal for you and your family..

 

[nickdawg]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/n...eeping-353007/

 

[babya]

I agree-closed or circumaural type headphones are perfect for airplane travel-in fact I've got a NC headphone which are over the ear in style.