[Joe Garfield]

I need something for work: the guy next to me has a "tic" cough/ hack, slurps soup every day, and has horrible volume control on phone calls. Its literally driving me nuts! So, do I need 'noise cancelling' (active/passive) or just an isolating closed back? (Edit: updated per post below, and I agree ANC is probably not what I'm looking for.)

I currently have my HD650s at work with an amp and DAC. If I have to go 'noise cancelling' I'd like to use my components if possible, and really would like to avoid Bluetooth unless there's some fancy proprietary codec that's lossless (which I doubt.)

I'd prefer cans over buds, but I'm open to buds if they're the right solution and sound good. And I like a flatter response - nothing too bright or too boomy. I have K712s at home which are about as bright as I can stand but I do like them enough.

Thank you!!

 

[PopZeus]

Most noise cancelling isn't designed for those kinds of sounds. Droning engine sounds from a plane, train or cars, sure. Unique sudden changes in dB? Not so much. If you have a coworker whose habits are distracting, I believe passive isolation from a well made closed-back will be more effective.

 

[ohmy]

This isn't exactly what you want to hear, but I thought it would be worth sharing my own experience. I purchased a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones specifically for an open-air, noisy work environment. People made all kinds of racket, and perhaps most distracting, I could even hear myself talk on some people's laptops when on a call. I would respectfully disagree with PopZeus on the ability to negate those kinds of office sounds. Sure, it doesn't block everything, but I was honestly shocked at the difference they made. They are not considered audiophile headphones, but they sounded damn good to me. Anyway, I would highly recommend giving them a try if you can find a place that will allow you to return them if needed. Maybe you can keep both at your desk and use what is needed for the situation as it arises.