[-jinx-]

I will be working at a job where I will be working in a high-security area. I am allowed to listen to music from an unclassified computer, but any headphones that I use cannot have microphones of any kind. I would like some help identifying some potential headphones that will work in this situation.

I have a pair of B&O H6 (2nd generation) with an aftermarket cable that doesn't have a mic which probably fit the security requirements and are easy to drive without a dedicated amp, but I'm concerned they will leak too much sound for my officemate. I am interested in recommendations for earbuds or IEMs which fit the following criteria:

• Earbud or IEM style to minimize sound leakage
• No wireless capabilities of any kind
• No inline microphone or controls—needs to be a plain audio cable
• No ANC (since ANC requires microphones to work)
• Comfortable (not too deep of an insertion) and with options for tip sizes
• Easy to put on / take off (since I get interrupted a lot at work)
• Does not require separate amp to drive effectively
• Longer cable preferred—I am trying to get a sit/stand desk, but the computer tower is likely to be on the floor
• ~$300 max, but spending $100-200 would be preferable

If it helps, the last pair of wired earbuds I used regularly were a pair of RHA MA750s. I don't think I have them anymore, and they had an inline microphone anyway. I also used to like the old wired Apple IEMs—but they also have an inline mic. For normal listening at home, I have AirPods Max and AirPods Pro. I listen to a lot of electronic music at work.

Thanks very much for any ideas you have.

 

[earmonger]

Actually, you're not really narrowing it down much. There are dozens and possibly hundreds of choices for your specifications. Most $300-range IEMs, and even most $100-range IEMs, have replaceable cables, so even if the original cable included a mic -- and audiophile gear tends not to -- you could switch it.

You do want to look for non-vented designs, so there is no sound leakage, but there are plenty of those.

I'm still nursing a pair of RHA T20i (until the hardwired cable breaks), but RHA is defunct. One IEM that ends up on just about every best-under-$200 list is the Moondrop Aria, $80 ; I haven't heard it, but that's probably going to be what I replace the RHA with.

https://www.amazon.com/Moondrop-Performance-Diaphragm-Dynamic-Earphone/dp/B091DPFLSH

 

[dunring]

I use the Venture Electronics VE Monk, no mic, they sound good, cost $10 so you can leave them at work. Also they sit on the ear so they are quick to remove and pop in. They're 64 ohm but easy to drive, but sound good with an amp and don't have to worry they'll be damaged like the really sensitive ones.

 

[earmonger]

The VE Monks are earbuds, not IEMs, so they might leak sound.

Here's a posting with a lot of recommendations and info on IEMs. It's just one person's opinions (not mine) but from the ones I've heard I have found them pretty reliable.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/bes...essions-sharing-personal-ranking-list.805930/

 

[m4rkw]

I will be working at a job where I will be working in a high-security area. I am allowed to listen to music from an unclassified computer, but any headphones that I use cannot have microphones of any kind. I would like some help identifying some potential headphones that will work in this situation.

I'm somewhat fascinated by this. The implication here is that there might be classified systems in the area you're working in but you're allowed to take personal electronic devices (of any kind) in there? That's nuts, and not what I'd call "high" security.

 

[pbui44]

Based on your OP, you can get the Moondrop Aria (if you can wait, the Limited SE will probably sound slightly better):

https://www.amazon.com/Moondrop-Performance-Diaphragm-Dynamic-Earphone/dp/B091DPFLSH

https://campaign.aliexpress.com/wow...251&OLP=1082000608_f_group1&o_s_id=1082000608

A couple of upgraded cables for comfort and durability:

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Trip...6938b&pd_rd_wg=bG3P8&pd_rd_i=B07ZQD54XR&psc=1

Varying length/quantity 3.5mm-female-to-3.5mm-male cables for any given workstation:

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Female-Extension-10-Feet-CNE74511/dp/B00ILALNW0

If your work allows them, then these cable clips will keep things tidy:

https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Upg..._3?keywords=cable+clips&qid=1651727403&sr=8-3