My Overall Rating:

Available on Amazon for $308 here.

The Sennheiser PXC 450 Noisegard Active Noise Canceling Headphones have the highest quality in noise cancellation added together with breathtaking sound and a a function that lets you talk with disturbing your music listening. These headphones are also very easy to travel with because they are foldable. You will get to where you are going feeling recharged and ready for anything.

Product Features

Bass If you are the type of person that likes a lot of bass then these might not be the headphones you want, although the bass is there. It does not have as much bass as Bose.

Sound Quality When it comes to sound quality, nothing can compare to the Sennheiser PXC 450’s. You will hear things that you never heard before from your favorite songs. You will hear background singers that you didn’t even know were singing along with all of these other sounds that you will be able to hear crystal clear with these headphones.

Noise Cancelling These headphones have a nice snug fit, which gives way to passive noise cancelling. These headphones are not too tight around your head as too make it uncomfortable. When you add the noise cancelling function with the crystal clear sound these headphones are as good as it gets.

Check out this review of the Sennheiser PXC 450 Headphones

You can buy these headphones on Amazon right here through this link (cheapest price online)

Comfort These Sennheiser PXC 450 are extremely comfortable. The earpads are very soft and you won’t even notice that they are on your ears. You will probably forget that you have them on.

Portability These headphones are quite portable and fold up easily.

Let’s take a look at some more of the product features.

• Perfect sound like no other headphones you have listen to before.
• Best noise protection with NoiseGard technology that stops all outside noise up to 90%.
• It also has this great talk through function that lets you talk to anyone around you while wearing your headphones.
• Audio works perfect, even while it is in passive mode and without batteries.

The Sennheiser PXC 450 Noisegard Active Noise Canceling Headphones are great for

• Someone who is looking for great sound and excellent noise reduction.
• Very comfortable headphones to take on long trips.
• You can converse normally without having to remove your headphones.

This is why the Sennheiser PXC 450 Noisegard Active Noise Canceling Headphones are worth buying:

• These are the best sounding noise-cancelling headphones that money can buy.
• Build quality is great and they are very sturdy.
• These headphones are very light and well cushioned.

• You can buy the Sennheiser PXC 450 Noisegard Active Noise Canceling Headphones through this link at Amazon (cheapest price online) at 36% off

The Pros

• The bass response is really excellent, but not so much much where it will irritate you.
• These headphones have an independent volume control, and a shutoff feature that disables the noise-canceling feature.
• Amazing, clear Sennheiser sound, which allows you to hear details previously unheard.

The Cons

• A little clumsy to walk around in public.
• The major drawback of the 450 is that it has limited application. It cannot be used on small planes or in really loud environments.
• These headphones are somewhat expensive but for the listening quality that you get they are well worth it.

Let’s see what current owners have to say about the Sennheiser PXC 450’s

Review by J.Martin

I compared these headphones side-by-side with five other noise cancelling headphones: Bose QC2 & 3, JVC NC250, Audio Technica ANC7, and Sennheiser PXC-250. I was in the market for a noise cancelling headphone because I travel a lot and I wanted to be able to watch movies or listen to music in relative isolation. With the ipod earbuds, you have to blast your ears in order to compete with the airplane’s engines and I want to preserve my hearing. My main criteria were sound qualifty, noise cancelling, and comfort. All three were very important and I didn’t really want to compromise on any of those categories. The only headphone that excelled at all three was the PXC-450. I disqualified all but the PXC-450 on the basis of out of the box testing.

Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here

My Overall Rating:

Available on Amazon Click Here for lowest price online

The Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones are built to excel in a professional environment. The HD 380 Pro provides an extended frequency response with an increased sound pressure level for the most accurate sound reproduction in demanding applications. Also the lightweight, secure and rugged design gives you a very comfortable listening experience for those long recording sessions.

Let’s have a look at the product features

• A closed circumaural design for excellent passive attenuation of ambient noise (up to 32 db)
• very lightweight headphones and comfortable for long listening periods
• Reduced comb filter effects and distortion due to E.A.R. (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) and Duofol diaphragms
• Cable length – 3.3 ft. (1 m) coiled, extendable up to approx 10 ft. (3 m)
• A collapsible high-end headphone for professional monitoring use.
• Technologically advanced features for superior sound monitoring-extended frequency.
• response for accurate, reliable sound reproduction- Increased sound
• Pressure level can handle very demanding use up to 100db
• Exceptional comfort for extended listening
• Carrying case included for professionals on the go
• Replaceable single-sided, coiled cable with 3.5mm jack connector and screw
• Easily replaceable parts for long service life
• Headphone with detachable coiled cable, Carrying case, ¼” jack adapter

Check Out This Cool Video Review of the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones

You can purchase the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones right here through this link at Amazon (cheapest price)

The Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones is great for:

• The listener who loves clarity and comfortability.
• Someone who wants to block the outside noise with the ear cups.
• The engineers who want to stay comfortable during those real long recording sessions.

This is why the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones are worth buying:

• sound isolation these things provide is second to none.
• The pads are great for blocking out noise and not leaking sound.
• The sound is very detailed, precise, and balanced.

The Pros:

• They offer detailed sound reproduction.
• Better design, better bass response, carrying case, and fit over the ears than most similar models.
• These headphones are very lightweight and portable.

• You can purchase the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones right here through this link at Amazon (cheapest price online)

The Cons:

• The cord could have been built a little longer.
• $200 dollars is a lot of money to spend on headphones but if you want the best quality you are going to have to pay for it.
• The headphones don’t have the best base for hip hop, or the clarity for some other types of music, but for $200 you’ll be hard put to find some that sound better.

Let’s take a look at what current owners have to say

Review by Travis:

I’ve been a huge fan and user of Sennheiser headphones for the last three years, and have had many of their headphones (HD200, HD201, HD215, HD280, EH150, CX300 – All still work fantastically, I’ve just been expanding my collection) as well as a few other brands and models (Sony MDR V700, Pioneer HDJ1000). That being said, I will be reviewing the 380s and how they compare to the HD280s.

Review paraphrased for size – Read original here

My Overall Rating:

Available on Amazon for $278 here.

You don’t have to worry about bothering anyone else in the room when you are listening to your Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Headphones. The SE-DIR800C phones, which can connect to any 5.1 channel source — including a digital cable box, game system, or DVD player — come with Dolby Headphone technology, which produces up to five virtual loudspeakers inside your head by directing and reflecting the sound from each channel.

The end result is a truly stunning surround sound experience that is far more dimensional with your standard run of the mill headphones. Some have said that it is even better than a high performance surround speaker system. The audio is very natural sounding and will not cause “listener fatigue” like a lot of other headphones do. The Pioneer SE-DIR800C also work with a variety of different surround formats, including Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, and DTS.

One thing i know you will love about the Pioneer SE-DIR800C Headphones is that they are completely cordless. They come with a small wireless transmitter that connects to your source (game system, DVD player, stereo, etc.) and transmits a clear, strong signal thanks to infrared technology to the headphones. Thanks to the wireless technology, you won’t accidently rip the cord out, or worry about someone stepping on it and ruining your headphones.

The Pioneer SE-DIR800C Headphones also come with plenty of “virtual room” presets that you can choose from. The options actually reproduce the sound of a playback system in up to three different listening environments based on the acoustic measurements of real rooms.

Product Description

The Pioneer SE-DIR800C Infrared Wireless Surround Sound Headphones simulate 5.1 channel speakers that creates high quality surround sound just like what you would experience from a traditional home theater. The Pioneer SE-DIR800C headphones process Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS surround sound from a gaming console, DVD player, or CD player connected through the optical or coaxial input.

The SE-DIR800C headphones have super soft earphone enclosures so your entire ear is cushioned for the best comfort in headphones that you can find. Die hard movie and video game lovers now have a new friend in the mission to be entertained at any time and at the decibel level of their preference.

Let’s take a look at the Product Features

• Wireless 5.1 surround sound headphones with Dolby Headphone multichannel technology
• Support for Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Surround formats; transmission range of up to 26 feet
• Capable of producing up to 5 virtual loudspeakers in your head to create an immersive surround experience
• Small, medium, and large “virtual room” presets based on acoustical measurements of actual rooms
• Volume control built in; also includes transmitter and rechargeable double A batteries
• 90-day warranty

This is why the Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Headphones are worth buying

• These headphones create really accurate sound and it has several Dolby Pro Logic modes that all sound very good, it also manages to reproduce surround sound in the most enjoyable way.
• The Pioneer SE-DIR800C never loses connection. You don’t have to worry about it crackling, popping, or going silent.
• The comfort with these headphones is outstanding. You should be able to wear them for 2 to 4 hours without having to shift them around.

The Good

• The audio quality is terrific and there are user-selectable settings for ambience and material.
• The fit of the headphones is very good, also it is fairly light and i have no issues with comfort.
• The wireless feature is a big plus and the main contributor to the convenience factor.

• You can purchase the Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Headphones through Amazon at 30% off (cheapest pricest online)

The Bad

• The earcups are small. After a few hours of wearing them you might have to shift them around to relieve the pressure.
• Expensive but they are worth it.
• Replacing the batteries can be a little annoying, you might need a letter opener to pop out the batteries.
• Unlike RF headphones, you can walk outside the range of these, either via walking far away, or by walking into another room, but that is the primary issue with this type of headphone.

Let’s look at what one current owner has to say about the Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Headphones

Review by Astral Traveler

I had purchased an inexpensive Sony home theater in a box system that was a pretty nice system for the money spent. But I found myself with problems that had nothing to do with the quality of the system. As I watched movies, I was bothered by various ambient noises from my apartment… street noises, the people upstairs, water running through pipes, the hum of the refrigerator, etc. And, if I was hearing noises from the outside, it’s a pretty good bet that people on the outside can hear what’s coming from inside. So, I needed a solution, and it seemed the mutually beneficial solution was headphones. Unfortunately, while my HT receiver has a headphone jack, it only outputs 2 channel stereo sound, and it seems like a waste to have to rely on that when I have a system capable of outputting 5.1 channel sound. Doing some research I realized there was no way to get surround sound through headphones with the equipment I had, even if I purchased expensive headphones. In fact, many tech-savvy posters on message boards scoffed at the notion of headphones producing surround sound altogether. Fortunately, they are mistaken.

Review paraphrased for size — Read full review here

Sound Quality
Noise Canceling Score
Overall Value

Available on Amazon for $399 here.

Bose has become well known for their unique selection of noise canceling headphones and the Bose Quietcomfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are no different. Bose has combined the very best noise reducing technology and the best audio for headphones with the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones. These are everything you would want in a pair of headphones. They reduce unwanted sound to where it is almost nonexistent. The advances in these headphones make the sound you are listening to close to perfection.

The human engineering design allows for a very cozy fit and the fold-flat feature makes it easy for you when you need to put your headphones away. When you put on a pair of the Bose Quietcomfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones your music will sound better than you have ever heard it. Years and years of Bose Research added together with the Noise Cancelling headphone technology delivers to you the best audio sound there is. This technology recognizes and eliminates the unwanted noises that you don’t want to hear. So, you will hear more of the music that you want to hear and less of the noise around you.

Unlike the regular run of the mill, big and bulky noise cancelling headphones, QuietComfort 2 headphones are really comfortable around your ears and lightweight. The Proprietary TriPort headphone technology also helps to give the listener the best audio sound you can find for the money while holding true to the design.

Check out this video review of the Bose Quietcomfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

You can buy the Bose Quietcomfort 2 headphones on Amazon right here (cheapest price online)

Unlike the big, bulky headphones of the past, the QuietComfort 2 headphones are really comfortable on your ears and they are so lightweight you won’t realize you have them on. Whether you take them on vacation or you take them on the job, your QuietComfort 2 headphones will fold up easily for storage. They also come with a detachable audio cable which gives you easy access to home stereo systems, portable players and in-flight entertainment systems. You can remove this cable so you can go cordless when you want the benefits of noise reduction.

Let’s take a look at the Product Features:

• The best noise reducing technology and the best headphone audio sound
• The ergonomic design allows for a very comfortable fit and has a fold flat feature.

Pros:

• The sound is terrific, bass reproduction is fabulous.
• It only takes one AAA battery and it will last between 25 to 30 hours.
• It has great cushioning and the noise cancellation is super.

Cons:

• This model is somewhat expensive but worth it.
• There is too much insulation the earpiece.
• Not too great to wear when traveling through the air as you will block the cancellation ports.

Let’s take a look at what current owners have to say about these headphones.

Review by A. Wirtanen

First, I am going to discuss the options for noise canceling headphones. Then, I am going to go into detail about the Bose QC2 headphones.

If you are looking for a great pair of high-end traditional headphones that cup your ear, you are looking in the right place; the Bose QuietComfort 2s are for you! If you are an audiophile (probably not if you are considering buying something from Bose) then look at the Sennheiser HD 650s ($400). If you don’t have a large budget and want reasonable noise-canceling, then look at the Sony MDR-NC6s ($35). If you like the supra-aural style of the Sony MDR-NC6s, but want a higher quality headphone, then wait for the Bose QuietComfort 3s ($349, release date June 15, 2006). If you are looking for noise canceling while operating landscaping equipment and OK audio performance, then look at John Deere’s Noise Canceling Headset ($89). If you are looking for a really lightweight supra-aural noise canceling headset, then consider the Sennheiser PXC 300 ($150). Finally, if you want noise-caneling ear canal headphones, then the Etymotic Research ER6i’s ($85) are for you.

Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here

My Overall Rating:

Available on Amazon for $349.95 here.

The Quietcomfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are really quite amazing. These are not like any other pair of headphones that you have owned before. These headphones take noise reduction to the next level. These have a smaller, light on the ear design that delivers the same great performance as the QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones. You will enjoy the same total noise reduction, with a very comfortable fit to match.

You won’t find a pair of headphones that will eliminate all noise, but the Bose QuietComfort headphones work together to make just about any listening experience very pleasant.

For work, home, and travel

When you wear the QuietComfort 3 headphones on a plane you will notice a that you won’t hear the engine noise very much at all from the moment you turn on your headphones. For the best audio quality, all you need to do is plug them into the inflight entertainment system or your portable player.

When you use them at home or at work you will find that the distractions around you will fade away into the background. You can also pair the QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones with most of your music enabled phones, using the optional mobile communications kit.

You can buy a pair of the Bose Quietcomfort 3 through this link on Amazon (cheapest price online)

Hear the difference for yourself

The full spectrum noise reduction blocks background distractions and dramatically reduces the engine roar when you fly. Quality Bose sound lets you hear audio nuances that you might not have noticed before. Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology in the QuietComfort 3 headphones electronically identifies, then greatly reduces noise, while holding true to the audio sound you desire.

Let’s take a look at the Product Features

• On-ear fit: Earcups that fit nicely on your ears
• Boise noise reduction and quality sound for work, home, and travel
• Very lightweight, comfortable design with an on-ear fit
• Rechargable lithium-ion battery that gets 25 hours of use per charge
• Fold-flat earcups for easy storage in a slim carrying case

This is why the Quietcomfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are worth buying:

• The QuietComfort 3 has really impressive noise cancellation.
• The audio quality is superb. They are engineered to allow for the highest amount of fidelity to come through.
• The noise cancelling is pretty solid on the QT 3.
• Actually, despite their size, they are very lightweight and comfortable.

Pros:

• The sound quality is excellent.
• Bose did a terrific job designing these headphones for physical comfort and noise reduction.
• The headset battery runs 20+ hours.

• You can buy a pair of Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones through this link on Amaazon (cheapest price online)

Cons:

• the sound of QT 3 is very good, but it’s not better than the Sony MDR NC50, which is a bit better.
• the slightest bit uncomfortable was the ‘pressure’ in my ears when I turned the noise cancelling on.
• QC-3s are for less comfortable with the required pressure on the ear. The QC-2s feel ‘lighter’ to wear, though they are actually around 20% heavier.

                            Let’s take a look at what current owners have to say about the Bose QuietComfort 3 Headphones

Review by G. Davis

I have used the Bose QuietComfort QC-2 headphones for about a year, and have traveled to Asia over 5 times with them, and domestic travel as well. About 120 hours of air time. Never took them off. Vastly reduces my jetlag. A pleasure to own and use.

On an impulse buy, I bought the QC-3’s after a demo at the local Bose store. 30-day return policy. Compared them side-by-side… both on the airplane, home, with and without sound.

    Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here

My Overall Rating:

Available on Amazon for $223 here.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones have set the standard for headphones with the new DDT 990, these are headphones that grab the sound and turn it into sweet music like no other. These 990 premium headphones makes the sound crystal clear and unique. The results are everything you listen to from jazz to rock and roll will sound full and will be music to your ears. The headphones themselves are also very appealing cosmetically with a design that will sure to please even the most sophisticated listeners.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones also come with these soft ear pads that you can remove, making for all day listening comfort. These headphones are also built so that it is easy for you to replace all of the parts.

Let’s take a look at the Product Features:

• High-end open headphones with the best sound definition and excellent bass response.
• Reproduces immersive three-dimensional acoustics with 5 Hz to 35 kHz frequency response.
• The optics are very appealing to the eyes cosmetically, with nice soft ear pads and padded headband.
• The overall construction makes it easy to replace parts and comes with a carrying case.
• Golf-vaporized 1/8-inch mini stereo jack plug; weighs 10.22 ounces; 2-year warranty.

Check out this awesome review of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones

You can buy the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones right here through this link at Amazon (cheapest price online)

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones is great for:

• the listener who wants a pair of headphones that will deliver full sound performance from your home stereo system.
• For someone enjoys wearing very comfortable headphones.
• The music lover who wants to block out all unwanted noises.
• Listening to music on long trips.

This is why the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones are worth buying:

• These are excellent high performance headphones
• DT-990s are also excellent for rock music
• Has more bass than other high-end headphones.

The Pros

• Lamella optics provide eye-catching aesthetic
• High-end open headphones with true sound definition
• Better than the AKG 701’s, Sennheiser HD-555’s and Grado SR-80’s.

• You can Purchase these headphones right here through this link

The Cons

• If you’re looking for something well balanced, these might not be the ones you are looking for.
• Headband padding is not as thick as it could be.
• It is a bit on the expensive side.

Click this link to get yourself a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium Headphones

Let’s see what current owners have to say about these headphones.

Review by Travis D.

I previously had the AKG 701 headphones as my main headphones. The problem with those is that after several hours they would really hurt my head. They did sound very, very good though. I never realized how much they lacked in the bass department until I put on some old Sennheiser HD-555’s.

I “upgraded” to these expecting them to sound about the same or slightly better than my AKG 701s. The difference is HUGE. These sound much, much better. The first week i’ve been listening to music much more often because these make it sound so much better.

Review Paraphrased for size – view original review here