Recommendations for Headphones on Loud Train Rides

18 on 01/05/2017 - 00:19

Those who have been on Sydney trains know that they get really loud and annoying. 90% of the time there's either someone talking on the phone really loud, or people having a really loud conversation.

As a university student, I just want to be able to listen to some music and do some study/work.

I'm looking for headphones that can drown out their conversations without me having to listen to music at a deafening volume.

If possible, within a budget of $150. I don't care what sort of earphones they are, as long as I can just concentrate on my studies! I always try to look for quiet carriages if I can.

Thank you in advance.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • altomic on 01/05/2017 - 00:40
    +4

    If you really want to block out noise annd get some work done then get some some decent in-ear phones and a decent pair of industrial earmuffs.

    that will block out all noise. the best thing is the the earmuffs can be treated like sh!t and dumped in your bag - compared to over the ear phones that run the risk of damage. whilst the in-ear phones can be carefully rolled up and take up little room.

    plus by using in-ear phones with industrial earmuffs then you are getting "double" the noise reduction.

    UniSafe High Performance Ear Muffs Class 5 29dB(A) $24.80 @ bunnings

    and usually I buy inexpensive in-ear headphones from aliexpress. I bought a few pairs of these for US$1.99 and have found them to be excellent. usually I spend up to $2 a pair and buy 2 or 3 pairs. if they are really good then I go back and buy more. I also give them to my kids for their mp3 players and kids being kids destroy them regularly. plus I sell them (at cost price) to people at work who ask if I have spare pairs so they can listen to music via their PCs.

    at work I use xiaomi piston 1 (original model) - bought for $5 off gearbest about 4 years on some 1 hour special. best in-ear phones ever (at least that I've used)

    • trongy on 01/05/2017 - 09:37

      These earmufs have a lower rating, but they are black rather than bright orange, so they would be less conspicuous once the label is scratched off. They are also half the price.

    • jutsu on 01/05/2017 - 11:07

      Yeah, i think it's the most effective way to reduce noise. You can also use memory foam ear tips (for earphones).

      By the way, what type of music do you like? Some earphones/headphones have more bass.

    • Troposa on 06/05/2017 - 09:31

      Almost exactly what I would have written. I do this when I mow the lawn.

  • 0p on 01/05/2017 - 00:42
    +2

    Look for noise cancelling earphones. If you can afford it i would fork out ~$250 for QC25's else
    Look for teenage mutant ninja headphones from Officeworks(Their home brand) or similar(kogan/sony…)

    • try2bhelpful on 01/05/2017 - 15:39
      +4

      Noice cancelling earphones don't work well for loud noises next to you, they are best for repetitive noises. In ear block out earphones are best for shutting out all the noises on the train. Of course you will then die when the terrorists take over and you are facing the wrong way :)

  • KitchenSink on 01/05/2017 - 00:51
    +1

    You'd want something with Active Noise cancellation but they run steep. The Bose QC25 or QC35 would be great but they are out of your budget

    A quick look on Amazon I found these
    Cowin E-7 Active Noise Cancelling

    Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling

    I've never heard of the Cowin, but I know Audio Technica are a good brand.

    • scrimshaw on 01/05/2017 - 01:02
      +4

      Bose hits the ball way out of the park when it comes to good noise cancellation though. I have a Panasonic NC-something which retails for $60, absolutely does nothing when NC is switched on.

      My Bose QC20 OTOH, the NC works so well you'd almost think it contains black magic. Your wallet will feel a lot lighter afterwards though (don't worry, just eat ramen for a whole month)

      If you are based in Sydney, I recommend visiting a Bose store. There's one at Homebush DFO, where you can go and try out their headsets on display and decide whether it's worth the $$.

      DO note noise cancelling headphones were not made to cancel out the sounds of human speech. It does cancel out the constant hums/ drone of engines and machinery, but higher sound frequencies are not cancelled. You will continue to hear annoying phone calls and babies screaming.

      Altomic's suggestion of earmuffs + cheap xiaomi In-Ear monitors are what you'll want if you want peace and quiet, just try to be alert though because being practically deaf to your surroundings while commuting can be dangerous.

      • 0p on 01/05/2017 - 01:15
        +3

        DO note noise cancelling headphones were not made to cancel out the sounds of human speech. It does cancel out the constant hums/ drone of engines and machinery, but higher sound frequencies are not cancelled.

        I heard covering ears like a kid helps
        Or go la la la la la la la la, na na na na na na
        turning up the volume when you speak
        :P

        • enzioFirenze on 01/05/2017 - 09:10

          I can't find your silver lining, I don't mean to judge
          But when you read your speech, it's tiring, Enough is enough

  • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2017 - 08:07
    -3

    QC35

  • Xyzzy on 01/05/2017 - 08:24
    +1

    How about something like these:

    ANSI-certified 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) earplug headphones. This Bluetooth hearing protector is made for use in loud environments, or when noise isolation is needed most. 100% OSHA compliant for use in the workplace

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ISOtunes-PRO-Noise-Isolating-Blue…

    Approx $150 delivered from the US.

  • onetwothreefour on 01/05/2017 - 08:56

    How about sitting in a quiet carriage?

    • kerfuffle on 01/05/2017 - 10:29
      +1

      Not all trains have a quiet carriage. Unheard of on the Inner West and South lines

  • TakaHas on 01/05/2017 - 09:12

    Do you want headphones or earphones as you have mentioned both.

    • 18 on 01/05/2017 - 11:17

      Whichever one has better noise cancellation :)

      • TakaHas on 01/05/2017 - 11:38
        +1

        Fair enough. I had the same need as you previously and bought in-ear headphones / earphones to block out noise. It's quite effective as the rubber ear adapters sit tight in ear preventing outside noise in.

        I tried Pioneer and Sony before, but uses Sennheiser only nowadays as I personally thinks it gives the best performance. I only buy the more budget ones (like CX 1.00) when JB have sales as the throwing around and pulling will damage the cord losing sound lasting around 2 years average.

  • Dave Id on 01/05/2017 - 09:17

    AKG N20 IEMs do a good job of blocking out sound and supplying excellent performance.
    ~ $150 on eBay.
    N20U @ $129 from Hong Kong prolly worth a gamble.

  • Randxyz123 on 01/05/2017 - 10:17

    Bose QC35. Yes they are over your budget but they are widely known as the best.

    Honestly though unless it is a 2 hour train ride and you get a seat , I'd just chill on your phone and work when you get to uni. Train studying is never productive…

  • MATTDAMON on 01/05/2017 - 10:46
    -4

    Sell your body for 1-2 hours and grab a set of QC35's (or QC20's if you want buds)

    They are just that good.

  • aaroncmw on 01/05/2017 - 10:47
    +1

    Nearly going to buy Beats EP until I saw this …
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5kqLqtla7M&t=172s

    And decided to give it a go. I bought mine at link below for $AUD 35
    https://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.html?orderId=835816145…

    Am still waiting to arrive. With shipment from China, I expected to wait up to 4 weeks. 

    • partymix on 04/05/2017 - 08:06

      Woo also love that its foldable and removable cord!! The link you provided it broken for me though :(
      But i did a search and bought them that way. Thanks!!

    • aaroncmw on 04/05/2017 - 12:40

      Thanks. @sparathecat didnt realise the link was broken until you told me.

      lets try again.

      https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sound-Intone-CX-05-Headphone…

      Am still waiting… getting quite excited and hope it doesnt dissapoint.

  • iridiumstem on 01/05/2017 - 10:55

    In ear monitors that have a high passive noise reduction rating? There are ones that work better than others like Etynotic Research ones or Shure ones (both boasts about how well their products block noises).

  • Toons on 01/05/2017 - 11:27
    +1

    I went with the Shure 535's and can't complain, Small, sound awesome full range triple drivers better than all of my others by a long shot including bose and beats N/C

    Passive works better where the background noise is inconsistent or variable.

    they fit so snug people don't see them most of the time and they are comfortable enough to wear to bed all night because of the way they fit inside your ear i often listen to music when winding down and if i fall asleep with them in no drama's.

    Proxy ear plugs if you live in a noisy neighbourhood.

  • polol on 01/05/2017 - 11:45
    +1

    Try some in-ears for $30 (like the xiaomi pistons). I honestly don't see the need for active NC for a train ride (yours could be worse than mine). I blocked 80-90% of noise that's annoying (people breathing, talking, coughing, babies) with any of my in-ears when I'm trying to read.

  • Findo on 01/05/2017 - 12:09

    3M peltor earmuffs with bluetooth

  • GhostZero on 01/05/2017 - 12:21
    +1

    I picked up in-ear Sennheiser Momentum's for the same problem, best earphones I've ever owned. They make an android or iPhone version for the in-line controls. Fairly small but they do stick out of your ears a bit, do a great job of staying in your ears tho, I've gone running in them and the only time they fall out is if you tug down.

    Harvey Norman is the cheapest multi-state store according to static ice but I had JB price match them down to ~$120.

    http://www.harveynorman.com.au/headphones-audio-music/headph…

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