Off-brand Active Noise Cancelling Head/earphones?

L[Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 21:07

Hey all, I want to buy some active noise cancellers to take to uni for the library as people are never really quiet in the quiet sections. I am reluctant to spend $300-500 on Bose/Sony/Audiotechnica ones etc. but if it comes to that I guess I will eventually.

In the meantime, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried/heard of some Xiaomi or similar Chinese brand cheapo ones that I could give a shot? I don't mind having a $50 guess… If it flops, I'll be resigned to buying the ones everyone raves about. Let me know your thoughts!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • tomlikesbeetroot on 14/08/2017 - 21:25
    +1

    Noise cancelling headphones won't do a lot to cut out talking noise. They mainly work on long droning noises like the sound of an engine on a flight, also in my experience with noice cancelling headphones, you really do get what you pay for, the cheaper ones are nowhere near as effective as more expensive.

    Do you want in ear or over ear type? If you are looking at in-ear type, consider buying some comply foam tips to upgrade over the standard. These will kind of work like ear plugs and block a lot of the background noise.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 21:57

      Nah, I know - I've borrowed my partner's QC25s and enjoy the effect, I'm happy with everything just being muffled and being able to enjoy music with clarity but low volume.

      I'd prefer over ear headphones ideally, they are most comfortable for me, but in ear is OK too.

  • Thommo82 on 14/08/2017 - 21:29
    +2

    Why don't you look at getting some secondhand Bose ones from say cash converters. That way you are getting the quality without the price. If your willing to make the gamble with $50 look at the QC15 the model before the QC25 which are older but would be worth the price. You should be able to pick up for $100 if not a little more. Better investment in it now instead of some dodgey Chinese one that more then likely won't be any good which would mean you'd go out and pay extra for a decent one

    Well that would be my two cents anyway

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 21:58

      Good idea! I don't know much about the QC15, do you? I'll have a look at the used market.

  • dcep on 14/08/2017 - 21:31

    ear plugs

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 21:59

      Don't play music unfortunately :(

      • Beanvee on 15/08/2017 - 11:56
        +1

        Ear plugs with headphones. That's what I do on my motorbike.

  • scrimshaw on 14/08/2017 - 21:42

    Bose QC25's are only $229
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/323997

    Noise cancelling does not cancel out human speech. It will cancel out low frequency sounds and the sounds must be repetitive (that is, the computer chip inside it can predict the wave form and generate a sound to cancel it out).

    It doesn't respond well to sounds that change in pitch and tone.

    But I guess, if you play your music loud enough you will cancel out any unwanted sounds but you run the risk of hearing loss (plus not being aware of your surroundings).

    You won't be dissapointed with bose though. They are the industry leaders when it comes to noise cancellation tech. The sound quality however is not the very best, as it's not their forte.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 22:00

      Thanks for the info, hadn't seen that deal yet. That's a good price, I might have to bite…

  • ryanjsoo on 14/08/2017 - 21:51
    +1

    Yeah, ANC is usually for low frequncy noise like traffic, plane noise, etc, they usually struggle with voices. If you're trying to block out voices, definitely look into a fully sealed in-ear monitor, those earphones that fit with the cable over the ear. Try and look for a cheap one that has foam ear tips because they block a lot more noise. The Xiaomi ones are vented so they let some noise in, I would definitely recommend spending a bit more for something like the Shure SE215 or Oriveti Basic if you want a bit more sub-bass impact and a more comfy fit. They also have removable cables so they should be the last earphones you buy for a long time.

  • tomlikesbeetroot on 14/08/2017 - 22:21
    +1

    Can't remember which one exactly, but one of the frequent flyer forums that I read occasionally highly recommend the noisehush brand as the best cheap alternative to bose. Could be worth looking at the noisehush i7, can be found at cheaper prices but direct link here http://www.noisehush.com/i7

  • Randxyz123 on 14/08/2017 - 22:25

    Go to JB and test the QC25s and then the QC35s. There is quite a difference in audio quality

    Next QC35 sale I'll be biting the bullet and upgrading from my QC25s

  • Word on 14/08/2017 - 23:46
    +1

    https://goo.gl/cuVVhA

  • frondono on 15/08/2017 - 11:57
    +1

    https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chinese-asian-brand-info-thr…

    have a look through the head-fi forums. there is a lot of good info.

  • ChillBro on 15/08/2017 - 12:00
    +1

    plantronics backbeat pro 2. feel like a rep when I'm recommending them so much every time these threads pop up.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2017 - 12:31

      I mean, they look great, but they're not exactly heaps cheaper than the Bose QC25s.

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