View Full Version : Earphones - buying advice needed
Maureenp
12-03-2006, 21:47
I'm looking for a pair of earphones to use with my mp3 player when I'm on my motorbike.
Because they're being used on the bike I need some form of external sound reduction to block out some of the traffic/wind noise so I don't end up deaf, but I still need to be able to hear the traffic so I know what's going on around me. I reckon I need to remove about 25-30dB.
Anyone have any recommendations? Price wise I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds if I can avoid it.
Ta much
Mate, dont use earphones on a bike.
I know I definitely wouldn't wear earphones on a bicycle but I'm not sure about a motorbike? Is it much different to not being able to hear traffic noise when you're in a car with your music on?
Anyway, without getting too sidetracked with that issue, I have a pair of the Sony Fontopia Noise Cancelling Headphones (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006JILM/thedvdforums-21) that are very effective at cancelling things like aeroplane noise, aircon etc.
I'm looking for a pair of earphones to use with my mp3 player when I'm on my motorbike.
Because they're being used on the bike I need some form of external sound reduction to block out some of the traffic/wind noise so I don't end up deaf, but I still need to be able to hear the traffic so I know what's going on around me. I reckon I need to remove about 25-30dB.
Anyone have any recommendations? Price wise I don't really want to spend hundreds of pounds if I can avoid it.
Ta much
I use Sony Fontopia. Very comfortable, block out noise but not completely.
Mate, dont use earphones on a bike.
I used to think that as well, but find that playing music on a low volume helps with my concentration. Don't ask why. :shrug:
sorry to say that earphone/ear plug hybrids are rather pricy... custom made ones are about 120 and non-custom made ones are about 100
cant see any cheap optinos anywhere... i know.. I've tried
Keiron99
13-03-2006, 08:41
Best asking on the Home Entertainment Hardware forum
Best asking on the Home Entertainment Hardware forum
:thumbs:
Moving...
nigel_williams
13-03-2006, 10:16
I bought the Etymotic ER6i's via eBay. Worked out at around 55 quid, which is pretty good considering they are 100 quid here.
These are passive isolation headphones, so they fit right into the ear canal.
Maureenp
13-03-2006, 12:31
Thanks all. It's important that they don't block out all external noise because I still really need to be able to hear the traffic around me. I just need to lower the external volume levels to protect my hearing - at motorway cruising speed wind noise is loud enough to cause permanent damage. I wear earplugs at the moment, but for touring etc I'd like to be able to listen to music.
As far as whether or not I should use them? Well IMO it's no different to driving a car with the stereo on. As long as I'm still able to hear what's happening around me what's the problem? :shrug:
Remains and nigel williams, how much can you still hear when using the fontopias or ER6i's? I have looked at both of those, but I can't find anywhere giving an idea of the level of sound isolation.
Nigel, no problems with customs charges buying on ebay?
FlangeMonkey
13-03-2006, 12:58
The Etymotic range are more or less a full in-ear design, and can block out almost all outside noise, giving total isolation, so IMO they wouldn't be suitable.
Best bet if you want some noise-blocking but not total, is to look at semi-in-ear monitor phones (semi-IEMs).
Semi-IEMs will only go so far into your ear, as opposed to the "insert right into your ear canal" like the Etymotics.
Creative's EP-630 are great. A nice snug fit, with a fair degree of noise blocking, but not so far in your ear as to becomre uncomfortable or to totally block out sound. They do still block a fair bit, mind. They're an identical clone/rebrand of the Sharp MD33 and share some characteristics with the Sennheiser CX300...
Can be had for a mere £20 or so...mine sound great both with my amp and portable rig...
nigel_williams
13-03-2006, 15:36
I would be very cautious about using the Etymotics on a bike, they really do drown out 95% of the ambient noise even when off. I have to be very careful when crossing roads!
There was no problem with customs.... I think the seller must have accidentally labelled them wrong ;)
Maureenp
13-03-2006, 20:08
Thanks nigel, that means the Etymotics are deffo out! You bagged a bargain there though. ;)
Can anyone indicate the level of noise reduction with the fontopias?
Don't go for the Sony MDR-EX71's as the lead coating is crap and disintergrates (see the amazon.uk site reviews).
I've just gone for some Sennheiser CX-300 in ear ones for £33 from Electronics-Online.co.uk.
Maureenp
15-03-2006, 19:18
Another question! :) How much do the fontopias, Creatives and Sennheisers protrude out of the ears when worn? I need to be able to get my helmet on!
FlangeMonkey
16-03-2006, 09:52
I can only speak about the Creatives, but they don't really protrude at all. They should nestle in nicely behind your tragus (http://www.thefetus.net/images/article-images/face_and_neck/ear_anu_patil_images/ear_anatomy.gif).
the fontopias didn't either, and I can't see the Sennheisers protuding either...neither have any 'extra' bits of random plastic to keep them on either.
Boozyuzi
19-03-2006, 19:22
cjb110, how are you getting on with your Sennheisers CX 300's ?
I am thinking about a pair to replace my uncomfy MX 500's.
larrymarr
20-03-2006, 07:59
i'll back FlangeMonkey up by saying the Creative EP-630s are great! Got mine from Amazon at the weekend and they are very, very good! Mainly got them so that I could actually hear music on the train and they do a very good job of reducing background noise.
my mate likes his...mine are taking a while to be delivered:( But I had the mx500's too so I'll let you know!
He does say that his nano seems louder with them.
any views on the CX300, cjb110? I'm just looking at getting this for use on long flights. Does the sound leak out much so other people hear it when it's plugged into your ear? I've read comments that the inter-changeable bud comes off easily and might get lost?
wobbly Jelly
12-04-2006, 19:59
I picked up some Ixos noise reduction ones somewhere in a sale for about 15 quid, they have rubber seal and some noise reduction - bought for the plane - they cut out a lot of the rubbish, but unless you turn them up very loud still get voices etc - so not as good as some of the others, but 15 quid and may be enough just to take the edge off.
Just an update on the Sennheiser CX300. I just got them yesterday and have found them rather lacking in bass and sounds quite flat. Especially comparing them with the PMX200. I wonder how much better the more expensive Shure headphones would sound.
In terms of comfort level, I find it ok and not at all uncomfortable. As most review says, they do get dislodged from my ear rather easily. Especially the left plug as it's the "load bearing" side with the shorter cable.
For blocking out sound, they are pretty good, but I think the PMX200 is better.
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