Sony Noise Cancelling Earphones - MDRNC11

[5711N0205W]

Does anyone have any experience of the Sony MDRNC11 in ear Fontopia type noise cancelling earphones? I already use standard fontopias and really like them for their comfort, quality and compact size.

[msmorley]

I've had a set of these for a couple of years now and they're... umm... adequate. If you've already got a similar pair of headphones you may prefer to save your cash as most of the noise-reduction comes from the tight-fitting of the buds into the ear rather than the electronics.

However, they're not bad to use on a plane and you can't beat their size for a noise-cancelling set - just note that they have a habit of switching themselves on in your bag while travelling

Hope this helps...


m.

[5711N0205W]

Thanks, there do seem to be very mixed reviews over the effectiveness of the actual noise cancelling bit. Think I'll stick with my standard ones.

[ITCZ]

Those Sony's look like a poor-mans Etymotics

After a couple years trying different solutions, I am very happy with a pair of Etymotic ER-6i "in ear" stereo headphones that I have now used for over a year.

I prefer the crushable foam inserts. I have worn these using laptops and iPod as sound source in cars, trains, and particularly when paxing in B717, B737, B767, A330 and BAe146 in all parts of the cabin. I am a classical music enthusiast and I think they are superb. You can listen to very quiet passages and get all the detail.

It is all done by noise attenuation (Etymotic make hearing protectors for specialist applications -- they were recommended to me by a musician from the West Australian Symphony Orchestra).

Cost was more than the Sony's, but way less than Bose etc noise cancellers. No batteries as I said before, and the only ongoing cost is a packet of replacement insulators every year or so at a nominal cost.

Interestingly, the fellow I bought mine from gave me a quick 'lesson' in inserting ear buds properly.. you dont push them in 'straight', the ear canal usually slants up and to the rear, so you insert these phones at a 45 degree angle. Sounds weird, but quite comfortable, and the results are most satisfactory.

Highly recommended If you buy a set and you don't like them, send them to me!

The 6i's were the cheapest of the model line in Australia. I bought mine from a one-man business -- www.headphones.com.au

Manufacturer's link...

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx

[5711N0205W]

Thanks ITCZ, those look interesting.

[Farrell]

For the best part of a year, I have been using a pair of Shure E2.

They are similar to the one's above and also have the foam inserts. They are great, although can get a little uncomfortable after about an hour - they tend to itch a bit, although others i know say they have no probs with them.

[Pax-man]

I had a pair of the Etymotics, which I managed to lose on holiday last year. I replaced them with a pair of the Shure E2s, which I got at JFK for about 50 quid, and I think they (the E2s) are better than the Etymotics. Whilst the ER6is might be a bit more advanced acoustically, the E2s have much more bottom end in the sound (bass is very poor on the ER6is), and I found them easier to insert into the ear (even though they are a bit bulkier). And, of course, the E2s are cheaper.

All in-ear monitors are a little uncomfortable at first, but you do get used to them. Once you've tried them in-flight, there's no going back. I also tried the Sennheisers with the active noise cancelling, which were very good but not as good as the E2s, and the external battery pack became a bit of a nuisance.

Just remember to make sure you ears are clean first though - the white flanges on the ER6is are, erm, very unforgiving!