Sony MDR-NC11 vs. Shure E3

[efenili]

I want to know which is better. I am going to get one of these two headphone sets along with my Hi-MD when those come out. I have read through this forum and the E3s seem popular. Now the Sonys I can get for around 100 and the Shures about 140. But thats not a huge issue if its worth the extra 40 bucks.

Feel free to let me know of other headphones under 150 in the same category as these two.

-Ed

[NETONION]

B&O A8, B&O FORM2, ATH CM7(TI), ATH EM9, Etymotic ER6P/S

ALL AROUND $100 - $150

[efenili]

that narrows it down :laugh: Thnx for all the suggestions, what are you using ?? if any of them?

[Christopher]

ef, I will finish my 'phone summary for you tomorrow and PM you when it's done.

[NETONION]

I M USING B&O A8. IT'S KIND OF GOOD, I THINK, BUT I WANT A FORM2.

USING EARBUDS TOO OFTEN WILL HURT THE EARS :wacky:

[Christopher]

NETONION raises a good point. It has been proven that constant use of earphone type listening devices can be detrimental to the ears, moreso than regular headphones. Nonetheless, if you do decide to employ this type of 'phone, please listen at respectable levels! Your ears will thank you later, and it'll save you a doctor's trip when you develop tinnitus.

[A440]

The original headphones mentioned, Sony NC11 and Shure E3, are made to shut out external noise. NC11 does it by adding a signal to cancel external noise and E3 does it by working like earplugs--same amout of noise cancellation.

Etymotic 6 also work like earplugs, though reviews suggest that Shure E3s are better. I don't think the others on Netonion's list shut out noise.

Haven't tried NC11s, though I haven't been impressed with other Sony phones like V5 or EX71. Sennheiser also makes noise-cancelling headphones (PX250) in this price range that might be worth a try alongside the Sonys if you want to go that route.

I once spent some time listening to the highly touted Etymotic 4P ($220) and thought they were extremely sterile and had weak bass, as well as a very fragile cord. I like the Shure E3 much better, both for sound and because they're built for actual use.

I like the E3s conceptually because they're not adding additional processing to the original music, as the noise-cancelling phones do. In practice, they sound quite good, and are also extremely comfortable with their soft flex sleeves. Fit is everything, though--had to try the seven sets of included sleeves to get good sound with only one. I think Shure sells them with a guarantee if for some reason they're just not compatible with your ears.

The down side of earplug-style phones is that with the tight fit in your ear any sound transmitted through the cord (like bouncing when you run, unless you clip carefully) or through your jawbone (like chewing) comes through loud and clear. But at a desk, or in a plane, or on a subway, they provide great isolation.

If you're using other non-noise-cancelling earbuds and trying to drown out the outside world by turning up your music, then yes, you're threatening your hearing. But if the headphones are reducing outside sound, then you don't have to crank them so high.