JVC HA-NC80 noise-canceling 'phones rock dual-mode style

JVC's gone crazy with the noise-canceling cans -- it's just released the new HA-NC80 headphones, which apparently have two different modes for filtering out ambient sound. The short of it is that there's a "wide" and "low" mode, with the former being better suited to getting rid of a larger range of frequencies (such as those found in an airplane). The "low" mode, however, is best suited for a narrower and lower frequency ranger, such as bouncing around in that city bus on your way to work. These 'phones will be available starting next month for $60, which is less than Sony's or Creative's offerings. Put another way: would you trade 15-20 Starbucks lattes for one month in order to satisfy your aural cravings? We thought so.

[donlphi @ Nov 27th 2006 9:43PM]

I'm curious how they stack up with what Bose has to offer. If anybody get's some first hand experience with both, post it. I'm definitely in the markey.

[Matthew Echert @ Nov 27th 2006 10:59PM]

Do you own a set of Bose headphones? I'm curious to hear from people who do whether they're really that great. I was casually headphone shopping a few months ago and listened to a set of Bose's noise canceling headphones in a store alongside one of Sony's that was much less expensive, and I have to say the Bose didn't impress me at all. But that was just one day in a store...

[Blurrz @ Nov 27th 2006 11:21PM]

Does anyone know of headphones that will cancel out human noise? I work in an office and I want to have it quiet at my desk (can't get a private room because I need to be available in case a client needs work done) while I study for the CPA/GMAT, but I don't want to use earplugs because that is obvious and comes off as rude (I think). A lot of employees use headphones while they're working, so it is more acceptable to do that.

Therefore, I need a pair that will cancel out human noise (it can cancel other noise too, but it's not as important as there's no loud noises). Any suggestions? I know the Bose 2 and 3 are highly rated, but I think I can find something for less than they cost. My goal is $100 or less.

Thanks!

[Blurrz @ Nov 27th 2006 11:21PM]

Does anyone know of headphones that will cancel out human noise? I work in an office and I want to have it quiet at my desk (can't get a private room because I need to be available in case a client needs work done) while I study for the CPA/GMAT, but I don't want to use earplugs because that is obvious and comes off as rude (I think). A lot of employees use headphones while they're working, so it is more acceptable to do that.

Therefore, I need a pair that will cancel out human noise (it can cancel other noise too, but it's not as important as there's no loud noises). Any suggestions? I know the Bose 2 and 3 are highly rated, but I think I can find something for less than they cost. My goal is $100 or less.

Thanks!

[workmaj4 @ Nov 28th 2006 12:16AM]

I have had the same problem I have down time at work where I try to study, but it is difficult due to noisy neighbors. I tried the advice that I found on the Lifehacker blog. I downloaded a sample of both white noise and pink noise and set it to loop in my media player. (I prefer pink noise). It works pretty good, but sometimes it's difficult knowing when someone is trying to get my attention. When looping a sample you may get breaks in the sound, I edited the sample with Audacity and made the sample last for about 1 hour.

[mike @ Nov 28th 2006 12:17AM]

Sorry, but there are no technologies that will filter out random noise like human conversations. The best you can do is mask it with a white noise generator or something more exotic like this http://www2.hermanmiller.com/global/canada/english/news_articles/pdf/QuietTechnologyProductEssay.pdf

[Scott Jung @ Nov 27th 2006 11:23PM]

if these are new, how come when i froogle it, a billion stores have them in stock and Amazon says they have been available since 2001?

[donlphi @ Nov 28th 2006 12:11AM]

I have the bose Quiet Comfort (worn out completely) and Quiet comfort 2. I don't really want the ON THE EAR headphones. The noice cancelling works great on airplanes, but I keep seeing these other products. I think I need to stop reading the labels and start doing some testing of my own.

The interesting thing is, a guy told me about a much less expensive pair that is supposed to be WAY better than bose. I just can't remember what it is.

Honestly, my favorite thing about the bose headphones is the compact case (QC2&3).

[Adam Gallegos @ Nov 28th 2006 8:30AM]

Buy em' now!
http://www.audio-discounters.com/ha-nc80.html

[educationvictim99 @ Nov 29th 2006 5:56PM]

I own the previous gen cans and I like them but they are a tad uncomfortable for extended wears and the can out jack except for VERY low freqs