Sennheiser PX100 & Bose QuietComfort 3

[mabsey]

I was ignorantly happy with the earbud Apple iPod headphones for a long time. However, when commuting I noticed that a lot of noise escaped from them, so people around me were annoyed and it also meant I had to turn the iPod's volume up to a very high level to compensate for road or rail noise.

So, I decided to give some other headphones a try. I tried in-ear headphones such as the Shure ones but I couldn't get used to the feeling of having something in my ear. So, I then tried over-the-ear headphones.

The two headphones I decided upon and can highly recommend are:

Sennheiser PX 100

Bose QuietComfort 3

The two downsides of the Sennheiser I've experienced are:

1. I've gone through two pairs because the left headphone has stopped working. I think this may be an issue with Apple iPods as other people on forums have complained about this too, even when not using Sennheisers.

2. The lead is way too long. I've knelt down and when stood up the lead has caught around my knee and jerked the headphones off my head or pulled the lead out of the iPod. Not good.

The downsides of the Bose headphones are:

1. They are quite big

2. The noise-canceling needs to be turned on to get any sound from the headphones

3. They are EXPENSIVE.

However, both headphones produce excellent sound, although I suggest you do as I did, and try the Bose in person before spending so much money. You will often find them in the Apple Stores to test.

[Mr. Mayor]

mabsey,

I've got nothing but praise for Sennheiser and Bose. A friend of mine swears by bose headphones, and... well, they are great. I've tried them out a few times, and the noise cancelling version of the headphones he has are great... they DO knock out any background/outside noise... only possible downfall is the size of the unit.

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD515's with me at all times. They're big... and are a mid-range priced headphone but for my needs... They do a great job.

If you had to pick one... which one would you pick? The Bose or the Sennheiser?... Just depends on your budget?

[mabsey]

If I had to pick one, it would be the Sennheiser as they are 15 times cheaper and sound nearly as good.

[Mr. Mayor]

Thought that would be the case!

Bose are definitely the 'real deal'... but unless you're extremely picky or an audiophile... nothing wrong with the Sennheisers!