Earphones / Headphones: Where to try, what to buy?

looks like MMxxx is similar line

Yes, the MM450x is the newer version. Doesn't get great reviews though and looks pricey for something that's been out for nearly 4 years.

The Plantronics Sense are a possible https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plantronics-Back-Sense-Stereo-Headphone/dp/B012TKIG6S/ but they're lacking noise cancellation and I'm not sure how good the isolation is. Can't spot anywhere to try them though so I'm undecided.

Regarding earbud type headphones - Are there any aftermarket tips designed to reduce isolation i.e. allow noise from the outside world in?

What do people think of Bluetooth headphones in general? In terms of audio quality/connection stability. I bought a pair of Urbanears Plattan wireless a year ago and I have to say the audio is pretty underwhelming in wireless mode, and walking with iPhone in jeans pocket is a no-no (audio cuts out). Pairing could also be a real faff and as a result they only ever had one charge and since the battery ran out I've always used the cable.

Any opinions on the new beatsx ones that are coming out and Apple's fancy new W1 chips? I know no one has used them yet but I'm wondering if anyone here has looked at the specs in any detail?

Has this wireless tech matured now and is it really worth dropping £150 cash on these things? Don't want to waste money for a second time but will happily jump on board if they live up to their promises.

Also, are Beats headphones no longer shit now Apple is in charge?

No

No as in, to all of the above?

The plantronics sense are good overall. Sound good when sitting listening to them, isolation isn't great but not that bad. The big issue, and I'm pondering returning them, is that there is a lot of noise if you walk with them. Kind of an echoing, bouncing thud for each step.

@KTown Bluetooth headphones are fine for when I use them. Not quite as good as wired but I tend to use them when moving about so in a slightly noisy environment anyway. Connection is strong for about 15ft or so with a wall in the way. If you're on iphone though you're missing out on aptx which I think does make a difference. Sound without it isn't terrible but is noticeably worse.

I've seen some lossless Bluetooth headphones. Is this just a fallacy??

@ChainBreaker I just had a read through the AptX Wikipedia page, apparently lossless is a thing.

You already get a max bitrate of 350kbps with AptX - which looks good on paper. Is that roughly equivalent to a 360kbps MP3 then?

AptX is proprietary tech and owned by Qualcomm so no wonder Apple devices don't have it...sounds like the W1 chip is Apple's answer to that, so I'm hoping audio quality will be as good as lossy AptX, or better...

SoundMagic PL50 IEMs just died in one ear. Since I paid extra to get them from Amazon, I'm going to try and get them replaced.

Definitely worth a try. My 3rd pair are still going strong, first ones I lost and 2nd pair worked for a couple of years before one ear went.

Sennheiser Momentum. Was in duty free a month back so just went for it. Awestruck. Not loved a headphone this much since the Sony MDR-D77 of the 90s. Not planning on sweating in them. Got some beats wireless in ear for training with the over ear clips. Do a job. Battery lasts plenty and seem sweat proof. But sound is average and I never get the fit solid. Still on the look out.

They are amazing, aren't they? I swapped out hd25s for them.

100%..probably one of the best all time products I have ever bought. Don't even question the price tag. Went for the larger over ear ones. Was staring at a 12 hour flight with a set of beats mixr wired that ache from wearing after about 2 hours. Was a good decision :)

Is that the wireless model? Was looking at them the other day but they're nearly 400 notes...

Yup. Mental price tag. Think I paid around £300 duty free, plus there was a deal on where I got a free smartphone, which was ebayed, so net was about £270. If you love music and you demo'd them for a day, you would not hand them back.

I'd take a lot of convincing... Most Bluetooth stuff I've heard sounded like crap.

Can have a go on mine if you're ever in Cambridge :)

Heh, I'm sure I can find some to try in landan.

My HD25s need a new cable anyway so might as well throw the baby out with the bath water.

Preferred the look of the smaller ones, but the sound and fit was way better on the bigger set.

Don't get the smaller ones

I got some Grado SR225e's the other day whilst in the states for a good few quid less than the UK price. I'm happy with them - but my god they're unforgiving... They make most stuff on Spotify sound like dog shit, even on 'Extreme' quality. Even on Tidal HiFi, which is lossless, they really murder any album that wasn't mixed well.

What's the wireless range like? I have a set of wired over ear momentums but would like the wireless ones for music and movies. Need a range of at least 3 metres.

I have a pair of the Bose QC35's, not the Sennheisers but...

Firstly, considering they're wireless, from Bose etc, they sound fucking fantastic. I've had B&W P5s and P7s for the last couple of years and they are certainly comparable if slightly less warm (though this could be because they haven't loosened up yet).

Secondly, noise cancellation is incredible. Plans, trains etc are pin drop quiet and the battery life lasts me at least three days of listening in the office.

Finally, the range is awesome. I can leave my phone on my desk and wander around the office without dropout (~10-15m).

Good question. I would say 10m at least so far but not really tested it - will try and let you know. Assume you're thinking in a straight line, not through brick walls or anything else? Even my beats in ear wireless were good for 20m.