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

No problems so far. I don't use them all the time but I imagine even if I used them for 6 hours a day I'd get a good few days notice. And it tells you what % is left when you turn them on so you'll not be caught out unless you suddenly go in a week away with no charger and listen for 5 hours a day

Need to replace my senheiser mm 450 x.

Want some over ear, Bluetooth, noise cancelling.

Suggestions?

Can I get something less pricey but good than mm 550 x?

Do they need replacing because they're broken? Sennheiser do a pretty good repair service http://portal.sennheiser.co.uk/rma/repairs/travel

I sent some off to be repaired, they couldn't repair them and sent me a pair of Wireless Momentums gratis instead.

No they're fine, but good to know, thanks.
Because they're on ear they don't block out my turbo trainer enough. I had some cabled over ears before and even without noise cancelling they blocked out the turbo better

I'm enjoying using these:

https://www.johnlewis.com/sony-mdr-zx770bn-noise-cancelling-bluetooth-over-ear-headphones-with-mic-remote/p2061192?sku=234514387&s_kwcid=2dx92700016973222876&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKEAjw5M3GBRCTvpK4osqj4X4SJAABRJNCVXu8W1M_NM4h8yHZMf3QqCUXZzYPxb1za_CXsmRgzBoCiRbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#media-overlay_show

Could go to JL and try a few out, thanks.

bought some Chi-fi gear recently. Cayin N5 DAP and two pair IEMs, must say Im amazed.

First IEM Magaosi K3 pro
hybrid 1DD graphene (yeah like in that amazing tyre graphene man!) driver + 2 BA Knowles drivers. Very nice sound, nice build, comes with 2 MMCX cables. Rumors that these will be going for $85dorra on 7th anniversary Ali sales
Second Rose Technology Cappuccino MKII
hybrid dual push-pull DD river + 2 BA Knowles drivers, mahosive slamming bass and sub bass. Amazing sound cable could be better.
Both IEMs bargains compare to western analogs, similar spec and performance from well known would be 2-3 times $$$ more. Well happy with purchases

I recommended my TaoTronics magnetic bluetooth headphones (£22) from amazon to a mate and he also loved them. I'm actually amazed at the sound for the price sometimes. Bought a BT transmitter / receiver from them too for £15 and no complaints with that either.

How did you know which ones to buy/research them?

Searched reviews on the sony's and came across the Plantronics Backbeat Pro.

Ordered them from amazon.

Spent couple of weeks going through threads on head-fi.org. not easy a lot of hyping going on out there lol and then leap of faith and blind buy. Boom profit. Magaosi avaliable on Amazon UK now apparently, so you can return if you don't like

How long did they take to arrive?

I’ve used Penon Audio, they have both Aliexpress shop and normal website where you can pay by paypal in GBP, based in Honk Kong very quick replies on emails any questions. Paid $10 extra on first pair for express delivery, second being more expensive express delivery was included, both sent by DHL 3 working days so very fast from Far east. Normal delivery says 7 to 14 days. First package slipped in no customs charge, second £17 VAT + handling, both marked down to $30 by seller. not sure if they participating in anniversary sales .

Awesome. I think I'm going to give those Magaosi's a go. Are they comparable to the shures? better?

Sorry never tried shures before.
My previous phones sony xba-h3 also hybrid
I listen mostly electronic music that why I prefer hybrids. There good single dynamic driver and multi balanced armatures phones but unless you drop big moneys they still lack, dynamic details and top end, BAs can't deliver good bass. Combine both and with good tuning and crossover you got all with sparkle for reasonable amount of money. That is my IMO, someone may have different take
So why Magaosi. Price, good for every day, spare cable both good quality, metallic housing, good fit they very small and flush in ear I can sleep in them, isolation not the best but ok, there 2 vent holes in housing and if you stay near open door window on underground train you can hear some noise.
No flex in that graphene DD driver under pressure when you insert your phone.
Can't describe sound wise, not a specialist
If you London based and want to try latest Chinese portable offerings I'm happy to meet and kinda share

Flare did a really quick turnaround on the headphones. Although I'm about 75% sure they sent me new ones rather than repair the old ones. Which means I haven't got a cable upgrade like @BRM did which is what I was hoping for.

mine was a cable upgrade to the one you probably have - do you have a remote and some shrink stuff over the jack?

I've got a smidge of shrink between jack housing and cable but no remote. I think your fake kickstarter self got a premium service

My Sennheiser HD25's are starting to crackle after 13 years of daily use. Should I start by replacing cables and hope it solves it or just get a new pair? What about alternatives? Anything equally bombproof, with good sound and ideally passively noise cancelling at that price?

Still the greatest. Just replace the cable. Could also be a dodgy headphone jack – my old nexus 5 developed a crackle.

Same crackle on all devices so it's def the headphones.

Finally an excuse to get the curly phone cable!

Ha! Get the velour ear pads while you're at it. Such comfort...

Already ticked them off

I've just ordered those Magaosi in Aliexpress's sale, £85. Will try to compare them to my Shure SE425s when they arrive.

I hope you'll be surprised how far £85 can go on Aliexpress these days 😉