Headphones for Hackers

They straddle between casual and reference. You really can't get solid reference/monitor in a closed phone. For open phones,a good starter reference would be the AKG701, but that is difficult to drive and anemic down low. For true ref tt seems you have to move up to things like the Senn HD800/Beyer T1 to get near ruler flat frequency.

For monitor use, and by that term I'm talking about actual pro-audio where isolation is a plus, really the high end custom IEM (IEM = in ear monitor) is where it's at.

But as with most things, be careful what you wish for. A true reference can be boring unless you're using well mastered source material. Most pop/rock/electronica doesn't fall into that category, and with that notion it's best to listen to a bunch of cans and let your ears be your guide.

The components in my chain cater to my preferences. It's not the most uber-accurate, but for my purposes emotional engagement is key - it let's me tune out from my environment and focus on my work.

I've found a so-far lasting zen with the Sony MW600 headphones.

They're quite a bit different. In ear noise isolating. Surprisingly comfortable.

They are bluetooth headphones. 12 hours talk time. Doubles as a headset and FM radio.

I pair my laptop to them and listen music. When a phone call comes in the MW600 automatically switched to the phone for me to answer. When I get off the phone, sound is back to the computer and I can work again.

It. just. seems. to. work.

I can wear the headphones all day and walk around without having to unplug when I get up or leave.

The best part is the small things

1) one less cord to dangle to the computer and get in the way when I'm typing. One less cord to plug in my ear for a headset.

2) Don't like the headphones? no big deal, unplug the sony headphones from the dongle and plug in any ones you like and enjoy the bluetooth audioness of it all. Works fine with both my iPhone and Android.

3) $45.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Ericsson-Bluetooth-Stereo-Headset...

I have a pair of Sony MDR-7506 headphones at work and a pair of Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones at home. I love the sound of both (and neither have broken yet), but the Sonys are far more comfortable. The problems with the Sennheisers is that they are very, very snug, and the top padding presses down into my a head a bit.

I really like my Technics RP-DJ1200's. They sound just as good as the mid-range Senheisers, but they don't break when you forget that you have them on and walk across the room. And they fold up so that they don't take up much space in my bag.

I find that often when I wear headphones, it makes the noise of co-workers more annoying. Without the headphones, I can hear distracting conversations, but I also hear other assorted office sounds, and the wind outside.

With the headphones, I hear music, but I can still hear some of the conversations, but none of the other noise.

Since the conversation doesn't fit in with the music, and I'm missing the other office noises that at least make me subconsciously think of the conversation as background office noise, it ends up forcing itself to my attention more than when I'm not wearing the headphones.

Anyone know if active noise canceling headphones would help much? I've read that they don't do that well on canceling conversation.