($50 noise cancelling headphones...).
About that, I wouldn't recommend active noise cancelling headphones to anyone who uses them for prolonged periods of time. It's not good for your ears and I personally know several people that suffered from headaches until they found out the cause. Just remember that the sound isn't magically isolated with this technique, rather you are bombarded with extra sound which is is phase inverted in addition to the music you are listening to.
Maybe it is just an extreme case at my work and it works fine in an already quiet environment, but the guys who tried to block out the noise of industrial machinery at work for 8 hours were a good example of how not to use this technology.
Eh, I don't use that feature much (and definitely not for more than an hour). As for noise cancelling, it's not that much of a difference, just noticeable enough for you to not rage quit that you bought them. XD
Noise isolation (ie: Closed) vs noise cancelling vs open.
Sennheisser HD555 being open and HD280pro being closed, I can tell you that there's a huge difference in the way that I use them. With the open "concept" the sound seems a little more natural. That on top of where your location is, there is also music elsewhere you're listening to. Generally, it's great for more orchestral and opera styled vocals in my opinion. (IMO is huge. I'm no audiophile)
HD280pro isolates noise and keeps outside noise out. With minimal volume, I can drown out the extra sound. However, it does come with a mild "muffle" feel to the music. (I think audiophiles argue the construction, materials/padding and the driver for this?) This is perfectly fine for bass and whatnot. Pop is ok here as well.
Keep in mind, these might also be the specific characteristics of these headphones. I personally prefer closed for gaming and pop and techno and whatnot. I prefer open for instrumental, orchestral and if there's opera styled sound (ie: Ave Maria).
Am I the only weirdo that hears more sound when using noise cancelling headphones? It's like the sound of a CRT monitor or tv, but worse. I hate those things. Not to mention the last ones I tested were all clunky due to needing extra batteries and stuff.
If comparing to the settings on my J3, closed sounds like the sound on a stage sans echo. Open sounds like the sound from speakers in your room (Set on "normal" EQ settings ofc). TBH I can't tell much difference other than that if listening from my iPhone. But the difference becomes much bigger when I use my cowon and play with settings.
I'd compare the MDR series as being closer to the 280pros though. Closed system.
