Top Review
A negative experience with low-end Sennheiser's when I was young kept me from trying others, and even steered me toward open back phones (AKG, Grado). I use headphones while walking, listening to classical music only. In the last year or so, my area has got louder and louder: modified-exhaust motorcycles, cars, and pickups plus 24/7 noise from US75. Although I walk later and later to avoid the noise, that has proved a temporary solution. Despite the dangers (not hearing traffic at crosswalks), I decided to move to closed-back, noise-attentuating headphones to be able to hear music. These headphones claim "up to" 32db reduction in ambient noise level. That is as good or better than most ear muffs for shooting. I was skeptical, but I can affirm the claim, if you fit them properly (outer ear entirely inside the headphone cavity). Most would consider this headphone too heavy for walking, but the padding and the tightness of the fit make the headphone comfortable for my 2-hour walks. The extra cable (coiled) is a little annoying, but I shove it into my phone pocket. There is some feedback from the cable if it is rubbing on my coat or vest, but I have been able to adjust cable or coat to eliminate the feedback. The impedance is higher than low-end headphones, but volume level with a Nokia 6 is good at 70-80 percent setting on the Nokia. And, speaking of the sound, I leave the best for last. The sound is transparent, neutral, and engaging. The sound stage is more natural than the eGrado I used for 2 or 3 years. My mobile music is all 320 kbps MP3 but there is no noticeable loss in quality from the same music on CD played on my Onkyo and Tannoy sytem. Of course, the HD280 cannot match the realistic, open sound of Tannoy's on orchestra or opera, but it never sounds boxy and it even excels with chamber music and solo instruments. If you listen to acoustic instruments, I urge you to try the HD280PRO before spending more. There is one caveat: this headphone is somewhat warm. In cold weather, this is a blessing, letting me listen to music without freezing my ears. I have not tried it in summer. -
whoiskermit
