I use passive noise-canceling in ears. Basically, the seal is such that I can clearly hear audiobooks and/or music on every airplane flight. I have no interest in active noise canceling after finding in-ears do the same, with better sound quality.

Just about any closed-back will work well-enough to block noise. Every Autumn Colorado hosts the Rocky Mountain audio-fest, where - along with GEt you can also listen to just about any in-ear, over-ear, open and closed back headphones you like. Plus, you’d get to say hi to Sandy.

Timecop wrote: I use passive noise-canceling in ears. Basically, the seal is such that I can clearly hear audiobooks and/or music on every airplane flight. I have no interest in active noise canceling after finding in-ears do the same, with better sound quality.

Just about any closed-back will work well-enough to block noise. Every Autumn Colorado hosts the Rocky Mountain audio-fest, where - along with GEt you can also listen to just about any in-ear, over-ear, open and closed back headphones you like. Plus, you’d get to say hi to Sandy.

I haven't had much experience listening with headphones, let alone in ear. Whenever seldom I would use an in ear device, I found it uncomfortable compared to over the ear. I have heard/read that quality in ear can deliver good quality, but I think I'd prefer something that completely surrounds the outer ear. I'm trying to cancel external noise from an air conditioner.

Closed over ear headphones have gotten MUCH better, MUCH better than noise cancelling for sure. Check out the Fostex or the Audeze.
Custom in ears, where they are properly fitted for your ears are the cat's meow, perfect fit and comfort and the sound is to die for.
I have got some great open headphones (I know, not what you are looking for) that sound wonderful, REALLY wish I had not spent that much money because the ciems are better. No, the sound itself is the same from my great headphones, great sounding, but because I can hear the air conditioner with the open back headphones. NOT with the ciems. Your issue makes the ciems are the clear winner. And no comparison on planes, have to have the ciems, not my open headphones. ha ha
Wish this helped.
Happy listening whichever way you go.
God Bless,
Wayne

Wayne / guys just being honest I have little to no experience with headphones. When I mentioned to someone that I cannot "properly" listen to the Reference speakers when my AC is going the person recommended noise cancelling headphones.

What is the difference between noise cancelling and closed over ear? The PSBs I referred to seem closed and over the ear.

As to custom in ears, I'm not a DIY person nor do I have the overall desire to pursue that option, especially given the infrequent use of any headphone I get.

Here is how active noise cancelling headphones work:
www.audio-technica.com/cms/features/b3ef06fca462fcad/index.html

Not for audiophiles, IMHO.

Closed back headphones keep out noise by having the backs closed. Not as 'airy' and open sounding, but better.
Hope this helps,
God Bless,
Wayne

I don't have a high-end pair of headphones, but I agree with Wayne. I would get a good quality pair of closed, over ear headphones to use. You should be able to try various kinds at a dealer.

Those PSB M4U 8 headphones...from the description, they are doing a lot of signal processing to ADD stuff. Like when they say, "Carefully developed to produce ‘Room Gain’ – the energy and clarity that a room adds when listening to high-quality loudspeakers." Huh?

Really? Why would you want "room gain"? To boost low frequencies? Why not just get a good quality pair and listen to what's really there? Accurately? The good ones can go down very very low.

I do know you can spend several thousands on high-end headphones, but, as in most other things in this world, you generally get what you pay for.

Charlie