I've had all kinds of head phones.. For the longest time, I could not fathom spending more than $100 on a set of headphones. I decided a year or so ago to check out the Bose QC-15's. After putting them on in a crowded noisy store and even without music hearing nothing but silence, I decided to get a pair. After using them countless times, I have to say they are by far the best headphones I've ever owned. They have far exceeded my expectations. They sound great, are extrmely comfortable and do an amazing job of cutting out exterior sound. I travel a lot and it's great to be on a plane and not hear anything but the music while not having to crank the sound to drown out ambient noise. Like I said, I could never justify spending that kind of money of a set of headphones.. I am now glad I did.