I just used it in the mall during lunch time (kesian today lunch alone). Walking in the mall alone is such a joy. The mall is soooooo quiet. I turned on the Transparency mode after a few songs to see the diff. Then f**k, i never know that shopping is sooooo noisy.
Although I said it is quiet, please bear in mind that ANC doesn't make u deaf. U can still near some noises, like ppl pulling a luggage, fork or spoon hitting the plate, a little music when u pass by a shop that is playing music, that guy who tried to impress the girl who talked so loud when walked pass you...But all those noise are like their volume being tuned down to level 1.
Same goes to gym, u can really focus, although u can still hear the song playing in the gym, the shouting from the trainer, that "bang" noise when that "macam-yes" guy drop that barbell hard on the floor. Again, all these noises are tuned down to level 1.
It is really comfortable. I never like in-ear headset because I can't stand the pressure build up in the ear when u push that ear tips into ur ear canal. I tend to get headache and dizzy after awhile. But, what Apple did with the "balancing" tech was amazing. I wore it for hours and no issue at all.
Overall, very happy with my upgrade from gen 1.
As far as the music goes, do you find the bass side of things to be a little mild? Or is that something that can be adjusted via an equaliser setting of some sort?