Ear buds or cans, Guru?

AThat’s a very personal question, and the answer is always going to hinge on individual tastes. If it was GaGu making the choice, it’d be the inconspicuous solitude of ear buds every time. Except for those times when closed back cans are more appropriate, like when Guru wants the world to know that he’s not listening, or open back cans for when Guru wants the world to think he’s not listening. But Guru is always listening. Remember that.

There’s not really a happy medium. The wireless Muzik One headset ($200 / £160) does switch quickly between over-ear and on-ear configurations, which doesn’t quite hit the mark. Rockjaw Audio has engineered a headset which can flip between open- and closed-back, but Guru hasn’t seen hide nor hare of the £250 Sentio since its Kickstarter ended just over a year ago. Perhaps try some quality in-ear monitors like the wonderful ADV.Sound Model 3 (£80) with an optional set of rad-looking ear defenders on top? People will look at you funny, mind.