The same reason people prefer comfortable cars to bicycles (I commute by cycle myself). Headphones are alternative solution to receive the sound with a pile of

The same reason people prefer comfortable cars to bicycles (I commute by cycle myself). Headphones are alternative solution to receive the sound with a pile of sacrifices, with the only advantage - not disturbing neigbhours. That is not a lie, you can feel the sound. I actually understand your point of view, but I have a strong belief it is culture influenced (see side story). If you want to save up, go for paper-thin walls. Some, like me, would rather pay extra for the comfort. Side story: I spent my childhood in late soviet constructed building. These had impressively thick walls inbetween rooms and flats. Sadly not sound insulated, but by a degree better of what I have seen in UK so far. Being a music lover, I would listen to a high quality (even had some of the rare DVD-Audio disks) on East EU-acceptable/West EU-loud volume every evening. In a contrast, last five years I have been living in UK. Fully detached houses are heavily rare, people love to save money and go for semi-detached houses with thin walls. Being polite, the best I can hope for is watch movies with just enough volume to recognise the speech. In my hometown, I could get close to cinema (sound wise) experience without stepping out of home. You would ask why I do not watch movies in headphones? 1. As mentioned earlier, low frequency soundwaves are received by the body, not ears. 2. That would be an awkward experienced watching a movie with (girl)friends, everyone wearing headphones. 3. Comfort of not having a piece of technology attached to your body. 4. I was exposed to a greater quality sound already. England would be a hell, if everyone had loud speakers and used them at night. So, I am thankful and respectful to english-men prefering headphones.