you shoudn't listen to music while using the tractor. it is very unsafe. with hearing protection, you should still be able to hear the engine noise somewhat. you can tell much from the noises the tractor and impliments make while in use. if you can hear something break and stop using the equipment before you do real damage to yourself and the tractor, you'll be better off. there is a place to eat, drink, talk on the phone, watch tv, and listen to music, but it's not while using the tractor. do you drive a minivan?
I'm 100% with you. Little noises mean a lot when running any machinery. If noise canceling really works you won't hear what you should and little problems will go unnoticed. Running equipment is a noisy job, I use ear plugs but would never compromise safety with noise canceling head phones.