Noise Cancelling Headphones
Feb 12th, 2005, 07:28 PM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine had an article in February's editon regarding noise cancelling headphones:
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...2feb/tech.xml/
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...2feb/tech.xml/
Feb 12th, 2005, 07:54 PM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is a long running updated review of all these head phones:
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/9nov2001.htm
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/9nov2001.htm
Feb 14th, 2005, 08:12 AM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was able to borrow a pair of the Bose headphones over the week-end and will try them out on a flight this Sat.
I will say this, I used them with the iPod in the house and I think that they are fantastic. The separation of the musical instruments and vocals is very clear and the frequency response is far superior to any other headsets I have used.
This is the first generation Bose noise cancelling model and understand that they now have a newer version. I'm not sure how the newer one's differ but it would be nice if they were less bulky.
So far I'm impressed with the Bose, it would just be nice to find something of equal quality for half the price.
JoeG
I will say this, I used them with the iPod in the house and I think that they are fantastic. The separation of the musical instruments and vocals is very clear and the frequency response is far superior to any other headsets I have used.
This is the first generation Bose noise cancelling model and understand that they now have a newer version. I'm not sure how the newer one's differ but it would be nice if they were less bulky.
So far I'm impressed with the Bose, it would just be nice to find something of equal quality for half the price.
JoeG
Feb 14th, 2005, 09:45 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
My wife and I purchased Bose headsets about 2 years ago and feel it was one of the best travel related items we've ever gotten. They work great and for us they are definitely "worth the price". Our only regret is we didn't buy the sooner.
Feb 14th, 2005, 01:03 PM
#28
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is it true that Bose doesn't publish frequency response and distortion figures for their products?
I wonder why that could be?
(And I do think you probably <u>can</u> get Bose "quality" for less than half the price. You can also get top-grade stuff for the same price as Bose, <i>e.g.</i> Sennheiser.)
I wonder why that could be?
(And I do think you probably <u>can</u> get Bose "quality" for less than half the price. You can also get top-grade stuff for the same price as Bose, <i>e.g.</i> Sennheiser.)
Feb 14th, 2005, 03:52 PM
#30
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I auditioned both, but not the noise-canceling versions. The Bose reminded me of the old Magnavox AM radio consoles that substituted booming bass for fidelity.
They don't hold a candle to my 30 year old Sennheiser HD141s.
They don't hold a candle to my 30 year old Sennheiser HD141s.
Feb 14th, 2005, 06:00 PM
#32
Hubby brought home two sets of Bose headphones a few years back as a surprise. I wasn't too thrilled at the time because they're so expensive, but I absolutely love them. Yes, they're clunky (we have the non-folding type) but they're wonderful on long flights and we fly alot.
I've always had trouble sleeping on planes, but with my Bose headphones I can block out the plane noise, play soft music at a low volume and actually sleep!
I've always had trouble sleeping on planes, but with my Bose headphones I can block out the plane noise, play soft music at a low volume and actually sleep!
Feb 15th, 2005, 07:41 AM
#34
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JoeG: Your original post contained the question "Are they worth it?"
Bose: no.
Sennheiser: yes.
Bose has taken a run-of-the-mill product and marketed it to a fare-the-well. Sennheiser has <u>always</u> made better quality for less money.
I'd invite you to compare the frequency response and distortion specifications, but Bose doesn't publish theirs. That's a clue.
But don't take anybody's word for it. Just try both before you decide.
Bose: no.
Sennheiser: yes.
Bose has taken a run-of-the-mill product and marketed it to a fare-the-well. Sennheiser has <u>always</u> made better quality for less money.
I'd invite you to compare the frequency response and distortion specifications, but Bose doesn't publish theirs. That's a clue.
But don't take anybody's word for it. Just try both before you decide.
Feb 15th, 2005, 10:38 AM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I finally got a chance to look at the Conde Nast Traveler article in Feb/05 issue suggested by kat and the reviews on travelinsider.com recommended by TerryG.
Both seemed to rate the Plane Quiet NC-6 as a good value. The Conde Nast reviewer rated a pair called the Ultimate Ear as the best quality. At $550 they make even the Bose seem cheap by comparison!
Through a link on the travelinsider.com site I ended up purchasing a pair of the Plane Quiet NC-6's for under $60 including Priority Mail delivery. If these arrive in time for my flight this weekend, I will offer my personal comparison with the set of Bose that borrowed from a friend.
I'm amazed by and thankful for all the thoughtful replies.
JoeG
Both seemed to rate the Plane Quiet NC-6 as a good value. The Conde Nast reviewer rated a pair called the Ultimate Ear as the best quality. At $550 they make even the Bose seem cheap by comparison!
Through a link on the travelinsider.com site I ended up purchasing a pair of the Plane Quiet NC-6's for under $60 including Priority Mail delivery. If these arrive in time for my flight this weekend, I will offer my personal comparison with the set of Bose that borrowed from a friend.
I'm amazed by and thankful for all the thoughtful replies.
JoeG
Feb 22nd, 2005, 02:37 PM
#36
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just got a pair of Jensen JNC50s for $23.99 from amazon.
They're much better than I expected, and I think worth a lot more (although we obviously ain't talkin' audiophile grade here). They attenuate low-frequency noise to an acceptable degree, so I would expect them to make engine noise go away. Their fidelity is so much better than the airline giveaways, I don't think I'll ever travel without them. On a strict cost/benefit basis, they're a winner.
Most people listening to MP3s probably wouldn't be able to tell them from Bose.
They're much better than I expected, and I think worth a lot more (although we obviously ain't talkin' audiophile grade here). They attenuate low-frequency noise to an acceptable degree, so I would expect them to make engine noise go away. Their fidelity is so much better than the airline giveaways, I don't think I'll ever travel without them. On a strict cost/benefit basis, they're a winner.
Most people listening to MP3s probably wouldn't be able to tell them from Bose.
Feb 24th, 2005, 08:51 AM
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I returned yesterday from my trip to Los Angeles and here are my impressions of the Bose Quiet Comfort and Plane Quiet NC-6 headphones.
First of all, I listened to both at home the night before we left. It seemed to me that sitting in my kitchen, with very little ambient noise, that the Bose had a definite
edge in sound quality. But after testing them both on 4 hour flights to and from LA, the Bose advantage seemed almost negligible.
I listened to the Bose first and was immediately impressed with the noise cancelling effect on the plane. It definately works. The sound quality and wearing comfort were at such a high level that I almost wasn't going to even try the Plane Quiet headphones. I also noticed at least 3 or 4 other passengers using the Bose.
Eventually I was curious to hear the comparison. I was immediately impressed with the simpler design of the PQ. They use one AAA battery which is located on the headset with an on/ off switch. The Bose use two AAA batteries and have a separate control device that connects to the headphone and then to the music source, in this case my iPod. Additionally the PQ fold compactly and in general are less bulky than the Bose. I believe that the newer generation Bose use just one battery and have eliminated the control device. However in this instance the overall compactness of the PQ was a distinct advantage.
To my amazement the PQ seemed similar
to the Bose in the sound cancelling effect. Also because the PQ fit on the ear as opposed to cupping the ear like the Bose, they seemed more comfortable after longer use.
Now, while I am no expert, I do believe that I have an ear for music. Especially with regards to frequency response and sound and instrument separation. The Plane Quiet NC-6 were almost, nearly, as good as the Bose.
On the return flight I reversed the order, listening with the PQ first, then the Bose. I also listened to the same music sequence to make sure that the reproduction was the same.
While I may give a slight edge to the Bose on overall sound quality - the simpler, more compact design of the Plane Quiet made it a wash. Factor in the $250. price difference - no contest!
My wife listened to both on the plane and thought both headphones were "great."
Nothing scientific here - just our humble opinion.
JoeG
First of all, I listened to both at home the night before we left. It seemed to me that sitting in my kitchen, with very little ambient noise, that the Bose had a definite
edge in sound quality. But after testing them both on 4 hour flights to and from LA, the Bose advantage seemed almost negligible.
I listened to the Bose first and was immediately impressed with the noise cancelling effect on the plane. It definately works. The sound quality and wearing comfort were at such a high level that I almost wasn't going to even try the Plane Quiet headphones. I also noticed at least 3 or 4 other passengers using the Bose.
Eventually I was curious to hear the comparison. I was immediately impressed with the simpler design of the PQ. They use one AAA battery which is located on the headset with an on/ off switch. The Bose use two AAA batteries and have a separate control device that connects to the headphone and then to the music source, in this case my iPod. Additionally the PQ fold compactly and in general are less bulky than the Bose. I believe that the newer generation Bose use just one battery and have eliminated the control device. However in this instance the overall compactness of the PQ was a distinct advantage.
To my amazement the PQ seemed similar
to the Bose in the sound cancelling effect. Also because the PQ fit on the ear as opposed to cupping the ear like the Bose, they seemed more comfortable after longer use.
Now, while I am no expert, I do believe that I have an ear for music. Especially with regards to frequency response and sound and instrument separation. The Plane Quiet NC-6 were almost, nearly, as good as the Bose.
On the return flight I reversed the order, listening with the PQ first, then the Bose. I also listened to the same music sequence to make sure that the reproduction was the same.
While I may give a slight edge to the Bose on overall sound quality - the simpler, more compact design of the Plane Quiet made it a wash. Factor in the $250. price difference - no contest!
My wife listened to both on the plane and thought both headphones were "great."
Nothing scientific here - just our humble opinion.
JoeG
