Travel Technology - Alternative to Bose QC2s

I tried on the Bose QC2s in the Apple Store a few days ago and instantly fell in love with them. I have returned to the store no fewer than three times since then, and each time I am amazed at how comfortable they are. I currently have Sennheiser PX200s and I love them; however, after more than 3 hours they really get uncomfortable.

I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on any alternatives to the QC2s that are as (or almost as) comfortable. I don't mind paying a lot - perhaps even $300 - but the Bose's just seem like a rip of for what they are: the sound quality was unimpressive.

Comfort is most important for me (size isn't, although I find on-ear more comfortable) Price also is not a deciding factor though I don't want to spend $300 when I can spend $100. Any ideas? Something similar to Bose comfort-wise would be ideal.

Thanks!

Cheers,

audio technica

You think the sound quality is unimpressive because they are Bose, or something you noticed specifically, and with what source?

Their headphone are much better than their other products. At least IMO.

-David

Ebay is your friend. You can find new QC2's at good discounts. If you can stomach used ones, then you can get huge discounts.

I have tried at least 5 different headsets over the last three years and the QC2's are my personal favorite.

So you're saying the Sennheiser PX200 at $49 (amazon) sound better than the $300 QC2s on the plane? How is that possible especially since the PX200 are on-ear type? I would imagine since they don't cover the ear and have no noise canceling that you have to turn them up so loud that it would disturb the passenger next to you.

Try the ones at Brookstone. I can't seem to find them on their website, but they have them set up for demo @ the stores in the airport.

I just bought an emergency pair when my Sonys crapped out mid-flight. Love them. Love them more than the Bose, and the Sennheiser 450's I recently returned.

-SF

Also, http://www.warehousedeals.com/ (by Amazon) is your friend!

Awww Bose no.....
You guys need to make it to http://www.head-fi.org/
Personally I've been in a IEM mode lately but for my big cans been loving my Grado rs-2's

If you can handle the in-ear monitors: then anything in the maximum you can spend will be absolutely delightful. Can't fault my Shure SE310 in any way.

If you find the IEMs uncomfortable, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 offered pretty decent sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as only costing around 200-250 dollars (depending on which country you buy it in). In the UK at least, it represents a lot better value than the QCs, both in terms of price and performance.

If you find the IEMs uncomfortable, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 offered pretty decent sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as only costing around 200-250 dollars (depending on which country you buy it in). In the UK at least, it represents a lot better value than the QCs, both in terms of price and performance.

They are a lot cheaper than that in the US. $122 with free shipping at amazon.com. Are they that good?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000OMKR8E/ref=nosim/coffeeresearch46751-20

-David

Just found this ... you can make your own for around $20. :)

http://lifehacker.com/305131/make-noise-reduction-headphones-for-20

-David

You think the sound quality is unimpressive because they are Bose, or something you noticed specifically, and with what source?

Their headphone are much better than their other products. At least IMO.

-David

3-4 people I have talked to said that they found the sound quality of the QC2s unimpressive considering the price.

Cheers,

3-4 people I have talked to said that they found the sound quality of the QC2s unimpressive considering the price.

Cheers,

Were they using them on the airplane or on the ground in a silent room? I say that because headphones that sound good on the ground, often don't do so well when flying due to the engine noise, which the Bose are designed to reduce.

I found these (http://shop2.frys.com/product/5015055?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG) (iSymphony @ frys.com). I've only had them a short while, but I like them so far. Similar in size and features (over-ear, removable cord, etc.) to QC2 @ 1/10 the price! My only complaint so far is that they are a little snug on my head, but I attribute that to them being relatively new.

Dear sadiq like porche their simply is no substitute.:p

3-4 people I have talked to said that they found the sound quality of the QC2s unimpressive considering the price.

Cheers,

The sound quality of the QC2s is unimpressive period - they don't make music sound like the real thing. Bloated bass, sucked out midrange...

If you want sound quality with noise reduction/isolation, you'll need to go IEM.

I bought a set of the Audio Technica ANC7's last week for my trip to the UK. They work really well (especially given the price) and were pretty comfortable on my ears for 7 hours (after adjusting them a bit).

As an earlier reply noted, if you are ok with in ear phones, Shure SE-530 are excellent but they do cost a lot more than the Bose.

A better alternative to the Bose is AudioTechnica ANC-7 noise canceling. They're about $125 from Amazon, better sound than the Bose (not so heavy on the bass), and takes one AAA battery. Even w/out the battery you can still use the headphones (not so with Bose), but sound is much better with the battery.

If you do go with the IEMs, even the Shure 310 or 420 are far superior to the Bose. Bose has a great marketing scheme but they're sound is average at best. Just because they charge a lot, doesn't mean top quality.

For regular style headphones while traveling, go with the ANC-7's, one third of the price of the Bose.

As an earlier reply noted, if you are ok with in ear phones, Shure SE-530 are excellent but they do cost a lot more than the Bose.


I've worn lots of headphones and used lots of earphones doing my job over the past 20 years, and think those shure are the best in-ear I've ever tried. I did get a pair of custom tips made, and to me they're priceless. The sound I get with the SE-530 can't be matched. I did a trial with each of their offerings, and while the lower end ones did a good job, these blew them out of the water.

I had been a happy bose CQ2 wearer since they were released, but rarely take those cans out of the case these days.

+1 for Audio Technica; although I've since switched over to IEMs. I use the Klipsch Image, and they're much smaller, plus they come with two little travel cases and the larger one fits an mp3 player and the aircraft adaptors. Freed up a lot of space in my carryon. Added bonus is that they're so tiny you can actually sleep on your side with them in.