sadiqhassan

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,

sithjedi333

audio technica

LIH Prem

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

Kibison

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.

Tummy

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.

SoulFlyer

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!

GaLupo

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

stargold

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.

LIH Prem

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/AS...search46751-20

-David

LIH Prem

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

http://lifehacker.com/305131/make-no...dphones-for-20

-David

sadiqhassan

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

Cheers,

Tummy

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.

javajunkie

I found these (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.

hakha

Dear sadiq like porche their simply is no substitute.

willyroo

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.