Bose On-Ear Headphones (black)

Summary: I wanted to get the Bose QC3s for sometime now, but I couldn't justify the $349 cost especially since I had no need for noise-cancelling; I just liked the ...

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Summary: I wanted to get the Bose QC3s for sometime now, but I couldn't justify the $349 cost especially since I had no need for noise-cancelling; I just liked the supra-aural style better than the original Triport headphones. I was hoping that Bose would come out with a non-noise cancelling version of the QC3, and these are it! As soon as I learned Bose released with these headphones, I quickly placed the order for them.

I got these last week and have been listening to music like crazy with them, both on my computer and on my iPod. These phones are not noise-cancelling models, but they still block out a noticeable amount of noise. You can wear these in a room and block out the noise of cars outside, the A/C, etc, while still being able to hear someone speak to you. I think these would work ok on a flight, but definitely not the best; that's what the QCs are designed for. I'm no audiophile and the only time I've ever tried Bose headphones before these were the demo Triports and QC2s at the Apple Store, so I can't say anymore about the sound than it is terrific. It definitely is a balanced sound, with the bass at a perfect level and not too-overpowering. The trebles also come out pretty clear too. I was pleased with the sound over my old Sony EX-81 earbuds, which have a muddy and hissy sound compared to these. The bad thing about the sound quality is it really emphasizes how badly compressed some of my mp3s have become, which may not be a good thing if you don't have the original CDs for some of your music. I would give the sound quality five stars, but I warn you again that I'm no audiophile.

The fit of the headphones takes some getting used to, as Bose's design is quite unique. These phones are on-ear being that they are designed to be worn like those cheap headphones that you would get with your walkmans and portable CD players back in the days before mp3 players. However, Bose put cushioned leatherette pads which conform to the shape of your ear; when you put them on, you need to allow several seconds for the pads to adjust and form the perfect fit for you. Once this is done, you are all set to go. The phones do not press on you ears hard; I think they are very gentle and should be good for prolonged use without having to take them off once in awhile. I also wear eyeglasses, and the cups definitely don't press down hard on my glasses. I would give fit 4 1/2 stars.

These headphones come with a semi-hard zipper case similar to what is included with the QC models. The case is nicely padded on the inside and is custom-designed to hold the headphones when folded. There is a little mesh like pocket on the back of the case which can probably hold an iPod nano comfortably, though not a video iPod. Two cords are included: a short cord if you are plugging the phones into a wired remote control, like the iPod radio remote or similar; as well as a long standard sized cord. The cord attaches to only one cup and is detachable, so you don't have to worry about tangles. I would give the features and extras 5 stars.

And now the big con: build quality. I've read the reviews about other Bose headphones having poor-quality headbands which snapped after several months of use. Having tried the original Triports and the QC2s, I don't think Bose made much of an adjustment on strengthening the band of this model. Well, the band is definitely much stronger than the Triport, which has a thin, flimsly and skinny metal band wrapped in cloth, similar again to the cheap walkman headphones of the 90s. The on-ear's headband is very much like the QC2s: thicker, slightly more durable and covered in both leather and cloth. However, I still feel like after a few months these could break easily, just like people have experienced with the QC2s. They do feel kind of stiff and I'm afraid already that if I pull the cups too far apart that the band would snap instantly and without warning. Therefore, I have to give the build quality 2 1/2 stars.

So my final verdict: I think these are a great design. The fit very well without any alterations or "custom fit kits" like those needed on premium earbuds. They have great sound, which I would expect for a pair of Bose phones. However, I'm not pleased with the build quality. I feel like I have to be patient and move slowly when handling the phones for fear of breaking them; not how I would act for the average pair of headphones. I am only in the 2nd week of my 30-day trial, so I'm going to see how this works out. But I am fearful of breaking a wonderful yet expensive and fragile piece. I'll update this review if I do decided to return this at the end of the 30 day trial. Overall, I'll give these headphones 4 stars. The sound and fit quality are impressive, and the bundled extras plentiful. The fragility worries me, especially since this purchase wiped almost $200 off my bank account.

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Summary: Ok, I'm no pro but I have good hearing and I love music. I will say these speakers sound amazing. Are there better out there? I'm sure you'...

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Summary: Ok, I'm no pro but I have good hearing and I love music. I will say these speakers sound amazing. Are there better out there? I'm sure you'll find tech specs or better monitors out there but these sound awesome on a portable. Most often times these headphones are compared to ones that are made for hi-fi home stereo or DJ setups. Bose OE's recomended useage is for portable audio/video players. Most of the time, even here at CNET Bose OE are compared with larger more for home use monitors like Grado that are not meant for ipods or mp3 players or portability.

With that said Bose has always been about elegance and quality. One of the aspects of Bose products people dont give credit too is their ability to create an "Efficient" sound environment. This can mean alot of things, but first thing that comes to mind is power consumption... the more efficient the longer your batteries last!! While some cheap monitors will sound distorted at high volumes as a result of being over powered, others are hollow an weak as the are under driven. The ability to create deep rich sound with ear shaking bass at lower levels is amazing! I also own Shure SE310's and at almost $300 bucks they can not reproduce this as good. I love my Shure's and they serve their purpose and sound amazing, but consider what your using them for. Comfort, no cord hassle, portability, quality, fashion, etc. The Bose OE fit the bill! For readers thinking of buying these take note that you will rarely see a review criticizing comfort.

With the prices set for todays electronics its hard to find a real bargin. There's always something undesirable to find when you spend hundreds of dollars. Bose doesn't disappoint when it comes to quality a price. I challenge anyone to name a better on-ear headphone that adds quality, sound, efficiency, comfort, customer support, warranty, cable options, etc. for $180. Not to mention the statement they make when your wearing them. So many people say "oooo wow you have Bose headphones".

Bottom line...
Bose does not disappoint as they do what they advertise! The only thing negative for me is the cables. They seem a bit fragile. But I called Bose CS and inquired about this and I was informed that a new design would be available on 12/04/07. This new design would be more compatable with the iPhone and players with less than forgiving connecting setups along with a more rugged design.

If you love your music and dont want or cant spend $200-$1000... The Bose OE Tri-Port's look, feel, and sound like you did!

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Summary: I got my pair a few days back. I'm in love with them and they do justify the price.
These headphones are very comfortable and easy on your ears.
...

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Summary: I got my pair a few days back. I'm in love with them and they do justify the price.
These headphones are very comfortable and easy on your ears.
BUT they are as good as the input they get. Garbage in - garbage out.
If you are reading this - you probably want to buy them... go ahead you won't regret.

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Summary: These are, without a doubt, the best sounding portable headphones I've owned. I could not justify the price of Bose's QC3s, but I'm not disappointed. The sound ...

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Summary: These are, without a doubt, the best sounding portable headphones I've owned. I could not justify the price of Bose's QC3s, but I'm not disappointed. The sound is well balanced; the bass is deep but not overwhelming or distorted, and the highs are clear and crisp. These are the only headphones that I've used with my iPod's EQ on flat - there absolutely no need to increase the bass. I had been using the Shure E3Cs for a over a year (and I thought they were great), but the Bose OEs blow the Shures out of the water. I listen to all sorts of music - from Mozart to Metallica - and it all sounds fantastic. Plus, they do a reasonably good job at noise isolation; not as good as some of the in-ear models (such as the Shures), but well enough to use comfortably on the NYC subway.

My one complaint - and the only thing preventing me from giving these headphones a 10 - is the braided headphone cord. If you are listening to something quiet, every time the cord rubs against something (a jacket zipper if you are walking, for instance) the sound is conducted right up through the phones. A heavier, non-fabric cord would have been a much better choice so as not to conduct unwanted noise.

All-in-all, if you are willing to drop $180 on a pair of headphones for you MP3 player, these are worth the price.

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Summary: I was looking for a pair of medium size, good quality headphones that would be used while flying, listening to music and plugging into my guitar amp when I don?...

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Summary: I was looking for a pair of medium size, good quality headphones that would be used while flying, listening to music and plugging into my guitar amp when I don?t want to disturb anyone. I read some of the glowing reviews here and decided to give these a try.

My first impression was that they looked and quite felt nice and was hopeful that the sound would justify the expense. It did not. The most important aspect of headphones is sound quality and the Bose OE headphones sound mediocre at best.

I compared these to my larger, but much less expensive Roland RH50 headphones that I use with my guitar and my stock iPod headphones. The iPod headphones were, as you can guess, the worst sounding of the 3, but to my surprise, the $40 Roland ones had tighter bass, a much more robust sound in the mid range and were less harsh in the high frequency range. Although not as efficient as the Bose, my cheap Rolands sound much richer.

I will be returning the Bose tomorrow and will continue my search for something that sounds better than my cheapies and comes in a slightly more portable package.

In conclusion, the Bose OE phones are ok, but do not even come close to justifying the price tag.

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