In designing its fourth-generation consumer noise-canceling headphones, the QuietComfort 15s, Bose has done something interesting.
Instead of coming up with a whole new look for its headphones as it did with the QuietComfort 3s , Bose has left the basic design of its popular QuietComfort 2s intact and simply redesigned them on the inside, adding even more effective noise-canceling circuitry and improving their sound quality. The QuietComfort 15s look identical to the QuietComfort 2s, with the same over-the-ear design, including earcups that swivel and fold flat to fit in a stylish case.
To be clear: the QC15s replace the QC2s, which will no longer be sold. Bose has redesigned the case so that it's easier to plop the headphones in it and close it up. The resulting package is slightly bigger than a CD wallet, which makes it easier to tote, though it's still not terribly compact.
As you'd expect from a set of headphones designed for frequent travelers, Bose throws in a two-prong airline adapter. As we said about the QuietComfort 2s, even without the noise-canceling engaged, the earcups' deliciously soft cushions effectively sealed off our ears from the noisy environment.
While the QuietComfort 2s only had noise-canceling microphones for detecting the ambient noise on the inside of the earcups, the QC15s have them on the inside and outside, which is said to increase their effectiveness.
Flipping on the noise cancellation--which pumps out "anti-noise" to proactively counteract the environmental sounds--damps down the noise even further. Of course, there's a catch. The QC15 headphones are best suited for those who like to listen to mid-range music. Bass came through strong and powerful, but did not overwhelm the higher tones. While watching "Kingdom of Heaven," the thunderous sound of artillery crashing against the walls of Jerusalem didn't dominate the clinking of swords and shields, or the swish of arrows flying through the air.
The bass line was clear and undistorted in Nina Simone's "Sinnerman," and the cymbal and staccato piano line was well defined, too. In Rodrigo y Gabriela's "Amuleto," the strummed guitars were warm, and the higher violin notes weren't abrasive.
When listening to John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things," the bass complemented his sax well, and had just the right balance. In harder rock pieces, such as The Who's "Baba O'Riley" and Metallica's "Enter Sandman," bass wasn't as well defined or as present when the other instruments came in. Is spending bucks on a pair of headphones worth it? Yes, if you want a respite from the cacophony of airplane cabins, city streets, or other noisy environments, there is no better option.
Bose QC15 headphones offer superior sound quality and noise reduction. Wear them while traveling on a plane, working at the office, or relaxing at home. The headphones take a single AAA alkaline battery and provide up to 35 hours runtime. Some models come with an inline remote, allowing you to receive calls on your phone and adjust the volume. The QC15 headphones features include:.
Make sure to check eBay product descriptions for compatibility. Suitable Apple devices for the QC15 include:. On eBay, you will find some accessories accompany the Bose QC15 headphones, while other models require a separate purchase. A list of available accessories includes:.
When it's time to travel, the earcups can rotate 90 degrees, allowing the headphones to fit into a hard case that's about the thickness of six CD cases. The QC 15 is not particularly slim or compact compared with other headphones capable of stow-and-go, but you can still shove it in a backpack or purse.
Music lovers looking to brighten up the QC 15s while asserting their individuality will want to check out the design tool on Bose's website.
Partnered with Colorware, Bose offers fashion-forward audiophiles 46 colors of custom paint in either gloss or matte finish. The custom colors can be added to eight different parts of the headphones, including the outer and inner headband and earcups. The primary use for the QuietComfort 15 headphones is business travel, so they have to be comfortable for those long flights. Thankfully, the QC15 are up to the task, wrapping your ears with Bose's slow-response foam and proprietary ear cushion technology.
We wore the headphones for a little more than two hours without any pinching or pressure. The QC 15 weighs 6. The QuietComfort 15 come with a inch audio cable with a three-button, in-line remote. The exterior buttons control the volume and skip tracks. However, we only obtained full functionality with iOS devices. Our Motorola Droid Razr Maxx also delivered limited results.
When we switched to a Nokia Lumia , the remote was merely a decorative piece. When it comes to active noise-cancelling technology, Bose is one of the best in the business.
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