Manage updates with the Download AppBose QuietComfort 2
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 38233
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Bose's standard-setting noise-canceling headphones have just upped the ante.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Bose QuietComfort 2 price range: $389.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 06/24/2003
- Released on: 05/15/2003
The good: Extracomfortable; highly effective noise-canceling circuitry; device folds for compact storage in included carrying case; 30-day home trial.
The bad: Expensive; when the battery dies, so does the music.
The bottom line: Bose's standard-setting noise-canceling headphones have just upped the ante.
User reviews
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I've used these for a month now, and here's what I have to say.
Pros: 1) Excellent sound quality - No brand can come anywhere close to Bose in sound quality. 2) Good noise canceling - The noise canceling works very well for low frequencies. I use my QC2 during my daily commute on the Metra train in Chicago. The headphones
Cons: 1) Do NOT expect the noise cancelling to put you in a vacuum. It works very well, but you won't be transported to your own private world. You will still hear some noise, although it is vastly reduced. 2) The price tag on the QC2 is a bit too high. I thin
33 out of 41 users found this user opinion helpful.
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excellent headphones and well worth the $300.
by fcic on January 14, 2006
Pros: Extended highs and natural bass extension. Excellent resolution and soundstage presentation
Cons: midrange transparency can be improved
Summary: The noise-reduction benefits aside, these are overall excellent headphones any which way you cut it. From an audio perspective, (which by the way, I once wrote reviews for an high-end ...
Summary: The noise-reduction benefits aside, these are overall excellent headphones any which way you cut it. From an audio perspective, (which by the way, I once wrote reviews for an high-end audio equipment journal), they rank among the top headphones on the market today. Trust me, I have bought and tested countless number of headphones. For comparison here, I will use my Shure E5c inner-ear headphones (costs $500), my Audio-Technica CM-7Ti ear-bud headphones (costs $300), and my $120K reference high-end stereo system with both Wilson Watt/Puppy VI and Martin-Logan loudspeakers. So how good are the Bose? Both the top-end and the low frequencies are very extended with excellent resolution, even when you compare it to my 120K reference system. In particular, the mid and lower bass (the area where the Shure E5c also does a god job but the Audio-Techica CM-7Ti is extremely lacking in)is very natural although it's a little too exagerated and could be tauter. Soundstage presentation is excellent and you could hear the placement of musicians clearly in good recordings. Where the Shure E5c presents a more intimate soundstage, the Bose are big sounding, and you could even hear the width and depth of the musical venues in good live recordings. But most importantly, the mid-range, where most of the life and energy of music is contained, is also natural but a touch laid-back and could be fuller. Comparatively, the Audio-Techica is forward sounding while the Shure E5c is the most natural and correct sonically. The Bose is also slightly lacking but not very noticeably when it comes to overall transparency, especially in vocal projection. Voices are natural but just slightly veiled when compared to the other three but still far, far superior to many other very good headphones you can buy out there. The tonal balance is a touch towards the dark side of neutral. Relatively speaking, the Shure E5c is the most neutral while the Audio-Techica CM-7Ti is on the bright side compared to my reference system. In the areas of rhythm and control, the other two headphones have better pace than the Bose, and this I suspect is caused by the fact that the active equalization in the Bose headphones does something to the timing of the music. Overall, Bose made an excellent headphone. No, the Shure E5c is still my overall reference as far as headphones is concerened, but they are more expensive then the Bose. The Bose does most things right and some things amazingly well, and with noise cancelling an added benefit, they are a steal at $300. Highly recommended.
28 out of 30 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Phones - But they'll break even under normal use!
by CorkyMuldoon on July 19, 2005
Pros: Fantastic sound quality, effective noise cancelling
Cons: Plastic earpiece supports break! Pricey.
Summary: I'd rate these headphones as a "10" without hesitation if not for the substandard production standards obviously in use @ Bose.
Several reviews here refer to poor construction of these ...Summary: I'd rate these headphones as a "10" without hesitation if not for the substandard production standards obviously in use @ Bose.
Several reviews here refer to poor construction of these phones. I agree. I was at Logan airport, awaiting a flight to Shanghai when I pulled my trust 1+ year old Bose headphones out of their (nice) custom case. When I went to place them on my head, however, the right earpiece fell off in my hand. The plastic support for the ear piece had cracked and broken at the point where Bose embossed the model, patent and other information on the interior of the support! Fortunately, I was able to borrow about 6" of packing tape from a local TSA agent, so I wasn't totally deprived of their use en route China.
Bose tech support was pretty good, however. I was initially told I'd have to pony up $100.00 for a replacement set of headphones because my 1-year warranty had expired. The following week, however, when I chose to deliver my headphones to Framingham, MA directly, the friendly customer service person told me I was eligible for a free replacement set, because my problem was caused by an obvious manufacturing defect.
It's obvious by several posts here that mine wasn't an isolated problem. No doubt Bose has received several calls/complaints about the same issue. It boggles the mind that a company with Bose's reputation wouldn't go all out to resolve it.23 out of 31 users found this user opinion helpful.
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These are keepers!!!
by absorber on April 13, 2005
Pros: great noise reduction, good sound with dynamic bass comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. long battery life
Cons: expensive and a little bulky for travel
Summary: Bit the bullet and decided to try the Bose QC2 headphones for an upcoming European Biz trip. Lots of time in planes, trains and automotbiles was spent. Besides if they ...
Summary: Bit the bullet and decided to try the Bose QC2 headphones for an upcoming European Biz trip. Lots of time in planes, trains and automotbiles was spent. Besides if they did not perform as advertised I could return them within 30 days.
Well, I'm back now, but these headphones will not be returning to Bose. I cannot imagine how I have been traveling without them. My world is a quieter place. $300 is a bit steep, but worth it for me.
I have used other NR headphones and earphones. (Sennheiser, Sony, Shure and Plane Quiet) all reduced noice to some degree, but none were close to the QC2 performance IMHO. The Bose are just superior for combination of sound quality and noise reduction. Here is my observation for each use situation.
Plane ride: immediate and significant reduction of engine and wind noise to less than half the the level. airline movies and music sound quality was the best I have ever experienced. Human voices and baby crying nearby very muffled and hardly noticeable.
High speed train: totally quieted the noice to low levels. if it was not for the vibrations you would not know you were moving. MP3 player sound was great.
Auto: stopped nearly all wind and outside rumble from road. Sound quality was again great on MP3 player.
Street noice: while sitting outside in street cafe, most auto and other street noices greatly reduced. Sirens and horns were muffled ( by ear cups mostly) but very low level to still enjoy music play.
Yes the Bose QC2's are high priced and other models are much cheaper, but you should still try them to judge yourself. The 30 day money back guaranted makes this possible to use in your real-life situation. You may decide to return them, but I am keeping mine.13 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great headphones. The best there is.
by winston10002 on January 31, 2006
Pros: Sounds like real music played live.
Cons: Takes at least 120 hours to burn-in properly and sound their best thereafter.
12 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If you have the money....
by Al27 on January 18, 2006
Pros: Awesome sound with any Player (CD, MP3 or plane)
Cons: Pressure in your ear drums....
Summary: Rather expensive headphones. I would like to describe my experience with these cans. First I have to say that if you are looking for a set of headphones and you ...
Summary: Rather expensive headphones. I would like to describe my experience with these cans. First I have to say that if you are looking for a set of headphones and you are considering spending 300+usd you definitely need to go to store and try these out before buying, every brand behaves differenly and you need to decide. This being said, I love the sound and bass it is outstanding and the distortion level is hardly noticeable at a very high volume. I spoke to a rep regarding the very weak parts (the sidebars) and I saw the old model and the new model and according to them the sides are now reinforced and would not break as easy as the previous model. According to them the new model came on Aug 2005 and the there is new material that will withstand more physical abuse. I saw both models and I have to agree with the sales rep. Regarding noise cancelation I had an unexpected test, my girlfriend loves to dry her her hair when I am listening to music, wearing the QC2 I did not even notice she was there until I saw her her hair flying (it was awesome). I have to say that I did try several more inexpensive models that claim high quality but in my opinion these are the best. If you are in the US buy them at 300+usd, if you are in Europe or Latin America you have to pay WAYYYYYYY MOOOORRRREEEE.. in Mexico they are about 450 usd
9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Headphones If Your Anywhere Noisy
by bryangarcia on August 6, 2005
Pros: Great Sound, Beautiful Design, Great Noise Canceling, Great Battery Life
Cons: Kind Of Bulky, Could Be Louder
Summary: These headphones are the best that i have had. Using them now for about 6 months, i won't go back to the Sony MDR-900's that i have been ...
Summary: These headphones are the best that i have had. Using them now for about 6 months, i won't go back to the Sony MDR-900's that i have been using in the past. Being a music director, i listen to all sorts of music, and could justyify spending $300.00 on a pair of headphones to take with me when i'm on the train, or the bus, or even when i'm on a plane. Armed with the i pod, i have never been happier. Great Headphones if you got 300 lying around to blow. If bose could maybe slim them down a bit, and give them a more powerfull amplifier, i think that would cure a lot of problems for a lot of people
10 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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these are great! spend the money. get them. enjoy!
by hotdice on February 3, 2006
Pros: very comfy espy if you wear glasses! I will never go back to ear buds!
Cons: battery compartment cheaply made,
Summary: if these were of sturdier construction i would have given these a 10 plus. the elimination of background sound is so amazing its almost disorienting at first! One reviewer said ...
Summary: if these were of sturdier construction i would have given these a 10 plus. the elimination of background sound is so amazing its almost disorienting at first! One reviewer said he needed a pre-amp for his Treo in order to drive these? return your treo. My two Sony MP3 players drive these earphones wonderfully! Yes there are cheaper noise reducing earphones but the Bose are so far ahead of them forgetaboutit. save your time. get these. sit down. enjoy!
8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nothing Better - but watch out!
Pros: Sound is killer, noise reduction is the best I have heard (on 4th set of hps), free replacement in the first year - no questions asked. Folding design saves space compared to the older version.
Cons: I had to have my set replaced because of cracks in the plastic head band. Need a lot of power to drive them. I had a Treo 600 and needed a headphone amp to hear well on a plane.
7 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The industry standard...until now
by califlefty on May 30, 2005
Pros: work great, almost as good as Solitudes
Cons: More expensive then the competition
Summary: First of all, if your in the market for noise cancelling headsets, and reading this review, your in the wrong place; go to http://www.thetravelinsider.info/9nov2001.htm and ...
Summary: First of all, if your in the market for noise cancelling headsets, and reading this review, your in the wrong place; go to http://www.thetravelinsider.info/9nov2001.htm and read a 10 page comprehensive review about noise cancelling headsets, everything you've ever wanted to know before you part with your money. The bottom line, there are only 2 units that will satisfy, the Bose and the Solitudes. On price alone, the Solitudes win.
7 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
- Part number: 38233
- Description: Experience the innovative combination of the best noise reduction technology and the best headphone audio performance with the QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones. The premium headphones dramatically reduce unwanted noise, and advances in Bose technology make what you want to hear sound even better. Their ergonomic design allows for a comfortable fit and the fold-flat feature makes storage of these lightweight headphones even easier. Slip on a pair of QuietComfort 2 headphones and hear your music come alive. Decades of Bose research combine with the Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology to deliver the ultimate in audio performance. This award-winning technology electronically identifies and reduces the unwanted noise around you. So you hear more of what you want to hear… and less of the tiresome sounds that have so often distracted you. Proprietary TriPort headphone technology also helps give you the best headphone audio performance while keeping the design compact and streamlined. Unlike conventional, bulky noise reduction headphones, QuietComfort 2 headphones are lightweight and comfortable. Listening to your favorite music, you may even forget you have them on. Whether you take them on a trip or to the office, your QuietComfort 2 headphones will fold flat to store easily in a bag or briefcase. A single detachable audio cable gives you easy access to portable players, home stereos and in-flight entertainment systems, all with less tangling than two-cable designs. That same cable can be removed so your headphones can go "cordless" when you simply want the benefits of noise reduction.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature blocks the din on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport.
- Product Type Headphones
- Weight 7.3 oz
- Additional Features Battery level indication,
Noise canceling circuit Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Full size
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - External - 5 ft
- Included Accessories 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter,
Carrying case,
Dual-prong adapter Power
- Power Device None
- Battery 1 x Standard battery - AAA type
Product series
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Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
Ear-cup,
7.3 oz,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Battery level indication,
Noise canceling circuit -
Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
Ear-cup,
5.6 oz,
Stereo,
Noise canceling circuit
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Bose Corp.
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999 2673
- Fax: 1-508-820-3465
