8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Produce music with reduced noise as promised
Date of Review: Jan 9, 2006
The Bottom Line: Very nice headphones with a few minor downfalls (hence only four stars). If I could go back in time with the knowledge I have now, I would buy them again.
After owning a pair of Sony MDR-V500's for nearly five years, it was finally time to replace the uncomfortable noise blasters. Walking through Denver International Airport, I spotted the Bose stand and decided I'd give a $300 pair of headphones a whirl on my MP3 player to see if they could deliver $300 quality. Well, I now own a pair if that says anything.
The noise reduction is fairly efficient, working well in most applications. I occasionally drive with them on, and engine noise is nearly undetectable except at high RPM's. With volume at a sensible level (for a 23 year old guy), public noise in stores and airports is drowned out nicely. Do not expect them to eliminate all external sounds, however, as most higher pitched noises make it through. Overall, though, I am satisfied with the noise cancellation.
From the first time I tried these on until now, I have had very few negative thoughts concerning comfort. These headphones can be worn for hours on end without ear fatigue. The MDR-V500's cannot compare, as they seem to mash my right ear after about an hour of listening time. The only downfall I see with the QuietComfort 2's is a strange sensation that I need to pop my ears if I adjust their position on my head. This could be attributed to a nearly airtight seal around the ears, but I'm not positive.
Sounds quality is not superb, although acceptable for my intended use, and absolutely better than the MDR-V500's. As one reviewer mentioned previously, there seems to be an excess of mid-level bass on some songs; I'm forced to adjust my EQ settings which solves the problem. Low bass is very full, and highs sound clear. I listen to a lot of complicated techno music, and the headphones handle it without getting a 'bogged down' sensation, even at high volume levels.
The pair I own do not have an external battery pack, but require a single AAA which loads in the top of the right ear piece. I would not have bought these if they had the tacky power source others have mentioned. In any case, the required battery is an obvious downfall, but tolerable. One feature that I really like is the detachable/replaceable cord; getting a cord ripped out has always been a fear of mine, but these headphones have alleviated it. The dealer at DIA was courteous enough to supply me with a free cord (I think partly because he cracked my debit card by bending it back and forth in his hand hahaha). I guess the ear cups are also replaceable, although I have not looked into it.
Overall, I would definitely say that these are worth the money due to the comfort, decent sound, and sufficient noise reduction. I kind of bought them impulsively, but am not dissatisfied with the purchase, and would recommend them to anyone who enjoys listening to music on headphones as much as I do.
