Bose OE

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.