BOSE (R) In-Ear Stereo Headphones by BOSE
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Digital camera reviews of BOSE (R) In-Ear Stereo Headphones
Digital camera Review: Bose Quality
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the Bose TriPort IE in-ear headphones for use with my iPod. The purchase was based on prior experience with other Bose speakers and music systems. Bose has a reputation for delivering quality products. The TriPort IE is no exception. The sound quality at all frequencies is superior and the range surpasses that of any in-ear headphones on the market. I have tried too many to mention here. The sound quality is only the beginning. The construction, packaging (case), comfort and fit are also superior. I would give them ten stars if allowed. These in-ear headphones are so exceptional, I am purchasing another pair to have for the office, other car or just in case I wear them out from the constaint use. You won't be disappointed.Digital camera Review: Bose TriPort IEs come to the rescue of the bass impaired!
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me start off by saying that I have NEVER in my life paid $100 for a pair of earbuds! In fact, I've never paid more than $50, and on that occasion, I had to utilize a crowbar to pry my wallet open. However, I am quite familiar with the quality of Bose products, since I currently own an ancient pair of Bose floor speakers (circa mid 1980s ... and still going strong), and a pair of Bose MediaMates for my laptop computer. So, when I came across these little gems at a local Bose Outlet Store, I gave them a serious look-over.
My first concern was that these earbuds were "refurbished" and not new. The salesman assured me that they were indeed new and were covered by Bose's standard new product warranty (The fact that all other refurbished items in the store were tagged as such seemed to confirm his claim).
My next concern was "sound quality." Would these perform to the high quality standards that I have come to expect from Bose products? How could they? Earbud type headsets are notorious for poor sound reproduction in the lower end of the sound spectrum. After all, these are not the big "ported" speakers that Bose has pioneered and perfected over the years. These are tiny little buds that fit inside the ear!
I was especially apprehensive about buying them, since earbud type headphones are not the type you can "try before buying." Due to the fact that they go inside the ear canal, public health regulations prohibit this practice ... Personally, I wouldn't want to stick anything in my ear that has already been I someone else's ear anyway (Yuck!). So, I would have to buy them "sight unseen" or should I say "sight unheard."
At any rate, I decided to take a chance ... After all, it's ONLY $100. Boy, am I glad I did! These are undoubtedly the BEST pair of earbud headphones I've ever owned ... and I've owned dozens! Here are my initial observations:
SOUND QUALITY
No worries here, Mate! After all, they're BOSE!
The high-end response, as expected, is exceptionally clear and crisp. However, these buds WILL also produce the deep bass response that we've come to expect from a Bose product. How they did it in such a small package ... I'll never know! I'm talking massive low end response right out of the box, folks. Absolutely no "sonic break-in" period required to enjoy deep rich bass.
Having said this, let me present this "caveat" ... The bass response you experience may be TOO extreme. Especially if you are an older "seasoned" male listener like myself (I'm 48). It is reported that most males start experiencing a decrease in the higher frequency ranges as they get older, whereas, women generally experience a loss in the low end frequencies ... At least that's what the audiologist told me on my last visit. Therefore, these earbuds may produce much more bass than you prefer.
The bottom-line here is, use these earbuds on devices that have a built-in equalizer, programmed audio frequency presets (i.e. Rock, Jazz, Pop, Vocal, etc), or at the very least, a bass/treble adjustment. That way, you can tweak the bass response to suit your listening preference. You prefer a light "tight" bass response? You got it! You want deep thumping bass? Badda-bing ... You got that too!
DESIGN
Let me say that I can overlook just about any design issue, so long as the sound quality is excellent. Such is the case with the TriPort IEs.
They are described as an "in-ear" design (Hence the IE designation). However, it is my practical experience that they are more of an "on-ear" design that actually hangs from just outside the ear canal. Yes, there is a small tip that goes into the ear canal, but in my case, the mass of the earbud, and thus it's weight, is totally supported outside the canal. However, this is not a detriment to the overall functioning of the design. I'm just pointing out that the major part of the rubber insert will sit outside your ear canal, as opposed to inside it.
Speaking of inserts, other in-ear designs require a tight fit in the ear canal to provide, at best, mediocre sound quality. This tight fit has been a problem for me when exercising, as they tend to slip at the slightest presence of sweat or skin oil. Also, the depth of insertion of the earbud, to get a tight fit, produces an excessive amount of pressure on my eardrum, which quickly becomes uncomfortable. Not so with the TriPort IEs. The soft replaceable rubber inserts (Small - Medium - Large) provide a "sure-grip" outside the canal. Believe me, a tight seal is not necessary with the TriPort IEs to experience deep rich bass. Therefore, there is no pressure on your eardrum.
The only qualms I have about the TriPort IEs (Though many folks may consider them nit-picky) are the mini stereo plug, the gauge of the wire, and the design of the carry-case. The stereo plug is a "straight-in" design, as opposed to a "right-angle" low-profile design. This is obviously a matter of preference issue, since the angle of the plug has no effect on sound quality.
The gauge of the wire cord causes it to not be as flexible as others I've seen. Therefore, when unwound from the carry-case, the wires remain quite gnarly and kinked, and look more like a piece of barbed-wire dangling from your ears. This is purely aesthetic in nature and is another matter of preference issue.
The tri-fold case looks quite nice, and is made of rigid ABS plastic covered with a leather-looking material. A magnetic-type hasp, concealed under the leather, keeps the case securely fastened. However, the case is a squared-off, four-cornered design, as opposed to a smooth round shape. The earbuds fit into a recess in the plastic, and the wire cord is then wrapped around the perimeter of the case. A slot in the plastic is provided to secure the stereo plug end of the headset, so that the whole thing doesn't unwind when you let go. In practice, I am finding that I have to wind the cord rather tightly, so that the plug ends up in the right location to snap into the slot. Wrap it too loose, and the plug may end up nowhere near the slot. I fear that the constant winding of the cord around the squared-off edges may cause excessive strain to the wire cord, and may snap a wire somewhere down the line.
I have since retired the Bose case to my cassette & 8-track drawer, and am instead using a case that I find works quite well for all earbud types ... And is quite delicious! Delicious you say? Well, it has also been described as "curiously strong" ... if not delicious. That's right, I have found that an empty Altoids tin makes a fine "armored" earbud case. I use the round tins that the "Sours" come in, as opposed to the rectangular "Mint" tins. I simply wrap the cord loosely around the width of three extended fingers, and it all fits nicely into the tin. An added benefit of the Altoids tin is that it conceals it's true contents. I figure people are less likely to pilfer an Altoids tin, than a fine looking Bose leather case. Armored and clandestine ... That's double security!
Digital camera Review: Bose Triport In ear Phones
Summary: 5 Stars
They sound just as good as the more expensive Over the ear Triports and are comfortable in the ears.Digital camera Review: Bose VS. Shure. Excellent Product.
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased these earphones after an EXTREMELY dissapointing experience with Shure EC2s. They give my ears the feeling of excessive earwax after I use them, and when I went to the doctor to get my ears cleaned, he said there was no wax, and explained that the earphones i was using, the Shures, created pressure in my ear becuase they seal off your ears, allowing pressure to build. They did not have terrible bass response, but it wasnt very good either, actually being rather weak. Also fitting them is a real pain in the back, and once they are fitted they are still uncomfortable. They are best described as a combination of earplugs, and headphones. ANYWAY, after i purchased the Bose headphones, it was a world of difference, putting a smile right on my face. They are EXTREMELY comfortable to wear. The sound is amzing. It is full bodied, tight sound. The bass is extremely tight, with absolutely NO distortion, unlike the Shures which distorted badly and had very little bass. The bass is a bit strong on these headphones, but that can be adjusted by lowering the bass on the EQ, or if u have an ipod, putting it on either Treble Booster, or Acoustic. The Bose's are HIGHLY resommende, and i would STRONGLY advise against the shures, they will hurt your ears, and sound only average. I cant say enough for these bose headphones.Digital camera Review: Bose ain't bad at all
Summary: 5 Stars
I like pricey things and I like quality. I've owned many pair of earphones because I break them easily. Of all the pairs I've owned, nothing compares to the sound quality of the Bose. Sure, they are expensive and I'll prolly regret buying them after I break them, but listening to music with them is quite amazing. The bass sound is unlike like any other earbuds I've listened to. The overall clarity and strength is pretty good. I think if you aren't looking to spend a lot for sound quality and would rather prefer just some simple earphones that do the trick, any 20-30 dollar pair should be fine. But if you want one of the best because you are picky with sound or you just like spending money on the best things in life, then these earphones are for you.