Hey y’all!
Currently in a bit of a dilemma on what headphones I should be getting.
My employer gets me access to Bose’s employee purchase program of sorts and I get a discount on certain products.
Currently, I can get The QC45 from BestBuy for $229 or the QC from my employer website for $269 or the ultras for $329.
Given these reduced prices, which one would be the best option especially given my levels of usage? I’d mainly wear them when I walk to work, travel or at the gym and that’s about it.
Videos
Just got a pair of QC in white smoke for our daughter and spent some time comparing against my Utras.
For me, the Ultras win in comfort. The earpads and headband cushioning are thicker and more plush. The QCs aren’t uncomfortable, but the thinner cushioning is noticeable.
In our house the ANC sounds and feels the same between the two. Any difference in quiet and aware mode is splitting hairs in a relatively quiet environment.
Both have Bose’s warm sound profile, but the QC is more forward sounding, so the soundstage isn’t as wide as the Ultras. The bass on the QC extends a little lower and has slightly more attack and definition than the Ultras.
The mids and highs are decently represented on both. The QCs are more forward/direct while the Ultras have a more delicate touch with both.
A couple of reviews I watched noted some channel imbalance with the QC and I hear it. Out of the box they favored the right side slightly or quite a bit depending on the song. I did a factory reset which helped, but I can still hear some imbalance and it’s still more prominent on some tracks vs others.
I like both and I think it comes down to preference in soundstage. Those who like a more forward punch may prefer the QC. Those who like more spaciousness may prefer the Ultra. I prefer the Ultras for classical and acoustic stuff, but I’d have no problem using the QC for punchy rock and pop stuff…especially if I were in the mood for more bass.
Thinking of getting a pair of headphones for Christmas. Noise cancellation and comfort are the most important aspects for me.
What I like more about the QC is that they’re cheaper. The ultra seems to have a lot of complaints since it’s new so lots of glitches still, although noise cancellation is supposedly better but the question is by how much. I have construction near me so it’s important for the headphones to be able to block it out as I work from home.
I guess I’m wondering if the Ultra is worth the higher price tag?