So I posted the ATL yesterday of $424, and now using this code it's even lower down to $399.60 + $8/$10 Delivery ($0 C&C) @ The Good Guys eBay
Delivery cost is either $8 or $10, depending on location. Delivery not available to QLD Far North nor WA Remote.
Will JBhifi match?
Does this have a mic?
?
Yes…
Does it really take this much money for half-decent noise cancelling headphones?
The Mrs wants something for some flights, as in-ears hurt after a couple of hours
Been the RRP for Bose for a long time. But you can get away with the other models, like the QC45 I would say is great for being lightweight and minimalist over the fancier NCH700 etc
This model (QuietComfort Ultra) hasn't been the RRP of this price as far as I know. I think the cheapest they have gotten is $499. I think it was $479 at some places for EOFY, then recently it's been $499 / $449 ish.
These aren't half-decent, these are basically the best. Imo they're well worth it if you fly a decent amount.
Idk about the best you really need to try them on and see how they feel on you.
They are using the luxury brand tactics to get customoers to pay higher prices.
I have cheaper ones, Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC I got for like $250 a few years ago, the NC is decent but the Bose are best in class. Thinking of upgrading with this deal hitting a crazy ATL
I have personally tried a lot of them (but not this one or Sony MH5) back to back on the same flight, and my thoughts are as follows:
- Bose NC700 - best noise cancelling
- Sony MH4 - almost the same level (98%?) noise cancelling, but would pick Bose or Sony based on your sound and looks preference
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7 SE - not as good (90-95%?) noise cancelling as the above, a bit tight on the the head, but the sound signature is the nicest and can hear more nuance in quiet circumstances (and I am not an audiophile at all)
- Razer Opus X - only $90 and probably 85%-90% of the noise cancelliing ability of the top 2.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (included for comparison's sake) - just as good noise cancelling as the top 2, but of course way more portable, but only 3hrs battery
These new QuietComfort Ultras have better noise cancelling than the NC700 and also the "Immersion mode" is quite different, but I still find the B&W PX7 SE sound nicer in quiet environments.
I second that PX7 S2e are the best sounding of the bunch. but ANC isn't as great
I got Bose QC SC in JB Hi-Fi deal ($160 I think) and those have stellar ANC. sound quality isn't as great, but also decent, enjoyable if you like bass (I certainly do).
so when ANC matters most, I grab QCs (plane, office). when sound quality matters most, I take PX7. Sony are a middle ground sorta, but their sound is just weird, not my cup of tea. and I played with equaliser a lot. it's just not detailed enough, and rather boring.
Thanks for the great replies! Really didn't expect all that. Really appreciate it
Anything since, say 2019 will have incredible noise cancelling
I think the QC35 and 1000 xm3's were where the noise cancellation started to plateau (mine is still going strong.) Everything after that were only minor increments
The QC35 wasn’t really any better at noise cancelling than the QC25, which was released in 2014.
I’d say that active noise cancellation has been a solved problem for a decade now.
Yeah the qc25 were really the OG
@Drakesy: I've had QC15, 35, 35ii, 45, and SC
on recent comparisons at home where I was annoyed by milady playing some talking head, I could still hear it clearly with the QC35ii but could not hear it all with the 45 or SC
so I suspect that's an improvement - I also like the EQ bass/treble adjustment in the Bose app available for the 45, SC and probably Ultra - not for the 35ii
the Ultra I've tried in shops I didn't like the fit - too tight - and maybe had some touch area which is WTF - I prefer actual buttons rather than swiping my finger around trying to see if something happens.
JBHiFi is quoting $649 - https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-n…
which makes $400 sound like a deal
I'll probably stroll into JB tomorrow to see if I like the fit as I remember it being too tight and maybe the top headband was uncomfortably hard for me.
but hey - if you like to trust this drop-shipper from China - how about this price for an ebay seller with (1) positive review - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/387416987022 - $264 … ? Believe it or nuts !
No, Momentum 4's are ace and $300 with a voucher on Amazon atm
Yea dard
Good guys are really having solid deals lately. Definitely one of the better brick and mortar retailers out there.
*JBhifi but for 40+ year olds
Admittedly I buy all my whitegoods from them
Can't rally be beaten.
This or the Sony mx5?
Reviews in soundguys rtings and versus are mixed. They all slightly prefer Sony for sound while this has features. I’ve only had Sony so I’m a little undecided
Maybe let some other criteria help you decide - perhaps microphone quality for calls, or the size when in the storage case?
some batches of xm5 have hinge issues that might break
QC ultra has widespread hissing and software issues that I would stay far away from
Neither is perfect but with xm5 if you buy it from JB or someone like that warranties should cover that
sony for sound. bose for comfort
Are these just as good as the Sony XM5s?
I’ve the XM5s but they cause itchiness and some skin issues. Googling this issue seems to be very common and I did not expect such premium headphones to have such an issue.
I’m out to find better headphones as a replacement and I’d like to know if these ones have the same quality sound and just as comfortable without the skin issues
You can buy different ear cushions for the XM5 in a variety of different materials/fabrics - try that.
Any recommendations?
I bought the SweatZ for XM5, not really cushions but they caused the same skin issue so I’m thinking even cushions would have the same material
I bought these (Soulwit) https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0BPM7F4S3/ref=ppx_yo_d…
Once they arrive, I'll let you know my thoughts. I haven't had any major concerns with the standard ear cushions (apart from getting quite hot if I'm doing any physical activity with them on) though but I'm replacing them as I accidentally got a cut in the material of the original cushions.
I can report the Soulwits, so far, appear to be a solid choice. They look and feel identical. I haven't tested them out to see if they run 'cooler' than the stock pads yet though.
Sold out now. Not surprising given the great price.
These or the Sennheiser Momentum 4 ( https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/870068 )
Wanted mostly for travel and office.
My QuietComfort Ultra's arrived on Friday. I've used them for about 5 hours, so far, and can report that comfort is on par with the WH-1000XM5. They sound slightly different - at first I preferred the WH-1000XM5 but after a few hours use, I've adapted to them. The only annoyance is the battery life seems to drop much quicker than the WH-1000XM5 - because this I looked up the rated battery life and found that the Sony is rated up to 30 hours but the QC Ultra is only up to 24 hours. In real world conditions, though, I'm going to say the QC Ultra drops much quicker than the WH-1000XM5 (I'm already at 60% but after 5 hours of use on the my WH-1000XM5s, I'd normally be at 70-80%).
407 incl shipping for WA. thanks Op