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Bowers and Wilkins P5's or Bose Quiet Comfort 15's
- Thread starter Twowildman21
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I can't say much about B&W's new headphones (haven't listened to them), but I'd also venture to say that the B&Ws will easily outclass the Boses.
B&W is brand new to the headphones game, but if their Zeppelin iPod dock is any indication of how their new headphones sound, they should be a solid choice.
Also keep in mind though that in this price bracket, there's a TON of competition from well-established headphone manufacturers. Sennheiser, AKG and Beyerdynamic, just to name a few.
B&W is brand new to the headphones game, but if their Zeppelin iPod dock is any indication of how their new headphones sound, they should be a solid choice.
Also keep in mind though that in this price bracket, there's a TON of competition from well-established headphone manufacturers. Sennheiser, AKG and Beyerdynamic, just to name a few.
It all depends what you want - the Bose are great for Active Noise Cancellation in an environment where there is repeating background noise, such as a plane. Their enclosed design also helps. The b&w are great for noise isolation due to their construction but are not noise cancelling.
As ever it's a personal thing - try before you buy and everyone will have different requirements, tastes and preferences.
It's like asking which is better the MBA or the MBP at the end of the day.
I was trying to choose between the p5s and the bose ae2s. Obviously p5s are twice the cost of the ae2, but what sold me is the build quality, looks, size, portability, and general positive reviews from consumers and audiophiles alike on the interwebs.
Bose has good noise canceling.
I do like B&W stuff.
Depends on what you want to do with them. Do you travel?
Then go Bose.
Just for your sound system- then go with the B&Ws.
I do like B&W stuff.
Depends on what you want to do with them. Do you travel?
Then go Bose.
Just for your sound system- then go with the B&Ws.
Have tried both in store and have used the 15s on long flights before.
I prefer the sound of the B&W's, and found the large cups of the 15's a little uncomfortable for long periods.
The only negative for the B&W's is the thinness of the cable although this is replaceable.
In the end you have to leave the choice to your own ears, get down to your nearest apple store for a comparison.
I prefer the sound of the B&W's, and found the large cups of the 15's a little uncomfortable for long periods.
The only negative for the B&W's is the thinness of the cable although this is replaceable.
In the end you have to leave the choice to your own ears, get down to your nearest apple store for a comparison.
P5s are very good. Bit pricey though. Haven't heard the Bose but im always wary of anything made by them. See if you can have a listen using both before you buy.
I own a pair of P5's, and they do a very nice job of sound isolation. I got these because I hate active noise cancellation, but wanted something fairly small I could use when I'm out and about and don't feel like using my Ultimate Ears TripleFi in-ear buds. Also, for a closed-back can they are not overly bass-heavy (like the Dr. Dre Beats), which is nice.
The cable, however, is *****. I cannot believe that a $400 set of phones has a cable this terrible. And there is no real possibility of having it re-cabled because of the way it snakes through the left can.
All said and told, I do like the headphones. They are in a different league than the Bose as far as sound-quality goes, and are very comfy for long periods of listening (several hours, no problem).
The cable, however, is *****. I cannot believe that a $400 set of phones has a cable this terrible. And there is no real possibility of having it re-cabled because of the way it snakes through the left can.
All said and told, I do like the headphones. They are in a different league than the Bose as far as sound-quality goes, and are very comfy for long periods of listening (several hours, no problem).
B&W will have better audio quality, Bose tends to be exaggerated towards highs and deep bass with an almost nonexistent mid-range (just like all the Bose home theater surround systems). Bose is NOT well regarded amongst Audiophiles.
The Bose have good active noise cancellation, but they are bulky on your head, so your level of relaxation is diminished somewhat. Also, the Bose active cancellation causes nausea and vertigo in some people!!
For noise cancellation, I like an in-ear design. Passive noise cancellation works better than active for stationary listening. Shure makes great in-ear designs with passive noise cancellation and fantastic sound quality.
If you don't care about noise cancellation, I really like the Grado Labs headphones. The Grado SR-80 is probably my favorite headphone set. It has excellent sound quality and costs a fraction of the price of the big-name brands. Grado is Real Good Stuff.
The Bose have good active noise cancellation, but they are bulky on your head, so your level of relaxation is diminished somewhat. Also, the Bose active cancellation causes nausea and vertigo in some people!!
For noise cancellation, I like an in-ear design. Passive noise cancellation works better than active for stationary listening. Shure makes great in-ear designs with passive noise cancellation and fantastic sound quality.
If you don't care about noise cancellation, I really like the Grado Labs headphones. The Grado SR-80 is probably my favorite headphone set. It has excellent sound quality and costs a fraction of the price of the big-name brands. Grado is Real Good Stuff.
Great recommendations here. I can't wait to get my P5s today. I know I shouldn't, but I have quite high expectations for them.
I have never been a fan of active noise cancellation - I am one of those who gets headaches from it. The B5s are not well regarded by audiophiles as well, but you cannot deny that it has a better mix of build quality, sound quality, and style that is lacking from Bose.