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Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
 
Price range:
$324.97 - $329.99
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Summary: Portable closed, on-ear noise-canceling headphones that come with carrying case, removable carrying case shoulder strap, removable rechargeable battery, battery charger, detachable connecting cord, extension connecting cord, mini-plug-to-1/4-inch-adapter, and mini-plug-to-airplane-jack adapter.
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Community icon5 people have reviewed this model.
Type: Portable headphones
About - Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones is part of the headphone test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, noise-canceling headphone models like the QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.


Sound quality:
Represents the tonal accuracy, clarity, detail, ambience, and dynamics of the audio reproduced by the headphone.

Noise reduction:
Represents how well the headphone reduces ambient noise when the active noise cancelation feature is activated.

Sensitivity:
An assessment of how loud headphones will play for a given audio input signal level. This is an important consideration if the headphones will be used with audio devices that have relatively low maximum audio output signal levels like some battery powered portables. Some models have 2 sensitivity levels given: one with the highest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch ON and the other with the lowest selectable setting or noise-reduction switch OFF.
About This Brand

While Bose's best-known headphones are noise-canceling models, it now makes several types, including earphones. Products are usually in the higher price range.

Features & Specs - Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
info Works with noise reduction off No
info Monitor function (mute) No
info Integrated microphone No
info Call connect/disconnect control No
info Integrated volume control No
info Integrated player control No
info Noise canceling unit in earpiece Yes
info Detachable cable Yes
info Cable length (in.) 53
info Battery type Rechargeable proprietary Lithium ion
info Low battery indicator Yes
info Weight (oz.) 5.5
More features and specs
Additional Information (The information below has been supplied by an external source.)
General Information
Manufacturer Bose Corporation
Manufacturer Website Address www.bose.com
Product Line QuietComfort
Product Model 3
Product Name QuietComfort 3 Headphone
Product Type Headphone
User Reviews - Bose QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Consumer Reports User Reviews
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Other User Reviews
 
4.0

(based on 5 reviews)

User has 26 Days of experience with this product
 
5.0
A great purchase
11/29/2009
Strength
Outstanding sound quality, comfortable to wear
Weakness
No European plug for the charger was included
This is a high-end product that provides excellent sound quality. I comes with a slim designed carrying case that makes it very easy to bring along both the headphones, the charger and the airplane adapter. The only downside is that it doesn't include any European plug for the charger, so if you travel to Europe, make sure to bring one along.
User has of experience with this product
 
5.0
Bose QC3 headphones
08/23/2007
Strength
Excellent fit and finish, compact size and outstanding sound quality (even better than the QC2 and more comfortable). I like to disconnect the cord and use them as as a noise canceling headset.
Weakness
Spendy. Comes with only one rechargeable battery (though I like that the battery is rechargeable).
I am pleased with my purchase. The QC3 are the best headphones I have used/owned. I loved my QC2s but the QC3 outshines them. The carrying case is well built and protects the headset. From The Clash to Hank Williams to Sonic Youth to Muddy Waters and The Mexican Institute of Sound, the Bose QC3 headset administers the music to my brain direct and lovingly. For all it's enclosed technology, the QC3 is remarkably warm and delicious. Well done Bose. I whole-heartedly recommend them.
User has 6 of experience with this product
 
5.0
Great Overall sound
04/30/2007
Strength
Extra-ordinary sound quality, comfort and fit.
Weakness
Not recommended for high impact work-outs. And this goes without saying, cost!
Next to my M&K 750THK 5.1 home audio speaker system... and next to my Polk reference car speakers (powered by Alpine amps), The Bose QC3s are the best things that have touched my ears. Is it worth it? For $349, it better be worth it! They sound great! I've tried Sony, Sennheiser, and JVC noise cancellation headphones. Don't bother! I tell people that I could NOT find reason NOT to buy these headphones. I totally adore this device. Other than using them on the plane, I use them at the weight room and for non-impact cardio. With regards to durability, I would take extra-special care with these. The hard-zippered care is ideal for travel protection and a place to store my ipod. I've had mine for 6-months and the battery life is still outstanding, 15-20 hours per charge (I wish my ipod had that battery life). The phones are very comfortable and fit well ON my ear (as oppose to around my ear, for the QC2 model).
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