Headphone Heights

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RE: Questions on the Bose QC20's

Posted by kh6idf on March 2, 2017 at 20:29:03:
I'll attempt to answer your questions. I have the QC20 and have spent quite a bit of time listening to them.
They do not insert fully into the ear canal. Rather, the cone-shaped piece sits at the entrance to the ear canal and by virtue of its shape, ensures a good seal. The curved 'wing' portion presses against one of the folds in the ear (I'm sure there is an anatomical term for this) and when the whole earpiece is rotated slightly, locks in place. This is the best earpiece by far of anything I have tried. You get good bass without having to insert anything into the ear canal or make an airtight seal, It is very comfortable and can be worn for hours. And it stays in the ear very well.
I give Bose a 10 out of 10 for this design. You do have to select the proper size. Three different sizes are included, the medium size installed out of the box was the right size for me.
Yes you can turn the noise canceling off, but this also turns off the amplifier and the earphones are operating in passive mode (no battery needed). They definitely sound better (more dynamic and alive) with the noise canceling and amp turned on (there is just one on/off switch).
I can't hear any undesirable artifacts caused by the noise canceling, EXCEPT for a slight 'hiss', not unlike tape hiss or a tube preamp that has a small amount of high frequency white noise. This noise in the QC20 is minimal, and in my opinion does not detract from the music. It is easy to 'listen through' the noise to where it isn't noticeable.
In summary I find the QC20 to be a very musical sounding system with good bass and midrange and somewhat rolled off highs. The noise canceling works well, and completely cancels the sound of things like a room air conditioner in the same room. It also largely but not completely cancels the low-frequency roar inside of a jet airplane so you can actually hear the bass in music. The music always sounds better with a silent background. Considering the sound quality, noise canceling and the great fitting and comfortable earpieces I think these are actually worth the asking price.