Best value – cancels low-end and consistent noise
Written: Jun 18 '02 (Updated Jun 18 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: They block out noise very well fold flat so they fit in a briefcase
Cons: build quality could be better
The Bottom Line: I really have to go with the Aiwa, if the Bose folded better and were less money the Bose would win hands down.
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| dkaakd's Full Review: Aiwa HP-CN5 Headphones |
Best value – cancels low-end and consistent noise
If you travel or work in an environment that has loud computer equipment or air conditioner units these headphones and a small CD player may be the best $50 bucks you will ever spend.
I compared three brands side by side; the Bose, the Aiwa and the Brookstone brand.
Bose Pros -
OK I have to admit I really like the way these fit and sound. They actually contour to you head like they were a custom fit the clamshell design earpieces are very comfortable.
Bose Cons –
The construction is a bit cheap for the price. They don’t seem to have a really solid feel. I will admit that it is possible that the materials Bose used are designed to be ultra lightweight and that could be the cause, but I think it is really that there is just to much plastic. Another issue is the size. If these were designed with the traveler in mind they would be more storage space friendly. They don’t really fold into a small enough package to fit easily into a briefcase. The Bose headphones don’t seem to block out any more noise than the Aiwa and the $200 price tag gives me more of a headache than the noise on the airplane.
Aiwa Pros –
They block out noise very well. I also like the fact that they fold flat so they fit easily into my briefcase without any problem (the included case is a nice touch). They sound very nice, when the noise-canceling switch is on they actually increase the base, but not too much While they are not as comfortable as the Bose, they are fine for me and sound every bit as good. All in all they sound good, they do nice job keeping the noise out and they are comfortable enough for several hours of constant use.
Aiwa Cons -
I have to admit that the build quality could be better when compared to the Bose (they are $150 less). Like the Bose they have a lot of plastic where some other material would have been a better choice. I am also somewhat concerned about them breaking while in their softsided case.
Brookstone model Pros –
They look similar to the Bose they do a nice job keeping out the noise.
Brookstone Cons –
They are almost as expensive as the Bose and not built nearly as well. The sound quality of music is not great. They sound a bit thin for my taste.
I really have to go with the Aiwa, if the Bose folded better and were less money the Bose would win hands down. However, I can’t see paying close to $200 for those headphones. When you consider travelability, comfort and price I have to choose the Aiwa over everyone else.
Recommended:
Yes
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dkaakd
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Location: Frisco, Texas, USA
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