Bose Triport vs E2c!?

[code777]

Well was out today and found a pair of Bose Triport Headphones at a Best Buy (open box) for $109 but the sales guy would not let me open the "open box" to test them out on my iPod. Go figure, anyway I went to the local Bose "rip off" store and attempted to try the Triports with my iPod and was again denied. Instead they insisted that I try their noise cancelling $300 cans which was connected to one of their iPods for testing. For whatever reason the girl could not get it through her thick head that I wanted to try the $150 Triports NOT the $300 over priced cans! But its ironic as I was listening to the $300 cans she was trying to hide the "amp" or whatever that is at the end of the cord... long story... She kept saying, "Can't you hear the difference? Hear that bass? etc..."

ugh but anyway they wouldn't let me try the Triports out on the iPod as they did not have a "display" model. Only the ones at the listening stations that are so full of it (they basically run the music through some good EQ, etc..etc... to make their headphones sound good) so...

Do you guys have any opinions on the two? Do you think the Triports in theory or experience will sound better than the E2c since they are "cans" and not ear canal phones? I'm curious because I'd pay $110 for them. I know they are two totally different monsters but just curious if the Triports will produce better bass and a fuller sound, etc...

Thanks guys.

[Joshdude]

All the audiophiles will tell you that Bose sucks, the sound is terrible, etc. I personally love the Triports. Besides giving a warm, bass-rich sound that I enjoy, they are also the most comfortable headphones I have tried (I don't know if that's important to you).
The E2c's, while giving better bass than the E3c's, still disappointed me. They were extremely uncomfortable. I could not get a good fit no matter what I tried. However, the sound is undoubtedly more "accurate," and most will attest to their sound quality.
Bottom line: If you're an audiophile, go with the E2c's. But if you prefer warmer, albeit less accurate sound, go with the Triports.
By the way: The $300 noise cancelling ones are also fabulous, but overpriced.

[i_am_petro]

bose blows...don't buy 'em.

[kauffee]

Bose does a good job of reeling in people who are new to audiophiledom. Most people have never spent any time with a set of Sennheisers or Grados, and when they try on the Bose and notice how "different" it sounds than their usual crappy iBuds or whatever, they think "Oh, these are amazing." But the fact is, the Triports just don't resolve very well at all. A lot of the detail in the music is lost because the Triports just don't produce it. That's what Joshdude is referring to regarding accuracy.

I'm somewhat critical of the E2c because I think it lacks separation. The highs kinda get pulled down and scrunched into a small region of the soundstage. Nevertheless, the E2c's resolve the sound very well and the accuracy is there. In fact, they're a very warm earphone.

But honestly, if you're willing to spend $110 on the Bose, you should seriously consider the E3c or the Ety 6i. Though I've never heard the 6i, I'm of the opinion that the E3c are significantly better than the E2c.

[MartyMcPod]

I love my E2's. They are extremely comfortable, now that I have the proper fit. I use the foamies, and they sound amazing, and I can't here ANYTHING with them playing music. I use a small foamy for the left ear, and a medium for the right, so it may take some experimenting. They are worth EVERY penny of their 70 dollar price tag, and I think are a much better buy than the E3's which I have tried also, and didn't think they were worth the extra cash.

As you can see, kauffee and I differ on opinions about this, and you will definitely see that a lot. They both sound great, and you can't go wrong with either.

[kauffee]

Jeesh, code... I didn't even realize it was you who made that post. Stick with your E2c's and save up the money you would've spent on the Bose and put it towards E5c's. I think you'll be pretty disappointed in the Bose.

[cpn.luckycharms]

well, im partially deaf in one ear, born that way, i have a hearing aid in one ear, what would you say to me? bose triport may be the best way to go for me...

[kauffee]

That's an interesting question cpn. Why do you think the Bose would be better for you? Because they would fit over your ear and allow you to use your hearing aid? If that's the case, there are still better headphones out there than the Triports... check out the Sennheiser line if you're looking for a closed phone.

Have you asked your audiologist about this? I'm wondering if it would be possible for a company like Ultimate Ears or Sensaphonics to tune their in-ear monitors to compensate for your hearing loss in the one ear. UE is known for their great customer service... you may want to email them and ask about it. Let us know what you find out.

[code777]

well i have gotten a few PM's telling me to stay away from the Triports. Some of you have said you actually bought them and returned them within 2 weeks because of the sub-par sound quality. Regarding price, yeah its over priced for sure. Is Bose like a Rolex? All name?

I want to keep the E2c's but would like to get some cans for times where I'm in the house or stationary. Don't want to spend more than $150.

From what Best Buy carry (traditional headphones), which one do you think would be a middle ground? Suggestions then?

I think the Bose store is a crock, these sales people practically lie right to your face. I thought maybe the Triports would be a good deal for the $110 but after doing much research, they seem like they should be selling for only $60 or so...

[Joshdude]

Don't get me wrong, I won't lie and say Bose is the best. But I do think the Triports are excellent headphones.
kaufee: I've tried Senns and Grados, and I just don't like the sound. Yes, I am "anti-audiophile" based on that, but it's not for lack of trying. Those headphones produce such an accurate sound that the bass is lost to me. Perhaps that's the "true" way for bass to be listened to, but I hate it. I prefer a deep, thumpy bass, and a warmer, richer, fuller sound. For this, I prefer the Boses. If I were a music-maker, or a sound technician, obviously Boses would be out of the question. But for home listening, not much beats the Triports in my opinion. Jazz sounds especially good on them.
Yes the Bose store is full of it. You could get the Triports cheaper on eBay, most likely.

[code777]

do your triports display good bass and treble, i'm no audiophile by any means but do enjoy crisp sound with good bass and treble.

I mainly listen to heavy metal/rock and i like to hear bass drums go wild as well as the bass guitar.

I also listen to a healthy dose of jazz music. I guess I could always just buy them and return them. The kid said "just buy them and try them out for a week or so and if you don't like them just return them in time to get your money back..." but you know how these BB characters are, wrong info.....

[Joshdude]

Yeah thats what I'd do. It all comes down to personal preference. They're only the wrong headphones to buy if you don't like them.

[kauffee]

But the Bose don't produce the bass! They just make a really warm sound. The notes aren't there at all. Anyway, I don't really want to get into another Bose sucks thread.

code, I would stay away from Best Buy. They only carry the Bose and 2 crappy Sony phones (V700 and one another, I think). Check out the Grado SR80 and SR225 (if you can splurge). Honestly, based on what I know about you, I think the SR225 would be the perfect phone. It has awesome bass and is really aggressive. Nevertheless, the bass on the SR80 is really good too. That's my phone for home listening and it can be used with the iPod provided you have good quality files.

The Senn HD280 Pro is a good closed phone that can be used with the iPod unamped. The HD555 fits within your price range but it'll require an amp to get the good sound, I think.

[code777]

Kill me now guys. After much haggling with BB manager I got the Bose headphones for $85 out the door (never knew I could haggle at a BB but there were some missing items) and to be very honest...

The Bose do produce A TON of bass. I mean my E2c's had a more accurate bass but the Bose FOR ME was like putting on glasses and seeing clear for the first time!

Again, bash me if you want but I am really impressed with the sound with the triports. I mean cans and canalphones are two different beasts but I really have been enjoying these Bose Triports these past 5 hrs. My iPod sounds awesome.

Tomorrow I will check out some Grado SR80's at a local stereo shop in town. They have the SR225's as well...

I know I know, Bose... but for my ears they are sound great - good bass and clear highs and just an overall "clarity" I like. I'll test run them for the next week. The store that has the SR80 doesn't accept returns so... I'll try my best at testing them in his store with my iPod.

Thanks again and well, let you know what happens...

[Joshdude]

Good on ya. See, Boses aren't so bad.

[kauffee]

...another one bites the dust. :(

[Joshdude]

Do you mean because you lost the argument or because someone "fell victim to Bose's marketing and succumbed to their bad products"?

[kauffee]

Yes, the latter. I frankly don't care whether or not I win the argument. If you have a good ear you don't need anyone to tell you that Bose products are sub-par. You just know.

[code777]

i mean for MY EARS i find them just fine... I honestly do. But i'll try out the Grado today.

Again you have to understand i'm not extreamly nit picky but i used the Bose Triports all last night and am really impressed. Oh well... don't hurt me too much guys :(

[kauffee]

Nah, it's cool. If you find something you really like, that's awesome, and you don't need to justify it to anyone else. But definitely let us know what you think of the Grados. And bring your TriPorts with you to compare, of course.

[Joshdude]

Exactly. Since it's all about what you want, it doesn't matter what the standards are. I have the same opinion. I love the TriPorts. But audiophiles tell me that I'm "wrong" for liking them, like it's a sin or something. I mean, I can understand if someone told me I was wrong for liking HEROINE, but for headphones, PAH! That's like someone saying you've made the incorrect choice on a sofa chair.

[code777]

Didn't get a chance to try out the Grados as i was more busy getting my 420i installed with a new alpine HU. I talked to the guy and he even said that the Bose Triports are good headphones but feels the Triports lack when it comes to construction. Very poor contruction he said. They put more money into the speakers, design, etc... and skimped out on the construction of the headphones. I tend to agree. They are flimsy.

Anyway he also suggested the Grado's but he feels they are similar in sound range. So... Maybe this weekend I'll get back there and try them out...

edit - just called the shop and got a different guy who is an "expert" in headphones so he says. He does suggest the Grado 225's but feels the 80's are comparable with the Triports. He also prefers the Grados but he was really pushing the 225's over the 80's. They are selling the 80's for $120 and i think that is above what i see them for online. 225's are over $200 so out of the question.

Hopfully I'll get over there this weekend....

[mctriple]

i think the concensus has already been made, but go for the canalphones. they'll be better.

[kauffee]

Yeah that's a pretty bad price for the 80s. I don't think either of those guys really knows what they're talking about, though. I have the 80s and they sound nothing (and I mean nothing!) at all like the TriPorts. And not just because I think they're better... they're just very different. The Grados have tight bass, are a lot brighter in the highs, and have the airyness of an open phone. The sound signatures are completely different.

Definitely try them alongside your Bose... you'll see.

[code777]

last night went and tried the 80s. i feel their contruction is a ton better than the Bose but regarding sound. Its only slightly better - its one of those e2c vs e3c things for me... now the 225's??? those are some good sounding cans but for $220. A bit over my price range. but i guess i could just return the triports in fave of the 80's but again, it would be mainly for the contruction difference. sound wise is miniscule once again. But again, i'm not expert in sound so... i'm gonna think it over.

[kauffee]

Well consider the setting you're going to be using them in. The Grados are not very portable. You can't use them if there's any background noise, the sound leaks out to people around you (could be a problem in an office), and the cord is long and heavy. The Bose are a lot more versatile from that perspective. I really don't think the Grados are built much better. The Bose are light plastic, but they don't strike me as being poorly built if you take care of them.

I'm still shocked you don't hear a huge difference, though.

[code777]

I don't know - again the setting in this small shop is less than ideal (car stereo's blaring bass out, kids talking, other stereos playing, etc...) so... I mean yes there is a difference in sound but I couldn't hear a "huge" difference with the 80's. I did with the 225's.

I was thinking of the portability factor since my main use for these headphones is for the bus ride into work and out of work and when i'm on lunch I listen to music as well... i did feel the Grados were a bit ummmm, well - "retro" looking in a way and kinda large (like you said the cable is larger than the Bose)

To sum it up I did not hear a huge difference between the Grado 80 and the Triport. The Grado 225 yes. There was more bass in those. Oh well, i guess its just a matter of what you like. But I do appreciate everyone's opinions on this.