Though Bose is mainly known for their in-home audio systems and noise-canceling headphones, the known quality and performance is not sacrificed in their other products. The AE2 (formerly known as the TriPort line) is a less expensive option for consumers to experience Bose quality sound through over-the-ear headphones. Their compact nature and quality sound make the AE2’s a strong entry-level option when compared to similarly priced brands such as Monster or Beats by Dre.
One thing to note is that this exact model of headphone is no longer still made by Bose, but are still available to purchase online.
Overall Ranking: B+
Price: $149.99
Sound Quality
With great lows, any song with bass is amplified wonderfully. The middle and high tones are also well represented, but not as well as some other similar models like the Vektr Series.
One drawback to this model was the lack of noise-canceling technology that both the Solo and Vektr offer. Noise canceling can be quite convenient at times, but just because the AE2s are missing this feature, does not mean that their quality is lacking.
When buying the headphones, I was a little hesitant at first due to the lack of noise cancellation. I didn't want to be stuck with headphones that let in outside noise, because nothing is more annoying than being able to hear the people next to you when you are trying to block them out.
However, I soon found out that the AE2s sounded great regardless of outside noise. I have used the headphones in a variety of settings, from the quietest corner of the library to crowded city streets in Minneapolis. Obviously the more outside noise there was the more I could notice it, but even then I didn't feel like it was a detriment to my listening experience.
When buying the headphones, I was a little hesitant at first due to the lack of noise cancellation. I didn't want to be stuck with headphones that let in outside noise, because nothing is more annoying than being able to hear the people next to you when you are trying to block them out.
However, I soon found out that the AE2s sounded great regardless of outside noise. I have used the headphones in a variety of settings, from the quietest corner of the library to crowded city streets in Minneapolis. Obviously the more outside noise there was the more I could notice it, but even then I didn't feel like it was a detriment to my listening experience.
Overall, I have been extremely satisfied with the quality of the tunes that reach my ears through the AE2s. The balanced tone really helps in regard to the lack of noise cancelation , giving off a surround sound type listening experience that makes music sound like it should.
Design & Comfort
As far as size goes, the Bose AE2
headphones are slightly smaller than other models in this price range. The AE2s
are well shaped and molded to fit snugly on your head.
When compared to other similar models such as Beats by Dre SoloSeries and Monster Vektr
Series, the Bose AE2s stand out because of the simple, reserved appearance,
great sound quality, and the prestige that follows Bose as an audio device
manufacturer.
Although not ideally shaped for more physical activities
such as running, the comfort level is perfect for anyone who plans on wearing
their headphones for an extended period of time.
The speakers are close enough to the ear that no sound is
wasted, but far enough away to prevent any discomfort.
One problem I noticed was that the fit of the headphones was
reduced when wearing glasses, but this is a common problem with over the head
style headphones.
With a sleek, modern look Bose keeps their headphones
looking classy and professional, but in a simple, clean manner. Bose’s style is
independent in its own way, but does lack the option of colors and designs that
both the Solo series and Vektr offer. Though color is sometimes is preferable,
I personally feel that colors and patterns would not make the Bose AE2 look any
better appearance-wise.
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| The AE2 features a double-ended cable so you don't have to worry about pulling your computer off the table if you forget you are wearing headphones |
The AE2s also travel well, with both earpieces folding back
and under the arch of the headphones. The only problem with travel arises with the bag that comes with the headphones. While it is a handy little bag for storage around the house or for carrying in your backpack, it does not provide any sort of protection. So if you are packing the headphones in a bag for a longer trip, I would advise finding something harder that offers a little more protection to store them in.
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| Folded pair of AE2s |
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| Beats by Dre folded up |
Though the headphones are of durable quality, the cord or
ear pads can go bad through mishandling or overuse. I have had my pair of
headphones for over a year and half and have noticed slight wear and tear, but
nothing that affected the fit or sound quality of the AE2s.
Accessories
Included with the Bose AE2 Headphones is a compact
drawstring carrying case for the easy transport of your headphones with less
fear of cosmetic damages. The bag works well in the regard that it protects the
headphones from scrapes and slight cosmetic damage, but in all actuality offers
next to zero protection for the headphones.
The bag works fine for storing the AE2’s in your home, but if
you are planning on packing them in a bag or other tight place, I would
recommend getting a more heavy-duty case.
Value
If we compare the same three models as above (Beats Solo
series, and Monster Vektr series), the base model AE2 falls in at the lower end
of the price scale at only $149.99, with an inline microphone version available
for $179.95. This is significantly lower in price in comparison to the Solo’s
$199.99 or Vektr’s $199.95, at an almost unnoticeable change in quality between
the brands.
This makes the Bose AE2 a sound decision for any individual
who is looking for high-end audio headphones, with little additional flash and
flair.
Verdict
Quality, functionality and price make the Bose AE2
Headphones a good decision for the regular music listener, who is looking for a
pair of comfortable over the ear headphone. The price is preferable for quality
sound, though the AE2s don’t have noise canceling, so the slight price
exchange to the comparable models may be worth paying if noise cancellation is
something that is important to you.
The only other thing to look for would be the color and
style options available to the comparable models, though remember that color
does not affect comfort or functionality.
In general, the AE2s are a great selection which I give a grade of B+. The headphones lose points only because of the lack of range for higher tones, and the
lack of noise-canceling technology.
Genre: The review does what one would expect of a headphone review. It covers all the parts of a set of headphones that I can think of. The only thing I can think of to include in the content would be what size they fit best and how tight they would be on larger heads. How one would do this, I don't know, but it could be useful information to have.
ReplyDeleteOrganization: I would probably put sound quality higher up in order simply because they are headphones and the sound quality is a pretty important feature. I agree that cosmetic elements should go first as they are more noticeable, but sound quality is equally important, in my opinion. The headings do a good job of telling readers what they are going to find in each section. It flows well.
Voice: The voice is very professional and knowing (?) It gives the air of one who understands what they are talking about, which is important when speaking about electronics. Electronic product reviews generally need the reviewer to understand how the product works or at least what a high-end model of the product can do in order to give good enough feed back and I believe this review accomplishes this.
Headings: These headings are work pretty darn well. They are very scannable, simple and understandable. Try and make them slightly larger or a different font. Just bolding the headings makes them a liiittle difficult to catch.
Visuals and Hypertext: There are none. Sooooo yup. Get some of those things.
First Hand Use: Yes, he has used the product. He discusses many things that relate directly to usability of the product. He gives personal opinions that are separate from the review, which lead the reader to believe he has used these headphones for a long time.
Looks like a great start: more pictures? Remove colons from the headings (they're not necessary). More first person narrative of your actual experience? Examples of how they've worked in different environments?
ReplyDeleteThis review most definitely meets the expectations for the genre because you talk about important features of headphones including sound quality, design and comfort, price, etc. I think you have included everything needed and you have your main topics/features as headings which creates wonderful organization.
ReplyDeleteYour order flows naturally; the only thing in regards to organization that I suggest is making your headings a few font sizes larger so that readers can more easily distinguish headings from content. Your voice is conversational and professional; I think you have a great balance of both. You seem very knowledgeable about all the content here!
Your headings are clear and concise which is great because if the reader is looking for one particular part of information they can easily scan the page, look for headings, and read up on what feature they care to know most about. Your review is very scannable because of the excellent organization. I would suggest adding some visuals, but I know you'll get to that!
It is clear you have used the product and seem extremely knowledgeable about it because of the details you give the reader. You have an excellent start!
Genre: I like that the sound quality was explained. This is definitely the number one thing to look for in headphones and it was explicitly stated for the reader. I feel like all of the important information was covered.
ReplyDeleteOrganization: Because it is a review and not a paper I don't think the Introduction needs to have a heading. This is just how you're starting the review so I think it would be fine if the heading wasn't there. I think maybe accessories should come after sound quality. I am buying headphones for how well they work not for what they come with. I feel like the most useful information is the sound quality and the comfort so that is what should come first.
Voice: I like that, even though this review is still in favor of the headphones, the review states what it's overall downfalls are. This prepares the user and lets them know what to expect. It also gives them an idea if they really should buy these headphones or not. It is easy to say what is good about something but sometimes the bad parts are left out.
Headings: As I said I think sound quality should come before accessories simply because people buy headphones to listen to things not just for what the headphones come with. Otherwise the headings seem parallel and give a clear idea as to what the section will be about.
Visuals and Hypertext: There were notes where photos were going to be included. I think there should be a photo at the top because when I first started reading it I was a little confused trying to picture the headphones and it wasn't until I kept reading that I could finally imagine what they looked like. There were no hypertextual links yet but maybe you can include where to buy them?
First Hand Use: It is clear that you have used these headphones before; you stated they can be uncomfortable to wear if you have glasses.