Bose Triport IE's - impressions from users

[vinjeman]

I would like to see what others have heard playing some of your favorite stuff on these new IEM's.

I've notices some really nice sounds from these $99 "buds" which range from deep bass resonance to crystal clear chimes.

The sound stage seems very large with good imaging. Vocals seem clear and distinct.

The most amazing thing is how they get such deep bass clarity when the ear molds do not seal AT ALL.

I have heard so much garbage from people that haven't even seen this new model that I would really like to see what people think that have actually listened to them...

thanks for your time,

jv

 

[atx]

Quote:

The most amazing thing is how they get such deep bass clarity when the ear molds do not seal AT ALL.

I agree with you here. I'm amazed as well. This little earbud packs as much bass as my HF-1(!), and is more grounded as well. I'm hearing bass notes on my favorite tracks that I haven't heard before.

Start the volume at 0 and slowly turn it up... with other headphones/iem the first thing you hear is the pitch of the vocals and high frequencies. With bose, you hear the bass and impact evenly along with the vocals even at EXTREMELY low volume. I used to think bose has bloated bass but I'm starting to think they got it right from the start.

I find myself listening to music at lower and lower volumes, so this earbud is definitely a keeper.

 

[Airborne]

I'm really glad to hear they have good bass, but don't seal. The seal factor has put me off of many IEMs -- I just can't wear them for too long without feeling like my head's gonna implode.

Do they isolate at all, given no seal?

 

[vinjeman]

I also noticed that I don't seem to experience the fatigue that I have noticed with Shure IEM's. I have to admit only having these for 1 week I have not played much through them.

However, I am experiencing a fidelity I have never known listening to some very old Hendrix material (e.g. Electric Ladyland and Axis bold as love).

jv

 

[atx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airborne I'm really glad to hear they have good bass, but don't seal. The seal factor has put me off of many IEMs -- I just can't wear them for too long without feeling like my head's gonna implode. Do they isolate at all, given no seal?

They don't isolate at all... it's just like wearing regular earbuds. I have the regular Triports as well and I think the IE sounds better -- but you gotta burn these in for at least 100+ hours. I've been playing mine non-stop for almost a week. Out of the box they sound really dark, rolled off, and with overwhelming bass --- I think some people would just run back to the store and return them. Wait until the 100+ hrs mark and they will change dramatically.

 

[Mrvile]

Wow...Bose! I didn't even know these were out until I saw this thread (I don't keep up regularly with Bose

). How do they compare, sound-quality-wise, to current market IEMs?

 

[atx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrvile Wow...Bose! I didn't even know these were out until I saw this thread (I don't keep up regularly with Bose ). How do they compare, sound-quality-wise, to current market IEMs?

I can only compare them to what I have: ER6i, iM716, and UM2, and what I've heard previously: SF5 pro. I don't buy earbuds so I can't compare these to the Sony EX51/81/91 series.

My personal sound preference as far as balance goes is the UM2. The iM716 is too bright and super-fast decay to sound natural, the ER6i is too squeaky and thin, and the SF5pro, compared to the UM2, is too lackluster at the top (no sense of depth), somewhat uneven bass, and has too narrow soundstage -- (but I returned the sf5pro primarily because they're very uncomfortable and murder on the ears).

Given that, the Bose IE is darker than the UM2, has more bass (in quantity and depth, by far!), the midrange is not as natural (a bit on the weak side), and has a noticeably lower resolution. They don't isolate at all, and the highs are somewhat rolled off -- not enough to adversely affect enjoyment, to my ears. Soundstage is decent, and you do get a sense of depth and space when listening to live music.

That's comparing it to the UM2 which is 3x the cost. By itself, the bose IE is extremely comfortable, fun to listen to, the bass is an eye-opener!, and excellent for low-volume listening. They are not transparent/reference sounding by any stretch, but they sound good to my ears... well worth the cost.

 

[Meyvn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinjeman I also noticed that I don't seem to experience the fatigue that I have noticed with Shure IEM's. I have to admit only having these for 1 week I have not played much through them. However, I am experiencing a fidelity I have never known listening to some very old Hendrix material (e.g. Electric Ladyland and Axis bold as love). jv

What other headphones have you owned? And psh. Nothing Hendrix did is 'very old.' Robert Johnson's what i'd call 'very old.'

 

[Meyvn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airborne I'm really glad to hear they have good bass, but don't seal. The seal factor has put me off of many IEMs -- I just can't wear them for too long without feeling like my head's gonna implode. Do they isolate at all, given no seal?

Tried any with foamies? They completely take away that feeling, IMO.

 

[poonpower]

wow, i might wanna give these a try

 

[Mrvile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atx That's comparing it to the UM2 which is 3x the cost. By itself, the bose IE is extremely comfortable, fun to listen to, the bass is an eye-opener!, and excellent for low-volume listening. They are not transparent/reference sounding by any stretch, but they sound good to my ears... well worth the cost.

That's nice to hear that Bose does have some quality products under its belt. However, I think the dealbreaker for most people is the fact that they don't isolate...although they sound good, one of the main purposes of getting an in-ear phone is for the isolation to use during commutes, in noisy offices, etc.

 

[atx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrvile That's nice to hear that Bose does have some quality products under its belt. However, I think the dealbreaker for most people is the fact that they don't isolate...although they sound good, one of the main purposes of getting an in-ear phone is for the isolation to use during commutes, in noisy offices, etc.

Well, if not IEMs, the Bose IE is the best "earbud" I've heard. I should perhaps pick up a Sony mdr-EX90 and see how it compares since it's the same price and getting pretty good reviews on amazon.

 

[003]

Wasn't there a thread a while ago about a head-fier that got a job offering from bose? Maybe he took the job and is shaping up bose

 

[Mrvile]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 Wasn't there a thread a while ago about a head-fier that got a job offering from bose? Maybe he took the job and is shaping up bose

I have no idea, but I feel like quoting you anyway.

But really though, it's a great idea from Bose. If they know they won't be able to compete against the competition like Shure and Ety, they might as well release something that no one else has to offer. Really high end buds. Like the relationship between Sigma and Canon, Bose might really start to shine if they keep releasing interesting products no one else makes. But ah, wishful thinking doesn't hurt right?

 

[Drakemoor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meyvn Tried any with foamies? They completely take away that feeling, IMO.

completely agree with that, i get a superior seal with plastic/rubber sleeves but like the original poster says i get like a 'decompression' in my ears (which i find actually deteriorates sound quality if the IEM is embedded too far into your ear as it blocks high frequencies). Certain foamies sound great in my ear and present sound without the drawbacks of other sleeves (although i did have a problem with e2c foamies blocking out treble, a very bad thing in warm IEM's ....all imo of course)