Bose has introduced a revised second-generation of its popular QuietComfort headphones, bringing several features which previously belonged solely to the Ultra line, its more expensive model, down to a more affordable price. The new QuietComfort Headphones are available for preorder this week and will cost $359 with shipment beginning on August 13. The most significant real-world enhancements are for noise cancelation and sound quality.
Bose has upgraded its system, which now goes by the name of QuietControl, a six-microphone array and more advanced adaptive processing. Bose claims that the new updated headphones can more efficiently adapt to less-than-perfect seals due to glasses, hair or hats, which should help provide a more consistent quieting experience for a broader spectrum of users. Aware mode has been optimized to react to sudden mixes of sound more naturally.
The second-generation version introduces Bose TrueSpatial audio technology on the audio front. Three Immersive Audio settings previously limited to the QuietComfort Ultra: Still, which maintains a fixed soundstage while you move your head; Motion, which follows your movements and head motion; and Cinema, which expands the mix for movies, shows, and podcasts while maintaining clarity of speech in the center channel. On the wired side, the headphones can play lossless audio over a wired USB-C connection up to 24-bit/ 48kHz, rewarding the purists.
Also via the same wired connection, the device can both charge and transfer information in either direction for video calls and meetings. Comfort continues to be a priority, which has been addressed in the form of new, more comfortable headband adjustment sliders and a more welcoming synthetic-leather ear cup padding; earcups are now designed in an oval shape to sit more comfortably on the ear (not to mention a bit more in give when clamped down).
Also dedicated buttons have been added for playback and audio mode controls, which are claimed to be more intuitive to locate and operate via manual. Battery life remains impressive at up to 24 hours of listening, or 18 with Immersive Audio Active, with a 15-minute quick charge enabling a further 2.5 hours of operation and a mile high warning sign that can be played while on the go. Choices offered standard Black and White Smoke and three exclusive finishesEucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.4 with simultaneous pairing of two devices through multipoint, and the app features a three-band equalizer, custom listening modes, and firmware updates.
At $359, the cost of the new model is the same as the old QuietComfort Headphones (closing in on two years old) and at the same time it encompasses improved features that previously could only be accessed with the purchase of the Ultra range. This puts the second generation of headphones in more direct competition with other high quality mid-priced noise-cancelling headphones. It has already been reduced in price as the second generation gets closer to market.
This denser sound profile, when combined with better noise filtering, spatial audio alternatives, and wired lossless support will alleviate much of the popular dissatisfaction with previous QuietComfort models among pedal enthusiasts, office workers, or long-term headphone wearers. Bose isn’t razing the house and building a new one here, but more cooking the same kitchen from scratch and making it more useful at a higher price.
