At only 142g, Bose Around-Ear Headphones (aka Bose TriPort headphones) feature Bose proprietary TriPort acoustic headphone structure technology that, according to Bose, “allow the drivers to create deep lows while keeping the headphones small and lightweight, resulting in comfortable headphones that deliver full, balanced low notes of your music.”

Sound Check

Sound Quality is inclined towards the little notes, offering the full range of lows rather than depth.

The mids tend to be somewhat suppressed by the lows but not to the extent of any grave concern. While the highs are not as dynamic as the lows, the delivery is relatively balanced and compact.

In the Jazz sounds of Bill Evans and Cannonball Adderley, the drum brushes, saxophone breathing, the softness of sounds were delivered clean and bright.

Bose Around-Ear headphones tend to produce sounds that might not be exactly loyal to the sound source at times.

Although the overall sound delivery is relatively balanced, depending on the sound source, the lows might be delivered too loud and could make the listening experience tiring.

In the sounds of Eminem and Nelly where the lows are essential, and much emphasized, the lows are delivered very robustly and compelling.

Likewise for the rock sounds of Queen and Green Day, the bass drums and bass came out very strong and powerful.

For those who just love robust and powerful lows, you will be satisfied.

Clarity and brightness of sounds are excellent, and the strong lows provide the overall warmth. Delivery of vocal seductiveness is relatively good, though not at a particularly outstanding level that we prefer.

String instruments sound smooth and comfortable. Brass instruments are bright but tend to lose out to the lows in sound sources were high lows abound.

Delivery of drums and percussive sounds are excellent, but somehow lack the kind of strong compactness that we prefer.

Other sound source used: Year of the Gentleman (Ne-Yo)

Overall, the headphones possess a high characteristic that is uniquely Bose. The sound quality delivered is of very high standard, nicely performing even the bright, lively and cheerful Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade, which was enjoyable.

Fit & Wear

The design is straightforward with a retro look.

The fit is good with the right pressure such that even though it is lightweight, the headphones won’t shift out of position with head movements. Ear pads are soft and comfortable.

Others

Being a closed-type headphone, the external sound blockage is excellent and sound leakage protection is good.

Cables coming out from both sides of the headphones is something we don’t quite fancy.

Overall we feel Bose Around-Ear Headphones is one of the best headphones around for outdoor use.