Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II Quick Review

Wireless Bluetooth headphones are starting to become more appealing nowadays due to their functionality and convenience, but that is not to say that wired headphones have lost their appeal. For Bose, the SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II is proof of that. Check out our review of this audio gear below.

Design and Construction

If you think that the Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II looks familiar, that is because it sports a similar design as the rest of its headphones family. If we’re going to be frank, it looks just like the SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II we reviewed last month, only simpler. That said, you may consider the SoundTrue as the wired cousin of the SoundLink.

Since it doesn’t pack the same features as the SoundLink, the SoundTrue AE II is as simple as it gets, but that’s a good thing as well. It has an adjustable headband with foam underneath and covered with faux leather.

The bands end at a pair of swivels that hold the plastic cups. Nothing fancy is going on here and just features a 2.5mm headphone jack under the left cup and the Bose branding on both.

The interior is similar to the SoundLink AE II with soft faux-leather padding with cloth interior labeled for the left and right ears. If you’re the type who doesn’t care about the left and right ear placement, you might want to reconsider as the cups are angled a bit forward for a more appropriate fit.

Altogether, the SoundTrue AE II is snug yet light on both the head and ears. This makes it comfortable to use in long periods like when you’re just chilling at home, long flights, or stuck in traffic somewhere.

Design-wise, Bose has never been the aggressive type and prefer to keep a signature theme for all their products. It’s a good thing for a Bose purist but might not appeal to those who want something more different. On the bright side, it comes in two colors – Charcoal Black and Navy Blue.

Connectivity

Being a wired headphone, the SoundTrue AE II only features a detachable cable with inline remote (Volume Up, Play/Pause, Volume Down) and microphone. Speaking of the cable, it’s thin but feels durable. It’s also very long so you might find yourself rolling parts of it to avoid dangling. A cable organizer will serve you well for this.

You should take note of the headphone’s device compatibility as there are two models – one optimized for iOS, the other for Android. Our unit is for iOS devices and the result is that volume controls don’t work on Android but the microphone and play/pause work just fine.

Sound Performance and Call Quality

Like the rest of the Bose products we reviewed in the past, the SoundTrue AE II produces good audio quality, but that is already expected given its lineage. Probably the right question to ask here is how good it is.

With the SoundTrue AE II, it’s the kind that doesn’t want to just blast sound and overwhelm your ears but rather would prefer to hit the sweet spot – rich and powerful at the same time. There’s no noise-cancelling but the padding in the cups is also effective in blocking out a good deal of external noises.

Lows are clean, full, and can provide that lingering deep rumbling that is good for hip hop and party music. Mids and highs, on the other hand, are detailed and crisp without become too harsh or piercing even in high volumes, making it great for delivering Jazz, instrumentals, Rock, or RnB music.

As for calls, quality is good as the microphone can pick up our voice without having to talk louder than normal. From the receiving end, voices are loud and clear, and the padding blocks out external noises, you can concentrate more in the call.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II is a good pair of wired cans that can satisfy audio lovers who listen to a wide range of music genres. It doesn’t have the benefits of a wireless headphone but it comes with in-line microphone and controls which should be enough for casual users. Another pro is the price, at Php8,900, it’s cheaper compared to the Bose SoundLink AE II which is at Php14,500. It’s still pricey but if you can extend your budget for this one, you won’t be disappointed.

The Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II is available in Bose Stores and authorized dealers nationwide.

Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II specs:
Dimenssions: 7.5 x 6.0 x 1.5″
Weight: 184 g
Detachable inline remote and microphone cable
Carrying Case

What we like:
* Comfortable
* Light weight
* Good sound quality
* Comes with carrying case

What we didn’t like:
* Cable length too long
* Not universally compatible with iOS and Android
* Pricey

 

The post Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II Quick Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II Review

A couple of years ago, we reviewed the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth – a wireless headphone capable of producing great sounds in a small package. Now imagine that in a bigger body with upgraded audio technology. Well, that’s what we think of the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II. Find out what we think of the device in our review below.

Design and Construction

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II looks like a blend between the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth and QC25 Noise-cancelling we reviewed in late 2014.

Like the QC25, it has an adjustable headband cushioned with foam underneath, however, instead of cloth, it has faux leather for its top. The band ends at a pair of swivels that hold the cups which also looks similar to the QC25’s – leather-like paddings with cloth interior labeled for the left and right ears.

The cups are where it reminds me of the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth. On the outside part of the right earcup are the switch for the power and Bluetooth, and the two-way microphone system for when you take calls. The great addition here is NFC which is placed behind the Bose logo.

Behind it are the LED lights for Bluetooth and power. Also found here are the volume keys and a multifunction key (play/pause, accept and end voice calls, initiate voice recognition). Found below is the microUSB port for charging. As for the left earcup, it houses the port for the audio cable so you can still listen to your tunes when the battery runs out.

Build-wise, the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II is mostly made of hard plastic with a matte finish. If feels solid and durable. On the head, it’s snug and comfortable although the Around-Ear design might make your ears sweat in warm conditions.

Connectivity

To connect, just turn on the headphones by flipping the switch up and then connect your smartphone to it when discovered. If your mobile device has NFC you can also pair through this method. Once paired, a voice prompt on the headphones will tell you the current level of the battery and which device it is connected to. The voice prompt will also notify you of an incoming call.

As for the Bluetooth connectivity quality, we’re very much satisfied as we can easily move to an adjacent room or downstairs without any stuttering or loss of quality. Bose says that it has a wireless range of up to 30 feet which is good.

Sound Performance and Call Quality

Bose boasts their TriPort technology (also found on the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth) and Active EQ on the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II. The company didn’t elaborate on those audio technologies and honestly, we don’t mind it that much as long as the sound quality is really good.

True enough, the headphones was able to deliver superb sound that is expected from a Bose product. In addition, the Around-Ear design is good in isolating background noise and channels all that audio straight to your ears. From here we can say that it is one of the nicest wireless headphones around but might not appeal to everyone.

For one, the bass is powerful, punchy, and clean – no problems with that. However, we noticed that there are times that it is too clean to our liking which is evident in some hip-hop or club music as we’re expecting it to be a bit boomy like it’s blowing air in our ears. Still, the bass quality in this headphone is top-notch, we’re just picky that it can’t misbehave a bit and offer more than that.

The mids and highs are where the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II shines. It’s crisp, delicate, and can be intense when needed. Even in bass dominated tracks, the vocals are clear and brilliant. You’ll notice it more when you play rock, jazz, or classical. It’s immersive and good in handling the rough and delicate parts like guitar riffs or piano solos.

As for call quality, as mentioned earlier, the SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II has a built-in microphone for this purpose. Call quality is also good with no sign of choppiness. The person on the other line can also hear us loud and clear without having to speak louder than normal.

Battery Life

Bose claims a battery life of up to 15 hours of play time which is good for long-haul flights. We can say it’s spot on as it lasted us a whole week with around 2 hours per day of listening before it required us to charge. To replenish the battery, you will need to provide your own charger as it is not included in the package, just a microUSB cable. A power bank will work as well. According to Bose, charging time takes about 3 hours, while a 15-minute quick charge will provide you with 2 hours play time.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II, even with such a long name, is a very desirable audio device. It is convenient thanks to its wireless capabilities including NFC for easy pairing, fantastic sound, and good battery life. The build feels good and sturdy. Design-wise, nothing much has changed in two years. Size is a bit big though compared to the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones which we liked bringing with us on trips since it’s small.

Now for the price, it’s demanding at Php14,500. But hey, it’s a Bose. You’re also paying for the brand and prestige that comes with it. On the bright side, you get what you pay for.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II specifications:
Type: Circumaural (over-ear)
Headphones: 7.5″ H x 6″ W x 1.5″ D (5.27 oz)
Ear cushion: 3.8 in H x 2.9 in W
Wireless range up to 30 ft (9 m)
3 hours full charge = 15 hours play time
15-minute quick charge = 2 hours play time
Bluetooth
NFC

What we liked about it:
* Good build
* Comfortable
* Great sound quality
* Wireless with NFC
* Good battery life

What we didn’t like:
* Pricey
* Bass could use more power

The post Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II Review

A couple of years ago, we reviewed the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth – a wireless headphone capable of producing great sounds in a small package. Now imagine that in a bigger body with upgraded audio technology. Well, that’s what we think of the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II. Find out what we think of the device in our review below.

Design and Construction

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II looks like a blend between the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth and QC25 Noise-cancelling we reviewed in late 2014.

Like the QC25, it has an adjustable headband cushioned with foam underneath, however, instead of cloth, it has faux leather for its top. The band ends at a pair of swivels that hold the cups which also looks similar to the QC25’s – leather-like paddings with cloth interior labeled for the left and right ears.

The cups are where it reminds me of the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth. On the outside part of the right earcup are the switch for the power and Bluetooth, and the two-way microphone system for when you take calls. The great addition here is NFC which is placed behind the Bose logo.

Behind it are the LED lights for Bluetooth and power. Also found here are the volume keys and a multifunction key (play/pause, accept and end voice calls, initiate voice recognition). Found below is the microUSB port for charging. As for the left earcup, it houses the port for the audio cable so you can still listen to your tunes when the battery runs out.

Build-wise, the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II is mostly made of hard plastic with a matte finish. If feels solid and durable. On the head, it’s snug and comfortable although the Around-Ear design might make your ears sweat in warm conditions.

Connectivity

To connect, just turn on the headphones by flipping the switch up and then connect your smartphone to it when discovered. If your mobile device has NFC you can also pair through this method. Once paired, a voice prompt on the headphones will tell you the current level of the battery and which device it is connected to. The voice prompt will also notify you of an incoming call.

As for the Bluetooth connectivity quality, we’re very much satisfied as we can easily move to an adjacent room or downstairs without any stuttering or loss of quality. Bose says that it has a wireless range of up to 30 feet which is good.

Sound Performance and Call Quality

Bose boasts their TriPort technology (also found on the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth) and Active EQ on the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II. The company didn’t elaborate on those audio technologies and honestly, we don’t mind it that much as long as the sound quality is really good.

True enough, the headphones was able to deliver superb sound that is expected from a Bose product. In addition, the Around-Ear design is good in isolating background noise and channels all that audio straight to your ears. From here we can say that it is one of the nicest wireless headphones around but might not appeal to everyone.

For one, the bass is powerful, punchy, and clean – no problems with that. However, we noticed that there are times that it is too clean to our liking which is evident in some hip-hop or club music as we’re expecting it to be a bit boomy like it’s blowing air in our ears. Still, the bass quality in this headphone is top-notch, we’re just picky that it can’t misbehave a bit and offer more than that.

The mids and highs are where the SoundLink AE Wireless Headphones II shines. It’s crisp, delicate, and can be intense when needed. Even in bass dominated tracks, the vocals are clear and brilliant. You’ll notice it more when you play rock, jazz, or classical. It’s immersive and good in handling the rough and delicate parts like guitar riffs or piano solos.

As for call quality, as mentioned earlier, the SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II has a built-in microphone for this purpose. Call quality is also good with no sign of choppiness. The person on the other line can also hear us loud and clear without having to speak louder than normal.

Battery Life

Bose claims a battery life of up to 15 hours of play time which is good for long-haul flights. We can say it’s spot on as it lasted us a whole week with around 2 hours per day of listening before it required us to charge. To replenish the battery, you will need to provide your own charger as it is not included in the package, just a microUSB cable. A power bank will work as well. According to Bose, charging time takes about 3 hours, while a 15-minute quick charge will provide you with 2 hours play time.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II, even with such a long name, is a very desirable audio device. It is convenient thanks to its wireless capabilities including NFC for easy pairing, fantastic sound, and good battery life. The build feels good and sturdy. Design-wise, nothing much has changed in two years. Size is a bit big though compared to the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones which we liked bringing with us on trips since it’s small.

Now for the price, it’s demanding at Php14,500. But hey, it’s a Bose. You’re also paying for the brand and prestige that comes with it. On the bright side, you get what you pay for.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II specifications:
Type: Circumaural (over-ear)
Headphones: 7.5″ H x 6″ W x 1.5″ D (5.27 oz)
Ear cushion: 3.8 in H x 2.9 in W
Wireless range up to 30 ft (9 m)
3 hours full charge = 15 hours play time
15-minute quick charge = 2 hours play time
Bluetooth
NFC

What we liked about it:
* Good build
* Comfortable
* Great sound quality
* Wireless with NFC
* Good battery life

What we didn’t like:
* Pricey
* Bass could use more power

The post Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Bose’s new SoundTouch Wireless Systems arrives in PH, starts at Php13K

Bose’s new SoundTouch wireless systems equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth has officially landed in the Philippines – the SoundTouch 10, SoundTouch 20 Series III, and SoundTouch 30 Series III.

Bose SoundTouch 10 specs:
2.5-inch Unidome transducer
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
USB ports
Remote control included
8.34″ H x 5.56″ W x 3.43″ D
2.89 lbs
Php13,000 SRP

Bose SoundTouch 20 Series III specs:
OLED display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
Ethernet port
USB ports
Remote control included
7.4″ H x 12.4″ W x 4.1″ D
7 lbs
Php25,000 SRP

Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III specs:
Bose waveguide speaker technology
OLED display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
Ethernet port
USB ports
Remote control included
9.7″ H x 17.1″ W x 7.1″ D
25.65 lbs
Php35,000 SRP

The new Bose SoundTouch wireless systems comes in Black and White and works with Bose’s SoundTouch app. The SoundTouch 10 and SoundTouch 20 Series III are now available in authorized Bose dealers and Bose retail stores (Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, SM Aura Premier, SM City North Edsa – The Block, SM Megamall, Trinoma), with the SoundTouch 30 Series III to follow.

The post Bose’s new SoundTouch Wireless Systems arrives in PH, starts at Php13K appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Bose’s new SoundTouch Wireless Systems arrives in PH, starts at Php13K

Bose’s new SoundTouch wireless systems equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth has officially landed in the Philippines – the SoundTouch 10, SoundTouch 20 Series III, and SoundTouch 30 Series III.

Bose SoundTouch 10 specs:
2.5-inch Unidome transducer
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
USB ports
Remote control included
8.34″ H x 5.56″ W x 3.43″ D
2.89 lbs
Php13,000 SRP

Bose SoundTouch 20 Series III specs:
OLED display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
Ethernet port
USB ports
Remote control included
7.4″ H x 12.4″ W x 4.1″ D
7 lbs
Php25,000 SRP

Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III specs:
Bose waveguide speaker technology
OLED display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
AUX in
Ethernet port
USB ports
Remote control included
9.7″ H x 17.1″ W x 7.1″ D
25.65 lbs
Php35,000 SRP

The new Bose SoundTouch wireless systems comes in Black and White and works with Bose’s SoundTouch app. The SoundTouch 10 and SoundTouch 20 Series III are now available in authorized Bose dealers and Bose retail stores (Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, SM Aura Premier, SM City North Edsa – The Block, SM Megamall, Trinoma), with the SoundTouch 30 Series III to follow.

The post Bose’s new SoundTouch Wireless Systems arrives in PH, starts at Php13K appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.