Bose QuietComfort 15

Frequency Response (4.87)

This curve is a bit too erratic in the high end. The bass starts out slightly too loud, then gradually dips down to a more normalized value. Then, just before 1kHz, it starts increasing again, peaking above the limits a bit—the left channel more so than the right. After that small hill drops off, however, all hell breaks lose and the response graph starts looking like the worst EKG imaginable.

Overall, this isn’t the worst response we’ve seen, but it lends itself to an odd-sounding high-end.

Comparisons

See how the Bose QuietComfort 15 compares:

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Compare

Denon AH-NC732 Compare

Bose QuietComfort 3 Compare

Able Planet True Fidelity NC200 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Distortion (2.44)

We saw typical distortion for a set of active-cancellers. Since they’re injecting anti-noise into your normal playback, it’s inevitable that some distortion will occur. The distortion levels really aren’t that terrible, though, and only hit 1.5% at their peak.

Comparisons

See how the Bose QuietComfort 15 compares:

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Compare

Denon AH-NC732 Compare

Bose QuietComfort 3 Compare

Able Planet True Fidelity NC200 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.

Tracking (4.90)

Up until 1kHz, the QC15s have pretty good tracking. At that point they go a bit erratic, and the two channels have a vacillating emphasis. This unevenness can reach up to 6% difference at times, which is definitely noticeable. Fortunately, there are only a couple points where you’d notice any unevenness.

Comparisons

See how the Bose QuietComfort 15 compares:

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Compare

Denon AH-NC732 Compare

Bose QuietComfort 3 Compare

Able Planet True Fidelity NC200 Compare

Click here for more information on our frequency response test.