Koss QZ-2000 Active Noise Reduction Stereophone

Other products by Koss

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 2.2 x 8.4 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00001U0BG
• Item model number: QZ-2000
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 15, 1999

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Let's face it: listening to music on an airplane is almost impossible. Even if you crank the music up louder than the engines, chances are you'll still miss most of the music and subject yourself to shrill, high frequencies that induce fatigue. The Koss Quiet Zone QZ/2000 headphones, or stereophones, as Koss calls them, are tailor-made for use in planes or other environments plagued by loud or intrusive background noise.

Using a sophisticated system of noise cancellation, the QZ/2000 headset significantly reduces the perceived noise level of static low-frequency sounds. In doing so, the headphones also cancel a portion of the music at those frequencies, but the net effect is unquestionably improved clarity in your music. The QZ/2000 works well for general noise dimming, even if you don't intend to listen to anything. Just put them on, switch the noise cancellation on, and enjoy your quieter environment.

Sometimes the absence of one noise reveals another, previously unnoticed noise (usually a high-frequency tone), which can be distracting. But by and large, we found the QZ/2000 effective at reducing noise from air conditioners, freeway traffic, and even general office din. Most pleasing is the Quiet Zone effect on listening to music at low levels: with less environmental noise, music can be heard more cleanly and more fully at lower volumes, so it sounds better and is also safer.

As headphones, the Quiet Zone 2000s are decent, though not great--clearly, you're paying for the noise reduction here. The 'phones are mellow and full-bodied, if slightly muddy, with little in the way of high-frequency detail. This last factor also keeps any sense of harshness out of the program--not such a bad thing, given the strident nature of many headphones.

While the QZ/2000 claims to reduce high-frequency noise as well as low, we detected very little noise reduction in the bass range. But for general noise reduction and relaxing in-flight listening, the Quiet Zone QZ/2000 is just the ticket.

Pros:

• Cancels noise well
• Enhances clarity
• Lightweight
• Works with or without music playing

Cons:

• Mediocre sound quality
• Slightly awkward fit

Product Description

QZ-2000 Noise Reduction Stereophone features revolutionary Active Noise Reduction (ANR) stereophone system that reduces harmful and annoying low frequency sounds in noisy environments. QZ-2000 includes compact control case and collapsible stereophone for convenient travel and portability. Adjustable headband design provides maximum comfort. The package includes input jack for audio play-through and 2-prong adapter for in-flight use.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tried 'em all - Koss is best, March 18, 2001

By	Steve Kraner "skraner" (Herndon, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I fly 100k/per year, and happened to sit by a young lady from Japan about 3 years ago who let me try her Sony noise reduction headset. I was surprised how effective it was and how much noise and stress you are exposed to when you are flying. I immediately tried a Brookstone noise reduction headset I got in the next airport, which I used with my portable CD player - and was surprised how much it contributed to arriving more comfortable, relaxed and effective. However, it was bulky, heavy enough to hurt my ears after being worn for 30 minutes or so, and began to come apart. I tried the Bose NR headset - which is great - but still a little bulky and heavy. This year a got the Koss QZ-2000 - and it's the one to get. It works as well as any of the others, but takes less space in your luggage and is so comfortable you can wear it from London to San Francisco - no problem. The combination of the QZ-2000 and my Compressor Personal Jukebox (now I don't need to carry CD's) means I have relaxing noise reduction and my choice of music anywhere.

70 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential tool for the traveler, November 5, 2000

By	Evans Thompson (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

These headphones are wonderfully designed for the frequent traveler. They remove much of the low-frequency noise, which reduces the damage to the eardrum over time. They also allow an external sound source (airplane sound system, CD player, etc) to be heard with significantly less volume.

All of those features apply to all noise-canceling headphones. The Koss headphones excel in their wear-ability. Unlike many designs, the Koss headphones do not rest solely on the ears. Instead, they have foam shims that share the load between the ears and the head right above the ear. The result is a more comfortable design over a long period of time. On a short plane trip, it won't make a difference, nor will it on a commute to work. For those long-haul fights, however, it becomes crucial to its continued comfortable use.

The two AA batteries last for hours (the "low battery" indicator means only 30 hours remain) and are easy to replace. The two-prong adapter is ideal for most airline headsets, although through experience I've noticed some use a 1/4" phono jack, which I've now included in my kit.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blanks out most airplane noise, March 29, 2001

By	John S. Taylor (Oak Hill, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I primarily bought this to blank out airplane noise because I fly a lot. It does a great job whiting out most of the noise yet I can still hear the announcements just fine. It is better at drowning the lower (engine) noise than higher noise (wind). On both commuter planes and full size jets it does a great job removing 95% of annoying noise.

Haven't even used yet to listen to music so I can't speak to that.

It folds nicely into a zippered case. But be careful. Some of the plastic parts seem flimsy so you don't want to jam the headphones into a bulging carryon bag even when folded.