doctt t1_iy79v74 wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:09 AM

I have QC 35ii and just replaced my ear pads. Only cost $20. Feel like new again.

Many say QC35ii sounds better than QC45. I have not tired QC45 yet. Not sure if it is true or not. I tried XM4, but I like my QC35ii better because it sounds a bit more natural to me. XM4 has too much bass and is lack of clarity to me.

I would not concern about companies discontinuing their old models. QC45 and XM-4 are extremely popular. You can easier find them even when they get discontinued. Worse case, go to Ebay and buy a refurnished ones. Replace the earpad and it feels like new again.

My point is that there is no reason to buy a new pair because of "just in case" while you are still enjoying your current one. Sometimes better will come out. Wait until you need one and buy the best one within your budget then. You may end up having a better headphone.

just IMHO

meekostar OP t1_iy7agfe wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:17 AM

Thank you for your insight! You make good points. I hesitate with buying refurbished electronics. In the past when I’ve done that there’s always been something wrong with them. New products will always last longer and be more worth the investment. But it is still an option.

I was worried about them discontinuing their products because the XM5 is so different from the 4, if they continue to move in that direction, they will quickly disregard the 4 and its predecessors. Having headphones I am already very used to and that fold for travel is helpful for me.

And yeah I’ll definitely get new ear pads for the Bose if I decide to keep using them.

doctt t1_iy7ap8v wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:20 AM

Understood. It is obviously up to you.

Have you listened to XM4 before?

meekostar OP t1_iy7b6rp wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:27 AM

I tried QC 45, XM5, and XM4 at an electronic store near me. I was really impressed with the XM5 in terms of sound and ANC. QC 45 sounded good, better in the higher-mid range. XM4 sounded better with songs that had heavy bass. The QC 45 and XM4 had the same pros and cons that I experience with the 35 ii and XM3 but with slightly better ANC and sound quality. So ultimately a very hard decision to make with all 3 of them! I feel like you can’t really know what headphone suits you best until you actually bring them home and try them out, but that’s not a very accessible thing to do.

doctt t1_iy7c5ko wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:39 AM

If you like either QC45 or XM4 over your QC35ii, then it makes sense to buy it now because it is an upgrade, not "just in case".

U can use your QC35ii as a backup or use it in a rough condition. Many people has more than 1 headphone. Mine included 😁

meekostar OP t1_iy7d7d0 wrote on November 29, 2022 at 7:54 AM

So true!! I also have the XM3 in addition to the QC35ii. So whatever I get next should be an upgrade for sure. Even though the headphones I have now are good, I’m still itching for even better noise cancelling quality. I feel like I still struggle with noise bleed when out and about on the train and stuff.