Rating: 
Summary: Noise Reduction, Way different than Cancelling
Review: I ordered these headphones thinking it was noise cancelling, not noise reduction. The differece was that these are like ear protection devices like target practice shooters use. And the noise cancelling type use an electronic circuitry to "phase" out the noise, significantly. Also, the phones "clamp" on to your head, giving you aching pains after wearing for an extended period. The sound quality was alright, not much in the lower range, but didn't play loud enough. But the irritating thing was when you moved around and "bumped" something you could hear it, (the shell is hard plastic). They reminded me of my "dads" headphones from the 70's, in fact the design probably never changed!
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Rating: 
Summary: Blanks out most airplane noise
Review: 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.
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Rating: 
Summary: what a TERRIBLE buy!
Review: I purchased the Koss QZ-5 Headphones.
THESE ARE NOT ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES!!!
I was duped. I believed these were active noise cancelling headphones, but they reduce noise by adding a ton of padding. These headphones are HUGE. The picture displayed is very decieving, only showing you the profile of the headphones. If you wear it and look in a mirror, you will look like a geeky mickey mouse. They stick out of the sides of your head making you look like a weirdo. In addition to that, the sound quality is extremely poor. At the moment I am listening to the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack, and any bass makes the headphones crackle. Bass performance is absolutely poor. Do not get these headphones, they are a waste of money. Do not get these headphones!
Rating: 
Summary: They work(ed) great - PART II
Review: I used them daily for two weeks before one ear started shorting out, that ear completely went blank after four weeks. They sure did work great those first 10 days or so. They look tough but I doubt they could handle a weekend at NASCAR, for which I bought them for. I was using them for music and radio when they shorted out on me. However, the warranty on them says "Lifetime, No Questions Asked!" ...So I will check that out, send them in, and see what happens. If Koss can get them back to me in a quick turnaround, I'll knock my rating back up to a 3. BW I sent them in to the company and got an extremely quick turn-around, back and working good. Next test - NASCAR. B.
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Rating:
Summary: Great for mowing the lawn: QZ-5
Review: I was looking for a set of headphones to use with my iPod while mowing the lawn. I had used a set of headphones that hook over the ears, but I had to turn the volume up too high to hear over the noise of the mower. I looked around at a lot of sites (including high-end audiophile sites) and Koss was often suggested as a good company with good products. Their no-questions guarantee was often cited as one of the reasons Koss is a good company. I decided to try the QZ-5 headphones because they are relatively inexpensive. As soon as I tried them on, I was impressed. They blocked out a lot of sound without even having them attached to a sound source. I couldn't hear the TV or the phone ring with the headphones on. When I tried them while mowing I knew I had a winner. I could leave the volume level at the same level I would use if I wasn't mowing the lawn. The noise of the mower was not eliminated, but it was reduced significantly. It became a low hum in the background instead of a roar that overwhelmed the music. Comfort wise, they are good. I wear glasses and these work well with them. They don't pinch like the over-ear model did. It takes me about two hours to mow my lawn and they don't become uncomfortable during that time. The sound is good enough that I plan on using the headphones to watch TV without the sound disturbing my wife. Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance of these headphones.
Rating:
Summary: clunky
Review: I'm not exactly sure how the manufacture expects you to use this product on an airplane, as the stabilizing bar behind your head prevents you from leaning back into your seat. I bought this and the Aiwa noise cancelling headphones at the same time. The Koss headphones are going up on eBay.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I've been disappointed with these:
* for the lack of comfort when using on long plane trips
* for the not as great sound reduction as expected
* because the headphones produce a loud hum when the battery is turned on - which means that it only does its job when the audio range being played is enough to cover the sound of the hum! Don't waste your money... look elsewhere...
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Rating:
Summary: Huge and heavy
Review: If there was a picture of these headphones, you'd see what I mean. These headphones work by "passive" noise reduction - the pieces that fit over the ear are made of layers and layers of sound absorbing material. These monstrous pieces cover your ears and are pushed hard against your head by an imposing thick behind-the-neck piece which sports the word "KOSS" in large letters across it, so you feel like a billboard. An adjustable velcro two-piece headstrap holds the contraption in place so that its massive weight rests squarely on top of your head. I tried these at work and was mistaken for an air traffic controller. They reduce noise, but after wearing them about 1/2 hour I developed a splitting tension headache -> my neck could not hold up all the weight, and I felt like a vise had been applied to my temples. These are not made for personal use, but rather for industrial high-noise situations. Returned the same day.
Rating:
Summary: Huge and heavy
Review: If there was a picture of these headphones, you'd see what I mean. These headphones work by "passive" noise reduction - the pieces that fit over the ear are made of layers and layers of sound absorbing material. These monstrous pieces cover your ears and are pushed hard against your head by an imposing thick behind-the-neck piece which sports the word "KOSS" in large letters across it, so you feel like a billboard. An adjustable velcro two-piece headstrap holds the contraption in place so that its massive weight rests squarely on top of your head. I tried these at work and was mistaken for an air traffic controller. They reduce noise, but after wearing them about 1/2 hour I developed a splitting tension headache -> my neck could not hold up all the weight, and I felt like a vise had been applied to my temples. These are not made for personal use, but rather for industrial high-noise situations. Returned the same day.
Rating:
Summary: Good for short and long flights
Review: Just returned from 2 week trip with 5 flights ranging from 1 to 15 hours. The Koss noise reduction quiet zone headphones made the trips alomost enjoyable! They really cut down on the noise/hum of the engines even sitting near the loudest part of the plane. Watching movies and listening to the audio was crystal clear and the volume could be played at the lowest level. The only drawback is that the attachment is somewhat fragile and if you move a lot, sometimes you have to readjust. The earphones were comfortable and the carry case is very convenient. Compared to some of the more expensive headphones, I think this is a true bargain. In fact, my entire family was begging to use them. Would highly recommend.
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