Noise canceling

I’m skeptical of any audio product with a fancy design. In my experience, the more trendy or attractive a product is, the worse the performance. Maybe this prejudice comes from a place of subconscious competition, given that I’m so trendy and attractive.

So I approached the Parrot Zik with caution, not least because I found out that “Design by Starck” was not a misspelling and had nothing to do with Ned or even Robb (What about Tony? — Ed.).

But turns out, zee Ziks are zuper.

This is an article I never thought I’d write. I sold hi-fi (well, Circuit City’s version of “hi-fi”) within sight of The Mountain. I developed early an audiophile’s distain for the four-letter marketing juggernaut. When I began reviewing audio, I couldn’t imagine a situation where I’d review a Bose product. Certainly not something like the market-leading QuietComfort 15 noise-canceling headphone,  Not without heavy doses of irony, snark, and derision.

And yet, it is my fiduciary duty to give credit where credit is due.

So behold — not only my first review of a Bose product, but a positive one at that.

Gadget freaks can drive themselves crazy waiting for the perfect product. Whether it’s a smartphone, an A/V receiver, or a laptop, it seems there’s always at least one missing feature that you really, really need.