Dubious Quality

Just as a reminder, the Costume Count, after a distinguished fifteen-year run, was retired after last year. I don't live in a house anymore, and most of us have aged out of having trick-or-treating kids, so it seemed like the right time.

Based on email, a fair number of you are also have boundary issues with political news this week. Having  peace and quiet is a huge bonus right now, so I'm going to pivot to noise cancellation headphones, which I collect like Freddie in Scooby-Doo collects sweaters.

Noise cancellation headphones, in general, are a miracle. It's one of the best, unadulterated, undiluted pieces of technology we have, a universal good.

I've had multiple pairs of Sony's and Bose over the years, usually replacing them as newer models came out. What I've found is that you can get refurbished ones from the manufacturer at a substantial discount, and since people return electronics for any or no reason at all, you're usually getting an essentially new pair.

Right now, what I'm using as my primary option are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429 new, $259 refurbished in conjunction with a coupon). The Bose sound has always been a bit bright for my tastes, but  the noise cancellation and fit (particularly with this model) is superb. This is absolutely the best noise cancellation I've ever experienced, and the sound is less harsh.

I also have an old pair of QC45s, but far prefer the Ultras.

Sony's headphones are excellent (I have a pair of WH-1000xm4s). I prefer their sound quality slightly in comparison to the Ultras, but just barely, but the Ultras have better noise cancellation and a much more comfortable fit. The Sony series tends to fight more tightly on your head, and I notice it because I wear glasses. They're just not as comfortable.

Like I said, getting refurbished headphones from the manufacturer or Amazon has been an excellent experience for me (along with other electronics as well), and the discounts are huge.