Earlier tech users had to struggle a lot with different connectors. There used to be power cables for charging and USB for data. Ethernet for the Internet, and a display port for videos. However, since 2014, the USB C port and Pro Series 4k High Speed HDMI Cable have been everyone’s first choice as a connector.
It became so popular that in 2018, Apple also converted its iPad Pro to USB C. By 2023, the USB C port’s sale is expected to reach up to 19 billion.
The introduction of USB C as a universal connector promised a streamlined one-cable solution for data transfer, charging, and audio playback.
Yes, a USB C port can be used to transport both the analog and the digital audio.
But still, not all the products have utilized the Type C port’s potential to its fullest. This blog will explore if the Bose Quiet Ultra Comfort headphones support the USB C playback.
Bose Quiet Ultra Comfort Headphones- Do They Support USB-C Playback?
Bose presents you with world-class noise-cancellation headphones with an immersive audio experience. Unfortunately, these headphones lack the USB C audio playback capability, and that’s sad news for many users and tech buffs, who buy matrix switchers.
These headphones are equipped with multipoint audio support, intuitive controls, built-in microphones, noise-canceling and echo-reduction technology, and an adjustable headband. You can get your piece for $429.
With so many exciting features, the absence of USB-C audio playback in such a high-end product seems contradictory. It also raises questions about Bose’s policies and planning and somehow puts the future of headphone technology in limbo.
Why Is USB-C Playback Useful?
A few years back, all the computing devices had several connections for display, hard disk, charging, printer, etc.
USB-C has successfully unified multiple connection types into a single connection type. Some of its unique features are:
- One can insert the male plug into the USB C port in any way. It works.
- It allows two-way power charging, i.e., easy power transfer from source to devices wherever they are in the series.
- It is designed to be used for non-USB functions.
- It is also helpful in transmitting analog signals while using a DAC.
The USB audio playback and HDMI Digital Audio Extractor are convenient and are changing the course of digital media.
Usually, traditional devices have 3.5mm jacks that rely on audio signals. However, the device's built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) has specific limitations that degrade the audio quality.
On the other hand, the USB-C allows the inclusion of a high-quality DAC within the headphone system, facilitating digital audio playback. So, it provides excellent audio quality for all devices, whether 8x8 HDMI Matrix 4K, regular smartphones or high-end computers.
The USB-C playback also enables fidelity music by supporting more significant data streams. Whether you are an audiophile or a casual listener, USB-C allows you to achieve studio-quality sound in a go.
Bose’s decision to exclude this unique feature from the Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones is very perplexing and raises many eyebrows. You must charge the Quiet Comfort Ultra through cable whenever the headphones are dead. First, plug it into a USB-C charger and then the aux cable into the source device.
Such an issue is a slight misstep for a well-known audio brand with an excellent reputation.
USB-C Audio Can be Used in Many Ways
Users can experience USB-C audio in several ways:
- Headphones with USB-C Connector- Get an earphone or headphone that allows USB-C connector. The HDMI matrix set must have an internal DAC capable of transmitting analog signals through USB-C.
- Headphones with Built-in DAC and Amp- Companies like One Plus, and Belkin, make headphones with built-in DAC and amp. If the source can transmit digital audio files, get one earphone or headphone.
- Headphones with USB-C to 3.5mm Dongle- There are two types available for using these earphones or headphones. The first type is a simple converter, assuming your device sends analog signals and recognizes the audio device. The second type includes an e-marker DAC or an amplifier. But it’s not guaranteed that your 4x4 HDMI matrix 2.0 set will transmit analog audio signals even with a DAC. However, Android 10+ and Windows 10 have a good chance of having USB OTG.
- Bluetooth- One can also use Bluetooth for external devices like headphones, earphones, amplifiers, or DAC.
Impact of Ignoring the USB-C Playback
The absence of USB-C audio playback in the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphone brings many issues affecting the user experience in various ways.
For one, due to this flaw, users must rely on Bluetooth connectivity or a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable for listening.
It raises many unwanted complications, like when the battery is exhausted or you have to use a wired connection for audio quality reasons, limiting the versatility of these headphones.
Moreover, dependency on a non-standard 2.5mm audio jack creates further complications for users. Longer fiber optic HDMI cables are difficult to find and often more expensive.
Overall, it limits the simultaneous charging and listening and impacts user experience.
Analyzing Bose’s Decision in Today’s Competitive Landscape
Many competitors, like Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Beats Studio Pro, have prioritized USB-C audio playback. They incorporate it into their designs to appeal to a broader audience of tech-savvy audiophiles, who prefer wireless HDMI extenders.
The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones' exclusion of USB-C playback is a significant drawback. It puts them at a disadvantage compared to other premium wireless headphones offering this feature.
A vast customer base values the convenience and superior audio quality USB-C provides. By overlooking this feature, Bose risks alienating that segment of potential users.
However, the Bose Comfort Ultra Headphones excel in many ways. Their failure to include USB-C audio is a notable flaw.
