B&O form 2

[ScubaSteve87]

I was in chicago a few weeks ago and saw these at the ipod store:

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/headp...4_2750crx.aspx


I couldn't really find many old posts on these, so I figured I would start a thread. I didn't get to listen to them for too long, but my only impression was that they were extremely uncomfortable. Anyone else tried or heard these? There seem to be a few glowing reviews on the link above

 

[milkpowder]

One of the reviewers from the above link...

Quote:

Reviewed by: roboter, Audio Enthusiast Price Paid: $75 at Ebay Product Model Year: 2002 Summary: True HiFi bliss. Not comparable to any other set. I travel for work and use them every moment with my IPod while flying through airports. I have had people come up to me to compliment on how nice they are, although they typically are complimenting the name B&O. While listening to certain tracks I can actually hear the band move inside the studio and smacking their lips preparing to sing the next line, which is amazing! Strengths: -Great Construction -Replacement pads availible in stock at all B&O stores. -Great looks! Weaknesses: Cord is too long for travel use 3m. Similar Products Used: Bose Sony etc.

Most of the reviewers on audioreview.com have no idea what good headphones sound like. The majority of them, like the reviewer above, have never really used any truly high-end headphones and have previously purchased Bose, Sony headphones. Basically, consumer-grade products. To be absolutely honest, I don't rate Bose and Sony that highly (bar the SAx000, V6, QC2, etc). Although some reviewers did express some previous Sennheiser experience, I don't think the 10 or so reviews are very useful to the Head-fi community. Of course, the Form 2 aren't going to sound horrible, but not necessarily better than the competition. I personally haven't listened to the Form 2's, but based on experience with "high-end" B&O audio products (eg $7K Beolab 1), I wouldn't rate their products too highly from an audio point of view. I have to admit that from a visual point of view, their products are indeed a work of art!

Here is how I view B&O: A rich man would choose to buy a whole set of B&O audio-visual equipment to put in the living room to show off to friends and business associates, but at the back of the house there will always be, without fail, a proper audiophile system in its own dedicated listening room.

I know it is a massive stereotype, but I do know quite a few people who do that.

ScubaSteve87, you've gone through your fair share of hi-end gear and I trust that you understand what I'm talking about.

 

[warpdriver]

B&O stuff has always been about form first, sound second. While they seem to have an active R&D lab churning out interesting technology (both sound and form), the sound ultimate falls short of the pricetag.

I doubt that the Form 2 has anything on any of the under $100 headphones.

I do have a B&O telephone at home which we got through credit card points which sounds quite good, but the thing also costs like a piece of audiophile gear.

 

[marvin]

Well, the proper audiophile gear would only be there if the rich man was an audiophile in the first place... But, other than that, milkpowder is dead on. I wouldn't say it's a stereotype at all. B&O's gear is the equivalent of the Bose Acoustimass system for rich people.

 

[technetium]

First of all! Before Jacob Jensen was hired by B&O, their products where all about sound and picture! Then they discovered that Danish design sells - and that big time. Therefore they started producing stereo’s and TV’s that also looked great, and sounded great.
Off course is is not possible for B&O to make real hifi (you know what I mean, things like Densen, to name another great Danish product), but they make good sound and picture non the less.
I have not only a Beosound2 (mp3 from B&O) and also their A8, I have a mx6000 (television), and as much other stuff that I can afford

What is so special about B&O, is that it just works, and that in a way you don’t get from any other company (loewe etc.). Their products are just as much furniture (sometime also art) as they are very functional pieces of hardware. Its just cool that I can use my standard remote (Beo4) to control my TV, my stereo, my light etc. And because infra-red is for suckers, I can stand in another room, not pointing at my TV, and turn it on, yeah radio-waves!. And when I forget to turn of the light, I do it from outside thanks to my B&O key ring

www.bangogolufsen.com
Keep It Simple Stupid = KISS

Only if things follow the Kiss principle they will look great in 20 years or more.
That’s why you buy B&O, because it last. And because it is quality from every single button to every single screw. It is a statement that you like quality, and not because you want to show off.

And of course B&O is pricy, it is build here in Denmark, the most expensive country in the world to build things in, and to buy them in

(eks. we pay almost 200% in tax alone on cars). And because they spend years on testing new products, before they go in the stores. Quality + design + one of the kind feeling=high price tag

Take a look here
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/web2/fac...etences&sub=ft

Jep I am a Beophile

 

[Mercuttio]

I've actually heard these. They're in the Apple SoHo store, if any NYCers want to give them a whirl. Compared them directly with my DT 770-80, and the Triports that were next to them... all unamped out of my 5G iPod.

In all honesty, the Triports sound better and are more comfortable than these things. The design is QUITE rigid, and fit my head terribly. The Bass is of the sloppy, one note variety... and it seems to be a muddy mess right up through the midrange. You know how Bose phones have that semi-neat lower midrange, that makes people go "oooh" if they haven't heard better phones? These guys I think were TRYING to do that, but really couldn't pull it off. Highs were not unpleasant, but fairly congested. I couldn't really pick the instruments or voices apart as I'd like. I was pretty flabbergasted by just how lousy these things sounded, and felt. I can't see anyone wearing these. If my Hi-Fi selection were limited to what the Apple Store keeps on hand, I'd pick the Triports over these things.

It goes without saying that I put my DT 770s back on, and grinned happily as I left the store.

 

[cheechoz]

Oh jeez!! Another Bose cloner! When will this madness end!

Just please tell me why you would buy something for the name, and looks, when the product in question, is all about the sound quaity!

My hats off to John Grado!! Now there is the exact opposite of these crap companies!!

**Hey, I'm a Headphoneus Supremus!!**

 

[sxr71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder One of the reviewers from the above link... Most of the reviewers on audioreview.com have no idea what good headphones sound like. The majority of them, like the reviewer above, have never really used any truly high-end headphones and have previously purchased Bose, Sony headphones. Basically, consumer-grade products. To be absolutely honest, I don't rate Bose and Sony that highly (bar the SAx000, V6, QC2, etc). Although some reviewers did express some previous Sennheiser experience, I don't think the 10 or so reviews are very useful to the Head-fi community. Of course, the Form 2 aren't going to sound horrible, but not necessarily better than the competition. I personally haven't listened to the Form 2's, but based on experience with "high-end" B&O audio products (eg $7K Beolab 1), I wouldn't rate their products too highly from an audio point of view. I have to admit that from a visual point of view, their products are indeed a work of art! Here is how I view B&O: A rich man would choose to buy a whole set of B&O audio-visual equipment to put in the living room to show off to friends and business associates, but at the back of the house there will always be, without fail, a proper audiophile system in its own dedicated listening room. I know it is a massive stereotype, but I do know quite a few people who do that. ScubaSteve87, you've gone through your fair share of hi-end gear and I trust that you understand what I'm talking about.

Firstly not every rich person has or even knows what a proper audiophile system is. Secondly I would never perpetuate a lie like that leave alone waste my time showing-off to and "impressing" people.

 

[ScubaSteve87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder ScubaSteve87, you've gone through your fair share of hi-end gear and I trust that you understand what I'm talking about.

Yep I do. I just posted it to see what peoples reactions are.

Quote:

What is so special about B&O, is that it just works

my apple ipod earbuds "just work", so does my 3 year old cellphone.

 

[Bisco82]

I would like to chime in as I am an owner of the B&O form 2. No, they are not tremendously comfortable. Yes, they have a very long cord that is sort of heavy. Yes, they actually sound quite good. I own several headphones, IEMs, and ECH's in this price range of 100 and under and these hold their own I would say to most of my collection. They are great with certain music and I really like how they sound. I have always liked their sound signature, and I always end up going back to these to listen to every now and around just because I have always liked them. If you are looking for a bang for buck item, these certainly are not them, but they really are not a bad product at all, and are a "fun" sounding headphone

 

[Assorted]

It has recessed highs, and I'd prefer their more expensive A8 buds any day.

edit: what am I doing replying to a bumped year old post

 

[alximiq]

hey,help me someone..
Are they so uncomfortable,as someone says? I have SENNHEISER PX 100 and imo they are very comfortable,but what about these???
Reply anyone please,I want to buy them as xmass gift..

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheechoz /img/forum/go_quote.gif My hats off to John Grado!! Now there is the exact opposite of these crap companies!!

Now that's funny. The sound quality of Grado's are better than B&O (according to most people, but I don't like their sound at all), but when it comes to build quality, B&O is far superior to Grado.

B&O is all about form and function, and that they do very well but for a hefty price. If you want sound quality, look elsewhere.

 

[fkclo]

B&O in audio is like Apple in the personal computing industry. B&O are designed to be user friendly, and take a form that is a class in its own.

I have owned a Form 2, and a A8. Both looks and works great, and deliver sound that match its pricing pretty well. In terms of sonic signature, B&O sounds aims for being natural and easy going - it does not exaggerate. Pretty pleasing to the ear, and good for casual listening.

Yes, the Form 2 is not that comfortable as the form suggested. The A8 is better in this aspect but adjusting it take some time.

Sound-wise, compared to say the ER-4P, the A8 falls short. Compares to a PX-100, the Form 2 is on the bright side. Personally, I would not use it for serious listening.

BTW, the foam pads of the Form 2 does not live long. It disintegrates after 3 years of light use. So, if a used pair is available, be alert on the foam's condition.

FWIW.
F. Lo

 

[OptionTrader]

B&O is for people who care about design in their environment first and foremost. Take a look at all the equipment that we consider audiophile quality. It all looks like industrial rack equipment. The people who buy B&O want their sound systems to disappear or blend into the decor of their rooms without having to hide it behind the doors of a cabinet when not in use.

It's just not for the majority of us. It's for the Architectural Digest crowd. I know plenty of them.