ceeloChamp
500+ Head-Fier
I was so torn about buying these, they look so awesome, but the sound is just ok and the controls are finicky. I also felt like they were kind of underpowered and quiet...anyone feel that?
Is this the H9 or H9i you're referring to?I was so torn about buying these, they look so awesome, but the sound is just ok and the controls are finicky. I also felt like they were kind of underpowered and quiet...anyone feel that?
Is this the H9 or H9i you're referring to?
According to B&O's press release for the H9i, the new version has a bass port for supposedly "better" bass response, a transparency mode and improved ANC.Beside a slightly darker color (might be a picture), changed controls and maybe a little smaller pads i can't find any differences.
^ ...i was talking about the picture
Very interested to hear more about this choice. How is the comfort of on-ear vs around-ear? How about the noise reduction eg on trains - do you lose much by not having around-the-ear isolation?Went back with my H9. Ordered the H8i in natural colors.
Very interested to hear more about this choice. How is the comfort of on-ear vs around-ear? How about the noise reduction eg on trains - do you lose much by not having around-the-ear isolation?
Call quality was very bad on the H9. This is a feature that seems to be addressed on the H8i. The bass was also overwhelming on the H9, so the advertised more powerful bass on the new H9i isn't something I desire. I am not that fond of charging, so 30 hours vs 18 hours means less charging, less cycles and wear on the battery. USB-C is also welcome.
I also like the buttons instead of touch. They have all been clumsy, and there has never been any Apple touchpad like quality gestures on any headphone. H8i has buttons, H9i still dabble in touch. I also felt the H9 was a bit big on the head, and was much more protruding than H6, which makes you look and feel like Mickey Mouse. I will not comment on fit, as we are all made different, but I can comment on the size of the actual headphones. Since they don't fold into a travel case, having less impact in size and weight is welcome. Noise cancelling is also improved, and seem to have the same features of the H9i. How this will work on a plane or a bus I do not yet know, but H9 wasn't as good as the WH-1000XM2, but the Sony didn't sound that nice either.
Bottom line is that I don't need the extra bass, which is the only advertised feature that distinguish these to models in terms of features and technology. Fit may be a problem, but that is due to the size of your ears, or if they are stiff. I couldn't use the E8s for long periods of time due to fit. The H8i is also a bit larger than the H8, so I think it will be comfortable to wear. I had some trouble with Beyerdynamic T50p Tesla in 2011, but they are nowhere near as refined as B&O in terms of craftsmanship and comfort. Again, the touch controls on H9 and Sony WH-1000XM2 doesn't feel refined, so I believe buttons are better. I don't like the noise from tapping on headphone either, though circling around to control the volume feels sleek when it works.
The H8i checks all my boxes. Strong battery, buttons and comes in a more portable package. Improved call quality is a must, along with Siri, which is good for commanding your phone to call.
My biggest problems with H8:
1- Comfort (becomes really painful after 2 hours) (H9 does not have this problem)
2- Low max volume (H9 was worse)
3- When walking I could hear every single step of mine through the headphones (H9 does not have this problem)
4- Connecticity issues (Drops out if you put your phone in your left pocket instead of right) (H9 does not have this problem)
Other than these I loved h8s. I hope H8i solves all these issues.