Side By Side Comparison - AirPods Max, B&O H95, Dali iO-6, B&W PX8, ML 5909, M&D MW75, Focal Bathys and more

[M-83]

As the B&O H100 is an open box order and happened to be the first pair I unpacked, I’m going to give this a go before the others I think.

 

[AcademicBarzo]

@angelom @Maukey and others,

Hi,

Thanks for your thoughts over the past few days- appreciated.

Sorry for the delay in responding to your replies - it’s been a crazy week.

So, I’ve taken delivery of B&O H100, Noble FoKus Apollo, and ML5909 to test them all and see which one I like best. I’ll only keep one.

Which should I start with do you think? Any particular reason why?

Cheers

M-83.

I’m not sure it matters re order. I’d set up a few test tracks (things you are familiar with) and play them through on one headphone, then the next, then the final lot. I’d record impressions. I’d then maybe compare them all again on one track.

After that, I’d live with one pair for a day at least each. Use ANC, get a feel for how they operate out in the world in whatever use case scenarios you bought them for. Record impressions.

After that, you might want to consider any EQ. That’s easiest with the 5909s, as they don’t really have any. Just an adjustable bass setting.

Happy listening.

 

[M-83]

I’m not sure it matters re order. I’d set up a few test tracks (things you are familiar with) and play them through on one headphone, then the next, then the final lot. I’d record impressions. I’d then maybe compare them all again on one track.

After that, I’d live with one pair for a day at least each. Use ANC, get a feel for how they operate out in the world in whatever use case scenarios you bought them for. Record impressions.

After that, you might want to consider any EQ. That’s easiest with the 5909s, as they don’t really have any. Just an adjustable bass setting.

Happy listening.

Thanks for this.

I’m listening to H100 at the moment.

I’m very impressed. Much more so than I expected to be.

They sound great on first listen.

I’m working late at my laptop so can’t critique properly this evening.

The thing I’m most impressed by actually, is the ease and consistency of control using the tactile dial, buttons etc. I didn’t realise how much I missed this kind of high quality control implementation.

Sounds great, fun, easy to put on and close off from surroundings.

Will have a better day with them tomorrow evening (UK time).

 

[Maukey]

My Dali IO-8 came in this morning. I've spent the day using them and feel comfortable giving impressions and how they compare to the IO-12. Let's just say that so far I'm really impressed with what Dali did with this headphone.

1. I will get this out of the way first, the IO-12 is the overall better sounding of the 2 if you prefer a more analytical sound. The IO-12 wins in resolution, detail retrieval, and soundstage. However, the IO-8 has a very similar tonality, with dare I say a slightly smoother and more natural timbre. The iO-8 has more presence in the mid bass up to the lower mids. It gives the IO-8 a slightly warmer presentation. The iO-8 is a little softer in the treble region overall which in my opinion helps with it's natural timbre. It's not dull by any means, but is less up front in the treble compared to the IO-6 and IO-12. So if you're sensitive to treble, you may actually prefer this presentation over the IO-12.

2. In my opinion, the IO-8 is a much better travel and commuter headphone compared to the IO-12, and I haven't even left the house with it yet. It's lighter, with a more travel friendly case. It also doesn't look as huge on the head, and for me, I like the overall look better. And before I make this next point, as I've stated in my original comparison, I have small ears. Where some people feel their ears don't fit comfortably in headphones like the Solitaire T, mine fit just fine. Which leads me to the IO-8. One of the things I actually like better about the IO-8 is that it fits my ears more snug because the cups are smaller. This makes it a much better choice over the IO-12 for me if I decided to use this headphone while active. Which leads me to my next point...

3. For most people, the IO-12 will be the overall more comfortable headphone. I can see the smaller ear cups of the IO-8 being a deal breaker for those with bigger ears. You combine that with the IO-12's slightly looser fit, and it makes it more comfortable for longer sessions. I personally had no issue using the IO-8 all day, but again, I have small ears so most headphones are comfortable for me unless there's like an insane amount of clamping force.

4. For my ears, the IO-8 has better passive isolation. Where I use to have seal issues with the IO-6, I don't have that issue with the IO-8. Not sure what Dali did here, but these seal much better. Combine the snug fit and good seal with a a very good ANC, and I think these one up the IO-12 in overall noise cancelling abilities. Still need to test outside the house to confirm, but the IO-8 definitely made my house sound a little quieter.

In conclusion, outside these few differences I highlighted above, the IO-12 and IO-8 are basically identical headphones when it comes to features. I think what Dali did here is create a travel friendlier version of the IO-12. They basically took the design of the IO-6, improved it, but made the sound a more fun version of the IO-12. I need more time with this, but I could see this being an overall better recommendation to the IO-12 for most people. More to come.

 

[xoxiax]

My Dali IO-8 came in this morning. I've spent the day using them and feel comfortable giving impressions and how they compare to the IO-12. Let's just say that so far I'm really impressed with what Dali did with this headphone.

1. I will get this out of the way first, the IO-12 is the overall better sounding of the 2 if you prefer a more analytical sound. The IO-12 wins in resolution, detail retrieval, and soundstage. However, the IO-8 has a very similar tonality, with dare I say a slightly smoother and more natural timbre. The iO-8 has more presence in the mid bass up to the lower mids. It gives the IO-8 a slightly warmer presentation. The iO-8 is a little softer in the treble region overall which in my opinion helps with it's natural timbre. It's not dull by any means, but is less up front in the treble compared to the IO-6 and IO-12. So if you're sensitive to treble, you may actually prefer this presentation over the IO-12.

2. In my opinion, the IO-8 is a much better travel and commuter headphone compared to the IO-12, and I haven't even left the house with it yet. It's lighter, with a more travel friendly case. It also doesn't look as huge on the head, and for me, I like the overall look better. And before I make this next point, as I've stated in my original comparison, I have small ears. Where some people feel their ears don't fit comfortably in headphones like the Solitaire T, mine fit just fine. Which leads me to the IO-8. One of the things I actually like better about the IO-8 is that it fits my ears more snug because the cups are smaller. This makes it a much better choice over the IO-12 for me if I decided to use this headphone while active. Which leads me to my next point...

3. For most people, the IO-12 will be the overall more comfortable headphone. I can see the smaller ear cups of the IO-8 being a deal breaker for those with bigger ears. You combine that with the IO-12's slightly looser fit, and it makes it more comfortable for longer sessions. I personally had no issue using the IO-8 all day, but again, I have small ears so most headphones are comfortable for me unless there's like an insane amount of clamping force.

4. For my ears, the IO-8 has better passive isolation. Where I use to have seal issues with the IO-6, I don't have that issue with the IO-8. Not sure what Dali did here, but these seal much better. Combine the snug fit and good seal with a a very good ANC, and I think these one up the IO-12 in overall noise cancelling abilities. Still need to test outside the house to confirm, but the IO-8 definitely made my house sound a little quieter.

In conclusion, outside these few differences I highlighted above, the IO-12 and IO-8 are basically identical headphones when it comes to features. I think what Dali did here is create a travel friendlier version of the IO-12. They basically took the design of the IO-6, improved it, but made the sound a more fun version of the IO-12. I need more time with this, but I could see this being an overall better recommendation to the IO-12 for most people. More to come.

Thank you @Maukey!
Would it be possible a fast comparison with the Fokus Apollo? Which one would you prefer in terms of sound quality? I've been doubting all the week between both as i see them as direct competitors...
By the way, this thread has been my bible for wireless headphones during the last months. Great, great job, thank you very much!!!

 

[Maukey]

Thank you @Maukey!
Would it be possible a fast comparison with the Fokus Apollo? Which one would you prefer in terms of sound quality? I've been doubting all the week between both as i see them as direct competitors...
By the way, this thread has been my bible for wireless headphones during the last months. Great, great job, thank you very much!!!

I will try to do a brief comparison with my Apollos today. I've been mainly focused on the IO-8 and IO-12.

 

[Maukey]

Day 2 with the IO-8:

It's become more apparent to me that the Dali IO-12 are a step up to the IO-8 if you value Soundstage, Detail, and Resolve. The sound is overall a little bigger on the IO-12. The IO-8 is a more intimate sound with a slightly smoother overall presentation. After more listening, I can't even say that the IO-8 is a more fun sound. It all depends on what fun is to you. Bass guitars and certain bass frequencies with the IO-8 have more presence and is more in your face, but the IO-12 feels a little more punchy with a treble attack that adds a fun factor to certain sounds. The tonality is definitely similar between the two though. You can tell they're both Dali headphones.

Dali IO-8 vs Noble FoKus Apollo

This a very brief, around 2 hours, comparison between the 2.

Sound - The 2 are very close but with different sound signatures. I think I may slightly prefer the IO-8 overall, but the Apollo definitely has it's advantages depending on use. Apollo wins in Treble as there's just more presence overall. I won't say the Apollo wins in bass, but it has more. The bass is noticeably bigger. Soundstage is bigger on the Apollo. While I don't think either headphones specialize in their mids presentation, the IO-8 feels smoother in the region to my ears. Not that the Apollo has bad mids, it's just that the Treble and big bass takes center stage. I think the IO-8 sounds more natural and speaker like with a slightly better Timbre to my ears. There seems to be a little more cohesion to it's sound overall. The Apollos is definitely the more fun and dynamic headphone.

Comfort - The IO-8 wins here for me. Mainly because it puts less pressure on the top of my head. The IO-8 just fit my head and ears better.

Features - Apollos win simply because features aren't the focus of the Dali headphones. That boom mic that comes with the Apollos is clutch for me.

ANC/Transparency - It's early, but I think both headphones are pretty comparable win it comes to passive isolation and ANC. The passive isolation of both of these are 2 of the best in the class. Transparency is also comparable but I would need to test both more to be sure.

In summary, I think the Apollos are the better office/home office headphone, and the IO-8 are the better commute/travel headphone. I honestly can't at this stage pick a winner as they are different enough that I would keep them both.

 

[angelom]

I’m very impressed. Much more so than I expected to be.

Is good that you're finding how good is the H100. Like I saying in my previous reply to you, I have a very similar experience when speaking about expectations -- mine, 4.5 months ago, are probably more low than yours because I'm very critical of many aspects of (specially expensive) BT/ANC headphones.

The thing I’m most impressed by actually, is the ease and consistency of control using the tactile dial, buttons etc. I didn’t realise how much I missed this kind of high quality control implementation.

Again, like I telling you in my previous post, I can't exaggerating how good the aspects you're mentioning are. And this is why I saying that, especially for my personal circumstances, I'm happy paying a big premium (about 300 EUR) for this type of implementation even if one or two headphones maybe sound only a little (not much) better. For the last 4.5 months I'm more happy with the H100 experience than I am before with any others headphones before for all the reasons that I mentioning before.

Coincidentally AND curiously, and almost at the same time, I buying too the AirPods 4 with ANC (AP4) and this is, again, one of the very, very best products I buying in all my life. Is VERY impressive what Apple achieving with the AP4, for me a better experience than ALL others Apple wired and wireless earphones and the only wireless headphone, the AirPods Max (I buying all models in the past). The AP4 with ANC is simply incredible --and this isn't an exaggeration--, an earphone I use everyday, and several times often in the same day.

 

[xoxiax]

Day 2 with the IO-8:

It's become more apparent to me that the Dali IO-12 are a step up to the IO-8 if you value Soundstage, Detail, and Resolve. The sound is overall a little bigger on the IO-12. The IO-8 is a more intimate sound with a slightly smoother overall presentation. After more listening, I can't even say that the IO-8 is a more fun sound. It all depends on what fun is to you. Bass guitars and certain bass frequencies with the IO-8 have more presence and is more in your face, but the IO-12 feels a little more punchy with a treble attack that adds a fun factor to certain sounds. The tonality is definitely similar between the two though. You can tell they're both Dali headphones.

Dali IO-8 vs Noble FoKus Apollo

This a very brief, around 2 hours, comparison between the 2.

Sound - The 2 are very close but with different sound signatures. I think I may slightly prefer the IO-8 overall, but the Apollo definitely has it's advantages depending on use. Apollo wins in Treble as there's just more presence overall. I won't say the Apollo wins in bass, but it has more. The bass is noticeably bigger. Soundstage is bigger on the Apollo. While I don't think either headphones specialize in their mids presentation, the IO-8 feels smoother in the region to my ears. Not that the Apollo has bad mids, it's just that the Treble and big bass takes center stage. I think the IO-8 sounds more natural and speaker like with a slightly better Timbre to my ears. There seems to be a little more cohesion to it's sound overall. The Apollos is definitely the more fun and dynamic headphone.

Comfort - The IO-8 wins here for me. Mainly because it puts less pressure on the top of my head. The IO-8 just fit my head and ears better.

Features - Apollos win simply because features aren't the focus of the Dali headphones. That boom mic that comes with the Apollos is clutch for me.

ANC/Transparency - It's early, but I think both headphones are pretty comparable win it comes to passive isolation and ANC. The passive isolation of both of these are 2 of the best in the class. Transparency is also comparable but I would need to test both more to be sure.

In summary, I think the Apollos are the better office/home office headphone, and the IO-8 are the better commute/travel headphone. I honestly can't at this stage pick a winner as they are different enough that I would keep them both.

Thank you very much, @Maukey.
Your notes confirm me that the Apollo's signature will probably convince me a little bit more as it seems more similar to my Campfire Atlas, which is the sound i look for on the move. I've hesitated between both during the last month and i definitely pulled the trigger with the Nobles although i'm not really convinced about aesthetics (i've no received them yet, butthey seem huge for street use, and i see the decision of attaching the headband to the external part of the headphone a great mistake, as it opens it excessively and leaves a giant space inside that makes it look even bigger). Also, i come from a Dali io6 and, although i initially loved it (and i still prefer it's aesthetics, also big but mucho more elegant and discreet), i´ve had my reservations with them through the years caused by three reasons:

1) They lack volume for me, always reaching the maximum in noisy environments.
2) Sound is beautiful and smooth, but i've missed dynamics and slam.
3) (this is the main reason) One driver died last month after one year not functioning perfectly (and using them in very few situations for the last two years, as i preferred my campfire Atlas for street use.. but i suffer a tinnitus so my ears need care, that's why i'm buying anc again...)

The io-8 seems to have solved point 2, but i don't trust so much the durability of the drivers and i've read (i don't remember where) that loudness is still a little bit quiet.

My apollos should arrive tomorrow, so i'll share my impressions after some use.

 

[Maukey]

Time to play!!!

 

[angelom]

The world is waiting for your results, @Maukey.

Do you have initial impressions yet before you add the H100 to your rankings list?

 

[Maukey]

H100 Initial Impressions:

1. Very comfortable for my small ears. Clamping force is strong but not overbearing. The extra padding definitely helps with comfort on top of the head. Headphones are very stable on my head, and if I wanted to workout with these, I actually could. Can't say that about the Dali IO-12, Focal Bathys, or Noble FoKus Apollo.

2. Excellent ANC and Transparency mode. Haven't tested on flights yet, but it definitely silences the Dehumidifier and Air Condition unit in my basement. Transparency is not AirPods Max good, but definitely top 5 in the class.

3. The only headphones currently on the market that rival these when it comes to features are the Sony 1000XM5. Yes, they're that good. Dials to control volume are excellent. Speak to chat which engages transparency and pauses your music. You do this by either holding your hand over the ear cup to have a quick conversation, or, just quickly placing and then removing your palm from the ear cup to engage it for a longer conversation. The ability to maintain a bluetooth connection to your phone while using the 3.5 mm wire to something like your laptop or gaming dac. If you've read my original comparisons, you know I'm big on this feature. The auto on/off feature, something that I've never cared for in other headphones works flawlessly here. It's simple, every time you take off your headphones it powers them down. When you put them on, it turns them on. And they turn on very quickly so you're not sitting and waiting.

4. When it comes to sound, in my opinion, it's a small step down from my 3 favorites, the Solitaire T, Dali IO-12, and Noble FoKus Apollo. In my opinion, I put it in the same class as the Focal Bathys but with a different sound signature that will come down to preference. I personally prefer the H100. Bass all the way up to the upper midrange is excellent here. The treble will come down to preference. It's not absent as some try and say, and there's definitely plenty of resolve in the treble, but it does have that unique B&O tonality to it that some may describe as "metallic" or "artificial" depending on source, and there is a roll-off in the highest of the highs. In my opinion, it's not as bad as the H95 was, and the unique tonality to the treble here adds to the very smooth and natural midrange that is on display here. It's a very smooth, cohesive listen that has plenty of excitement. It handles anything you throw at it very well. Even low volume listening is excellent as I believe these are using some technology similar to Bose to maintain a consistent sound quality at all volume levels. But lets get to what I consider the star of the show, Immersive Mode which is meant to complement Dolby Atmos/Digital content. Outside of the AirPods Max, there's no other ANC headphone in my opinion that does Spatial Audio as well. It's tonality and tuning remains almost identical with just a little more added bass and treble for excitement. I love plugging these up to my gaming DAC, turning on Immersive Mode, and watching movies or playing games on my PS5 Pro in Dolby Atmos glory. Truly an excellent experience. One I prefer over the AirPods Max simply because the sound quality is better. A true sleeper feature here in my opinion.

In summary, the H100 is lining up for me to be the most usable, feature rich, convenient, well designed headphone on the market. It is hands down the best headphone when it comes to usability and design in my opinion. I even love the carrying case. B&O truly designed a well thought out headphone that is now a contender for my "if money is no object" champ. More to come.

 

[angelom]

Maukey, I'm looking very quickly at your first long post in this thread and I see that in the last category ("My Personal Favorites and the ones I use the most as of 09/21/2024") you have in #3 the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. I owning this earphone before (when realising) for about 10 days and I like several things but at the end the comfort after maybe 1-1.5 hours isn't very good and I must adjusting the position of the earpieces often for this reason, so I returning to Amazon.

Why am I mentioning this?? Because if you don't trying yet, you really must trying the AirPods 4 (with ANC) that releasing 4 months ago (this model have open style like the Bose Open Earbuds that isn't going inside your ears). The AP4 is one of the very, very best products I buying in my life, and I use this earphone everyday, often more than one time a day.

If you oder directly from Apple, you have 14 days for trying and a free returns policy without needing giving a reason why. At least in Europe this policy is only if you order online (not even in an Apple store).

This is one earphone (with ANC!) that is very more better than so, so many people know.

 

[Aliv3]

Thank you very much, @Maukey.
Your notes confirm me that the Apollo's signature will probably convince me a little bit more as it seems more similar to my Campfire Atlas, which is the sound i look for on the move. I've hesitated between both during the last month and i definitely pulled the trigger with the Nobles although i'm not really convinced about aesthetics (i've no received them yet, butthey seem huge for street use, and i see the decision of attaching the headband to the external part of the headphone a great mistake, as it opens it excessively and leaves a giant space inside that makes it look even bigger). Also, i come from a Dali io6 and, although i initially loved it (and i still prefer it's aesthetics, also big but mucho more elegant and discreet), i´ve had my reservations with them through the years caused by three reasons:

1) They lack volume for me, always reaching the maximum in noisy environments.
2) Sound is beautiful and smooth, but i've missed dynamics and slam.
3) (this is the main reason) One driver died last month after one year not functioning perfectly (and using them in very few situations for the last two years, as i preferred my campfire Atlas for street use.. but i suffer a tinnitus so my ears need care, that's why i'm buying anc again...)

The io-8 seems to have solved point 2, but i don't trust so much the durability of the drivers and i've read (i don't remember where) that loudness is still a little bit quiet.

My apollos should arrive tomorrow, so i'll share my impressions after some use.

So, do you have any impressions to share? I’m also looking for some anc headphone because I also suffer from tinnitus and I’m leaving behind iems which suck because they are so practical!

 

[Maukey]

Maukey, I'm looking very quickly at your first long post in this thread and I see that in the last category ("My Personal Favorites and the ones I use the most as of 09/21/2024") you have in #3 the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. I owning this earphone before (when realising) for about 10 days and I like several things but at the end the comfort after maybe 1-1.5 hours isn't very good and I must adjusting the position of the earpieces often for this reason, so I returning to Amazon.

Why am I mentioning this?? Because if you don't trying yet, you really must trying the AirPods 4 (with ANC) that releasing 4 months ago (this model have open style like the Bose Open Earbuds that isn't going inside your ears). The AP4 is one of the very, very best products I buying in my life, and I use this earphone everyday, often more than one time a day.

If you oder directly from Apple, you have 14 days for trying and a free returns policy without needing giving a reason why. At least in Europe this policy is only if you order online (not even in an Apple store).

This is one earphone (with ANC!) that is very more better than so, so many people know.

Thanks angelom. I've had my eye on them. They will probably replace my AirPods Pro 2 soon. You've had the AirPods Pro 2 before right? What do you like about the AirPods 4 with ANC better than the AirPods Pro 2?