ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Already mentioned in the 'New Products'-thread but I think it warrants its own topic: the new 3rd Gen BeoPlay H9.
540 € (+ 40 € compared to the H9i)
https://bocopenhagen.dk/en/beoplay-h9-3rd-generation-review/
https://bocopenhagen.dk/en/beoplay-h9-vs-beoplay-h9i-blogpost/
Some information:
Seems like a very good update! Lots of extra features.
1990:Already mentioned in the 'New Products'-thread but I think it warrants its own topic: the new 3rd Gen BeoPlay H9. 540 € (+ 40 € compared to the H9i) https://bocopenhagen.dk/en/beoplay-h9-3rd-generation-review/ https://bocopenhagen.dk/en/beoplay-h9-vs-beoplay-h9i-blogpost/ Some information: Special Voice Assist-button (for Google Assistant or Siri) AptX Refined aluminum disc with updated edge chamfer (easier to adjust volume) Updated ear cushions Updated headband PROXIMITY SENSOR: An intelligent feature that automatically pause the sound when you take off the headphones and starts playing when you put them back on. TRANSPARENCY MODE: Allows you to listen to your surroundings whenever you want, with a single touch of a button. IMPROVED ACTIVE SOUND CANCELLATION: More powerful noise reduction at low frequencies, eliminating human voices more efficiently. IMPROVED SOUND QUALITY: We have introduced a new bassport with deeper and more powerful bass and added a dedicated microphone that improves sound quality. USB-C-CHARGER NOW WITH 1,25 M. CABLE: Compatible with all our BT speakers. With a longer charger cable, you can use your headphones while charging. BATTERYLIFE: An additional four hours of playback with Bluetooth and active noise cancellation turned on. We have extended the playtime significantly with optimal circuit design and increased battery capacity. DUAL DEVICE CONNECTIVITY AND LARGE BT RANGE: You can connect your H9i wirelessly with two devices at the same time, and with an improved range, you can now stream music further from your device without interruptions. Seems like a very good update! Lots of extra features.
Aussie Michael: What even is AptX
What even is AptX
Higher bitrate
Dom
2x BeoSystem 3, BeoSystem 5000, BeoSystem 6500, 2x BeoMaster 7000, 2 pair of BeoLab Penta mk2, AV 7000, Beolab 4000, BeoSound 4000, Playmaker, BeoLab 2500, S-45, S-45.2, RL-140, CX-50, C-75, 3x CX-100, 3x MCL2 link rooms, 3x Beolab 2000, M3, P2, Earset, A8 earphones, A3, 2x 4001 relay, H3, H3 ANC, H6, 2014 Audi S5 with B&O sound, and ambio
Aussie Michael:What even is AptX
You can find some info here: https://www.aptx.com/history
Vähintään yhdeksänkymmentä prosenttia suomalainen!
I have been wanting the H9i but the connectivity issues I read about have scared me off. Was waiting for a major update like this so I could take a closer look.
I'm tired of wrestling with my H3 ANC cable along with the silly Apple adapter.
Beo4 'til I die!
"You think we can slap some oak on this thing?"
leosgonewild:BT 4.2?
Finally they support Apt-X! Great! Thank you Bang & Olufsen!
Will it need a google setup because of the assistant button or can it be used/setup without?
Regarding the bass port: I hope they don't sound like beats headphones! I don't want a subwoofer on my head.
1990: Seems like a very good update! Lots of extra features.
I'm confused though. Yes, again. Does this mean the very recently release bronze edition H9i's are the previous generation? So they've just released these, then released an updated version soon after? Again?
Evan: I'm tired of wrestling with my H3 ANC cable along with the silly Apple adapter.
moxxey:I'm confused though. Yes, again. Does this mean the very recently release bronze edition H9i's are the previous generation? So they've just released these, then released an updated version soon after? Again?
[moxxey] I was actually thinking about getting a pair of the bronze H9i's.... but I'm glad I waited a bit. That said, I may still actually get them.
I mean, B&O really have to clean up what I'm starting to see as a mess, with updates like this.
Correct me if i'm wrong, but wasn't aptX already a mainstay on the original H9's,... which was then only removed on the H9i's?
And speaking of messes, the website needs cleaning up, too... one section of the Gen 3 page says "you can easily exchange the rechargeable battery", and the specifics at the bottom say "Non-Replaceable". I mean, we know what it is, but you can't have discrepancies like that.
I'm also not understanding this longer cable argument. The H9i's came with a decently lengthy cable, of which longer ones can be had from Amazon, rather than having to wait for a new model that has a longer cord in the box.
This update, and many other recent B&O updates, all remind me of George Lucas's many updates of the original Star Wars films.
Earle: [moxxey] I was actually thinking about getting a pair of the bronze H9i's.... but I'm glad I waited a bit. That said, I may still actually get them. I mean, B&O really have to clean up what I'm starting to see as a mess, with updates like this.
I literally have a pair of bronze H9i's in my cart which I was close to purchasing. I'd have bought them as they are their most recent release and left perplexed by the new launch.
And that the bronze and SS19 Teal - again released only weeks ago - are both the previous edition, but still current products. So odd. And now the website has "H9" and "H9i" and I'd assume if I was a novice purchaser, the addition of the 'i' meant it was the newest edition of the headphone.
On top of the above, the latest B&O magazine, only just launched, doesn't even reference the new H9 MK3: http://publication.bang-olufsen.com/bang-olufsen-magazine-issue-71/bomagazineissue7en/?crmcountry=GB&crmid=19635
Earle:[moxxey] I was actually thinking about getting a pair of the bronze H9i's.... but I'm glad I waited a bit. That said, I may still actually get them.I mean, B&O really have to clean up what I'm starting to see as a mess, with updates like this.Correct me if i'm wrong, but wasn't aptX already a mainstay on the original H9's,... which was then only removed on the H9i's? And speaking of messes, the website needs cleaning up, too... one section of the Gen 3 page says "you can easily exchange the rechargeable battery", and the specifics at the bottom say "Non-Replaceable". I mean, we know what it is, but you can't have discrepancies like that. I'm also not understanding this longer cable argument. The H9i's came with a decently lengthy cable, of which longer ones can be had from Amazon, rather than having to wait for a new model that has a longer cord in the box.This update, and many other recent B&O updates, all remind me of George Lucas's many updates of the original Star Wars films.
1990: Already mentioned in the 'New Products'-thread but I think it warrants its own topic: the new 3rd Gen BeoPlay H9. 540 € (+ 40 € compared to the H9i)
Interestingly, the H9 MK3 is the same price as the H9i in GBP: £450.
@1990 put the wrong list of characteristics on the first post : this list comes from his second link which was the launch article about the H9i when it replaced the H9.
so AptX, 1,25m cable, etc was features from the H9i
now with the H9 naming going back, it’s a bit of a mess, but Millemissen’s first link is the right one : the update is mainly the Siri/GA button with updated touch panel.
diisign.com
The full list of new things is here :
new touch surface design with voice assistant button
new cups design for improved comfort and improved visual with concealed end caps
Advanced on/off/pairing slider
so no new battery or connectivity.
...and btw, aptx means nothing to iPhone people, only to Android folks. Just fyi.
mbee: Millemissen put the wrong list of characteristics on the first post : this list comes from his second link which was the launch article about the H9i when it replaced the H9. so AptX, 1,25m cable, etc was features from the H9i now with the H9 naming going back, it’s a bit of a mess, but Millemissen’s first link is the right one : the update is mainly the Siri/GA button with updated touch panel.
Millemissen put the wrong list of characteristics on the first post : this list comes from his second link which was the launch article about the H9i when it replaced the H9.
Can’t remember having contributed anything to this thread!
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
The full list of “updates” between H9i and H9 3rd gen are the following :
new touch plate design with voice assistant button
new cups design with more inside space and conceited end caps
Enhanced headband padding
Advanced on off pairing slider
and... that’s all!
OOoops! Sorry Millemissen, I think it's either the evening beer that made my eyes cross between topics or your spirit that is too present on this forum!
By the way I tried 2 times to put the correct list of new features (mainly cosmetics) but my posts are blocked for moderation...
mbee: OOoops! Sorry Millemissen, I think it's either the evening beer that made my eyes cross between topics or your spirit that is too present on this forum!
I hope it is the beer, then ;-)
moxxey:I literally have a pair of bronze H9i's in my cart which I was close to purchasing. I'd have bought them as they are their most recent release and left perplexed by the new launch. And that the bronze and SS19 Teal - again released only weeks ago - are both the previous edition, but still current products. So odd. And now the website has "H9" and "H9i" and I'd assume if I was a novice purchaser, the addition of the 'i' meant it was the newest edition of the headphone. On top of the above, the latest B&O magazine, only just launched, doesn't even reference the new H9 MK3: http://publication.bang-olufsen.com/bang-olufsen-magazine-issue-71/bomagazineissue7en/?crmcountry=GB&crmid=19635
This week I ordered a H9i and it costs me only 300 € compared to the 500 € B&O is asking for the new H9.
I am currently using my H6 2nd gen and I don't know if this new H9 is worth the extra 200 €. The main reason why I chose the H9i was the familiarity with my current headphones (H6 is super comfortable and I expect this from the H9i, too) and it has a replaceable battery compared to the other Bluetooth ANC headphones from Bose and Sony.
Now, this new H9 is confusing me. Is it worth the extra 200 €? It has aptX, but did it really matter that the H9i did not offer it? How about battery replacement? Making an obvious wear part not user-replaceable is really disappointing and I have no experience with B&O's customer service. Do they offer a (paid) battery replacement service? Will they tell me to just buy a new pair of headphones once the warranty runs out? 🙊
As already said, the new features list at the start of the topic is the feature set of the H9i I when it was released. The new features of the 3rd gen H9 is only voice assistant button and cosmetics...
so to answer your question : the new features are clearly not worth 200€... 40€ maybe, but not so sure!
mbee: As already said, the new features list at the start of the topic is the feature set of the H9i I when it was released. The new features of the 3rd gen H9 is only voice assistant button and cosmetics... so to answer your question : the new features are clearly not worth 200€... 40€ maybe, but not so sure!
I would be very surprised if sound and ANC haven't been improved. Have ordered a pair so will see.
Not a direct competitor to the H9i/H9 but the new audio-technica M50xBT is probably going to be my next purchase if the H9 3rd generation turns out to be less than stable.
Its nice to see a company taking an existing, proven and loved headphone like the M50x and just add BT to it so us people with the iPhone 7/8/10 can keep enjoying a sound they know and love.
Jon: I would be very surprised if sound and ANC haven't been improved. Have ordered a pair so will see.
As it’s B&O that doesn’t mention any difference concerning audio quality or ANC, you can be sure that they didn’t touch anything.
By the way, having a H9i myself, I wonder what can be improved regarding AQ... at this price, it’s still one of the best sounding BT headphones around!
mbee: Jon: I would be very surprised if sound and ANC haven't been improved. Have ordered a pair so will see. As it’s B&O that doesn’t mention any difference concerning audio quality or ANC, you can be sure that they didn’t touch anything. By the way, having a H9i myself, I wonder what can be improved regarding AQ... at this price, it’s still one of the best sounding BT headphones around!
We'll have to wait and see - my pair is arriving tomorrow so I'll update here once they arrive and I've tested them. The B&O dealer I phoned to order them said they're supposed to sound "a lot" better but he's not had a chance to try them yet himself.
Mine arrived today. Not had long to try them yet, but compared to my H9i there is a clear improvement in the sound and the ANC. With the H9i the sound with ANC active was very nasal and sibilant. Not so with the new H9. In fact I’d go as far as saying the change in audio signature between ANC off and on is pretty negligible now.
Equally the default signature feels ever so slightly more balanced - so the midrange dropout feels less compared to the H9i.
Comfort is also improved through the new padding on the headband and the new ear cups fit around the ear slightly better.
Early verdict: it’s everything the H9i should have been.
garethr: Mine arrived today. Not had long to try them yet, but compared to my H9i there is a clear improvement in the sound and the ANC. With the H9i the sound with ANC active was very nasal and sibilant. Not so with the new H9. In fact I’d go as far as saying the change in audio signature between ANC off and on is pretty negligible now. Equally the default signature feels ever so slightly more balanced - so the midrange dropout feels less compared to the H9i. Comfort is also improved through the new padding on the headband and the new ear cups fit around the ear slightly better. Early verdict: it’s everything the H9i should have been.
buzzing for mine now 😍
Is it just me, or is the H9 Line up confusing?
did the original H9 drop?
H9i replaced H9?
H9 3rd Gen replaces what?
It replaces the H9i
Rob - Danish AV: Is it just me, or is the H9 Line up confusing?
See my views above. Definitely not just you. Will be even more confusing if you're not a member of this forum!
One example, if you were going for the H9's, I'd naturally think the H9i was the newer revision, especially due to the SE colour options. It's the same price, too. They should have reduced the H9i price to make differences more distinctive. I was about to pull the trigger on a bronze H9i this week, but a) put off purchasing based on the new release and b) unsure if the SS19/bronze will be updated to the H9i design this year.
All very confusing.
But, obviously good to hear the new H9 MK3 is an audio upgrade!
Just sent this to my dealer:
Based on about half an hour with them so far:
Very happy so far!
These product launches are all over the place
A9 third Gen was only out a couple months then 4th Gen releasrd
E8, E8 2.0 & now E8 Motion
Beosound 1 and 2 both had upgrades with the same name
its going to be hard work for dealers who need to move all their old stock(that’s not even old)
moxxey: Rob - Danish AV: Is it just me, or is the H9 Line up confusing? See my views above. Definitely not just you. Will be even more confusing if you're not a member of this forum! One example, if you were going for the H9's, I'd naturally think the H9i was the newer revision, especially due to the SE colour options. It's the same price, too. They should have reduced the H9i price to make differences more distinctive. I was about to pull the trigger on a bronze H9i this week, but a) put off purchasing based on the new release and b) unsure if the SS19/bronze will be updated to the H9i design this year. All very confusing. But, obviously good to hear the new H9 MK3 is an audio upgrade!
Rob - Danish AV: These product launches are all over the place A9 third Gen was only out a couple months then 4th Gen releasrd E8, E8 2.0 & now E8 Motion Beosound 1 and 2 both had upgrades with the same name its going to be hard work for dealers who need to move all their old stock(that’s not even old)
I was thinking that earlier. Why are these the H9 (3rd gen) (same as H6 (2nd gen)), but the H9i were called the H9i, and the new E8 aren't E8 (2nd gen)??
Rob - Danish AV: These product launches are all over the place A9 third Gen was only out a couple months then 4th Gen releasrd E8, E8 2.0 & now E8 Motion Beosound 1 and 2 both had upgrades with the same name its going to be hard work for dealers who need to move all their old stock(that’s not even old) moxxey: Rob - Danish AV: Is it just me, or is the H9 Line up confusing? See my views above. Definitely not just you. Will be even more confusing if you're not a member of this forum! One example, if you were going for the H9's, I'd naturally think the H9i was the newer revision, especially due to the SE colour options. It's the same price, too. They should have reduced the H9i price to make differences more distinctive. I was about to pull the trigger on a bronze H9i this week, but a) put off purchasing based on the new release and b) unsure if the SS19/bronze will be updated to the H9i design this year. All very confusing. But, obviously good to hear the new H9 MK3 is an audio upgrade!
This portion of the thread was telling for me so I went through the main web site for each page. I think it might be challenging for a newbie to understand the brand from it's seemingly random layout. Core lines up beside spare A9 legs and Essence remote is between spare earpads. The H9 variants don't even appear side by side and no way to easily understand the differences. The "real" speakers are at the end of the section instead of the beginning. There's more.
To be fair, Though B&O was by far the worst, Meridian and Linn also distracting, but appear targeting more traditional audience. B&W was outstanding.
Just a reaction.