BeoPlay H9i Wireless ANC Headphones Features and Review

[@candy__.__candy]

Dear famous Bang & Olufsen dealer of Manchester. Thank you for making the choice of a new pair of headphones so easy for me. I really enjoyed to take part at your 'after-party'. I listened to your suggestions on how to behave in combat traffic. I am home and dry. 🙂

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Yellow Pinarello I'm glad your home safe. I battle the M6 everyday so I feel your pain, M25 is probably much worse! John :-)

[@joannecampbell3666]

I went with my crazy impulse and ordered these. They have been on the back of my mind for some time. The style truly won me over. I did test them, and nearly went for them but decided on the Bose 35ii. But I must admit the B & O H9I sound is very, very good. The sound is simply excellent. Not sure if it will truly sway me away from my long- term 2 year loyalty to Bose, as I’m stubborn, though I admit the sound seemed slightly better. The sound cancellation, due to my sensitivity to background noise, is paramount. There is a definite war, lol. It’s just that I get bored of black or silver, as shallow as it sounds. There is no denying that these are very stylish and the design is simply superb and comfy...and that BASSSS!. There is no denying the quality. The one downside is the battery life is up to 18 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on, or 24 hours with the 3.mm wired connection, compared to Bose which has 20 hours Bluetooth, and the Sony WH-10000XM2 has up to 30 hours. The touch controls on these can at first be fiddly, but easy to get used to. Yes they are expensive, but considering the material and what I tested, it is to be expected. The newer H9i has better sound and noise cancellation than the older Bang & Olufsen H9 model. Well, I can’t really complain, now I got the Bose QC35ii and, Sony WH-10000XM2, and now B & O H9i. Well, what Can I say, A music connoisseur girl needs her choice, lol. Thanks for your informative review. X

[@beastwishes]

thank you so much for explaining the volume control swirling, I couldn't figure it out. As well as detailing all the different modes. Purchased myself a set of these H9is today and I am over the moon. Great stuff. Transparency Mode has left me stunned. hahaha.

[@larsgrissellchristensen2669]

Great comparison between these and the original H9 where you show the earpads 👍

[@marknewman3360]

Recently discovered your channel while searching for headphone reviews. Very helpful and enjoyable. I laughed at "fleecy pouch". No idea why

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Thanks Mark. You saying you laughed at 'fleecy pouch' made me laugh. Now I find 'fleecy pouch' funny so you're not alone. John

[@marknewman3360]

@@BangOlufsenManchester The best one was when you said "Who doesn't like a nice fleecy pouch?"

[@primaludderz]

I just got these today, tested them out at the store over here in Canada and 20 seconds in I was going to buy them. The sound quality on these can't even be compared to the other ANC cans by Sony/Bose/Sennheiser. On BT they sound like my 598s at home hooked up to an amp, they are THAT good. Although I find the actual ANC still a bit on the weaker side compared to the 1000xm2, the audio quality more than makes up for it by miles.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Excellent! I'm really glad you like them. John

[@alexandertelford6008]

Great channel always like hearing about bang and Olufsen products coming out tried the h9 myself but these sound like they are even better.

[@jozefpuk]

no more microUSB! you are right i am happy, smal things...

[@eliastoftrasmussen]

I love these reviews! Great vid, Keep it up 😁

[@tristan_talks_tech]

USB-C is the best feature of these headphones!

[@joaoveiga3382]

I love your channel on youtube! I disagree that the H9i is better than the H6 2 gen, I bought the H9i and found the sound worse than the H6, it seems to me that the H9 has strange trebles with a boost it seems to me in the region between the mids and treble, and although the sound stage of the H9i is excellent the H6 is still more accurate. with that said I agree that the H9i is excellent for a BT headphone and opinions are relative, excellent video!

[@MrAshLloyd]

What colour would you recommend 😍 love the channel

[@2gfstudios56]

Ashley Lloyd black

[@rich8305]

Beige or green- not black

[@dannymcneal]

I will be picking up a pair of the B&O E8 V2s next month for my everyday, on-the-go music enjoyment. Looks like I’ll be saving for these too. Not too wild about the battery life, but only when compared to the Bose and the Sonys. However, in reality, who really wears headphones for 18, 20, or 30 hours straight anyway? If I could change one thing (besides increasing the battery life), I would prefer less yellow tint in the leather color and lean a bit more toward the warmer reds. But, not a deal breaker...just a preference. Great review! I’m sold!!

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Hi Danny, glad my review helped out. After making this video I was so impressed with H9i I bought a pair and still love them. Enjoy your new E8's next month. John

[@dannymcneal]

Bang & Olufsen of Manchester... I use a pair of 30-year-old Sony MDR-V6 wired studio monitor headphones for recording music, and JBL Professional Monitor speakers for mixing and mastering; however, while I do appreciate the flat response of the V6s, I do experience ear pain after awhile. So my question is this: Using the 3.5mm cable (to avoid the latency lag of Bluetooth), is the frequency response of the h9i headphones flat enough to competently replace the Sonys in my home music studio? Thanks!

[@epac]

When you talk about your "Trusty H6's", are they the 1st, or the 2nd generation?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Mine are 1st gen at home. If I use headphones at work I use 2nd gen.

[@Gnaixwh]

Clicked like before the video even started.

[@mefrem]

Genius. Matches my Honey Sandringham Burberry Trench Coat.

[@frederikfjellerad]

Oh no.. It sounds like I’ll have to upgrade my Beoplay H7 now.. It really seems like they’re a worthy upgrade. But the will set me back a lot though. What to do?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

H7 are superb, go and have a listen in your local dealer and see what you think. John

[@michaelh4484]

Nice review, thanks. Love the HP PC you’re using too.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

It is a great PC, I love using it.

[@Cellane]

Mine are on their way, can't wait to try them out on Tuesday! By the way, absolutely tiny thing but I just noticed from your video that B&O swapped the Korean and Japanese text at the back of the box (what's marked as KO is, in fact, Japanese text and vice versa). Mildly amusing mistake.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

That's quite funny! I'll pass it on, well spotted. John

[@Jazzipad1994]

Thanks for that nice video with good explanations! I just have a question. Do they sound even better than the H7? I have the H7 and completely satisfied but I would like to know if it's a good plan to replace them for the new H9i? :)

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Jazzipad1994 yes, they are better than h7.

[@wusiwoo]

You who are a bit more involved. Have the H6 been canceled? a lot of headphones are not available at the official site.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Yes, H2, H6 and H7 have all come to the end of their run. Shame about H6 and H7, they were 2 of my favourites. Who knows what loveliness B&O will come up with next though? John

[@nickvogelius]

Is there a Proximity Sensor in both side of the H9i and if no, which side is it in?

[@kartr9037]

Can I play music with ANC off in H9i?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

You can indeed, you can toggle ANC on and off by swiping up on the right ear cup. John

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

I don’t like a fleecy pouch when your paying £450 for headphones, there should be a proper hard carry case.

[@nicosoekamto2746]

Hey John, loves your reviews as always. Keep it up!... Btw, for the new H9i ear cushion, is it compatible with the old H9? Really like of the idea of a less “clumpy” cushion for my H9.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Thanks Nico, I've just tried the new thinner ear cushion on the original H9 and it fits. Enjoy your less clumpy experience! John

[@nicosoekamto2746]

Excellent! Thanks John. Will order one yay!

[@AdamEronenPiper]

"they've done it again" is your catchphrase.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Seems to be at the moment, they keep on 'doing good' of late. Keep it up I say. I gave you a mention on my Multi-Room video, don't know if you saw it. Thanks for your support as always. John

[@AdamEronenPiper]

How did I miss this? Thanks again! I think it's because you weren't in the thumbnail. Also, perfect pronunciation of my full name. Not many people can get it right first time.

[@tituskokoskydeforchaux3706]

I know B&O headphones look further than a deep bass and if you still would want to have more (or technically too much) bass in headphones, you should go for more commercial brands like Beats. I actually was a little disappointed though with the minimal amount of bass from my B&O H6. Are the H9i's an improvement on that subject? It seems like an improvement in practically every other matter. And does the build quality feel better than the H6's as well? I'm aware of the fact that the highs and mids are exceptionally good; always have been in the B&O brand

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Build quality is on par with H6, they feel very premium. H9i do have more powerful bass than H6 so definitely worth a listen if that is the sound you are after. John

[@csaba5415]

As silly it may sound: where can I find your H8i review? :)

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

It's on the way! They were meant to be uploaded together but I still need to finish editing the H8i video. I was busier than expected in store yesterday and couldn't finish both.

[@thomk3282]

I ordered mine and I won't get them until Monday. :´( Thanks for the review man, it made the choice easy.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

My pleasure, I'm sure you'll love them. John.

[@BunBunyaa]

Would you prefer the ANC on the H9i over the H8i like the H8 had better ANC than H9. And do you Think the Sound is richer in H9i than H8i?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

The ANC for me was excellent on both, hard to call really. The H9i have over ear cushions as apposed to on ear on H8i that should help. H9i sound is my favourite for richness and accuracy but H8i are very detailed with excellent mid range performance. I would try them out if you can, both are very good indeed. John

[@thuang3672]

I am thinking of upgrading from h6 to a wireless can but feel conflicted between h8i and h9i. I was holding off from upgrade since really like h6s’ sound signature. Would you say the sound these ones live up to that of h6s? I love the clean design of h8i but prefer over ear in general. I also like more natural sound and details (as you mentioned in the h8i video it has a bit more detail than h9i). I would like to ask if you would recommend upgrading and if so which one would you recommend? (I would love to try them myself but I am not near any dealer atm...) thank you!!

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

From the sound of it you would probably like either. H8i are lighter but H9i feel a bit more premium. They both sound lovely, I would happily listen to either but if forced to choose I would go H9i. John

[@thuang3672]

Thank you so much! Waiting for my h9i now!

[@andrew1977uk]

How many devices can the H9i and H8i remember? I love my beoplay H4, but only remembering one device is a bit of a pain!

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Hi Andrew, the blurb says you can connect 2 devices at once. John

[@andrew1977uk]

Hmmm, if you ever get a chance to offer feedback. Could you say your customers would very much like 8 connections! This would be VERY handy! There's more and more devices that people like to use their headphones with! I have an Apple TV, PS4, Mac, Tablet, Phone, google home and amazon echo! that would give me the option for 2 more devices :D

[@Demismusic]

I've had mine for two days now, very happy with it and I love the sound, the ANC is improved and overall it's just a delight to use it. BUT there's one big BUT: the proximity sensor is just useless when walking outside. The music pauses and resumes all the time because apparently it things that I'm taking it off and on. I've read from almost everyone who got the H9i's that they have this issue. It's simply too sensitive.... please fix this because otherwise it's just a useless feature.

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

I can't fix it but I will certainly pass your feedback to Bang & Olufsen. John

[@robwheeler5415]

I got my h8i replaced by B&O, as it woukd pause about 10 times per track, which was proper annoying, thinking about selling them, and buying the h9i. The sound of the h8i is awesome though, so crisp and clear, not as bass like as the h8, anc was superb, much better than the h9 😉

[@Demismusic]

I am still super happy with the H9i, amazing improvement from the H9. The proximity sensor works fine now (after doing a software update and a reset), even at the gym it works surprisingly well, it barely does any unintended stuff. But when I'm on the go, I tend to turn the sensor off - I mainly use it at the office.

[@robwheeler5415]

Themistoklis1990 yeah I've been scrolling through HiFi forum, and they appear to get rave reviews, a few complaining about the proximity sensor, but sure that will get rectified. I found the h9 to be really muddy, vocals sounded like they were being sung behind a curtain, and volume was a tad to low for me on some tracks. I'm guessing these are very close to the h6, more clear treble and tighter bass...... I'm sold 😉

[@seangrimes7663]

Is the max Volume while connected via Bluetooth limited like the H9?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Sean Grimes to be honest while I've been using them I've not been anywhere near max volume, I reach the point of it being uncomfortable before that point. Everyone's perception of loudness is a bit different so you might have to give them a listen. John.

[@seangrimes7663]

Bang & Olufsen of Manchester thank you. I noticed the limited on the h9 but got used to it and didn’t desire it to be any louder. Thanks for the reply.

[@SirRichard25]

how long is the unthinkable cord (audio cord) that comes in the box?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Hi Richard, I have 1.25m in my head. I will check and correct if I'm wrong. I just can't bear to think about the situation of having to use it though. John

[@erkantopuz7129]

H9i 😍😍😍

[@ernestotravieso882]

I was this close to buying them but then no Aptx HD

[@RonniWest]

I bought two pairs for me and my friend and both of us experience that the bluetooth connection constantly disconnects and pause the track you are listening to. Anyone else with this experience or advise on what to do? Thanks in advance!

[@A90Almansoori]

Rune Vestermark in the manual you can see how to stop this feature. I found this problem when I turned on the headphone when It is on my head. And sorry for my language

[@JorisKeijser]

It's probably just the proximity sensor thinking you took it off your head, so just turn that feature off. Seems everyone has problems with it, just like the B&W PX.

[@JorisKeijser]

And looking at the comment above mine I think it has to do with calibration when you turn it on. When you turn it on, I think the earpads must be clear as it calibrates that non-existant proximity as "off your head".

[@simonboesen8569]

ipx rating?

[@Sam737loverfsx]

USB C 😍

[@tristan_talks_tech]

Sam iNG That's the best thing about these headphones!

[@enrique5773]

对比h9，个人感觉改进还是有很多的，可惜买了h9还没有多久就出了h9i

[@peterhammer8491]

Can you link the video on the H8i? cant find it

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Sorry Peter, it has been a bit delayed. Just finished editing and it is uploading to KZbin right now. John

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

It's up now kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5iomZlmf9yKkNU

[@shahram.k]

Anyone using these with their laptop and Skype meetings?

[@joewinglovemusic]

How does this compare to Bose QC 35 ii please ?

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Joe Wing in my honest opinion I found the QC35 to be very cheap feeling not tried the MkII yet so can't comment on those. The Sound was a bit better than I expected given the build quality but for me not even close to H9i. It's no secret I'm really not a Bose fan, give them both a listen and see what you think. John.

[@daves3108]

These are way over priced. They don't go loud and that's even when they are plugged in. Hard to tell if they sound good when they are super quiet. And yes I do know how to use the volume in my phone and the ear cups

[@BangOlufsenManchester]

Dear Dave S not quite sure I agree with you as the h9 headphones have the below frequency levels Sensitivity 1MV 95dB @ 1 kHz / 1 mW in passive mode www.headphonesty.com/2017/03/5-ways-to-know-that-your-headphones-are-too-loud/ the independent site Headphonesty say you should not listen at at over 85 db as doing so can cause permanent damage, so if you want to give your hearing permanent damage feel free but remember the name of the company who sold you the headphones that played to your required level so you can try and sue them when you cant hear the doorbell ring..your call

[@Sonasegura]

500$ 🤭😕

[@Sairamark]

This headphone for just snob ones, there is nothing extra. All reviews all about how looks like it, quality matterial as aluminium, leather blablabla! No one can reviewing about this Headphone is just 24 ohm impedance, it should be 80, then we can talk about the quality! Bluetooth has a latency delaying 22 ms, touch control not work as charm, in 70% not work, thats so annoying. Headband cushion is hard matterial, so not comfortable to wearing for hours, earpad cushion is too thin, pressing ear, and make very incomfortbale, it should be thicker, to feel more comfortable,! Auto play/stop is a bullshit, sensor is totally not work well, sometimes stop when I wear it, start play when take it off. Sound quality is good, but thats all! This is a $150 headphone and stupid snobs ones - like me - fall in love in to this headphone because of kind of this review and willing to pay 3 times more what this headphone worth it. Crazy world with fool humans…idiots! Don't buy it!!!! Holon' You can not connect via BT for moret han 2 device! (I have 4) All connection is losting, unusable. Jack-Jack cable is a joke!!! High qulaity? We talkinig about a $500 headphone…

[@anthonycrenshaw1154]

You seem upset.