Bang & Olufsen or B&O has just released two new flagship headphones called the Beoplay H8i and Beoplay H9i. The two headphones are the successors to the previous models H8 and H9, with new and improved features and look to enhance consumers’ audio experience. In case you are wondering, the letter “i” in the names does not mean that the headphones are only compatible with Apple products. In fact, it is also compatible with Android. So what are the upgrades?
Beoplay H9i – a comfortable and supreme listening experience
The wireless Beoplay H9i comes with an over-ear wearing style and is crafted from luxurious materials. The headband has a robust and lightweight aluminium frame covered with stitched cowhide leather, anodised aluminium ear cups and underneath the soft lambskin ear cushion is adaptive memory foam that adapts to the shape and curve of the ear for supreme comfort and breathability. The new Beoplay H9i brings:
- Enhanced Design – Beoplay H9i comes with an even slimmer ear cushion design, reshaped anodised mono arm and enlarged aluminium discs with mesmerising touch control to give the headphones an even more elegant appearance. Moreover, the ANC microphone grill on the housing has been upgraded for a cleaner design expression, and the battery removal solution is more secure with the removal of the aluminium disc from the left ear cup.
- Improved ANC – The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation in Beoplay H9i has been enhanced to perform better between 300-800Hz meaning that the cancellation of human voices will be more efficient.
- Improved sound – Introduced a bass port that ensures optimal and more powerful bass.
- Transparency Mode – With just one click, the music and the ANC can be turned off at the same time to listen to the surroundings.
- Proximity sensor – A smart feature that automatically pauses music or video streaming, when the headphone is removed. The music or video resumes playing when the headphone is back on.
- Dual device connectivity – Can pair headphones with two devices at the same time
- Increased playtime and call quality – Up to 18 hours – four hours extra playtime from Beoplay H9. It also has an additional microphone dedicated to improving voice quality.
Detailed specifications: H9i_Datasheet_EN
Beoplay H8i – revitalising a modern classic
B&O PLAY has streamlined the classic design to give Beoplay H8i a more contemporary and light appearance, increased playtime by more than 100% and added smart features to improve the listening experience. The new Beoplay H8i brings:
- Enhanced design – B&O PLAY has redesigned the classic Beoplay H8 with a more streamlined, contemporary design. The anodised aluminium discs have been streamlined to flush with the earcups, and the mono-arm has been redesigned to give a cleaner and more minimalistic expression.
- Physical button controls – Beoplay H8i comes with button controls on both ear cups for people who prefer physical simplicity over the smart touch control on Beoplay H9i.
- Industry-leading playtime – Playtime is increased by more than 100% from H8. It now sports up to 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on.
- Transparency Mode – With just one click, the music and the ANC can be turned off at the same time to listen to the surroundings.
- Proximity sensor – A smart feature that automatically pauses music or video streaming, when the headphone is removed. The music or video resumes playing when the headphone is back on.
- Dual device connectivity – Pair headphones with two devices at the same time
- Improved call quality – Added an additional microphone dedicated to improving voice quality.
Detailed specifications: H8i_Datasheet_EN
Personalising your experience with Beoplay App
With Beoplay H8i and H9i, you can fine tune your listening experience by using Beoplay App for Android, iPhone and Apple Watch. You can adjust the tonality and sound staging with the intuitive B&O PLAY ToneTouch, choose between a variety of sound profiles specifically for Beoplay H8i and Beoplay H9i to match different types of activities such as working out, commuting or listening to podcasts and you can activate Transparency Mode.
Pricing and availability
Beoplay H8i and Beoplay H9i will be available in Bang & Olufsen stores, on www.beoplay.com/h8i and www.beoplay.com/h9i and select third-party retailers beginning February 2018.
They launch in Natural and Black and will be available for a suggested retail price of 599 SGD for Beoplay H8i and 699 SGD for Beoplay H9i at Bang & Olufsen Grand Hyatt, Bang & Olufsen Takashimaya, Analogue +, Apple Premium Resellers, Changi Airport Duty Free, Newstead, Robinsons, Tangs and other leading independent retailers.
Headphones come with a cotton carrying bag, a 1.25m USB-C charging cable and an audio cable. Upgrade for a black cowhide leather carrying case is available at outlets mentioned above.
