Travel Technology - B&O (Bang and Olofson) Earphones and iPod?

I am already on my second pair of iPod earphones. While the iPod itself is absolutely perfect with virtually zero complaint, Apple really seems to have skimped on quality when it comes to the earphones, at least as far as durability goes (as well as functionality IMHO).

Some problems include 1) sheering/loss of insulation material especially at joints, 2) seeming loss of contact as evidenced by changes in sound quality as wires manipulated, and worst of all 3) reduced sound quality over time and lots of noise especially at louder volumes and/or high bass. Personal issues are that the plugs especially slip out of ears, especially in cold/wet weather.

On my second pair, I was much more careful playing at loud volumes (I rarely did) and actually successfully avoided major problems with the insulation. But the problem with bass/loudness and noise has unfortunately returned. It is very annoying.

I was thinking of complimenting the best portable music player with proper quality earphones and so went straight to the B&O dealer. They have earplugs that seem to be very good quality, although the dealer only let me listen very briefly from another B&O device. They seemed to have superb sound quality and felt very comfortable in my ears (without slipping or falling out). My only complaints are the price (IIRC 195 euros) and the very long cord (a good 1.5m or so).

But experience with B&O products tells me they not only are top quality (maybe the best even) but that they are durable and reliable as well. I inherited a CD player that is about 15-17 years old and still does a better job than most newer players, including expensive ones.

So has anyone else invested in these earplugs? Or have recommendations for other good earplugs? Most important is durability, but sound quality of course comes a very close second. I am willing to spend, especially seeing as I can carry them over to newer model iPods.

Thanks for any insights.

I've got the A8's and have had then almost 3yrs now. I used mine extensively and after a year the left earphone started to malfunction. I took them back to the store and the guy swapped them for new without even testing them. He apologised for them going wrong and refreshed the 2yr warranty on them.

I've been very happy with mine, the only problem being that the pads on the ears wear out fast and B&O don't sell (or give) you new ones. I had to buy some from HMV and they were more abrasive on the inside of the ear.

The sound quality is second to none, I've been listening to everything portable on either the A8's or QC2's onboard and for the hell of it I dug out my old Sony supplied earphones and was shocked at the difference.

The problem I find with them is the supplied pouch means the long cord has to be wrapped around the pouch itself. With frequent use the wires may well fray. You mention the price as being expensive but I genuinely believe they are superb earphones and I've used them for 3hrs per day on average over the space of the last three years so they have certainly paid for themselves. The only thing I'd bear in mind is as a frequent flyer you may benefit from buying from buying a noise cancelling pair of earphones such as Shure or any others recommended on here.

I also have A8, but not use it as much thesedays. I prefer ER4s over A8. However, A8 looks very kool... :D

What are A8's and ER4's?

Are A8's the larger B&O earphones, not the plugs? (Has nothing to do with Audi, does it? :p)

A8 is the Bang & Olufsen code for the earphones (http://www.bang-olufsen.com/web2/systems/product.asp?section=systems&sub=ls&prodid=33), although it appears they no longer use it on the website.

PS. I forgot to mention, the B&O earphones don't stand up too well for running. Although mine fitted perfectly when stationary, sitting down and walking once I attempted exercise they kept dropping out and it became really annoying. I was surprised by this as I thought the gate round the back of the ear would hold up well :(
PPS. Appears you can buy B&O stuff online now ^

The problem I find with them is the supplied pouch means the long cord has to be wrapped around the pouch itself. With frequent use the wires may well fray.

I had the same problem with the cord and got a cord wrap product called Smartwrap from http://www.sumajin.com/online.htm (scroll down the page to see them. It wraps around the cord to take up the extra length and then fits into the case.

These headphones sound great- I alternate between the A8's and Bose Q2's depending how much room I have in my carry on.

It may be of interest to note that the Apple Store near me is now stocking both the B&O earpod and on-the-ear with headband types of headphones in the iPod accessory section.

Not much to add (I'm an avid user myself, but less lucky with the build quality and had to buy it again several times... still coming back for more, though!), except to say that they cost around 130-140USD new in the US right now, from most B&O dealers as far as I know. Sure beats the 195EUR :eek: :eek: price.

I got my first pair in Korea, and it was around 90-100EUR back then. These days, they're around 110-120EUR there, but on Singapore Airlines inflight duty-free, they cost less than 100EUR :cool:

One thing I should also add about the A8 is that the sound really develops over a 2-month period or so. In the beginning, it sounds relatively harsh (depending on what you were used to) and quite shallow in the lower frequencies, but as time goes by the sound becomes much more balanced and pleasing to the ear.

A friend went to New York recently and I'm hoping that she brings back with her the B&O Form 2 Headphones that I asked her to pick up there... it's only around 120USD and supposed to have very, very good sound quality too. I wanted something for the computer, so wanted something more open this time (and not involving the ear hook etc, which is a comfortable enough solution on the move, but not ideal at home).

I've had the A8s for almost two years now. I really like them. I would get they Shures, but they definitely don't have the WOW factor. But EUR195 is WAY too much to pay. Find someone in the US or Asia. It shouldn't be more than US$160 tops. Ask someone here for help on FT. Someone's bound to help you there.

Ipods play compressed audio files anyway, so it's not worth spending too much on something that negates the purpose of really expensive headphones... I have a nice 30 dollar pair of folding Koss headphones that sound quite nice, have impressive bass for their size, and are far more comfortable than earbuds (though the comfort issue may just be personal).

Ipods play compressed audio files anyway, so it's not worth spending too much on something that negates the purpose of really expensive headphones... I have a nice 30 dollar pair of folding Koss headphones that sound quite nice, have impressive bass for their size, and are far more comfortable than earbuds (though the comfort issue may just be personal).

*SNORT* Are you kidding???? First off, the Ipod supports lossless audio compression so you CAN listen to non-decimated audio should you choose. Second, a song compressed at 320Kbps with AAC coding sounds almost indistinguishable from the PCM source. No, the Ipod isn't the last word in audio quality but it sounds VERY good and a good pair of headphones is absolutely warranted. My Shure E5c don't go to waste and the improvement in quality over the KSC-35s or Sportapros is significant. It's even better using an amp (Porta-Corda or Headroom).

195 Euros does sound a lot. I think I paid 75 GBP for them in the UK and the B&O chap told me that B&O keep the prices the same for the time the product is for sale.

*SNORT* Are you kidding???? First off, the Ipod supports lossless audio compression so you CAN listen to non-decimated audio should you choose. Second, a song compressed at 320Kbps with AAC coding sounds almost indistinguishable from the PCM source. No, the Ipod isn't the last word in audio quality but it sounds VERY good and a good pair of headphones is absolutely warranted. My Shure E5c don't go to waste and the improvement in quality over the KSC-35s or Sportapros is significant. It's even better using an amp (Porta-Corda or Headroom).

Does Itunes give you the option of what sort of format/quality files you download? Otherwise the only files whose quality you ultimately have control of are the ones you rip off of your CDs (well, legally , anyway).

Ultimately, for most people - the quality of their files does not warrant shelling out 200 dollars for headphones when a cheaper pair will do just as fine a job.

Ultimately, for most people - the quality of their files does not warrant shelling out 200 dollars for headphones when a cheaper pair will do just as fine a job.But durability is also a concern, and $30 earphones simply do not cut it (in my experience) in that department. I expect to the earphones to be able to withstand reasonable and moderate wear and tear. I do not like spending $30 every few months for crummy earphones when I could spend between $100-$200 once for a product that will last many years and have good sound quality to boot.

Of course, a compressed music file will not produce the kind of quality that meets the standards of a true audiophile. (But then to truly have good quality, one has to go to the symphony hall with meticoulsy designed accoustics or hear a person sing live without a microphone).

On the other hand, I can tell the difference between a bad quality earphone (i.e. the iPod version or something handed out by airlines) and a good quality one (i.e. the B&O A8). And at least I have the option to hook up the earphones at any time to a device that produces better sound quality.

I will check on the price again to make sure I remember it correctly. It was a while ago, so I could be wrong.

Frankly, I find the notion that "it doesn't matter what earphones you use, because the files are compressed anyway so a $30 pair will sound the same as a $150 pair" just ridiculous.

Even something as "lowly" as 128kbps AAC will reveal the shortcomings of a cheap pair of earphones very well. Heck, make that 128kbps MP3 - it's still the same. To suggest that the stock iPod earphones will sound "just as good" as the B&O... :o

Also, given the 3 year warranty, 150USD is incredibly good value. Most people will go through at least 4-5 pairs of normal, flimsy pairs of earphones during that period, and although the B&Os are not unbreakable they are replaced without hassle if there is anything wrong with it. For 3 years. Short of losing them, you are guaranteed 3 years of high quality mobile music enjoyment... worth every penny for me.

*SNORT* Are you kidding????

Agreed. My experience with the B&O A8's coupled with an iPod nano has been nothing short of exceptional. The sound quality is comparable to the Sennheiser HD25 BA (Concorde Headphones) and feel great on the ear. In short, go for it :)

Does Itunes give you the option of what sort of format/quality files you download? Otherwise the only files whose quality you ultimately have control of are the ones you rip off of your CDs (well, legally , anyway).

Ultimately, for most people - the quality of their files does not warrant shelling out 200 dollars for headphones when a cheaper pair will do just as fine a job.

I don't know about you but 99.99% of the songs in MY library are ripped from CDs I own. I have bought precisely two tracks from the iTunes store... I'm just not in to futzing with Playfair and refuse to pay $$$ for DRM encumbered content that I can't move where I want when I want (I.E. burning as a compressed audio file to a CD for use in my car).

But yes, even on lower bitrate files good headphones still help, for those who care. For MOST people, the apple 'phones do just fine and they'll never want another set until those break. For the rest of us, it's like any other piece of audio equipment. Personal tastes reign. Just because YOU are satisfied with a $35 set of headphones and don't perceive any benefit from a better pair doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Be happy your ears are so easily satisfied and you get out that cheaply!

On the quality of compressed audio, you should head over to the Hydrogenaudio (www.hydrogenaudio.org) forums and do some A/B/X testing. They have everything you need. I think you'll be surprised how well the compressed files compare, especially at higher bitrates.

Ah, well I use Rhapsody and when I order off of them, they copy the purchased songs onto a CD - so there are no restrictions - as such, most of my music comes from an online retailer.

I certainly won't dispute that the headphones that come with most mp3 players are quite poor, but conversely, I'm not entirely sure I have to spend 150 dollars compare to even a third of that to eek out what the average mp3 player and file have to offer. I've compared my 30 dollar headphones (which I've had a year now with no problem) to my friend's 120 dollar pair and could scarcely notice a difference in the files we were playing - but they were compressed files, not lossless so I can't comment in that regard.

Even something as "lowly" as 128kbps AAC will reveal the shortcomings of a cheap pair of earphones very well. Heck, make that 128kbps MP3 - it's still the same. To suggest that the stock iPod earphones will sound "just as good" as the B&O...

I didn't suggest that at all. stock headphones - and earbuds at that sound atrocious in general - but to say that it's worth 150 bucks for a 128k MP3 file is something I may be slightly skeptical of. As thirty dollar headphones go, though, I may have found the best of the lot...

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^pt^PORTAPRO

And they're 50, not 30, my bad!

...if I might go off on a tangent, since you lot are quite knowledgable - are there any decent wireless headphones out yet? So far the larger types that I've found have always had an exceptionally poor range (both physical and frequency wise) has this changed recently?

With the A8 from B&O, does anybody have a problem with the cord length when active? (i.e. running, biking, simply walking...) Are they available in shorter lengths?

I'm a huge fan of the Etymotics ER-4's. They're incredible. A search will turn up a lot of information on them -- I'll spare you my standard ravings. :) They're pricey, though.

With the A8 from B&O, does anybody have a problem with the cord length when active? (i.e. running, biking, simply walking...) Are they available in shorter lengths?

The cord actually comes in two lengths as there is the standard cable, which is about the sme length as the iPod standard earphones (long enough to reach from ears to pants pocket), and an extension cable (detachable) for use with non-portable devices.

In short, I have no problems with the cord length when walking or at the gym.

If you really want to buy some B&O A8s, find someone in Hong Kong to get them for you. They are only HK$780, or exactly US$100, from B&O stores here.

I have had mine for a couple of years. At the price I paid for them (which was HK$580 or around US$75), I think they were a pretty good buy. You will find that a lot of audiophiles pan them, but I question how many of them have actually heard them - B&O bashing seems to be a bit of a hobby with some people. They are a bit bass shy, but they are good with classical music (quite clear and precise with a very listenable sound signature - not too bright) and accoustic music and they are extremely comfortable to wear. They have good sensitivity which means that the iPod can drive them to pretty good volumes. They are also quite a little engineering marvel. The piston mechanism is very impressive.

Mine have been replaced twice under warranty, both times for the cord fraying above the y connector. Both times the damage was done when I fell asleep with them on, so I would not consider this to be any sort of fault - more user error. B&O did not bat an eyelid about replacing them though.

I have just upgraded mine to a pair of Ultimate Ears UE-5C custom in ear monitors (which make the B&O look cheap!!!), so I have shuffled them on to my wife. I might still use them for the gym though. You should feel pretty confident about buying them - I don't think you will be disappointed.

Checked the price again...

It's EUR155 (about $181), so not EUR195. Does anyone know what it costs in the US at the moment? Are they available at any duty free outlets at airports? (Specifically, in AMS or LHR)

Been using my new B&O ear buds for about a month now and have done nothing but be satisfied with them. Although they are obviously not top of the line speakers in an accustically controlled room, they are like night and day compared to crap Apple gives you.

My only initial complaint was that it took quite a bit of fiddeling to get used to adjusting the things to my ears, but eventually I got the hang of it.

My only continuing complaint is that they are slightly more bulky than the standard ear buds. I am afraid about putting them in pockets and stuff, so try to carry around the little case.

Otherwise, they are great! Thanks for the advice.

I saw the A8s on the SQ inflight catalog last month, and got them for S$152 after the 10% PPS discount and the 10% Christmas discount. The very first thing I noticed was sounds that I had never heard on songs that I had listened to dozens of times before on the standard iPod earphones. These earphones have a truly exceptional treble. ^

I wear them to and from work everyday now. They do take a couple of days of getting used to, but after that they get very comfortable. They fit great when I'm wearing my glasses too, so that shouldn't put anyone off from buying them :)