Dec 22, 2019, 11:51 am
Last edit by: JDiver
This thread was for discussion of the switchover from Bose QC15 to B&O H9i noise reduction headsets on select AA longhaul flights in First and Business classes.
As these B&O headsets have been moved out through the fleet, there’s a new thread for further discussion, etc. relating to the B&O H9i “Beoplay” corded headset here: Bang & Olufsen H9i NR Headset Discussion, Issues (master thread)[
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As these B&O headsets have been moved out through the fleet, there’s a new thread for further discussion, etc. relating to the B&O H9i “Beoplay” corded headset here: Bang & Olufsen H9i NR Headset Discussion, Issues (master thread)[
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ARCHIVE: AA Drops Bose NR Headset for Bang & Olufsen (as of March 2019)
Oct 1, 2018, 4:31 am
#46
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Oct 2, 2018, 11:54 am
#47
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B&O = a good way to make sure they "lose" fewer of them.
Oct 2, 2018, 12:25 pm
#48
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Oct 2, 2018, 9:35 pm
#49
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This makes sense. What's surprising is that these B&O H9i headphones are 1) wireless, and 2) $499 retail everywhere. They will be watching these like hawks ;-)
According to their own website, they can support up-to 18 hours of play time, but I wonder if that is with the noise canceling feature turned on. Let's hope so for the DFW-HKG flight!
According to their own website, they can support up-to 18 hours of play time, but I wonder if that is with the noise canceling feature turned on. Let's hope so for the DFW-HKG flight!
Wirelessly, they sound decent. Better than most Bluetoooth headsets, light years better than Bose or the crap that is Beats BUT I think Bowers & Wilkins PX sound slightly better. Then again, Bluetooth has such low bandwidth, you're always going to get garbage. The trick is in how each of these companies "enhance" the very audio stream to make it bearable. But I digress...
As a WIRED headset, the H9i are quite faithful to the source audio. Pair them with a good DAC and you have great sound. Also, the noise canceling can operate while they are plugged in. And the noise canceling is quite good. I'd argue that it's on par with Bose noise canceling.
Most important, though... they are COMFORTABLE. Seriously, they are the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned. Better than Bose, way better than Bowers & Wilkins, no sweaty ears like Beats, and better for extended wear than Sony (who also makes a very solid product). Surprisingly, Plantronics makes a very comfortable around-the-ear Bluetooth headset with decent noise canceling--the PLT-82000 Unfortunately, Plantronics' headsets are more tuned towards spoken word/telephone calls than they are to music. I have a plane adapter and I bring my H9is with me on any flight of over 3 hours (under 3 and I prefer the E8s due to portability. I've never really benchmarked their battery life, but the H9is easily lasted me a DFW-LHR recently with noise canceling on the whole time.
I could easily see a small modification that makes the audio cable permanent... and possibly passes power from the power pin to the headset. You could use the wired audio for IFE OR be able to Bluetooth to your own phone or tablet. (Which makes sense with the 767s that are sans-IFE.)
Bottom line, great move from an audio perspective. I just hope they don't cheap out and do something half-assed. Oh, wait... Dougie's in charge.
Oct 3, 2018, 8:23 am
#50
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I can't believe B&O is aligning themselves with AA. Cheapens their brand IMO.
Jan 25, 2019, 6:22 pm
#51
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Anyone had the B&O headsets yet?
I have a couple TATL/TPAC soon... wondering if I’ll see them on board yet.
I have a couple TATL/TPAC soon... wondering if I’ll see them on board yet.
Jan 25, 2019, 7:25 pm
#52
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As a WIRED headset, the H9i are quite faithful to the source audio. Pair them with a good DAC and you have great sound. Also, the noise canceling can operate while they are plugged in. And the noise canceling is quite good. I'd argue that it's on par with Bose noise canceling.
.
Jan 25, 2019, 8:25 pm
#53
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Jan 25, 2019, 8:27 pm
#54
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Does anyone know when they do switch over, what they plan to do with the Bose units?
I'd love to buy one of the QC25s with the logo on the side. Got a small collection of cool airline stuff.
I'd love to buy one of the QC25s with the logo on the side. Got a small collection of cool airline stuff.
Jan 26, 2019, 3:27 am
#56
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Jan 26, 2019, 8:37 pm
#57
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I'm assuming the OP was talking about Digital Audio Cassettes DAC? Something that Panasonic and Sony brought to market for home use and car audio in late 80's to early 90's.
Mar 13, 2019, 8:08 pm
#59
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On AA 2215 (JFK-SFO) and have the new B&O headphones.
First time seeing these.
First time seeing these.
Mar 13, 2019, 8:28 pm
#60
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The models on the planes are hardwired with three prong plugs just like the AA versions of the Bose headsets. Overall, I think both the noise cancelling (a strength of the Bose headsets) and sound quality are a bit better than Bose. The B&Os are a bit heavier and bulkier than the Bose, but quite comfortable to have on the ears for several hours.
Certainly doesn't seem like a downgrade in experience and possibly an upgrade. Having said that, I have B&O earbuds that I really like, so maybe I'm inclined to their general "sound" versus Bose.
