Bang & Olufsen H9i NR Headset Discussion, Issues (master thread)
Jun 17, 19, 2:46 am - Wikipost
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Jun 17, 19, 11:23 am
#1
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Bang & Olufsen H9i NR Headset Discussion, Issues (master thread)
American Airlines began distributing Bang & Olufsen (B&O) noise reducing headsets on select longhaul first and business flights where Bose NR headsets had been used previously, rolling out the new B&O “Beoplay” H9i with Active Noise Cancelling and “Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound” as of 15 March 2019.
The B&O headsets are the hard wired (vs wireless) version of the H9i using a three prong plug - the third prong is used for headset power, the other two for stereophonic sound. (Use of your own two plug set should be uncomplicated; for single prong plug headsets two prong adapter plugs are available via Amazon and other suppliers.)
Headset cabin photos thanks to krakendown
The B&O headsets are the hard wired (vs wireless) version of the H9i using a three prong plug - the third prong is used for headset power, the other two for stereophonic sound. (Use of your own two plug set should be uncomplicated; for single prong plug headsets two prong adapter plugs are available via Amazon and other suppliers.)
Headset cabin photos thanks to krakendown
Last edited by JDiver; Jun 17, 19 at 11:43 am
Jun 17, 19, 2:07 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2011
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Just had them on a DFW-AMS in J (772), then on LHR-DFW in F (77W). They are not nearly as comfortable as the Bose offerings that predated them. Nor is the noise-canceling as effective, IMO. However, the sound quality itself is a noticeable improvement, IMO.
The case and headset themselves are also pretty clunky. Not as compact as the Bose were.
Overall, if AA had to drop Bose, these are about as good of a replacement as you could probably hope for. Still beats any NC headset that most all other INTL J/F carriers provide.
The case and headset themselves are also pretty clunky. Not as compact as the Bose were.
Overall, if AA had to drop Bose, these are about as good of a replacement as you could probably hope for. Still beats any NC headset that most all other INTL J/F carriers provide.
Jun 17, 19, 3:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2010
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I’ve tried these on DFW-HNL and LHR-DFW and I like them. The only thing is that on the LHR flight I got an old 773 (J service) that had the plug in inside the middle opening between the seats, and it was a bit weird to plug them in.
Nov 16, 19, 5:47 am
#5
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Got a chance them out yesterday (LAX-HKG). Nice. no... very nice.. No nice I opted to put in my Bose ear buds during the 14+ hour flight at any awake moments. And to my surprise the FA didn't collect them until we were descending for landing.
Seemed pretty futile that people were opting to use the standard ear buds despite the fact that we would be landing within 30 mins... But I know the feeling of having the desire to finish that movie for sure!!!
Seemed pretty futile that people were opting to use the standard ear buds despite the fact that we would be landing within 30 mins... But I know the feeling of having the desire to finish that movie for sure!!!
Feb 10, 20, 12:23 pm
#6
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The B&O headsets are way above and beyond the old Bose QC’s. Comfort is probably subjective but the sound quality and NC are superb. I bought my own headset a few days after trying it on my most recent HKG-LAX flight
Feb 10, 20, 11:11 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Thanks, but no thanks!
I've tried to enjoy the B&O headsets, but they just disappoint. They are big, clunky, and very uncomfortable (unless you have little, circular-shaped ears!). About 1 out of every 5 headsets I've tried has had an annoying hiss/hum, and the overall noise cancellation is mediocre. I now toss the B&O in the overhead bin, and just use my Bose QC35s instead. The noise cancelling, sound quality, and comfort are far superior, and being wireless makes life so much better!
Feb 11, 20, 10:51 am
#8
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Originally Posted by giants_fan
I've tried to enjoy the B&O headsets, but they just disappoint. They are big, clunky, and very uncomfortable (unless you have little, circular-shaped ears!). About 1 out of every 5 headsets I've tried has had an annoying hiss/hum, and the overall noise cancellation is mediocre. I now toss the B&O in the overhead bin, and just use my Bose QC35s instead. The noise cancelling, sound quality, and comfort are far superior, and being wireless makes life so much better!
I do have my own Bose QC35s, which I pulled out when the FA's collected the B&Os well before we began our descent (somehow when I traveled on CX, QR, AY, and nearly any non-US airline they don't need to do that).
Feb 11, 20, 11:37 am
#9
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Originally Posted by aztimm
I had the opportunity to try them recently on a trip DFW-LHR and LRH-DFW. I thought they were OK; probably similar to the Bose that they had in the past. I didn't experience any issues with the size (my ears are at least of average size), and didn't have the hiss/hum either.
I do have my own Bose QC35s, which I pulled out when the FA's collected the B&Os well before we began our descent (somehow when I traveled on CX, QR, AY, and nearly any non-US airline they don't need to do that).
I do have my own Bose QC35s, which I pulled out when the FA's collected the B&Os well before we began our descent (somehow when I traveled on CX, QR, AY, and nearly any non-US airline they don't need to do that).
That said , there is no need to collect them as early as some crews do.
Feb 11, 20, 11:50 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2003
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I had these on a recent flight and didn't like them. I did feel like the fit wasn't as comfortable as the Bose headphones. I can't say that I noticed any difference in sound quality. I am not a fan of shared headphones so I always bring my own but my Bose QC 20's got crushed recently and decided to use the airline ones for a change.
Feb 12, 20, 9:31 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Power switch?
Originally Posted by airb330
Every time I've flown with the BO's, they are dead. Thereby, producing no active noise cancelling. Oh well, one flight they'll work...!
I also loathe shared headsets, and often wipe them down with a Purell wipe, or something. The Bose were fine with this... the B&Os rub black debris onto the wipe. Yuck.
Feb 13, 20, 3:39 am
#13
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Originally Posted by giants_fan
Unlike my memory of the Bose headsets, these B&Os have a power switch that is active, meaning you can be plugged into aircraft power and still deactivate the active noise cancelling. Headsets may be in either mode when you open the case, so best to push the button to try.
My elf ears take a beating every time I wear them. Too round.
Feb 13, 20, 6:16 am
#14
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Originally Posted by Antarius
In my experience, youmust turn them off for the noise canceling to work. On likely uses the standard battery source (which doesn't exist), while off works though the wired power.
My elf ears take a beating every time I wear them. Too round.
My elf ears take a beating every time I wear them. Too round.
