Beoplay H95, a review

[beocool]

It’s been ages since I contributed anything meaningful to this site. Life in my absence here has been challenging to say the least. One of the challenges was my new job, more precisely my new working environment, which was a bit noisy for my liking. I decided on a pair of H95’s for active noise canceling, but listening to music was an even bigger priority. Even though my love for B&O has taken severe hits over the last couple of years, I still consider it as my go-to brand. Until now, that is.

First impressions were good. The box is beautiful, the fit and finish of the H95’s immaculate. I had no problem connecting it to the app. After charging and updating the software I tried them out.

I wasn’t expecting the noise cancellation to be on the same level as something Bose or Sony offers, but it is quite good. It’ll pass.

Phone calls are good too. I can hear the person on the other and clearly and the ones I talk to also reply they can hear me loud and clear. No issues.

The trouble begins when I listen to music. I’ve read many positive reviews, but I would give these no more than a 5/10 if these were € 99 headphones. These are however 10 times the price after the latest price increase. I’ve tried changing the transparency mode, changing the mood wheel in the app (whatever that thing is called). It surely has an effect, but not the desired one. I’ve tried all sorts of music too, but I’m struggling to give it more than 2/10. Is there such a thing as a break-in period for headphones? I would imagine not, but what do I know. Are there any other ways of making these sound at least acceptable?

I’ve used these for a couple of hours now and I noticed these are uncomfortable to wear as well. I can adjust whatever I want, but it won’t fit my head and ears properly. It causes discomfort and even mild headaches. Again 2/10.

I’m left with an expensive paperweight that I have no use for. It’s so bad for it’s intended use that I would be ashamed to sell it on eBay or anywhere else. I put it back in box and out of sight for now. I will send it back to B&O by the end of the week and ask for a refund.

Am I alone in this?

[griebel]

I certainly agree with the discomfort observation. I use the headphone when on long flights. After a few hours, it feels uncomfortable and also experienced the mild headache.

[andy_js]

I find my H95 considerably more comfortable than my H9i which had the silly round ear cups which are only suitable for those with the tiniest of ears, but my trusty (and crusty) old pair of BOSE QC15 are the most comfortable i’ve ever worn.  With modern BT headphones that are quite heavy I don’t think it’s really possible to get the same level of comfort.

[andy_js]

I will also say that mine sounded much better after listening to them for a while so I believe there is a break in period regardless of what some people say.

[matteventu]

Not to offend anyone, but “review” is in the title, and despite that I couldn’t find a single word in the post that talks about sound quality – other than the transparent “in my opinion they sound like shit” (which, to be clear, is an opinion I fully respect) – or sound preferences.

However, to be able to discuss with you in more detail what could be done to improve the sound to your tastes, or what other products may be better suited for your listening, we need you to tell us more about what exactly you don’t like (alert: saying “everything” doesn’t really help).

Comparisons with other products in the same segment that you instead liked a lot would also be very helpful.

andy_js wrote:

I will also say that mine sounded much better after listening to them for a while so I believe there is a break in period regardless of what some people say.

There is indeed a break-in period, but it’s not in the headphones. It’s here -> ?

[pepps]

andy_js wrote:

I will also say that mine sounded much better after listening to them for a while so I believe there is a break in period regardless of what some people say.

I agree, headphones do need to be left playing music to themselves for a few days before they finally relax into their own groove.

[Author]

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