Bang and Olufsen Beo Play H6 Headphones
Beautifully designed, a solid build and amazing sound
Beautifully designed, solidly built and providing amazing sound to those who are lucky enough to own a pair. It is obvious Bang and Olufsen (B&O) cleverly introduced its signature sleek style to the Play range of headphones to compete with the hip and fashionable headphones brands on the market. I have never owned anything from B&O until these cans really did got my attention. I normally go for tech and function over aesthetics and brand, and I surprised took a second glance at the H6’s.
The packaging is discreet and simple, in a way very similar to the Zik Parrots packaging — which in my eyes is a bit of a let down for such expensive headphones. However, compared to the Bose range I own, the packaging both for the Parrots and B&O add a bit of class. The pouch the H6s come in feels like suede and adds limited but sexy protection. It looks no different to a pouch holding a nice pair of men’s shoes.
The H6’s boast they are made from anodized aluminum, which keeps them lighter than the Ziks and feel like headphones should. The Ziks are weightier on the head which can be tiring if you are not used to them. Somehow the H6’s feel solid even though, they are light around the ear for an around the ear headphone set. The leather smells great just like new genuine leather should smell and completes a classy product.
Talking about the senses, the smell of the headphones, I have never had with my AKGs or Parrots. As sad as it sounds, I could tell this was a well made product and placing them on my head for the first time made me feel like I was transitioning to the smooth world of audio.
If you manage to find a review of the H6’s, which seems to be rare, owners have complained about a short cord. It is all about personal preference and I personally think the cord is long enough to be connected to my iPhone in my jeans pocket. The H6’s also come with the famously Monster patented tech, the ability to plug the cord into either the left or right earpiece and share your music with someone else’s earphones too. This works great with my Bose in ears and the simple Apple buds too. A nice little touch. I also love the fact that cord is removable with some force and not by a twist like other brands. This means, anything pulling your cord — will remove your cord from the headset and not pull on your whole head like my AKG’s.
One obvious call out from most potential buyers — “ Do the H6 headphones ha justify the price?” I do not know, as sound is subjective and subjectivity means we all look for different things. I am no audiophile (well I do not think I am but many have told me I know too much about headphones), so can’t talk about the complicated stuff. What I can tell you is, these headphones sound great in my opinion and I have owned a fair few headphones. Everything sounds clear and consistent and do not provide to much heavy bass. The H6s are lighter on the ears than many others and the clear vocals ensure your ears are not being hit continuously. I have not heard detail in music like this before and even though the customizable Ziks are great for Bluetooth headphones, they will only be a close second for sound in my opinion.
B&O believes the H6 headphones are optimized for life on the move, but, if you want to travel with these bad boys, you need to make some room in your bag to keep these cans safe and in pristine condition. B&O also think you can wear these as a fashion item around your neck because they look good. Yes, they look good but they definitely do not fit around my neck without banging on my chin.
The H6’s feel and sound great and are an investment for sure. I would recommend them if they are within your budget, but make sure the sound and fit is right for you. My local B&O dealer was too much of a sales man for my liking, so do your own research and make your purchase from a store you feel comfortable with. The design is great and I think B&O have done an excellent job with the H6s in sound, construction and build if not promotion and price.
