Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC: Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of premium audio with a comprehensive review of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones. These headphones promise a blend of luxurious design, exceptional sound quality, and effective noise cancellation. Let's find out if they live up to the hype and justify their price tag.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the box of the Beoplay HX is an experience in itself. Bang & Olufsen is known for its attention to detail, and that's evident right from the packaging. Inside, you'll find the headphones nestled in a sleek carrying case, along with a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. The initial impression is one of premium quality and craftsmanship. The materials feel luxurious to the touch, and the overall design exudes elegance.
The Beoplay HX boasts a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and subtle branding. The earcups are made of soft lambskin leather, providing a comfortable and snug fit. The headband is wrapped in textile, adding a touch of sophistication. The headphones feel sturdy and well-built, suggesting durability and longevity. Available in a range of stylish colors, the Beoplay HX allows you to express your personal style while enjoying exceptional audio quality. The earcups have a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining the headphones' pristine appearance. The adjustable headband ensures a secure and comfortable fit for various head sizes. The headphones also feature intuitive touch controls on the earcups, allowing you to manage music playback, adjust volume, and answer calls with ease. These controls are responsive and easy to learn, enhancing the overall user experience. The Beoplay HX headphones are not just about sound; they are a statement of refined taste and appreciation for quality craftsmanship. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the carefully selected materials to the precision engineering. Wearing these headphones is a pleasure, and they are sure to turn heads wherever you go. The blend of luxury and technology makes the Beoplay HX a standout product in the crowded premium headphone market. The packaging itself reflects the brand's commitment to excellence, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement from the moment you receive the product. The unboxing experience sets the tone for what's to come, promising a premium audio experience that lives up to the Bang & Olufsen reputation.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to design and comfort, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones truly shine. These headphones are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using premium materials that not only look stunning but also provide a comfortable listening experience for hours on end. The earcups are generously padded with memory foam and wrapped in soft lambskin leather, creating a plush and luxurious feel against your ears. This ensures a snug fit that effectively seals out external noise while minimizing pressure points, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music without discomfort. The headband is also thoughtfully designed, with a padded textile covering that distributes weight evenly across your head, preventing hotspots and ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The headband is adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your head size and shape. The Beoplay HX headphones are surprisingly lightweight, which further enhances their comfort during extended listening sessions. The earcups swivel and tilt to conform to the contours of your head, providing a personalized fit that maximizes both comfort and sound quality. The minimalist design of the Beoplay HX is both elegant and functional. The clean lines and subtle branding give the headphones a sophisticated look, while the intuitive controls make them easy to use. The touch-sensitive controls on the earcups allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate your voice assistant with a simple tap or swipe. The physical buttons are conveniently located and provide tactile feedback, making them easy to operate even when you're on the go. The Beoplay HX headphones are available in a range of stylish colors to suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer a classic black or a more vibrant hue, there's a Beoplay HX to match your style. The premium materials used in the construction of the Beoplay HX not only enhance their comfort but also contribute to their durability. These headphones are built to last, with sturdy construction and high-quality components that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The Beoplay HX headphones are a true pleasure to wear, offering a combination of luxurious comfort, elegant design, and intuitive functionality. They are the perfect choice for discerning listeners who demand the best in both sound and comfort.
Sound Quality
Now, let's talk about the most crucial aspect: sound quality. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones are equipped with custom-designed 40mm drivers that deliver a rich, detailed, and balanced sound signature. The bass is deep and punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and articulate, and the highs are crisp and sparkling. These headphones offer a wide soundstage, creating a sense of spaciousness and immersion. Whether you're listening to classical music, rock, or electronic dance music, the Beoplay HX handles it all with finesse.
The Beoplay HX supports a variety of codecs, including aptX Adaptive, ensuring high-quality wireless audio streaming. The sound quality is consistent across different devices and platforms. The headphones also feature a customizable EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences using the Bang & Olufsen app. This level of customization ensures that you can get the perfect sound for any genre of music. The Beoplay HX excels in its ability to reproduce subtle details in your music. You'll hear nuances and textures that you may have never noticed before, adding a new dimension to your listening experience. The clarity and precision of the sound are truly remarkable. The headphones also offer impressive dynamic range, allowing them to handle both quiet and loud passages with ease. This ensures that your music sounds natural and lifelike, without any distortion or compression. The Beoplay HX is not just about technical specifications; it's about the emotional connection you feel with your music. These headphones have a way of drawing you in and making you feel like you're right there in the studio with the artists. The sound is so immersive and engaging that you'll lose yourself in your music for hours on end. The Beoplay HX is a true audiophile's delight, offering a level of sound quality that is simply unmatched by most other headphones on the market. If you're looking for a pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience to a new level, the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. The combination of exceptional sound quality, luxurious comfort, and elegant design makes these headphones a true winner.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones is another standout feature. These headphones employ a hybrid ANC system that combines feedforward and feedback microphones to effectively block out a wide range of ambient noise. Whether you're on a noisy commute, working in a busy office, or traveling on a plane, the Beoplay HX can create a peaceful and immersive listening environment.
The ANC is adjustable, allowing you to customize the level of noise cancellation to your specific needs. You can choose between different modes, such as Adaptive ANC, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on your surroundings, or Transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music. The ANC on the Beoplay HX is remarkably effective at reducing low-frequency sounds, such as engine rumble and road noise. It also does a good job of attenuating higher-frequency sounds, such as chatter and keyboard clicks. The result is a significant reduction in background noise, allowing you to focus on your music or podcasts without distractions. The ANC does not significantly affect the sound quality of the headphones. Some ANC systems can introduce unwanted artifacts or alter the frequency response, but the Beoplay HX maintains its clear and balanced sound signature even with ANC enabled. The Transparency mode is particularly useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when walking on a busy street or waiting for an announcement. It allows you to hear conversations and other important sounds without removing the headphones. The ANC on the Beoplay HX is a valuable feature that enhances the overall listening experience. It allows you to enjoy your music in a variety of environments, without being disturbed by unwanted noise. The adjustability of the ANC is also a plus, allowing you to customize the level of noise cancellation to your specific needs. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to enjoy their music in peace, the Beoplay HX ANC headphones are an excellent choice.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Regarding battery life and connectivity, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones don't disappoint. These headphones offer up to 35 hours of playtime with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours without ANC. This is more than enough to get you through several days of use, even with heavy listening. The headphones also support fast charging, allowing you to get several hours of playtime with just a short charge.
The Beoplay HX connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, offering a stable and reliable connection. The headphones also support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is useful if you want to switch between listening to music on your phone and taking calls on your laptop. The headphones also come with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. This is useful if you want to conserve battery life or if you're using a device that doesn't support Bluetooth. The Beoplay HX has intuitive touch controls on the earcups, allowing you to manage music playback, adjust volume, and answer calls. The controls are responsive and easy to learn. The headphones also have a built-in microphone for making calls. The microphone quality is good, and callers reported that I sounded clear and natural. The Beoplay HX is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The Bang & Olufsen app allows you to customize the sound profile, adjust the ANC settings, and update the firmware. The app is well-designed and easy to use. The battery life on the Beoplay HX is impressive, and the fast charging feature is a lifesaver when you're running low on power. The Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, and the multipoint pairing is a convenient feature. The touch controls are intuitive, and the microphone quality is good. Overall, the Beoplay HX offers excellent battery life and connectivity.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones:
Pros:
- Luxurious design and premium materials
- Exceptional sound quality with a balanced and detailed sound signature
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Long battery life and fast charging
- Stable Bluetooth connectivity with multipoint pairing
Cons:
- High price tag
- Some users may find the touch controls a bit finicky
- The carrying case is a bit bulky
Final Verdict
So, are the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX ANC headphones worth the investment? If you're a discerning audiophile who values both sound quality and aesthetics, then the answer is a resounding yes. These headphones offer a premium listening experience that is unmatched by many other headphones on the market. The luxurious design, exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit make them a true pleasure to use. However, the high price tag may be a barrier for some. If you're on a budget, there are other excellent noise-canceling headphones available for less. But if you're willing to splurge on a pair of headphones that will elevate your listening experience to a new level, the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. They're not just headphones; they're a statement of style and a testament to the power of sound.