B&O BeoPlay H7 - First Glimpse
November 09, 2015
In mid Oct 2015, Bang & Olufsen launched the BeoPlay H7, a pair of wireless over-ears. They combine the over-ears comfort of the BeoPlay H6 and run on Bluetooth wireless technology of the BeoPlay H8.
What's the Big Deal?
1. Sound
Bang & Olufsen claims that the BeoPlay H7 allows you to 'enjoy the acclaimed B&O Signature Sound' regardless whether in wireless or corded mode. Leveraging on the recent Bluetooth 4.1 standard, they support high-fidelity sound via the aptX codec. However unlike the H8, there is no active noise canceling functionality.
2. Touch Controls
Similar to its on-ears sibling, the BeoPlay H8, the playback and volume controls lie on the aluminum surface of the right ear cup. Just swivel your finger clockwise to increase the volume and tap to change tracks. If it works like what we tried on the H8, you should be able to navigate songs without much issue. It is claimed to work 'even when wearing gloves'.
3. Battery Life
The BeoPlay H7 can last a good 20 hours of music playback after a 2.5 hour charge on the replaceable 770mAh Lithium Ion battery. Apparently, there's a also a useful battery-saving function that kicks in after 15 minutes of non-usage.
4. Design
At 280g, these over-ears are just a tad heavier than the 255g on-ears H8. As per many of B&O's headphones, the industrial design is Jakob Wagner's and materials such as cowhide leather (for the headband) and soft lambskin (for ear cups) are used.
Pricing
What's the Big Deal?
1. Sound
Bang & Olufsen claims that the BeoPlay H7 allows you to 'enjoy the acclaimed B&O Signature Sound' regardless whether in wireless or corded mode. Leveraging on the recent Bluetooth 4.1 standard, they support high-fidelity sound via the aptX codec. However unlike the H8, there is no active noise canceling functionality.
2. Touch Controls
Similar to its on-ears sibling, the BeoPlay H8, the playback and volume controls lie on the aluminum surface of the right ear cup. Just swivel your finger clockwise to increase the volume and tap to change tracks. If it works like what we tried on the H8, you should be able to navigate songs without much issue. It is claimed to work 'even when wearing gloves'.
3. Battery Life
The BeoPlay H7 can last a good 20 hours of music playback after a 2.5 hour charge on the replaceable 770mAh Lithium Ion battery. Apparently, there's a also a useful battery-saving function that kicks in after 15 minutes of non-usage.
4. Design
At 280g, these over-ears are just a tad heavier than the 255g on-ears H8. As per many of B&O's headphones, the industrial design is Jakob Wagner's and materials such as cowhide leather (for the headband) and soft lambskin (for ear cups) are used.
Pricing
According to the Bang & Olufsen site, the H7 retails for EUR 449 / USD 449. We are currently checking on the Singapore pricing.
Availability
The two color variations available (for now) are Black and Natural.
According to their website, they are available from 15 October 2015 at B&O stores and selected design and department outlets worldwide. We shall check on the status in Singapore.
Where To Buy
If you like the product, do support me by purchasing through Amazon via these affiliate links - BeoPlay H7 Black / Natural / Cenere Gray / Cocoa Brown. They start from USD 396.
Update (9 Nov 2015)
Bang & Olufsen (SEA) confirmed that the price is set at SGD 649 and is available at the B&O Showroom at Grand Hyatt.
Update (30 Dec 2015)
The BeoPlay H7 is also available in Apple Premium Resellers, Challenger, Digital Style, Newstead, Sprint-Cass, Stereo, AV One, ConnectIT and Tangs.
The two color variations available (for now) are Black and Natural.
According to their website, they are available from 15 October 2015 at B&O stores and selected design and department outlets worldwide. We shall check on the status in Singapore.
Where To Buy
If you like the product, do support me by purchasing through Amazon via these affiliate links - BeoPlay H7 Black / Natural / Cenere Gray / Cocoa Brown. They start from USD 396.
Update (9 Nov 2015)
Bang & Olufsen (SEA) confirmed that the price is set at SGD 649 and is available at the B&O Showroom at Grand Hyatt.
Update (30 Dec 2015)
The BeoPlay H7 is also available in Apple Premium Resellers, Challenger, Digital Style, Newstead, Sprint-Cass, Stereo, AV One, ConnectIT and Tangs.
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