likwid_fyah's Full Review: Bang & Olufsen A8 Consumer Headphones
I have had my B&O earphones approximately nine months, in which time I have used them mainly for listening to my portable minidisc player. I occasionally use it for listening to my home audio system when it's required that I keep the noise down.
These earphones have definitely been a revelation, they rarely if ever disappoint! I first bought them as the ones that came standard with my minidisc player were woefully inadequate. It might not be apparent to many people how dire your usual earphones can sound unless you compare them with a pair of quality earphones.
I like to use the analogy that you can't appreciate the sweet until you've tasted the bitter! In the same way with earphones, you have to listen to a pair of 'regular' earphones to truly appreciate the level of detail and clarity you get from a pair of quality earphones. I have tested this theory with many of my friends, not many of them you would call audiophiles and the difference to them is as clear as night and day. If you know of anyone with a pair of these phones, or can have them demonstrated to you at a B&O dealership then you will realise the difference immediately.
One test I like to try out is to play tracks on a pair of regular earphones, and then on these. You will find your own music to try this out and I know this has almost become cliché, but you really can rediscover your music and if you try this you will find this maxim holds true. I especially like to play Massive Attacks track Angel when showboating to friends (aren’t we all guilty of that?). What you will find is that these earphones will pick up the finest nuances of every instrument, especially towards the end of this track you will discover an ever so feint electric guitar riff just as the music is playing out, which a pair of regular earphones won’t even know exists.
I tried many earphones from reputable manufacturers and many were good, but I dare say none of them had an edge!
That is what I would say these earphones have without a doubt! I'm not denying that you can buy earphones of good sound quality for about half the price; however I would still argue that the overall sound stage of these phones is superior! It's not only the quality of the earpiece but also the fact that they fit so well as to virtually block out most external noise, meaning you get a much more faithful representation of the music being played.
Getting them to 'fit right' is I feel crucial in trying to obtain optimum sound quality, because of the brilliant engineering of these earphones, playing about with them until you achieve this is not an issue.
If you’re not the type who likes attention and you’re planning on using these with a portable audio player, then my advice on buying these beauties is don’t! Believe me you will get noticed. I commute to university on the bus, and the number of inquisitive looks on peoples faces are only confirmed when your friends ask what they are? The usual guess being some sort of earpiece for your mobile (cell) phone. I must say I was rather unnerved at this at first and it was becoming banal almost a platitude, however I’ve grown to appreciate this as it seems to me people are drawn to the appearance and quality of these phones. I’ve been asked in music stores by total strangers where I got them from and what they are. People will just tap you on the shoulder if you’re stood around and they want to know. Geeks will stop you and ask you what they are, how much they cost, where you can get them from etc. Even women give you the occasional look and if you smile you may even get a smile back :). Just don’t expect them to work wonders for your love life though, if you’re already challenged in the looks and charm department!
If I have gripes over these earphones, then they are partially due to my own lack of care. This may sound pedantic, but the lettering on the phones has almost worn off. This I can attribute mainly to my own use/misuse. I believe when the manufacturer supplies you with a quality leather pouch it’s there to be used. I must say if you intend on buying these you should- because it will protect them from your usual wear and tear, whereas I have tended to leave them lying around many times, I know that sounds bad especially since they are quite expensive. Also if you intend on lending them to anyone, make sure that that person is responsible.
Another cosmetic failing, which I would usually not expect to occur at the price paid for these phones, is the two black screws that fit into the loops that fit around the ears have come undone on mine, and yes I have lost them. I intended to talk to my B&O dealer about this, but since they are located quite a distance away and being a serial-procrastinator, sadly I have not got round to this. This isn’t a major problem in terms of your ear piece falling apart but they’re there to hold on the rubber grips, which tend to stay put of their own accord.
If there is a short-coming in terms of sound quality then they aren’t the best for bass reproduction, what bass they do advocate, they will convey with both clarity and authority, however if you’re a bass freak and that’s all then these aren’t the earphones for you.
What I would say is that on the whole they produce a wholesome dynamic sound stage that is ample for reproduction of most musical styles, and personally I feel the bass is enough for my needs. On that account I could happily recommend these as I would say my music taste is quite eclectic and they will cater for most people’s requirements.
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