B&O H6 How to check they are genuine.

[Stuartk]

Hi everyone,

Im going to look at a pair of the above which are on Gumtree.

They are boxed and sealed and seller says they were an unwanted gift and he lives close to me.

Is there anyway of knowing if they are genuine from maybe the box or the headphones themselves?

Decided on these due to the good review on here although I was initially thinking of an open pair as I enjoy a great soundstage but I suppose being used to noise cancelling ones I would be used to it but review said the soundstage was excellent.

Just texted the seller and no receipt and selling other headphones too brand new plus he was only looking for Half the RRP.

So start again, my short list is Byerdynamic T90, B&W P7, B&O H6, Grados 325e all based on reviews on here.

My Hi-Fi is good but I have started listening more to headphones as I love the clarity and involvement they give.

I want a good bass not boomy, crisp clear vocal and good separation from the treble with a noticeable midrange, everything really.

My existing headphones are Logitech UE (Ha Ha I know.....really they are not too bad) but I did have Bose QC15, Now I did like their sound but sold them.

Your advice is appreciated.

Thank you

Stuart.

 

[Andy Clough]

The best way to check if they are genuine is to get the serial number which should be on the packaging then check with B&O if that's a legitimate code.

We've also published a guide on how to avoid buying fake headphones which you may find useful.

 

[spiny norman]

They are boxed and sealed and seller says they were an unwanted gift and he lives close to me.

<SNIP>

Just texted the seller and no receipt and selling other headphones too brand new plus he was only looking for Half the RRP.

I think given that combination of factors (no receipt, selling other 'phones and half price) I would have quite a lot of alarm bells ringing in my head. Or do you think he gets given lots of headphones as unwanted gifts? Perhaps he's a hi-fi reviewer? ;-)

Agree with Andy: stage one should be to ask for a serial number and check that with B&O UK. If it's kosher, then all good, but make sure it's not just one genuine serial number used on many dodgy products by checking with them the colour against the number; if it's not, B&O might be interested in who's potentially offering sly headphones for sale.

 

[rich51080]

Add to your shortlist the following of which I have had or tried.

Alessandro MS2i - Made in conjunction with Grado Labs - Amazing cans and better than the Grado 325i.

AKG K550 - Awesome cans and only cost £100 - Can take on the more pricier Shure 1540's which cost £400 +.

Ultrasone Performance 860 are great all round cans and have terrific bass and slam.

regards

Rich

 

[Stuartk]

The best way to check if they are genuine is to get the serial number which should be on the packaging then check with B&O if that's a legitimate code.

We've also published a guide on how to avoid buying fake headphones which you may find useful.

Thanks Andy,

Yes I did read it and you know I completely forgot regarding cross checking serial numbers, silly me.

Good guide too.

 

[Stuartk]

They are boxed and sealed and seller says they were an unwanted gift and he lives close to me.

<SNIP>

Just texted the seller and no receipt and selling other headphones too brand new plus he was only looking for Half the RRP.

I think given that combination of factors (no receipt, selling other 'phones and half price) I would have quite a lot of alarm bells ringing in my head. Or do you think he gets given lots of headphones as unwanted gifts? Perhaps he's a hi-fi reviewer? ;-)

Agree with Andy: stage one should be to ask for a serial number and check that with B&O UK. If it's kosher, then all good, but make sure it's not just one genuine serial number used on many dodgy products by checking with them the colour against the number; if it's not, B&O might be interested in who's potentially offering sly headphones for sale.

Cheers Spiny,

It does scream out a bit doesn't it.

Left him to it but not difficult to find him with his Beats for sale too.

Stuart.

 

[Stuartk]

Add to your shortlist the following of which I have had or tried.

Alessandro MS2i - Made in conjunction with Grado Labs - Amazing cans and better than the Grado 325i.

AKG K550 - Awesome cans and only cost £100 - Can take on the more pricier Shure 1540's which cost £400 +.

Ultrasone Performance 860 are great all round cans and have terrific bass and slam.

regards

Rich

Thank you Rich.

I was looking for the AKG K553 which was reviewed but can't find them and I'm sure that I seen your recommendation for the 550's before but could not believe that they got such good press for just £100.

I will look at your other rec's now as I'm night shift and see what I can find out.

Cheers

Stuart.

 

[Stuartk]

Looking at the Ultrasone Performance 880 the stats look good not to mention a seemingly good quality build that I can see.

Has anyone listened to these before and would the 880 be much better than the 860?

The B&W P7 are very much well thought of and I do love their products.

Are both these products worthy of more than double the premium of the AKG K550 with such a high fan base?

I listen to mostly Spotify and CD and really like Film scores too.

Where I'am I can demo anything although not far from Glasgow there doesn't seem to be that much of a choice in the slim Hi-Fi stores there so rightly or wrongly I'm needing your guidance please.

Cheers

Stuart.

 

[Paulq]

Looking at the Ultrasone Performance 880 the stats look good not to mention a seemingly good quality build that I can see.

Has anyone listened to these before and would the 880 be much better than the 860?

The B&W P7 are very much well thought of and I do love their products.

Are both these products worthy of more than double the premium of the AKG K550 with such a high fan base?

I listen to mostly Spotify and CD and really like Film scores too.

Where I'am I can demo anything although not far from Glasgow there doesn't seem to be that much of a choice in the slim Hi-Fi stores there so rightly or wrongly I'm needing your guidance please.

Cheers

Stuart.

I think it's very difficult to buy headphones that you haven't heard as you are entirely reliant on other people's opinions and, frankly, ears. I have tried quite a few including those you mention and my view of them is different to others so that proves that the only realy way to get the right ones is to shift your thinking a little and get the right ones 'for you'. Otherwise you have to take a punt and hopefully be able to return them if you don't like them....

Whether this helps or not I am not sure but I didn't like the K550's at all as, in general, I don't like the more neutral headphones but that's just me. I find AKG's to be too bright as indeed I tend to do woth Grados; so when others go crazy about them I really don't get what the fuss is about.

Of the others you mention I haven't tried the new Ultrasones but they are somewhat of a Marmite brand. I did have the Pro 900 and they absolutely blow your head off with bass. From what I have read the 880's are slightly more refined.

I have also tried the P7's and quite liked them but am just not entirely sure that they are worth what they cost; again 'for me'. There's nothing wrong with the way they sound in fact they are very very good. However I think you pay for their name a little.

Again, I'll go against what seems to be popular opinion but still, despite popular opinion' my 'go to' headphone is the Beyerdynamic DT990 (250 ohm). I have had them for years and my view is that they do everything well. There are times when, honestly, I consider selling all my others and just sticking with that - I find them that good. Others don't and criticise what they hear as overly indulgent highs. I don't hear those - you may or may not. However, some of my other headphones have characteristics better than the DT990's for certain types of music but one thing's for sure - I will never sell them. In fact I am very tempted to buy the closed 'equivalent' on the DT770 - for the money you can't really go wrong if you like the sound that I like.

I'm not advocating that the DT990's/DT770's are the answer to your prayers as they may not be; nor am I actually advocating any particular set for you. My advice is to simply look beyond the 'badge' and find a set that matches your ears for the music you listen to - headphones are a massively individual choice. Secondly, you can actually but some very nice and high quality headphones for less than the premium attracted by the likes of B&W and B&O. Again, in my opinion (and I own the B&W P5 s2 but because I like them).

Best of luck with your search and enjoy whatever you end up with. Let us know how you get on.

 

[rich51080]

AKG K550 bright ?? I find them neutral and warm sounding and very very detailed. Proves everyone has different hearing etc. I find them non fatiguing and very comfortable.

Ultrasone are known for proper bass - not muddy. You will get the slam and I have owned the 860 hence I recommend them highly. They are highly thought of on Headfi. And they have detatchable cables so you can upgrade by buying a bespoke cable on the net. They are used for on the go and for home listening. And they are the most comfortable headphones I ever tried. The 880 is part of the same range and once again is a favourite on headfi.

http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/ultrasone-performance-860-closed-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-3888.html

I have heard Ultrasones Edition which cost 3000 pounds and personally speaking I think the 860's have a lot of those cans traits. Are the Ultrasones worth £3000. To my ears no. Why spend £3000 when you can get the Ultrasone signature sound for a couple of hundred pounds.

If you can afford it then these are serious cans for the money:

http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/ultrasone-pro900-foldable-closed-back-studio-headphones-with-replaceable-cable.html

I have heard the Pro 900 and the bass is seriously punch and has an almighty slam that you will feel, but it is proper bass and not overblown or muddy. And the Mids are a delight. They will be my next purchase

The best cans I have owned under £500 are the Alessandro MS2i's. Great for any genre and even better amped.

 

[Stuartk]

Hi Paulq,

Brilliant Thank you.

I very much agree with a premium for the name.

Its the best option I have to try and gather all the opinions and then Make an informed choice as I simply can't get to hear them and so far it has worked and possibly I have just been lucky.

The Byer DT990 I was looking at first of all and mostly everyone said they were very very good.

I was looking just there at the 770's which are good but noticed you can get them in 250, 80 & 32 Ohm's and that 80 Ohm's has a better frequency range.

Also I see the DT 900 on Amazon for £102.

the closed ones would probably suit me better as I would use them at work were as the 900 would leek sound (apparently).

Thanks again for great facts.

 

[Paulq]

Hi Paulq,

Brilliant Thank you.

I very much agree with a premium for the name.

Its the best option I have to try and gather all the opinions and then Make an informed choice as I simply can't get to hear them and so far it has worked and possibly I have just been lucky.

The Byer DT990 I was looking at first of all and mostly everyone said they were very very good.

I was looking just there at the 770's which are good but noticed you can get them in 250, 80 & 32 Ohm's and that 80 Ohm's has a better frequency range.

Also I see the DT 900 on Amazon for £102.

the closed ones would probably suit me better as I would use them at work were as the 900 would leek sound (apparently).

Thanks again for great facts.

No problem at all and am glad you found it useful. Having tried both the DT990 and the DT770 my preference is for the 990 but there's not much in it really but if you can find a way to live with the 990's, seriously, give them a shot.

The DT770's are an excellent closed back can IMO though, again, some would disagree. In terms of VFM the 80 ohm is probably the best bet as you get a balance between acceptable performance from a portable player and equally so from a hifi setup. The 250 ohm would benefit from an amp which, and it was very remiss of me, is something I should have mentioned in regard to the DT990. The 990 version I have is also the 250 ohm and, whilst it's ok out of a heapdhone jack on my Linn, it definitely improves out of my headphone amp so bear that in mind.

You have loads to choose from so take your time in deciding and enjoy! It can be rather a frustrating journey and exciting in equal measure so I am sure you will make the right choice. Good luck.

 

[Stuartk]

Cheers Rich.

Alessandro again good spec but think if I decide to spend as much as that I'd go for the Pro 900.

Review and views of the AKG K550 are good and the Beyerdynamic's are DT990/770 are also good and the price of these are good too.

I think what I'm saying is the Pro 900 much better than say the AKG or the Beyerdynamic's with a price difference of about £170 but if they were I would opt for the Pro's.

Your views guys please

Stuart.

 

[Paulq]

In my opinion 'no' based on a number of factors:

1. The Pro 900 is predominantly about bass. And I mean bass. If you like that they are worth it but they are not labelled as a basshead can for nothing. The price you pay with them is mids.

2. The 900s can become uncomfortable after listening for prolonged periods, largely down to the headband.

3. To me the S Logic is a gimmick. You pay for gimmicks and buzzwords.

4. Law of diminishing returns. Are they better than the Beyers? I would say no, others may say yes. However the start point is that, IMO, the Beyers are the best all round cans you can buy at that price point. They do everything well, not outstanding, but well. So if you want to pay an extra £200 for the Ultrasones then you have to be sure you can live with their limitations (as is the case with everything) and whether those limitations/benefits are worth the extra to you.

As I said earlier, nobody can/will decide for you. If you ask me I'd say 'DT990' in a heartbeat. Rich may say AKG550. We are both right and both wrong so it's all about preference.

Can you not order both and pick the one you like best and return the other?

 

[Stuartk]

Brilliant Paulq,

I knew one version needed an amp but was unsure which end it was lol.

As for the pricing it's actually near enough a difference of £200 between the Ultrasone Pro 900 and the

DT 900 how amazing would those Pro's be.

Incidently the ones I have as mentioned in the thread are the Logitech UE Noise Cancelling which have a good base not bad mid and a bit of a bright treble has either of you tried them so I could possibly gage it.

What is the music you are listening to?

Thanks again

Stuart.

 

[Paulq]

Brilliant Paulq,

I knew one version needed an amp but was unsure which end it was lol.

As for the pricing it's actually near enough a difference of £200 between the Ultrasone Pro 900 and the

DT 900 how amazing would those Pro's be.

Incidently the ones I have as mentioned in the thread are the Logitech UE Noise Cancelling which have a good base not bad mid and a bit of a bright treble has either of you tried them so I could possibly gage it.

What is the music you are listening to?

Thanks again

Stuart.

Afraid I don't know anything at all about the Logitechs so can't help you there. I listen to a variety of music, mainly rock/Prog but with a smattering of classical, ambient and ethereal type stuff - hence the reason that I just know 'the sound' that I like and, conversely, that I don't. I am the same with my hi-fi and instantly know what I like and what suits my music.

That's the reason you need to take your time and pick the right ones for you. #

All the best.

 

[Stuartk]

Cheers Paulq,

I to listen to different types with the emphasis needed from headphones being clarity, strong vocals, detail, good separation of instruments Bass I like to be full but not boomy and over powering.

I see the DT900 go to 35,000 KHz which is HD high resolution which would cover my DVD-Audio collection well.

When I listen to Christina Aguleria or Haley Westenra their vocals really engage me so I want something that will encapsulate these qualities similar or better than what I get from the HIFi.

These qualities I may get from the less expensive Headphones but I look to you and Rich's experiences as you indeed have a good range of phones so which would you go for?

Stuart.

 

[Paulq]

Cheers Paulq,

I to listen to different types with the emphasis needed from headphones being clarity, strong vocals, detail, good separation of instruments Bass I like to be full but not boomy and over powering.

I see the DT900 go to 35,000 KHz which is HD high resolution which would cover my DVD-Audio collection well.

When I listen to Christina Aguleria or Haley Westenra their vocals really engage me so I want something that will encapsulate these qualities similar or better than what I get from the HIFi.

These qualities I may get from the less expensive Headphones but I look to you and Rich's experiences as you indeed have a good range of phones so which would you go for?

Stuart.

I think you know my answer

 

[rich51080]

The Ultrasone Pro 900 would be a headphone that you would keep for a long time. The bass is not over emphasised and muddy. They are superb cans for Pop, Rock and Hip Hop and they have awesone midrange, The treble is sweet too. I would say they are similar to Beyerdynamic DT770 pro but they have much better mids which are not recessed like the DT770's.

I want a pair so that should tell you how good they are.

Suppposedly even better with an amp.

 

[MajorFubar]

Smells of a scam. They're everywhere, just waiting to try it on. Last year I was looking for a pair of Apple earbuds on the cheap (don't ask). I found a seller on ebay offering what looked from the picture to be a genuine pair billed as "Earbuds for Apple iPhone 5S - genuine". Bought them even though all the alarm bells were going off, and to cut a long story short they were obviously fakes. Approached the seller who responded with "well I didn't say they were Apple headphones did I?", so I followed that up with "so what was I to take the word 'genuine' to mean? That they genuinely are headphones and not eg a banana? Refund me within 24 hours or I report you". Refund came within an hour. But I'm a double-crossing son of a ***** because I still reported him

 

[Stuartk]

Hi Major,

Love the double cross.

I have noticed the H6's have been taken off sale but could I suppose be sold.

Sad but people will buy the fakes thinking they are genuine and listening to them thinking they are terrible for something that is highly recommended so that particular company loses a customer for life.

Stuart.

 

[Stuartk]

Hi Rich,

The Pro 900 is expensive but at 32 Ohm and a range from 7-35000 Hz It would be easy to drive without an Amp.

On Headfi they really liked it but there were quite a few that said they were plasticy built that the highs were a bit harsh but no doubting the sound quality.

Whats the general difference between Pro and Performance models seem the same to me component wise.

Paulq:

Really difficult and frustrating this game.

Due to cost I'm going for the DT 990 but can't find 80 Ohm but the DT 770 is now available not only as

80 Ohm but also at 32 Ohm on eBay at £124.

So would the 250 Ohm DT990 give better sound quality than the DT 770 @ 32 Ohm.

Amazon have DT990 32 Ohm but they are £221, 250 Ohm DT 990 is £100.

I could use any confirmation on these points please.

Stuart.

 

[JoelSim]

It sounds far too good to be true. Given that margins on headphones for dealers are nowhere near 50% on any brand and can be as little as 25%, I smell a rat. I personally would avoid like the plague.

 

[JoelSim]

Hi Rich,

The Pro 900 is expensive but at 32 Ohm and a range from 7-35000 Hz It would be easy to drive without an Amp.

On Headfi they really liked it but there were quite a few that said they were plasticy built that the highs were a bit harsh but no doubting the sound quality.

Whats the general difference between Pro and Performance models seem the same to me component wise.

Paulq:

Really difficult and frustrating this game.

Due to cost I'm going for the DT 990 but can't find 80 Ohm but the DT 770 is now available not only as

80 Ohm but also at 32 Ohm on eBay at £124.

So would the 250 Ohm DT990 give better sound quality than the DT 770 @ 32 Ohm.

Amazon have DT990 32 Ohm but they are £221, 250 Ohm DT 990 is £100.

I could use any confirmation on these points please.

Stuart.

Stuart, the 32 ohm is for use with mobiles. The 250 Ohm is for use with hifi although it will work perfectly well with mobiles albeit not at ear-busting volumes. The 600 Ohm is for use with a headphone amp.

So it depends on where and how you listen to them as to which one you go for. I personally think the 250 Ohm is slightly more refined than the 32 Ohm. And the DT990 Premium is much better than the DT770.

 

[JoelSim]

Please also don't mix up prices on DT990 Pro and DT990 Premium. The Pro is a studio headphone and comes without frills, the DT990 Premium is an audiophile headphone.