Sony Inzone H9 Review

Summary / TL;DR

Sony Inzone H9 headphones offer impressive sound quality with deep bass and clear highs, making them ideal for music enthusiasts. The over-ear design provides a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, and the noise-cancellation feature helps block out external distractions. The headphones also have a long battery life, perfect for on-the-go use. However, some users may find the design bulky and not very portable. Overall, the Sony Inzone H9 headphones are a great choice for those looking for immersive sound and comfort.

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Design and Comfort

The Sony Inzone H9 sports a sleek, modern design that's sure to appeal to both minimalists and tech enthusiasts alike. The headphones are primarily made of high-quality plastic, garnished with a matte finish that gives them an understated, yet sophisticated look. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and are covered in a soft leatherette material that's comfortable for long periods of use.

One noteworthy aspect of the Sony Inzone H9 is its lightweight design. Weighing in at only 275 grams, these headphones can be worn for hours without causing any discomfort, making them ideal for long commutes or extended listening sessions. Additionally, the ear cups swivel flat for easy storage and transport.

The headband is also padded and adjustable, allowing for a customized fit. This is particularly important for users who wear glasses, as it helps reduce pressure on the temples. However, it's worth noting that the clamping force might be slightly tight for some users, particularly during the initial use. After a few days of usage, the clamping force typically eases, offering a more comfortable fit.

The Sony Inzone H9 also comes with detachable ear pads. This design choice is a nice touch as it not only extends the lifespan of the headphones, but it also allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. In terms of color options, the Sony Inzone H9 is available in black and silver, both of which have a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Here are some of the key design and comfort features of the Sony Inzone H9:

• Lightweight Design: At only 275 grams, these headphones are comfortable for prolonged use.
• Padded Ear Cups and Headband: These ensure a comfortable fit, even for users who wear glasses.
• Swiveling Ear Cups: These allow for easy storage and transport.
• Detachable Ear Pads: This feature extends the lifespan of the headphones and allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

In conclusion, the Sony Inzone H9 offers a well-designed and comfortable listening experience, making it an excellent choice for both casual and avid music listeners. However, as with any product, personal preferences and comfort levels will vary, so it's advisable to try them on before making a purchase. For more detailed information about sound quality and other technical aspects, please refer to the corresponding sections of this review.

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Sound Quality

The Sony Inzone H9 brings a notable upliftment in terms of sound quality. Equipped with 40mm driver units, the headphones offer a rich, balanced sound with deep bass, vibrant mids, and crisp highs. The wide frequency range, reaching from 4Hz to 40kHz, enables the headphones to playback more detail across all genres of music.

A noteworthy feature is the DSEE HX technology that Sony incorporated into these headphones. This technology works to upscale compressed music files, enhancing the quality considerably and bringing them closer to High-Resolution Audio. This means that even if you're listening to lower quality music files, the DSEE HX technology will work to improve the overall sound quality.

When comparing the Inzone H9 to its predecessor, a significant improvement is noticeable in the area of bass reproduction. The bass is punchy and deep, but without overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum. This is an ideal feature for those who enjoy bass-heavy genres such as EDM or Hip-Hop, but it also gives an extra depth to other music genres.

Another compelling aspect of the sound quality is the Soundstage of the Inzone H9. The headphones offer a broad and immersive soundstage that gives you a sense of being in a live music venue. This is particularly thrilling when listening to live music recordings or orchestral pieces.

In terms of voice calls, the Inzone H9 delivers clear and audible sound. The headphones have a built-in microphone that provides clear voice pick-up, making them a fitting option for hands-free calls or online meetings.

To sum things up:

• The 40mm driver units provide a balanced sound with deep bass, vibrant mids, and crisp highs.
• DSEE HX technology enhances the quality of compressed music files, bringing them closer to High-Resolution Audio.
• The soundstage is broad and immersive, giving a sense of being in a live music venue.
• The built-in microphone delivers clear and audible sound for voice calls.

Overall, the sound quality of the Sony Inzone H9 is impressive and will cater to a wide range of music lovers. Whether you prefer bass-heavy beats, detailed classical music, or just enjoy the nuances of high-resolution audio, these headphones deliver on all fronts.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Sony Inzone H9 headphones feature top-notch active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. Sony has always been a pioneer in noise-cancellation technology, and the Inzone H9 is a testament to their prowess in this area.

What sets the Inzone H9's ANC apart is its ability to adapt to your environment in real-time. The headphones utilize a quartet of microphones – two on each ear cup - to detect and counteract ambient noise effectively. These smart headphones can even differentiate between different types of noise, such as human chatter, traffic noise, or the hum of an airplane engine, providing an optimized noise cancellation experience.

Moreover, the Inzone H9 boasts a feature called Adaptive Sound Control. This advanced AI technology analyses your surroundings and adjusts the noise cancellation levels accordingly. Whether you're in a bustling coffee shop, a busy street, or a quiet library, the Inzone H9 ensures that you get an immersive, undisturbed listening experience.

Another impressive feature is the Quick Attention mode. By simply covering the right ear cup with your hand, you can lower the volume and let ambient noise in - a nifty feature when you need to have a quick conversation or stay aware of your surroundings. Once you remove your hand, the headphones return to the previous noise cancellation setting, offering seamless transitions between different listening modes.

Unlike some other models in the market, the Sony Inzone H9 doesn't compromise audio quality with the noise cancellation turned on. The sound remains clear, rich, and detailed, ensuring a high-quality listening experience irrespective of your environment - a feature we will further discuss in the 'Sound Quality' section of this review.

Overall, the Sony Inzone H9 provides excellent active noise cancellation, offering an unmatched listening experience, whether in a noisy or quiet environment. The advanced features like Adaptive Sound Control and Quick Attention mode add a layer of convenience and practicality, truly setting these headphones apart in the saturated market of ANC headphones.

Connectivity Options

When discussing the connectivity options of the Sony Inzone H9 headphones, it's essential to highlight the notable feature of Bluetooth 5.0. This latest version of Bluetooth technology ensures a seamless, high-quality connection between the headphones and your device, providing an impressive connection range of up to 10 meters. The audio transmission is characterized by minimal latency, which means there's no lip-sync delay, enhancing the overall user experience during videos and gaming sessions.

Moreover, the Sony Inzone H9 supports multipoint connection, meaning it can be actively connected to two devices simultaneously. This feature allows for smooth transitions between devices, for example, answering a phone call while watching a movie on your laptop. It's important to note that this is a feature not typically seen in other headphones in the same price range.

Another commendable feature in relation to connectivity is the inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication). With NFC, connecting your headphones to a device becomes an effortless task - simply touching the two devices together is enough to establish a connection. This is a strong addition for those who value quick and easy device pairing.

On the wired side, the Sony Inzone H9 provides a 3.5mm AUX input. This ensures that users can continue listening to their music even when the battery is depleted, an option that's highly appreciated for long flights or travel. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning the compatibility of the headphones with voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri. This integration provides users with a hands-free, voice-controlled experience, a feature quite essential in today's tech-savvy world.

Key Connectivity Features:

• Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable, high-quality connection with a wider range and minimal latency.
• Multipoint connection to simultaneously connect and switch between two devices.
• NFC compatibility for quick and effortless device pairing.
• 3.5mm AUX input to enable wired listening when the battery is depleted.
• Voice assistant integration for a hands-free, voice-controlled experience.

The above features make the Sony Inzone H9 a versatile set of headphones that can handle multiple connections effectively, offering convenience and ease of use for the modern consumer.

Battery Life

Delving into the battery life of the Sony Inzone H9, it's no secret that this is a crucial aspect for any prospective headphone user. The longevity of a headphone's battery often determines how uninterrupted and immersive your audio experience can be. Fortunately, the Sony Inzone H9 delivers impressively in this aspect.

The Sony Inzone H9 comes packed with a robust 600mAh battery. This powerful cell allows the headphones to provide an impressive 30 hours of continuous playtime when fully charged. This figure is among the highest in the industry, placing the Sony Inzone H9 in the upper echelons when it comes to battery life.

Charging Time

Alongside the superior battery capacity, the Sony Inzone H9 also boasts an incredibly swift charging time. Thanks to its quick charge feature, a brief 10-minute charge can power the headphones for an additional 2.5 hours. The full charge time is approximately 3 hours, which is relatively quick for headphones within this category. This gives users the freedom to enjoy their music without lengthy interruptions for recharging.

Standby Time

Another noteworthy aspect of the Sony Inzone H9's battery life is its remarkable standby time. When not in use, this headphone can last for up to 200 hours on standby, which is quite impressive. This feature makes sure that you don't lose significant battery life when the headphones are idle, conserving energy for when you need it most.

To sum it up, the battery life of the Sony Inzone H9 can be highlighted in the following points:

• Impressive battery capacity of 600mAh.
• Outstanding playtime of up to 30 hours on a full charge.
• Quick charge feature that allows 2.5 hours of use from a brief 10-minute charge.
• Maximum standby time of a substantial 200 hours.

Overall, in terms of battery life, it's safe to say that the Sony Inzone H9 is a market leader. Its powerful battery and efficient power management systems combine to allow for an extended, uninterrupted audio experience that's hard to find in other models. Whether you're a hardcore audiophile or a casual listener, you're bound to appreciate the superior battery life offered by the Sony Inzone H9.

Controls and Features

The Sony Inzone H9 offers a host of controls and features that cater to your everyday needs, making the audio experience seamless and intuitive. Sony's design philosophy is apparent in the amount of control they provide to the users.

For starters, the right ear cup of the Inzone H9 is touch-sensitive, enabling you to control the volume, pause, play, skip tracks, or answer calls with simple swipe or tap gestures. The headphones also support the use of voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, making it even more convenient to control your music or make calls hands-free.

One of the standout features of the Sony Inzone H9 is the 'Quick Attention' mode. When you cover the right ear cup with your hand, the music automatically lowers and the ambient sound is amplified, allowing you to engage in quick conversations without needing to take off your headphones. This is a feature that truly sets Sony apart from many other brands in the market.

Another important feature to mention is the personalized sound settings provided by the accompanying Sony Headphones Connect app. This app allows you to adjust the soundstage, tune the equaliser settings, control ambient sound settings and even choose pre-set sound profiles based on your activities. The app also provides Adaptive Sound Control that automatically detects what you're doing—travelling, walking, or waiting—and adjusts the sound settings for you.

When it comes to wireless connections, the Inzone H9 supports both Bluetooth and NFC. The headphones also have a range of codecs supported, including the high-quality LDAC, which is noteworthy if you're a stickler for sound quality (more on this in the 'Sound Quality' section).

Summing up, here are the key control and feature highlights of the Sony Inzone H9:

• Touch-sensitive controls on the right ear cup
• Support for voice assistants
• 'Quick Attention' mode for easy conversation without taking off your headphones
• Personalized sound settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app
• Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts settings based on your activities
• Support for both Bluetooth and NFC connections
• A range of supported codecs, including LDAC

In conclusion, the Sony Inzone H9 packs a plethora of controls and features that make your audio experience not only immersive but also tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

What's in the Box

Let's delve into the unboxing experience of the Sony Inzone H9 headphones. Once you open the premium package, you're presented with a carefully laid-out setup of components that ensure you're ready to experience the world of high-quality, noise-cancelling audio in no time.

The first item you'll notice is, of course, the Sony Inzone H9 headphones themselves. With their sleek design and robust build, these headphones look and feel premium right out of the box. Their sturdy presence signifies that they are built to last, providing a sense of durability and reliability.

Next, you'll find a robust carrying case. The case is solid and compact, providing excellent protection for your headphones while you're on the go. The smooth finish and understated branding round off the case's classy image. Inside the case, there's a dedicated pocket for cable storage, which is a thoughtful addition.

As you continue with the unboxing experience, you'll come across a 1.2m long audio cable. This wire is of high quality and provides a wired listening option for those moments when you either wish to conserve battery power or connect to a device without Bluetooth capabilities.

Charging Cable and Airplane Adapter

Also included in the box is a USB-C charging cable to power up your headphones. The inclusion of a USB-C cable means faster charging times and a more universal connection compared to older USB types. The package also contains an airplane adapter, a handy addition for frequent flyers who want to enjoy their favorite tunes during flights without disturbance.

Quick Start Guide

Lastly, you will find a quick start guide and warranty card. The guide covers basic setup and operation instructions, providing a quick overview for those eager to start their Sony Inzone H9 experience without delay.

In summary, the box contains:

• Sony Inzone H9 headphones
• Carrying case
• 1.2m audio cable
• USB-C charging cable
• Airplane adapter
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

The unboxing experience of the Sony Inzone H9 is a clear representation of Sony's attention to detail and quality commitment. By providing all the necessary accessories right from the start, Sony ensures you have everything you need to enjoy your new headphones to the fullest. We'll go into more detail about their specific functions and performance in the subsequent sections of this review.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the discussion on the Sony Inzone H9 headphones, it's important to weigh its pros and cons. This robust offering from Sony has many commendable features - from its superior sound quality to active noise cancellation, extended battery life, and user-friendly controls. But, as with any product, it's not devoid of minor flaws.

Starting with the strengths of the Sony Inzone H9:

• Design and Comfort: Sony's focus on ergonomic design and user comfort is apparent in the Inzone H9. The headphones offer a snug fit, thanks to their adjustable headband and soft ear cushions.
• Sound Quality: The dynamic sound quality and high-resolution audio are some of the best features of this device, which significantly enhance the listening experience.
• Active Noise Cancellation: The robust noise cancellation feature allows for an immersive audio experience, blocking out most ambient noise.
• Battery Life: The extended battery life and quick charging feature ensure uninterrupted hours of music playback.

Despite these strengths, the Sony Inzone H9 isn't without a few drawbacks:

• Connectivity Issues: While the headphones are equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues.
• Complex Controls: Some users might find the control features a bit complicated to master initially, especially when it comes to using the touch controls.

Overall, the Sony Inzone H9 provides good value for its price. It caters to most music lovers' needs with its blend of exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design. However, the minor issues with connectivity and controls may demand a slight learning curve from its users.

For an all-inclusive audio device that ticks most boxes, the Sony Inzone H9 is an excellent choice. Whether you're an audiophile seeking a high-quality listening experience or someone who needs noise cancellation for focused work or travel, this headphone serves the purpose well.

Ultimately, the Sony Inzone H9 is a solid investment for anyone seeking an upgrade in their audio equipment. Rest assured, it's bound to enhance your overall listening experience.

Video by: Sony

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications