Sony INZONE H9 Review (Basic function & PC Connection)

This is a review of the “INZONE H9” released by Sony’s new brand “INZONE”.
At the time of the announcement, we were doing a promotion using Youtuber quite flashily, so I think that many people know that it exists, The review will also compare it with the CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT (reviewed here), which is functionally similar to the “INZONE H9” with simultaneous wireless and Bluetooth connectivity as well.

Hardware comparison such as functional aspects

First of all, regarding the appearance, “INZONE H9” is not bad because it is a coloring conscious of PS5, but the texture composed almost of plastic is a fairly fine texture on the surface, but compared to the VIRTUOSO XT, which is made of metal and has a beautiful finish to it, this part of the product does not seem worth the price.

It doesn’t directly affect the sound, but the VIRTUOSO XT has a 50mm speaker driver and the INZONE H9 has a 40mm speaker. As for the frequency characteristics, “VIRTUOSO XT” differs from 20Hz to 40kHz (which is one of its features) and “INZONE H9” is different from 5Hz to 20kHz.

As for the fit, the earpads do not feel particularly problematic, although the side pressure is weak and may not fit those with small heads.

The concern with the INZONE H9 is the earpads, which are probably not interchangeable.
Since the earpads is a part that can be said to be a consumable item, this specification is a part that can be said to be a big negative point.

Functional aspects that are strongly conscious of use in PC environments

First of all, in order to use all the functions of this product, it is necessary to use “INZONE Hub” on a PC.
This app itself is also very well made, including the stability side, and I feel that it is a product that is strongly conscious of use in a PC environment rather than a PS5 from this area.

Wireless sound quality comparison

In terms of music, I have the impression that both models are able to express the treble well, and although it is rather flat, the “INZONE H9” has a stronger impression of the bass.
“CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT” has the impression that the sound is slightly farther away, and “INZONE H9” has the impression that the sound is sounding closer. Perhaps due to this difference in sound field expression, “VIRTUOSO XT” is less likely to feel when the so-called high-pitched sound is pierced.
In a good way, the “VIRTUOSO XT” has a calmer sound, and the “INZONE H9” sounds more flashy, and the overall sound has a jumbled impression compared to the “VIRTUOSO XT”.
Although it is flashy, it is not as flashy as the Astro A50.

The sense of localization is pretty clear.

Spatial Sound

You can enable Spatial Sound in “INZONE Hub”.
When turned on, there is a slight distance in the sound and the localization feeling improves, but the sound quality itself seems to be slightly reduced, and in terms of the distance of the sound alone, I feel that it has become close to the sound of “VIRTUOSO XT”.
For games where you need to determine direction by footsteps, it may be better to enable it.
(By the way, even with “VIRTUOSO XT” that does not have such a surround setting, there is no problem with localization such as footsteps, and it may be said that this area is the excellent point of hardware design.) ）

Low latency 2.4GHz and simultaneous connection via Bluetooth

This time it is PC connection, so I connected it to Windows at 2.4 GHz and to Mac with Bluetooth to check the functional aspects.
(PS5 connection version will be released at a later date)

The GAME/CHAT balance of the main unit is treated as GAME on the Windows side and CHAT as the Mac side, and the volume balance adjustment works as expected.

In addition, there is no change in the volume and sound quality on the 2.4 GHz side when connecting to Bluetooth or when making a voice call by Discord, and in “VIRTUOSO XT”, the volume on the GAME side is forcibly lowered during a voice call, which is a disappointing specification, but “INZONE H9” has no problem at all, My impression is that the development side firmly understands the use of multi-device connection as a gaming headset.

Microphone

As for the microphone, the volume is low on the 2.4GHz connection, and for some reason there is no problem with the volume when connected to Bluetooth. As for the sound quality, it is a common sound quality for a wireless headset, and there is nothing special about it. (Slightly worse sideways sound quality evaluation) I think that it is a passing score as wireless even when connected to Bluetooth.
(I also felt that the sound quality is better when connected to Bluetooth than when connected to 2.4GHz.)
The sound quality itself is better with “VIRTUOSO XT”.

It seems to be a Discord authentication device and the CERTIFIED mark is displayed.

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

There is no impression that it is so strongly effective, and the sound of the air conditioner is an impression that can be suppressed considerably, but the human voice such as conversation is only slightly muffled, and it is only effective to the extent that you can understand the contents of the conversation. In the first place, it is a function that I feel is not necessary if it is a sealed type, but I do not feel almost any influence on the sound quality, so I have the impression that it is okay to use it with it turned on.

Summary

With the loss of the optical connection in PS5, I wonder if each company are getting in line in the direction of using Bluetooth connection as one of the methods of multi-device connection. I am very satisfied with the sound quality and functionality, including the stability of the “INZONE Hub”. On the other hand, there are some disappointing aspects, such as the slightly cheap appearance and non-replaceable earpads.