AirPod Max 2: Really Disappointing

[quynhtrang]

I just bought a pair of AirPod Max 2.

Since I started listening to music again a month or two back after a decade long break, I been using a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4 that I've owned for years and rarely used. On the Sony app I have the equaliser on an upward slant with bass reduced by two thirds and the highs increased by two thirds. I find the Sonys too bass heavy without equalisation. I should mention that I'm nearly 70 and undoubtedly have high frequency hearing damage from listening to iPods with Etymotic canal phones. I have always enjoyed the Apple sound signature with unaccentuated bass and flattish response so thought I'd like these.

I'm listening to AAC 256 on an iPhone 17. These have been transcoded from Apple Lossless files in the Mac Music app. These AirPods Max's almost seem to have a veil over the sound and there seems to be a dip in the mids. Switching back and forth from the Sonys, the Sonys sound great while the AirPods not so.

I well aware of the "burning in" that sound enthusiasts talk about and know that it's your hearing adjusting to the sound and not the equipment getting "burnt in". Has anybody else found these initially disappointing and then gotten used to the sound?

I didn't buy these from Apple so I can't make a change of mind return.

 

[boswald]

While I don't own them, I did listen to them extensively at Best Buy. I know it's not the perfect comparison, but I did switch between several headsets. The APM2 sounded great to me, but there was a weird caveat: They DO sound like there's something covering the sound. The bass is rich and the highs sound good, but it's almost like a muddy sound with the mids. It could be the firmware version they're on, though. I haven't totally written them off - and I still want them - but I agree with your assessment.

 

[Soondae]

I also own Sony WH-1000XM4 and I initially thought they were a little muddy, but now have grown to love them. The Sony APP allows for top customization and these are the most comfortable over ear phones I have used which is very important. I use them for my 4 hour bus rides from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Also the XM4 fold much more compact than the newer XM5, comfort and portability are issues with the iPod MAX as far as I'm concerned.

 

[quynhtrang]

I also own Sony WH-1000XM4 and I initially thought they were a little muddy, but now have grown to love them

This is exactly how I felt initially about 1000XM4. I actually preferred my $50 Sony CH510 at the time. I've had both L and R hinges break on them but fixed them with parts from Aliexpress. I would have bought the 1000XM6 but I've read they also have hinge problems. I'm expecting the 1000XM4 hinges to break again and didn't want to be without headphones for a month or two. Maybe I should have just bought more hinges or the Sennheiser HDB 630

They DO sound like there's something covering the sound.

They seem to sound a bit better after a night's sleep but the veil's still there. It's a kind of hollow sound. It's like Apple was aiming for a transparent quality but missed. Maybe it's me with my hearing losses. The firmware is now the latest version. comes out next month and that is supposed to have a manual equaliser where the settings stay with the headphone so that should make a huge difference.

I've realised I've had them the wrong way around after noticing the L and R in the ear cups. Not sure if it made any difference.

 

[boswald]

This is exactly how I felt initially about 1000XM4. I actually preferred my $50 Sony CH510 at the time. I've had both L and R hinges break on them but fixed them with parts from Aliexpress. I would have bought the 1000XM6 but I've read they also have hinge problems. I'm expecting the 1000XM4 hinges to break again and didn't want to be without headphones for a month or two. Maybe I should have just bought more hinges or the Sennheiser HDB 630

They seem to sound a bit better after a night's sleep but the veil's still there. It's a kind of hollow sound. It's like Apple was aiming for a transparent quality but missed. Maybe it's me with my hearing losses. The firmware is now the latest version. comes out next month and that is supposed to have a manual equaliser where the settings stay with the headphone so that should make a huge difference.

I've realised I've had them the wrong way around after noticing the L and R in the ear cups. Not sure if it made any difference.

Have you tried changing the ANC on them? Is that possible? I haven't experienced them enough to notice.

You could also try going into Settings > Accessibility and turning on Headphone Accommodations.

 

[quynhtrang]

Have you tried changing the ANC on them? Is that possible? I haven't experienced them enough to notice.

You could also try going into Settings > Accessibility and turning on Headphone Accommodations.

I haven’t listened to them since the day after i bought them. I'm waiting for ios27 so I can use the graphic equaliser ti lift the mid range. Thanks, I'll try turning off ANC. I did try with the USB C cable and Apple Lossless on a Mac. Still not impressed.

I can't help thinking Apple has made the sound quality of these by listening to focus groups. Joe Average is always going to say "more bass" and Joe Boomer is going to say "more treble".