But like most high-end headphones it's all about making the audio feel like it's coming from all around you. This is why most high-end headphones tend to be open-back as it's much easier to achieve a very wide soundstage when the headphones are open-back. The AirPods Max are best closed-back ANC headphones I've ever heard in terms of bringing an extremely wide and spacious soundstage. If you are not one that enjoys or appreciate width in your audio and music then you are pretty much waisting your money with the AirPods Max.
I really appreciate your initial review. I am a fan of my open-back headphones because of the wide soundstage it gives. But I'll need to use closed-back when sound leakage is a problem (partner nearby, or late at night). The only complaint is that it feels like all the sound is in my head. I understand that it won't be as wide as true open-back, but this is encouraging. I was on the fence, and to hear that they are closed back, yet still have a nice soundstage might have just sold me.