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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.
 
These do look great, but the 2nd gen needs to be foldable and just have the headphones go into standby when they're folded.

No need for a pointless case, and they can come with a "dumb" travel case that you can use when throwing them in a backpack or suitcase.

Yes, but there also needs to be a button to put them into standby; for example, if you are putting them on a headphone stand.
 
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Yes, but there also needs to be a button to put them into standby; for example, if you are putting them on a headphone stand.

They go into "standby" when you take them off your head. The case puts them into an "ultra-low-power mode," but that doesn't mean that taking them off doesn't put them in a regular low-power mode.
 
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Man, so they look good and sound good.
But doesn't seem to be 1000$ good.
Especially seeing as I got my XM's for less than half that. I could get the WH-XM4 and WF-xm3 for less than this headphone.
 
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Yes, but there also needs to be a button to put them into standby; for example, if you are putting them on a headphone stand.
Apple seems to be anti power button whenever possible, so I'd settle for going into ultra low power mode (or whatever it's called) after 5-10 minutes of non use. I agree though a button would be the most convenient.
 
It looks like if I was careful and packed it right I could get the headphones in the case along with an extra bra or two. If so I am set for the weekend.
 
I used to think that, but some comparative testing across setups over the years really can showcase some amazing differences.

People can still get pretty hyperbolic with it though
I think the big problem here is that most people just don't know what words like that actually are describing. Probably both people using them and others that think it's ********...
 
What words should be used to describe audio then?

It's not really the words themselves, it's just anyone trying to compare sound acts like their descriptions are definitive and not totally subjective and unscientific, and that everyone will have a different opinion about every audio product.
 
Does anyone know if they can be protected from theft? Reading the reset article, it seems they can be easily removed from your iCloud and untraced?! I'd be worried to buy such expensive device and not to be able to protect it from theft.. One of the reasons i don't like to buy very expensive things..
 
Interesting....I wonder if the negative reviews turn out the be legit, how long Apple will keep them at $550.
There aren’t that many reviews out there yet. And the only really negative one I’ve seen is from the forums here.
 
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Ditto. I'm sure the reviews will get better with time, especially in terms of sound quality. Plus, they look cool!

Obviously Apple had to leave some features out (standby, better case, etc) so they can launch the AirPods Max Pro next year at the $799 price point. It's all about baby steps!
 
I’m so sick of the price shock.

High quality headphones can cost well over $550. It’s all going to be down to the sound. People that buy high end headphones will judge their worth.
lol. These are $200 over the competing headphones. Oh me btw, reviews are showing these ranking third over the Bose and Sony models. But sure, you keep trying to justify your Apple love. The iPhone is great because of the iOS and even their AirPods are top notch. As far as anything else, including laptops, there are way better options at better pricing.
 
I wish Apple would zero in on being a "great design company".

Design is way way more than how something looks.

The Ive infection is not yet cured - at all
If you’re referring to the case I’m not aware of anyone who has said it looks good. Too often if someone doesn’t like something they say it’s poor design or form over function rather than simply saying it’s not for them.
 
And.. while I am saying what caught me by surprise (in a good way) with the Max... not sure if it's having two H1 chips, or refined software, or what, but the Max is much much much better at switching audio automatically than even my AirPod Pro's. I find with my Pro's I frequently have to manually change which device I want to use on them. Not too surprising, at my desk I have my MacBook Pro 16 in front, my iPad to one side, and my iPhone right there as well. But I always thought Apple underdelivered on that experience. For me, switching is hit or miss with the AirPod Pro's. Not with the Max, it is uncanny fast switching with me as I switch devices. Watching a movie and pick up the phone to call my wife. It switches. Jump to my computer and start playing music. It switches. Open my iPad to play a game, it switches. I haven't had to manually change which device to link with once. Blows me away, this is the seamless experience Apple promised. Finally.
This is interesting to learn, because my experience with the AirPod Pros has been anything but successful in terms of switching. I find that feature to be largely unsuccessful.
 
Mine showed up.

First (non-listening) impressions:
  • The build quality is impressive. I read a few comments this morning that people feel they're "too heavy", but that's not my first impression. They feel sturdy, not at all plasticky.
  • They smell weird. Seems like mostly the ear cups, but also the headband? Not enough to smell while wearing, but definite chemical oder when you put your nose up to them. Likely this will dissipate.
  • The headband "mesh" is very flexible and feels more comfortable than it looks.
  • They didn't pair as easily as I was expecting. You need to put them about 2" from your phone to begin the pairing process. I had to read the instructions, ugh! :p
  • Yes, the case is odd. Not quite sure what to make of it yet.
  • Sound quality preview - lots of potential here!
 
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I’m so sick of the price shock.

High quality headphones can cost well over $550. It’s all going to be down to the sound. People that buy high end headphones will judge their worth.
They sound worse than a pair of Sonys that cost $200 less.

These are not high end sound. Just high end price.
 
as reviews remind us that these are heavy, in fact 50% heavier than others. Remember that Apple wasted titanium on a stupid credit card 💳 when it could have been properly utilised on a device to actually benefit from it.
This is kind of a silly take. I say this as someone who has a titanium (frame and lots' of components) bicycle. How much difference would it have made to replace the aluminum with Ti? It would likely have increased to price significantly more, but it wouldn't have changed the weight all that significantly.
 
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