AirPods Max Unboxing Videos: 'More Than Good Enough to Compete With Other High-End Headphones'

[citysnaps]

Looks like Apple has another winner.

For sure on that.

The comments remind me of when Apple introduced the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Watch, AirPods, etc. A ton of negative froth from the breathless bent on giving Apple a good bash. Always amusing.

 

[Partron22]

$549!!!
I'm replacing my old QC35's with Sony's for about half the price.

 

[arn]

When reviewers receive these products, do they get to keep them? Or do they pay a reduced price if they want to keep them?

They are loaners and are returned.

 

[phr0z3n]

I'll wait for the Flossy Carter review...I'm sure he'll say they're a major major go but I know he's going to rip Apple on the price

"Ladies, you know the procedures."

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Here we are..... Now that all the trolls did and will continue to do their thing. Watch these come close or blow away the sound of headphones that cost the same or even many times more.

Totally agree. It’s amazing how trolls are right their immediately to bash anything apple. News and boom they are bashing...it’s hysterical

 

[lyngo]

Another red flag from The Verge... No fast charging. Are you kidding me?
A standard feature of mid to high end wireless headphones is getting like an hour after charging for like 5 minutes.
Heck, even the AirPods Pro do that.

Doesn't Apple say that after 5 minutes of charging, you are able to get 1.5 hours of battery life?

 

[cardfan]

Actually MKBHD didn’t know what to compare them to. Everyone else seems to be comparing them to Sony and Bose, both of which are cheaper and have received good reviews. This is like the HomePod all over again. And you’re wrong about that. The HomePod was mostly compared to cheaper smart speakers from Google and Amazon, not high end speakers or theater systems. If Apple marketing was smart they’d be giving reviewers reference points to more expensive headphones so instead of reviewers wondering if they’re worth the premium they’d be saying wow they sound as good (or better) as [insert brand here] and they’re cheaper. Also why the heck is iJustine getting a review unit?!? She’s the last person I’d go to for advice on premium headphones. And neither MKBHD nor Nilay Patel had much good to say about the case so I doubt they will be dishonest when they do a more in-depth review of the sound quality.

This is what Apple's good at doing with its media events. Steering them in the right direction. For something 4 years in the making, I'm not sure why they didn't include it in the last event as a "one more thing."

 

[citysnaps]

Agreed. I too, love my HomePod and did from the start. Some people appreciate quality sound and others don't, and thats fine. Apple is rivaling high end consumer companies like Bose, B&O and other companies that are even niche. What they are doing with sound research is beyond belief.

That's a very astute and spot-on observation.

 

[FHoff]

MKBHD had nothing good to say about the case, or the fact that a 3.5mm plug wasn’t included in the box.

That’ll make me like it even more.

 

[BadgerRivFan]

Just make sure you use them playing TIDAL or Qobuz. Expensive headphones deserve hi-def sound, not the watered down MP3 Apple Music provides.

True, but AirPod Max uses the AAC Bluetooth codec, which is still quite lossy. Probably won’t make much difference if you use Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, or Apple Music unfortunately

 

[GalileoSeven]

Just pulled the trigger on some WH-1000XM4's after reading a plethora of reviews..........going to be very interested to see how these stack up.

 

[shyam09]

I can't wait to see iJustine's super critical review and unboxing from her free pair.

She doesn't get to keep them ....

 

[Zimmy68]

They are loaners and are returned.

Very skeptical that iJustine returns anything (or MKBHD for that matter). Maybe some do (The Verge) but not them.
Most that do explicitly say they are review units and will be returned.
I can be sure on 2 things, you will see iJustine wear these in future videos and
Did not lay out $550 for them.

 

[shyam09]

True, but AirPod Max uses the AAC Bluetooth codec, which is still quite lossy. Probably won’t make much difference if you use Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, or Apple Music unfortunately

Saw this on reddit:

Not sure whether a new lossless codec will be introduced for AirPods Max (high fidelity audio)

 

[az431]

MKHBD said they do not turn off unless you put them in the case.

That's a no, HUGE no for me.

Edit* Nilay says they go to sleep after a period of inactivity, but not sure that’s good enough. Still reading as many different sources as possible.

Well as long as you tried them, that's what counts.

 

[az431]

iJustine is the most biased apple reviewer on the planet, I take anything she says with a grain of salt.

Based on what? The fact that you disagree?

 

[shyam09]

Anyone else find these tech youtubers really hard to watch? There is just no substance to them. I’ll wait for the verge review.

Yep. I just watched MKBHD's first impressions, and nothing. I feel like I wasted 10 minutes of my time (which might not be fair because it was only first impressions), but the main stuff will be the review.

 

[MecPro]

Just make sure you use them playing TIDAL or Qobuz. Expensive headphones deserve hi-def sound, not the watered down MP3 Apple Music provides.

Doesn’t it matter I don’t think. Bluetooth codecs are compressed and are lossy. Unless it’s using LDAC or AptX

 

[Zimmy68]

She doesn't get to keep them ....

We'll just agree to disagree.
Maybe she passes them on to her sister so she can "review" and send back.

 

[MacModMachine]

$549!!!
I'm replacing my old QC35's with Sony's for about half the price.

prob garb compared to max. enjoy

 

[Zimmy68]

Doesn’t it matter I don’t think. Bluetooth codecs are the same unless it’s using LDAC or AptX

Did anyone mention if they are bluetooth compatible? What if you want to use them for Teams/Zoom calls on a Windows 10 PC?
The Airpods are.

 

[The Game 161]

MKHBD said they do not turn off unless you put them in the case.

That's a no, HUGE no for me.

Edit* Nilay says they go to sleep after a period of inactivity, but not sure that’s good enough. Still reading as many different sources as possible.

I think this isn't a bad thing seeing as they do switch off once in the case and 20 hours of listening? seems fine to me.

 

[cbr1976]

Earlier this week, Apple introduced new wireless over-ear headphones called AirPods Max, and first impressions and unboxing videos have now surfaced from various media outlets and YouTube channels. Priced at $549, the AirPods Max launch December 15.

A first real-life look at AirPods Max via CNET​

AirPods Max feature a 40-mm Apple-designed dynamic driver that is said to provide "rich, deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crisp, clean high-frequency extension." Each ear cup is equipped with Apple's H1 chip for "computational audio" to deliver the "highest quality listening experience possible," according to Apple.

While more time is needed for in-depth reviews, The Verge's Nilay Patel said AirPods Max sound "more than good enough to compete with other high-end headphones":Apple says the AirPods Max feature a "breathable knit mesh" spanning the headband that distributes weight to reduce on-head pressure, but this might be more marketing speak than anything, as Patel said he "can't say it feels very much different than my Sony WH-1000XM2s, but it's possible I just have a very large head."

CNET's David Carnoy believes the AirPods Max "raise the noise-canceling bar," edging out both Sony's WH-1000XM4 and Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, two of the most popular over-ear headphone models on the market:

Carnoy also said the AirPods Max have "impressive" build quality, although he noted that the headphones are quite heavy:

AirPods Max come with a carrying case called the "Smart Case," which puts the headphones in an ultra-low power state to preserve battery charge when not in use, according to Apple. The case has already become the butt of a joke on social media, and many of the first impressions shared so far agree that the case looks rather peculiar.

Smart Case for AirPods Max via CNET​

Videos

More Coverage

• Apple Announces AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones With Noise Cancellation, Priced at $549
• AppleCare+ Coverage for AirPods Max Headphones Costs $59
• Apple's AirPods Max Weigh 384 Grams, Heavier Than Most Competing Over-Ear Headphones
• Apple to Charge $79 for AirPods Max Out-of-Warranty Battery Service
• AirPods Max Missing Rumored Features: $350 'Sport' Model, Swappable Bands, Touch Controls
• AirPods Max Ear Cushions Attach Magnetically, Replacement Cushions 'Coming Soon' for $69
• PSA: AirPods Max Ship Faster With Engraving
• AirPods Max Don't Contain U1 Chip for Ultra Wideband
• Track your AirPods Max Pre-orders on the forums

Article Link: AirPods Max Unboxing Videos: 'More Than Good Enough to Compete With Other High-End Headphones'

Nah. I'm holding out for AirPods Max PRO !

 

[toph2toast]

What happens if you rip the mesh after using them for a year or two?

Apple sells replacement air cushions.

AirPods Max Ear Cushions Attach Magnetically, Replacement Cushions 'Coming Soon' for $69

The ear cushions for AirPods Max attach magnetically and replacement cushions are available on the Apple Store in a variety of colors. A pair of...

www.macrumors.com

EDIT - realized you might be talking about the band... not sure about that.

 

[The Game 161]

Just pulled the trigger on some WH-1000XM4's after reading a plethora of reviews..........going to be very interested to see how these stack up.

you will be very happy for the price for sure.

I love my xm3 but do miss the apple syncing which doesn't work as well like the air pods for sure.