AirPods Max (USB-C version) wired audio impressions

[Microbe]

New colors for iPhone would be called a refresh. They had to swap the port for the EU regulations , so that’s kind of moot. Even the wired lossless support is something that should be a software fix for the lighting version, as lightning to USB cables already exist.

The 2024 APM is basically still running on the same technology as the 1st gen AirPods Pro … that came out in 2019, from which they took their lead at the time.

As good as the APM 2024 sound , I think it’s almost criminal that they didn’t at least get the H2 chip. So they will not even support adaptive audio , which even the AirPods 4 support, which are older than the 2024 APM.

 

[Aquamite]

This is perfectly what I needed. ❤️🎧

 

[Kylo83]

There is no lossless it sounds exactly the same as Bluetooth

 

[derbyshire2013]

Just wanted to add my thoughts on the USB-C version of AirPods Max.

Certainly no audiophile and unable to compare with the likes of Sony, Bose etc but they sound “richer” compared to my Beats and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen.

Whilst Bluetooth is lossless I do “feel” higher bit rate tracks sound better than expected… and maybe it’s just me but I feel the performance is better overall from my MacBook Pro and Mac Studio than from my iPhone when playing back music to the APM.

 

[Microbe]

I think you meant “whilst Bluetooth is *lossy” .

I have observed the same with AirPods 4 (even with iPhone) which is why I still keep my downloads in lossless . I have wondered if the lossless track is being converted to a slightly higher bitrate on the fly of AAC , maybe 320kbps , rather than the stock 256 kbps AAC native download. But I’m not sure if the Bluetooth connection would even have the bandwidth to support 320kbps anyway or if that is happening at all.

I wonder if there is a way to analyse this. Because I think I hear a slight but noticeable difference.

 

[derbyshire2013]

I think you meant “whilst Bluetooth is *lossy” .

I have observed the same with AirPods 4 (even with iPhone) which is why I still keep my downloads in lossless . I have wondered if the lossless track is being converted to a slightly higher bitrate on the fly of AAC , maybe 320kbps , rather than the stock 256 kbps AAC native download. But I’m not sure if the Bluetooth connection would even have the bandwidth to support 320kbps anyway or if that is happening at all.

I wonder if there is a way to analyse this. Because I think I hear a slight but noticeable difference.

Sorry I did indeed mean lossy 🙃. Just a punch in the wind but part of me also wonders if it potentially sounds “richer” from the MacBook & Studio because they support up to 24/96 whereas iPhone is just 24/48 (fully appreciate APM are capped at 24/48 over USB-C).

 

[Microbe]

... But I’m not sure if the Bluetooth connection would even have the bandwidth to support 320kbps anyway or if that is happening at all.

“AAC is a more complex codec than SBC, meaning more power drain but also better sound quality. It can handle 24-bit/44.1kHz audio files, with a *bitrate of up to 320kbps*, and is supported by Android devices (running Android 8 or later) as well as iOS.”

What are the best Bluetooth codecs? aptX, AAC, LDAC and more explained

Get to know your aptX from your AAC

www.whathifi.com

As to whether iOS supports 320 kbps per se Bluetooth is not clear.

 

[Microbe]

Ok . So , I still don’t own a pair but I am the verge of pulling the trigger…

For all its dated technology , I find it inescapable that the AirPods Max are , even today … a serious piece of kit.


The lightning version came out in Dec 2020 , which predates even Apple Lossless music “release” 6 months later. It’s possible I never demo’d the lightning version with lossless music. But it’s all a bit academic now.

I did try the JBL tour one M3 update today and the type C APM runs circles round it in terms of audio quality (without noise cancellation on, which I don’t use if I’m in a quiet environment ) in my opinion.

 

[nn88]

Wondering if I should wait for an update or pull the trigger…

 

[Microbe]

I finally pulled the trigger. Purchased from Amazon , the saving was put towards AppleCare which I purchased in-store.

I will be unboxing tonight.

I have been demoing in the Apple Store at least weekly for the last 2 months.

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and subscribe to Apple Music lossless downloads/streaming , i definitely recommend pulling the trigger on the type C version and turning off the noise cancellation when listening in a quiet environment while also resisting using the type C wired connection for as long as you can.

-don’t use Dolby Atmos , use lossless , ( don’t bother with hi res )

-use the Apple EQ setting that says “off”

-turn “off” Headphone Accommodations.

Enjoy. That’s all that it’s about in the end , after trying the above , ultimately use whatever settings you enjoy the sound of the most , to enjoy to (your) Max. My Max is as stated above , for what it’s worth.

 

[Microbe]

So I tried the A-B comparison today.

I agree type C connection sounded anticlimactically indistinguishable to Bluetooth.

having owned the APM for 2 weeks now , I tried the wired lossless audio with type C cable.

There has been a firmware update and it does sound better than Bluetooth now. I think there must have been some sort of bug that they have ironed out now.

 

[Kylo83]

having owned the APM for 2 weeks now , I tried the wired lossless audio with type C cable.

There has been a firmware update and it does sound better than Bluetooth now. I think there must have been some sort of bug that they have ironed out now.

so with the 7E108 update did it improve the lossless sound compared to using it not wired. last time I had it I tried adding it sounded exactly the same so I returned it, that was with the last firmware 7E101

 

[Microbe]

I’ll be totally honest with you.

USB-C connection sounds better than it did on 7e101 , but now compared to Bluetooth , there is so little in it , I’m not sure I can tell the difference - to extent that I haven’t really even used the usb-c cable for the last week.

But one advantage of using the USB-C cable is that it will charge the APM while listening.

I had maintained the charge over 80% but it’s dipped to 20% now. I don’t use the Apple case to put it to deep sleep.

Charge Not so much an issue.

Incidentally I have left the APM tethered to my iPhone , while my iPhone has been charged overnight by MagSafe - the next morning the APM are fully charged.

I think it’s best to use usb-c listening from time to time to help maintain the charge.

I still commend Apple for being brave enough to have them virtually “always on” at the drop of a hat. I love picking them up and being able to use them without switching them on (with my Apple device).

I used them on a 7 hour flight and I had them on the whole time. I admit I was kind of forcing myself to keep them on to be able to claim that I had done it. I have a small- ish head so clamping force doesn’t impact me as it might others. My pinna got slightly sore in contact with the cushion , that’s it , so I had to adjust slightly late in the flight.

The weight was not a problem at all which is something that I was most relieved about.

And the breathability - I thought that would be fine … and it absolutely was.

 

[Microbe]

USB-c or Bluetooth , use whichever. Both ways , the APM are an awesome piece of mass consumer audio kit in my opinion

 

[nn88]

Passive 3.5mm is all I want. Thats it. Its simple.