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AirPods Pro 3
- Thread starter Bandream
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Poorly implemented though. You have to change that EQ setting on all of your devices, and then it becomes a hassle if you have other headphones. For instance, I might want a certain EQ setting on my APP, but a different (or no) EQ when I’m using my APM… have to remember to make that change every time you switch to different headphones.
Apple really needs to implement EQ at the headphone level.
I finally picked up my APP3 and my humble opinion is that they definitely sound better than the pro2. It took a while to get the right fit and ended up having a L in my right ear and a M in my left ear. I noticed a better soundstage ANC and better base after having the right tips. In a few hours inwill use then in a short flight and will compare the APP3 and APP2. So far im happy.
You are not wrong at all. Some people don't know or remember those EQ settings are there but yeah they are iCloud account wide.
I maintain that the new firmware update has massively worsened the ANC of the Airpods Pro 2. It will become clear in the next update whether Apple will hopefully undo this. I hope that was not the intention to make the AirPods Pro 3 look “better”.
Because on the AP2 this is probably variable from person to person with the stock tips, and likely fixed for most with aftermarket tips like complys.
FWIW, with the AP2 I can get significantly better NC w/ the stock XL tips by opening my jaw, pulling my ear lobe, and twisting it in, which increases insertion depth a bit, perhaps similar to the AP3. Most of the time I don't bother doing this, but will if I'm say in a noisy cafe and listening to an audiobook.
I compared the NC of both the pro2 and 3 on a short flight and I must say that I didn't hear a big difference. Both NC on, Conv Aware off, Spatial Audio (on/off no difference). the announcements were on the pro3 less clear, I could hear the engines on both the same without for me a real difference. As mentioned before in another post, I also feel that the pro2 NC became worse after the last firmware update. NC a disappointment for me, the sound quality improved, so I'll keep them. apologies for my crappy English, since it's met my native language. 😬
The wind noise difference between the two is crazy. Wearing APP2 (or APP1) in the wind was awful. APP3 are definitely not perfect in that regard, but tons better.
I'm enjoying the deeper fit of the APP3, they're comfortable to wear for several hours at a time and don't fall out or come loose like APP1 & APP2 were prone to doing, working loose over time especially while exercising. My only complaint so far is a pretty minor one, which is that my right ear seems to be just slightly larger than my left. I get a perfect seal on my left ear with the Medium tip. On my right ear, the Medium is a hair too small for a perfect fit. The Large doesn't fit at all. I might have to pad that right tip out a little. So I have a not-quite optimum fit on the right side, but even with that issue the ANC is still noticeably better than APP2. I just hope Apple doesn't nerf ANC in a firmware update this time around.
I had switched to using Sony WF-1000XM5 buds when on the Spinner bike because of the wind noise from the fan but these APP3's are great - no wind rustle at all.
With the APP2 buds, I had a problem with ear fit mismatch with the stock tips but that went away when I used the Comply tips. I don't have the same issue with the 3's.
Because the tips warp and misshapen over time. It may yield the same results, but the method differs drastically from actual processing power. Moreover, what if I want to use different tips? Do I lose the double ANC?
Lastly, not to split hairs, but passive noice canceling thru foam tips isn't the same as active noise cancelling which meets frequencies head on to literally nullify them. Using ear plugs or other passive noice cancellation shouldn't be marketed as ANC.
I think the improved NC of the APP3 is from a bit of both - improved processing & the tips.
Apple can't guarantee this. You're taking the risk using 3rd party tips for the function of an already subjective part of the device.
Apple aren't doing this.
My thoughts so far, coming from extensive use of the first and second generations of AirPods Pro.
Fit - I'm struggling hard with it. APP2 were comfortable for hours and hours, but these feel uncomfortable after about half an hour. I've tried all the tips, tried adjusting the angle, tried everything. If my ears don't adjust over the next few days I'll have to return them.
Sound - I'm not sure why so many people don't like it. Having done a lot of direct comparisons on songs I know, the APP3 are so much clearer. I'm not hearing shrill highs or overpowering bass like some report, I'm hearing the detail and nuance of all the instruments. In songs where the instruments get louder and busier, the APP2 turn into a muddy but still pleasant mess, whereas the APP3 retain all the dynamic range, nuance and detail. They don't get overwhelmed by anything. A clear upgrade.
ANC - Miles better. Walking past construction and loud machinery, it reduces the noise way, way below what my APP2 would do. I can also still hear podcasts over the sound of my coffee grinder without having to turn anything up, which my APP2 absolutely couldn't do.
I'm really frustrated with the different fit, because otherwise these are such a great upgrade. If I end up returning these I'm going to miss the better clarity, ANC and battery life a lot. I've also got the lightning charging case version, which I was so happy to be replacing.
To all the people who find these comfortable, I envy you.
---
Edit: I've decided to return them. I just can't do this level of discomfort. Such a relief to finally make the decision.
Fit - I'm struggling hard with it. APP2 were comfortable for hours and hours, but these feel uncomfortable after about half an hour. I've tried all the tips, tried adjusting the angle, tried everything. If my ears don't adjust over the next few days I'll have to return them.
Sound - I'm not sure why so many people don't like it. Having done a lot of direct comparisons on songs I know, the APP3 are so much clearer. I'm not hearing shrill highs or overpowering bass like some report, I'm hearing the detail and nuance of all the instruments. In songs where the instruments get louder and busier, the APP2 turn into a muddy but still pleasant mess, whereas the APP3 retain all the dynamic range, nuance and detail. They don't get overwhelmed by anything. A clear upgrade.
ANC - Miles better. Walking past construction and loud machinery, it reduces the noise way, way below what my APP2 would do. I can also still hear podcasts over the sound of my coffee grinder without having to turn anything up, which my APP2 absolutely couldn't do.
I'm really frustrated with the different fit, because otherwise these are such a great upgrade. If I end up returning these I'm going to miss the better clarity, ANC and battery life a lot. I've also got the lightning charging case version, which I was so happy to be replacing.
To all the people who find these comfortable, I envy you.
---
Edit: I've decided to return them. I just can't do this level of discomfort. Such a relief to finally make the decision.
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This. I have had other headphones that sounded flat (and I am a friend of the V/bathtub-curve) and sounded drastically better with some EQ fiddling that you did in the app and that was saved in the earbud itself. While Apples adaptive EQ works nicely most of the time, different music needs different settings, down to being able to give some stuff a db boost. The preset EQs of the music app all sound muddy or flat, there is no way to tune that to your individual sound profile (bass head vs linear etc.) Apple really needs a solution for this if they are serious about music, especially for devices they call Pro. I do not need heartbeat sensors in headphones at all (and Iguess if you are serious about sports you either have earbuds that have a better stay in the ear and quite probably a smart watch or belt for the heart rate measurement), but things like EQ, lowest possible latency and more drivers are possible game changers for these headphones.
Initial impressions after a day (coming from APP1)…
• NC is noticeably better. They’ve done very well here.
• The fit is very secure. Using the same sized M tips & they feel snug & seem to be designed in a way to angle into the ear in a more effective way. Though, time will tell with this, as the fresh, oil-free buds usually stick better on their first wear.
• Just noticed a notification on my iPad (I hadn’t paired them yet) that my APP3 had fully charged. Thank you, Apple ecosystem.
• Music audio quality’s noticeably better with most sources. With others, I hadn’t noticed much difference.
• Siri sounds much clearer & more defined. Just needing to say “Siri” is more convenient than “Hey Siri”.
• Stem volume adjustment is very handy. Preventing the need to ask Siri – the less I need to use Siri in public, the better.
• Listening Modes (my main dilemma). Not sure on which two Listening Modes I should assign (three is too many to toggle between). Adaptive Mode can either be set to replace Transparency (slider to the right) or NC (Audio slider to the left). What are others going with?
• MagSafe charging is much more convenient as I have adjustable wireless chargers, so now I don’t need to flatten them when wanting to charge this case.
• Case charge tones are handy, especially for wireless charging.
• Case LED extra brightness is appreciated.
• Pairing process seemed slicker.
• IOS device detection much faster when flipping the lid.
• Conversation Awareness appears to be a missed opportunity – it’s responsive but it’s too sensitive to my own singing & mistaking it for chatter, so it prevents you from enjoying your music. I’ve disabled it for now. Have others found a workaround somehow?
• NC is noticeably better. They’ve done very well here.
• The fit is very secure. Using the same sized M tips & they feel snug & seem to be designed in a way to angle into the ear in a more effective way. Though, time will tell with this, as the fresh, oil-free buds usually stick better on their first wear.
• Just noticed a notification on my iPad (I hadn’t paired them yet) that my APP3 had fully charged. Thank you, Apple ecosystem.
• Music audio quality’s noticeably better with most sources. With others, I hadn’t noticed much difference.
• Siri sounds much clearer & more defined. Just needing to say “Siri” is more convenient than “Hey Siri”.
• Stem volume adjustment is very handy. Preventing the need to ask Siri – the less I need to use Siri in public, the better.
• Listening Modes (my main dilemma). Not sure on which two Listening Modes I should assign (three is too many to toggle between). Adaptive Mode can either be set to replace Transparency (slider to the right) or NC (Audio slider to the left). What are others going with?
• MagSafe charging is much more convenient as I have adjustable wireless chargers, so now I don’t need to flatten them when wanting to charge this case.
• Case charge tones are handy, especially for wireless charging.
• Case LED extra brightness is appreciated.
• Pairing process seemed slicker.
• IOS device detection much faster when flipping the lid.
• Conversation Awareness appears to be a missed opportunity – it’s responsive but it’s too sensitive to my own singing & mistaking it for chatter, so it prevents you from enjoying your music. I’ve disabled it for now. Have others found a workaround somehow?
I haven't used the APP 3 a lot yet but, I have been happy thus far especially with the comfortable fit and better ANC.
Otherwise you have to change your iPhone region to USA or a supported Apple Intelligence country. Some users in the EU did that to gain the feature on their iPhone
In ear headphones are a nightmare for me as I have big, and funny shaped, ear canals, especially in one ear (mild cauliflower from rugby) and have tried original air pods and air pod pros. Neither stayed in my ears, even with custom tips.
The ANC on the APP was virtually non existent, but I get that’s because of the fit.
I gave up and bought some over ear Sony XM4s a few years ago. Fantastic headphones, but nowhere near as convenient as air pods.
Didn’t even try the APP 2 as I’d been burned too many times, but rolled the dice on some 3s when Amazon had stock.
All I can say is “WOW!” I never would have thought that ANC would be this good on in ears. No complaints on the sound quality from me.
Using the large tips and can’t tell I have them in. SO comfortable.
No faffing and adjusting to get them to stay in or get a seal, just straight in and that reassuring ffffwwtt as the ANC kicks in. Passed the fit test with no fuss as well.
Went for a quick walk on a busy road and couldn’t hear the traffic at all with music playing at a quiet level. Couldn’t hear any outside noise for that matter.
I LOVE the conversation feature, but have to disable it in the house when I start singing!
Very, very impressed.
The ANC on the APP was virtually non existent, but I get that’s because of the fit.
I gave up and bought some over ear Sony XM4s a few years ago. Fantastic headphones, but nowhere near as convenient as air pods.
Didn’t even try the APP 2 as I’d been burned too many times, but rolled the dice on some 3s when Amazon had stock.
All I can say is “WOW!” I never would have thought that ANC would be this good on in ears. No complaints on the sound quality from me.
Using the large tips and can’t tell I have them in. SO comfortable.
No faffing and adjusting to get them to stay in or get a seal, just straight in and that reassuring ffffwwtt as the ANC kicks in. Passed the fit test with no fuss as well.
Went for a quick walk on a busy road and couldn’t hear the traffic at all with music playing at a quiet level. Couldn’t hear any outside noise for that matter.
I LOVE the conversation feature, but have to disable it in the house when I start singing!
Very, very impressed.