Comparison: AirPods Max vs Sony XM4, Sennheiser Momentum and Bose NC 700

[Pmperry]

Larry Jordan reported that Sennheiser is looking to split off its consumer (audio, headphone) products:

“In our Professional and Consumer Divisions, we have four Business Units in total: Pro Audio, Business Communications, Neumann and Consumer Electronics. In all of these areas we see great potential for growth. At the same time, they are characterized by different customer groups, customer requirements, product life cycles and market dynamics,” says Andreas Sennheiser, Co-CEO of Sennheiser. “To be best able to exploit the potential in each of these markets, we are concentrating our own resources on the three business areas in the Professional division and are looking for a strong partner to invest in our Consumer business," adds Daniel Sennheiser, Co-CEO of Sennheiser. Talks with potential partners will start shortly. "

Sennheiser — Headphones, Microphones, Wireless Systems

For over 75 years, our products come with a built-in mission: to stay true to the sound and soul the music was given by its artist.

en-us.sennheiser.com

The way I read it they no longer want to use their own product development team for consumer products. Assuming that they find a new partner, that partner would take over product development. Unsure what that would mean for Sennheiser quality.

Dang it! I like Sennheiser, now I won’t be able to buy them in the future.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Dang it! I like Sennheiser, now I won’t be able to buy them in the future.

I was thinking about this, maybe they see a dark future for that consumer division as they’re getting attacked from all sides and they don’t have a plan for it. The parent company sees that every dollar spent on consumer products could be better spent (yield a greater return) in other areas, so they want to get it off their hands.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I’ve had all 3 of these headphones and love all 3 but…. I sold my Sony’s and Bose when the AirPods Max came out. The APM fit my ears the best as they completely cover them.

However, I have just ordered the Sony’s again as I miss them. I just love the customisation of them and they are out of the 3 the one’s that blew me away the most. Sometimes on some tracks you just need extra bass and the Sony’s do this best. I’m not talking about hip hop or “modern” music (I’m 57 and into more rocky music(although I also love classical and thought the Bose excelled with this)). I also loved how you can turn on/off the Bose with one push of the button whereas the Sony’s require a few seconds press. This is where the APM fall down in my opinion (and that awful case). I tried placing them on a headphone stand and then found I’d missed a call as the ring rang in the cans as it was still connected to my iPhone. It’d be much better to be able to switch them on and off.

Anyway, that’s my thoughts. All excellent headphones. You cannot go wrong with either.

 

[SFjohn]

I’ve had all 3 of these headphones and love all 3 but…. I sold my Sony’s and Bose when the AirPods Max came out. The APM fit my ears the best as they completely cover them.

However, I have just ordered the Sony’s again as I miss them. I just love the customisation of them and they are out of the 3 the one’s that blew me away the most. Sometimes on some tracks you just need extra bass and the Sony’s do this best. I’m not talking about hip hop or “modern” music (I’m 57 and into more rocky music(although I also love classical and thought the Bose excelled with this)). I also loved how you can turn on/off the Bose with one push of the button whereas the Sony’s require a few seconds press. This is where the APM fall down in my opinion (and that awful case). I tried placing them on a headphone stand and then found I’d missed a call as the ring rang in the cans as it was still connected to my iPhone. It’d be much better to be able to switch them on and off.

Anyway, that’s my thoughts. All excellent headphones. You cannot go wrong with either.

I love my AirPod Max, it’s all I use. Missing a call like that is not good. However I don’t hang mine from a stand. When I’m done listening I always put the back into their case ( which I love, it’s simple, quick, easy to recharge in, and I love the look of it in black ). So far they are perfect for me.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I was bored, and browsing through the technological wasteland in the Target store, and found Beats Studio3 wireless headphones for 50% off, in BLACK and GOLD!!!

SNATCH!!!

They work. They feel better than my ancient QC-somethings. They work. Could I spend more? Oh yeah. Could I spend less, and be as happy? Sadly, not likely, possible, but not likely...

Would the AirPods Max make me weep? Possibly, but I can live with it. If the AirPods Max were in black/gold, I might be swayed a little closer to blowing the wad, but, I looked at Specialized road e-bikes, and was informed that my soul wasn't enough to afford one, so I'll have to figure out something to get one, and AirPods Max won't be in my future for quite a while then, I'm afraid...

Anyone want to donate money so I can get a pair? (Kidding)

 

[HDFan]

I initially preferred the xm4's because of the on/off switch, the weight, and foldability. After months of Max use I no longer use them because:

1. Noise cancelation on the max is better
2. Controls are much easier to use
3. Ambient sound is better
4. Just check the light when I put it in its case. If it is yellow I charge it. Don't particularly worry about battery life since I only use them an hour or 2 a day.

Use a different wired headphones when doing serious listening.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Is there anyway to tell if a pair of Sony WH 1000 XM 4’s are real or fake? I bought a pair at a great price. All sounds good and looks good apart from the usb-c cable being a little "shabby" with a single tie keeping it together.

Probably being paranoid but is there a way to check they’re ligit?

 

[Unregistered 4U]

I’ve had all 3 of these headphones and love all 3 but…. I sold my Sony’s and Bose when the AirPods Max came out. The APM fit my ears the best as they completely cover them.

I was watching a review that specifically mentioned how deep the cups are. It seemed like open-back vs. closed-back has primarily been about having that space for your ears. They showed several closed-back high end headphones and none of them had the space of the APM. The open-back ones did, of course, but your audio leaks out AND you can’t have any kind of noise cancellation as a result.

If all closed-backs were to go in the direction of APM, that might be a significant change to the headphone market.