Consumer Reports: Google Home Max and Sonos One Sound Better Than HomePod

[Artimus12]

I haven't listened to the home pod yet and won't be investing in one! But if Apple went with Dr Dre's Beats tuning philosophy, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they sound a little "muddy". Dre's headphones are vastly over-rated in terms of audio fidelity, but the brand name sees them sell by the trailer-load.

I'll stick with my "dumb" JBL Flip! They know how a speaker should sound.

 

[ipponrg]

Well, they are stating that they FEEL that the HomePod sounds worse than the Sonos, however, we have seen actual technical reviews using actual empirical measurements, that show the HomePod is technically better than speakers costing way more.

While CR could be right, their review seems subjective, so, to me, I wouldn’t trust it as much as the more objective tests.

Right, as if great sound is judged purely by technicality. If that were the case, then there would be not much competition?

The only objective test is listening with YOUR ears. If you read fidelity reviews, you have to take it with a grain of salt because everyone's ears are different. What sounds good to one person will sound mediocre to another.

I know that if someone mentions highly of BOSE/Beats/(any V-shaped sounding gear), I already disregard their opinion when it comes to sound signatures.

 

[springsup]

I haven't listened to the home pod yet and won't be investing in one! But if Apple went with Dr Dre's Beats tuning philosophy, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they sound a little "muddy". Dre's headphones are vastly over-rated in terms of audio fidelity, but the brand name sees them sell by the trailer-load.

I'll stick with my "dumb" JBL Flip! They know how a speaker should sound.

I've heard from others that Apple Beats have very different sound profile to Monster Beats. Less exaggerated bass, better mids. I don't own a pair, so I can't personally verify, but something to consider.

 

[Black Tiger]

“Sound quality” is highly subjective. There isn’t even agreement among audio engineers on what a “perfect mix” is in the studio. Bottom line, it’s the music that matters, and I appreciate that this is Apple’s angle.

 

[sidewinder3000]

This test was done in a special listening room, so the dsp done by HomePod is not taken into account. I bet it's way better in a normal unoptimised room.

Interesting point. Also, the other speakers require a manual calibration/set up, which I’m guessing at least half of their users don’t do. So Apple has a real world advantage of not requiring human intervention to sound good in the room.

 

[otech]

Initial listening for me was not very good. I was right on top of the speaker at close range. I didn't like what I was hearing. I moved the HomePod away from a wall, and sat about 15 feet away from the speaker on the couch (speaker on the kitchen counter in great room). I was floored. This speaker should not sound this good.

I had the same experience. Moving it around the room yields highly differing experiences, and when I moved it to another room altogether I experienced the kind of sound the positive reviews were describing.

Like all speakers, you need to try putting the HomePod in different places until you get the sound you want.

It is HIGHLY possible that the speaker was sub-optimally placed for its capabilities during CR's test - but is that really a defence given the competition was right next to it?

In fact, I got a much improved sound by removing a glass bowl that was 1 foot away from it on a counter top. Does it have issue with the proximity of some objects next to it perhaps, like a competitors speakers in a blind test...

 

[Lilok]

I wonder about the Google Max part. I agree with everything else you conveyed, as it's actually valid with my B&O A1, which is circular and designed to play audio in 360 degrees (vertically filling the room if laid flat). Not sure how applicable that would be with HomePod though because the only things that would lose power is the woofer that's pointed upwards, and sounds directed at the rear ... but the vocals are directed away from walls.

But the shape of Google Max, leads me to believe that there's no need for it to be sensing behind itself, or bouncing sounds off the rear. I could be mistaken though.

Eeyup, I guess you are right, it wouldn't make much sense since the max is (almost) designed like a usual stereo speaker-box. Facing the listeners, but using similar mambojumbo to adjust.

To quote Wikipedia;
Home Max also includes "Smart Sound", an adaptive audio system that uses machine learning to automatically adjust sound output based on factors such as the environment (including placement and sources of noise) and time of day.
----
I'm sure apple's and Google's approach to machine learning is different, but they aim to do the same, I guess.

Since I had the chance to listen to the homepod I also would say it sounds awesome. But well, only for what it is. But that's not a bad thing.
I was actually surprised after seeing those teenie-tiny tweeters.

In comparison, the single speaker in the (small) Google home :

So the hp sure beats that.

But because physics and so on, it doesn't surprise me that it doesn't beat the max für example. Way more air pushing towards the listener...

 

[Applebot1]

I’ve used ‘What HiFi’ for reference, many years now and they know what they are talking about. https://www.whathifi.com/apple/homepod/review

 

[Sevendaymelee]

Watching all these smart speaker companies argue over which smart speaker sounds better is like overhearing cancer patients arguing over who's tumor is less malignant. In the end, it's still a ****** smart speaker.

 

[johngordon]

Could it just be that all three are actually good and it's down to personal choice? The likes of Consumer Reports use professional equipment to grade sound quality. The vast majority of users won't be able to tell the difference with their ears in a blind test. It's down to personal opinion or taste.

Apple relies on it's rabid fan base (as seen in this post) for it's sales (yes, there is a lot out there), because as good as sound as it may have, it lacks in features that the regular user wants. Not everyone uses Apple Music, and actually more people use other services. If the sound is actually "better", it it $150 better? Is it better that you'd change music services? I just very much doubt it for the normal (non-Apple fanboy) user.

I love Apple products, but would I pay $350 for a speaker that does not seamlessly support the music service I prefer and use... personally, no.

I started agreeing with your post about personal opinion or taste...

But then you started on about Apple’s rabid fan base.

Could it not just be that people happen to use Apple Music rather than Spotify, and that doing so is a perfectly reasonable choice and not based on rabid Apple fanboyism?

And that as a an Apple Music subscriber and iPhone owner, something like the HP makes perfect sense without them having to be a rabid Apple fanboy?

Why does that always have to be the narrative? Given the number of iPhones in particular they sell, they can’t all be sold to these rabid crazy people. Can’t it ever just be that, you know, they actually just make pretty great products and people buy them because of that?

 

[The Game 161]

I started agreeing with your post about personal opinion or taste...

But then you started on about Apple’s rabid fan base.

Could it not just be that people happen to use Apple Music rather than Spotify, and that doing so is a perfectly reasonable choice and not based on rabid Apple fanboyism?

And that as a an Apple Music subscriber and iPhone owner, something like the HP makes perfect sense without them having to be a rabid Apple fanboy?

Why does that always have to be the narrative? Given the number of iPhones in particular they sell, they can’t all be sold to these rabid crazy people. Can’t it ever just be that, you know, they actually just make pretty great products and people buy them because of that?

Agreed

I certainly wouldn’t have bought the HomePod if I wasn’t on Apple Music. I enjoy Apple Music and it’s a perfect combo to use that fits the ecosystem and my daily useage.

Apple do make great products and people wouldn’t pay money to something unless they liked what they used.

Certainly wouldn’t be smart to waste your money on something you don’t truely want

 

[SeaFox]

Honestly if I’m looking for product reviews, I either go directly to industry reviewers, YouTube, or amazon.

Seriously?

1. Industry reviewers generally don't like to say bad things in reviews because they don't want to jeopardize site sponsorship/advertising contracts from those same vendors.
2. YouTube -- I guess if you can find an honest independent video blogger, but many are getting the product as a review sample provided by the maker. Again, giving out critical reviews just makes companies stop sending them products to check out. No products to review means less new content. Same conflict of interest as #1.
3. Amazon -- yes, because it's not like there are companies that exist only to have armies of underpaid people write fake positive reviews for cleints' products. Oh wait, there are.

 

[npmacuser5]

Consumer Reports sells lots of Apple Products. This much free press, outstanding for Apple.

 

[johngordon]

Agreed

I certainly wouldn’t have bought the HomePod if I wasn’t on Apple Music. I enjoy Apple Music and it’s a perfect combo to use that fits the ecosystem and my daily useage.

Apple do make great products and people wouldn’t pay money to something unless they liked what they used.

Certainly wouldn’t be smart to waste your money on something you don’t truely want

Exactly.

If people actually did just buy anything that Apple put out, the iPod Stereo would have been as big a success as the iPod.
[doublepost=1518603013][/doublepost]

Seriously?

1. Industry reviewers generally don't like to say bad things in reviews because they don't want to jeopardize site sponsorship/advertising contracts from those same vendors.
2. YouTube -- I guess if you can find an honest independent video blogger, but many are getting the product as a review sample provided by the maker. Again, giving out critical reviews just makes companies stop sending them products to check out. No products to review means less new content. Same conflict of interest as #1.
3. Amazon -- yes, because it's not like there are companies that exist only to have armies of underpaid people write fake positive reviews for cleints' products. Oh wait, there are.

So do industry reviewers prefer to only say good things, even if they aren't true, even if they get found out and their reputation suffers?

Do industry reviewers really never say anything bad about anything, ever?

 

[Heineken]

Watching all these smart speaker companies argue over which smart speaker sounds better is like overhearing cancer patients arguing over who's tumor is less malignant. In the end, it's still a ****** smart speaker.

You are very wrong. Not everyone has a big house with big rooms and high ceilings. Not everyone can blast it even 75% volume. This is very relevant when you take that into consideration. Also not everyone has money or wants to spend that kind of money for a really good sounding hifi system. I for example only listen to music in my work room which is 25 m2 5x5 meters. For me HomePod is overkill.

 

[boshii]

1. Amazon -- yes, because it's not like there are companies that exist only to have armies of underpaid people write fake positive reviews for cleints' products. Oh wait, there are.

This is why www.fakespot.com exists.

 

[Roller]

Watching all these smart speaker companies argue over which smart speaker sounds better is like overhearing cancer patients arguing over who's tumor is less malignant. In the end, it's still a ****** smart speaker.

What a ridiculous analogy. For one thing, different cancers have widely varying prognoses and treatment options, and drawing a parallel between diseases that kill millions of people and speakers is abhorrent.

 

[ManDark]

Consumer Reports has conducted some early audio testing of the HomePod, and while the full evaluation isn't yet finished, the site believes that both the $400 Google Home Max and the $200 Sonos One sound better than Apple's new $349 smart speaker.

The HomePod received a "Very Good" sound quality rating, as did the Sonos One and the Google Home Max, but the latter two speakers also received higher overall sound quality scores.

Consumer Reports says that its speaker tests are conducted in a dedicated listening room, with experienced testers who compare each model with "high-quality reference speakers." In the case of the HomePod, testers found a few issues.

The bass was "boomy and overemphasized," while midrange tones were "somewhat hazy," and treble sounds were "underemphasized." Overall, Consumer Reports found the HomePod's sound to be "a bit muddy" when played next to the Sonos One and the Google Home Max.All three smart speakers "fall significantly short" of other wireless speakers Consumer Reports has tested, like the Edifier S1000DB, priced at $350.

The HomePod's sound has been highly praised both by new HomePod owners and by media sites that tested the device ahead of its release. While Consumer Reports doesn't believe the HomePod outshines the Google Home Max and the Sonos One, other reviews have disagreed, including an extensive, in-depth review published by a self-professed audiophile earlier this morning.

Article Link: Consumer Reports: Google Home Max and Sonos One Sound Better Than HomePod

Well and i should believe any of that writing and saying just on behalf what exactly where are the facts where are the graphs the output the testing equipment all of that what one Person did on his own, here just a nice video and that our Listeners find that ... wait what .... are you serious ...

Well Consumer Reports you've got BAAALLLS ... but wait to be destroyed ... one we got something just comming ... so Fast Company and everyone else and also the super expensive Measurements are lying but the listeners of Consumer reports are the best ....

 

[Freestar007]

I wonder how many folks making comments here have actually bought one?

I’m not an audiophile but I do live sound engineering for a living.

My initial opinion of the HomePod upon hearing it in-store matches my opinion of it once I tried it out at home, in several different positions in different rooms. The CR conclusion is the same one I came to, and I’ll be returning the HomePod. Too much bass (though really nice bass!) and vocals are recessed and vague. It sound like an Echo with a subwoofer and a bigger amp. I tried lifting it and setting it back down to re-initiate the auto sound adjust, and I could hear the EQ change at times, but it never really got better, just different.

 

[ersan191]

I wonder how many folks making comments here have actually bought one?

I’m not an audiophile but I do live sound engineering for a living.

My initial opinion of the HomePod upon hearing it in-store matches my opinion of it once I tried it out at home, in several different positions in different rooms. The CR conclusion is the same one I came to, and I’ll be returning the HomePod. Too much bass (though really nice bass!) and vocals are recessed and vague. It sound like an Echo with a subwoofer and a bigger amp. I tried lifting it and setting it back down to re-initiate the auto sound adjust, and I could hear the EQ change at times, but it never really got better, just different.

As a data point, I've bought one and I completely disagree. To compare its sound quality to any Echo is disingenuous at the very least.

 

[Azmazz]

I love my stereo sound with 2 speakers especially for music.
Just don't get how a round speaker can deal with stereo ?

 

[Chupa Chupa]

They didn't give it a fair shake. I can construct this sentence differently if you want.

You sure can. No one is suggesting otherwise. You keep switching the topic though. Your last point to me was that you didn't care about what CR said because you are not American. But you do seem to care. You just proved that point again, and that is my point. You can review all the posts between us in this thread if you need to refresh your memory.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

iOS hasn't been "locked down" from third-party apps since 2008, when it was iPhone OS 2 on the iPhone 3G. Yes, people bitched about it back then, and Apple opened up the iPhone to third party apps and the iPhone really took off. Those people were proven right - the iPhone is much better when you could run third-party apps on it.

You missed my point. I was referring to the 'everything has to get Steve Jobs' approval' part of getting apps from one source. It hasn't been 100% error free, but there haven't been the issues that the 'droid' community submits themselves to.

I knew people that would hate to be 'locked down', and yet love today's top-40. It's a mystery...

 

[johngordon]

Sorry, dup post.

 

[MacGekko]

Well and i should believe any of that writing and saying just on behalf what exactly where are the facts where are the graphs the output the testing equipment all of that what one Person did on his own, here just a nice video and that our Listeners find that ... wait what .... are you serious ...

Well Consumer Reports you've got BAAALLLS ... but wait to be destroyed ... one we got something just comming ... so Fast Company and everyone else and also the super expensive Measurements are lying but the listeners of Consumer reports are the best ....

And now we find out or someone is alleging that the Reddit reviewer made mistakes and the display of his graphs are BS:

https://www.kirkville.com/audiophil...s-out-to-not-know-much-about-measuring-audio/