HomePod Got my first Homepod. Volume seems very low

[arubinst]

Hi,

I just received my first HomePod. The only times I had experienced the HomePod sound before was in crowded stores, where it is actually impossible to appreciate.

Having read and watched hundreds of reviews, all mentioning how incredibly loud and powerful the sound is, I am really disappointed. If I set my volume to 50%, it sounds clear and nice, but much much much lower than what I thought it would be.

I can easily take it to 100%. It is loud but nothing really impressive.

I’ve read comments where someone said it already feels loud at 20%. I can barely hear it at that level.

I tested in different rooms, I have soft and hard reset it, I made sure Sound Check was off, I’m directly listening from Apple Music and not streaming from any device (actually, streaming is even lower in volume).

So, does this sound normal or do I have a lemon? Are all those comments and reviews exaggerated? Did I place my expectations too high? What would be a good test to make sure I’m ok?

I live in Switzerland and I bought this HomePod while on holidays in California. I’m taking it back home with me next week but I want to be sure nothing’s wrong with it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wizec]

Doesn't seem right. You might want to get it swapped.

Mine is definitely very loud, as long as Sound Check (what a garbage feature, Apple has to be the only company on the planet that can't implement decent auto volume leveling) is off.

 

[arubinst]

Thanks! I’ll try to schedule a visit to the Genius Bar.