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Hands-On With the AirPods Max
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No water resistance. You can swim in the ocean and dive as deep as you want with them on. But they will stop working after that.
How strange then that they don’t use that term on the AirPods Pro page and sound quality is only fifth point there 😉
Just like a Macbook has a place between some Dell and some Lenovo? I think that’s where most comparisons go off the rails.
BTW, I didn’t link headphones, just headphone cables
Yeah, if you're talking about the laptops in the $700-1000 range, for example.
Strange is the connections you're making. Do you really think it's strange that Apple uses different words to advertise different products? Wouldn't it be stranger (and lazy and dumb) to use the exact same words to advertise across a line of products? No company does that, because it's dumb. The iPhone SE isn't marketed with the same wording as the iPhone 12 which isn't marketed like the iPhone 12 Pro Max. MBA's aren't marketed with the same wording as MBP's. Seriously. You're grasping at straws trying to do exactly what I said people are doing. Errantly making the assumption that the use of the phrase high fidelity is a claim of audiophile-ness. That's you, and the few people like you making that association.
I'm fine with paying top dollar for high quality headphones, but $69 for replacement ear cushions is quite a gouge.
The magnetic replacement is cool, but does it really justify double the replacement cost of the already overpriced Bose earpads?
The magnetic replacement is cool, but does it really justify double the replacement cost of the already overpriced Bose earpads?
I’ve always argued that an audiophile is someone who hates audio so much that they spend all their time trying to justify not listening to it at all, or at least explaining why they‘re not enjoying it when they must.
This quote is spot on:
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Well, people were complaining that there isn't a way to turn them off.
I guess I just found one.
Same price as when I order myself replacement ear pads for my Sennheiser HD800 and those are very thin so there are much more materials on these ones from Apple and they are magnetic and not just plastic connections as on the ones on my HD800. Not saying it's not too expensive, I've just gotten used to being ripped off when replacing my ear pads on premium headphones. It's pretty much the norm.
It doesn't justify the price, should be half that.
Today is the official launch day for the AirPods Max, Apple's newest headphones in the AirPods family. AirPods Max are a little bit controversial because of the high price, so we picked up a pair to see what you're getting for that $549 price tag.
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AirPods Max have aluminum ear cups that are cool to the touch with mesh padded ear cushions and a mesh headband. Design wise, the headphones look and feel premium when it comes to build quality. There's a Digital Crown on the top which is a nice physical control method, along with a button for controlling Active Noise Cancellation.
The buttons work well, but we missed the inclusion of a power button as there's no way to turn the headphones off. They go into standby mode when removed or an ultra low power mode right when put in the case, but otherwise there's no power control option.
Speaking of the case, it's not great. It looks weird and it doesn't offer much protection at all because it's made from a soft material. The case doesn't cover the headband, and there are openings at the bottom too, so it's not something you're going to want to toss in a bag with your $549 headphones inside.
The case also doesn't charge the headphones (there's a USB-C to Lightning cable included for that), and it's made from a smart cover-like material that may attract dust and dirt.
When it comes to comfort, the AirPods Max didn't cause pain even though they're very heavy, but we've only used them for a short period of time so far. In the amount of time we've had them, we've been impressed with the comfort level and the way the mesh band distributes weight on the head. The telescoping arms for adjusting fit are also a nice touch, and overall, everything feels premium.
By the way, the ear cushions are magnetic and pop off, so if you want to buy a second set for $69 when Apple starts selling them, you can mix and match colors. The headband isn't removable though, so the ear cushions are the only customization option.
AirPods Max have all of the same H1 features that other AirPods do, so expect quick pairing, easy device swapping, and long Bluetooth range. They have Adaptive EQ to adjust the sound to the fit on your head, and Active Noise Cancellation. We're going to go more in-depth on Active Noise Cancellation in a future video that compares the AirPods Max to other noise cancelling headphones, but so far, the noise cancellation is excellent.
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Max sound amazingly crisp, even at high volume levels. Combined with the Active Noise Cancellation, it's an isolating experience that completely blocks out the outside world.
We haven't been able to test battery life, but Apple says the AirPods Max will last for up to 20 hours before needing a recharge. There's also a quick charge feature that gives you over an hour of battery life after five minutes.
AirPods Max now have a 12 to 14 week wait if you're ordering online for shipping, but you may be able to get them in an Apple retail location if you check each morning now that in store pickup is available.
Have you picked up AirPods Max? Are they worth the price? Let us know in the comments.
Article Link: Hands-On With the AirPods Max
I just realised that the custom tuning on my AirPods Pro carried over to my AirPods Max automatically. I've had mine running with balanced + slight tuning through the accessibility settings all this time.
When disabling this they don't sound as wide, clear, sparky and spacious as they do with custom tuning set to balanced. I would really recommend everyone to try it. I find the sound profile much better when set to balanced + slight. You can go balanced + moderate as well but that will result in added sibilance.
When disabling this they don't sound as wide, clear, sparky and spacious as they do with custom tuning set to balanced. I would really recommend everyone to try it. I find the sound profile much better when set to balanced + slight. You can go balanced + moderate as well but that will result in added sibilance.
Haven't tried them yet.
But all the reviewers already stating that they feel rather heavy on the head + the build up of dirt that will happen on that headband makes me wonder if we have another* semi-failed Apple Audio product here?
And OMG, that 'pouch', eh 'Smart Case'...
*(iPod Hi-Fi, HomePod, AirPods Max?)
But all the reviewers already stating that they feel rather heavy on the head + the build up of dirt that will happen on that headband makes me wonder if we have another* semi-failed Apple Audio product here?
And OMG, that 'pouch', eh 'Smart Case'...
*(iPod Hi-Fi, HomePod, AirPods Max?)
What is your problem with the term audiophile? An audiophile is simply a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction (definition from Wikipedia).
Apple is clearly advertising the AirPods Max for its high-fidelity audio as it is literally the first thing they talk about: Introducing AirPods Max — a perfect balance of exhilarating high-fidelity audio and the effortless magic of AirPods.
You seem to have a problem with this connection and I don’t understand why as it is not even a question of interpretation in my opinion. Nor does labelling it as audiophile give it some special meaning other than its priority on high sound quality (which is a good thing?).
If you search on google for articles on AirPods Max the term audiophile is mentioned a lot, so clearly there are a lot of people ’grasping at straws’ as you call it.
I mean, if my business was door-to-door scissor salesman, MAYBE I’d be concerned? Scissors can be REALLY scratchy. My bag is a regular laptop one, with pouches and compartments so there’s nothing that’s going to scratch the headphones in the section they’re in. I could throw some sand in, but I don’t think I will.
Are these ONLY considered as a customization option? I see it more as a “don’t spend another $600 in 4 years” option.
I think the amount of publicity they’re getting from the case is well worth it. Folks that otherwise wouldn’t have even known that “Apple just released a thing” have seen probably 30 or 40 meme posts on it.
I have no problem with the term audiophile. None of my comments have criticized the term. My objection has been about people incorrectly associating the term audiophile with Apple's description of it's headphones. Apple has made no claim like that and their advertising doesn't imply it either. I have no issue with Apple's use of phrase high fidelity and I offered no criticism of it in any comment. So I'm not sure what you think you read, but it definitely wasn't in any comment of mine.
My new headphones smell like a new car.... They have a new car smell!! They are more bassy then I like (I guess I am used to Boise) but really feel premium and comfortable!
If you think that neutral and generous definition of "audiophile" fits the people who call themselves "audiophiles" then you haven't met one. Reading the Wikipedia definition, you have to understand that the word "enthusiastic" is getting stretched to the point of snapping.
Audiophile quality is also distinct from reference or studio quality. The later two are measurable and can be discussed more objectively, while the former says more about the people than the equipment.
You don't bring the word "audiophile" into a headphone discussion without expecting a brawl.
If you don't understand what the argument is about, it has its roots in one of the first posts:
That post is not assuming your Wiki definition of audiophile as someone who is "enthusiastic about high fidelity". It is using the more common definition of audiophilia as the vocal and arrogant pursuit of audio signal chain quality far exceeding the biological capacity of the listener to detect, mixed with a healthy dose of mysticism. The subsequent discussion then tried to blur the lines between using the relative phrasing "high fidelity" (compared to what?) with this absolute and unachievable goal as an argument that Apple shouldn't say their stuff sounds good.
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