Having second thoughts about the HomePod.

[Shanesan]

I don't believe Apple ever expected to sell a HomePod to anyone who has already invested in Sonos.

I am not invested in Sonos. I am not invested in Apple Music. I bought a HomePod to use iTunes Match, advertised as working. I also have HomeKit throughout my house.

It works. Barely with Siri. I will return the HomePod and invest in Sonos. I'll use my Watch for Siri.

 

[mmomega]

Cranked up the 5 speaker Sonos system this morning and forgot how good it really sounds. Do not think the two HomePods will even come close to beating the Sonos.

Got caught up in the “Apple” excitement but good sense is getting me to cancle both of the HomePods. I have a house full of Amazon echos. The HomePod does not even cover my Nexia thermostats used by my zones ac system.

Maybe I will try later.

Return the HomePods.

 

[Shanesan]

Return the HomePods.

Honestly wish I didn't have to do this, but Apple really screwed the pooch this time. First I've EVER returned an Apple device in the 17 years I've been a customer.

 

[steve knight]

I am not invested in Sonos. I am not invested in Apple Music. I bought a HomePod to use iTunes Match, advertised as working. I also have HomeKit throughout my house.

It works. Barely with Siri. I will return the HomePod and invest in Sonos. I'll use my Watch for Siri.

I wish they had airplay but it is supposed to be this year. With AirPlay they would take care of most of the needs. Then my wife would not need separate speakers to stream video and podcasts and such.

 

[mmomega]

Honestly wish I didn't have to do this, but Apple really screwed the pooch this time. First I've EVER returned an Apple device in the 17 years I've been a customer.

I don't even see it as anyone's fault.
You bought something, it isn't what you want, you return it.

In my opinion, it is the better choice for you, if you choose to do that.
I just do not agree with buying something, not liking it and then keeping it. It doesn't make much sense because it is like a form of self torture to have something, disliking it, knowing you spent money on it and then choosing to continue to live with it. Get rid of it.

 

[johngordon]

Honestly wish I didn't have to do this, but Apple really screwed the pooch this time. First I've EVER returned an Apple device in the 17 years I've been a customer.

Out of interest, what didn’t it do that you thought it would when you bought it?

I bought one and love it, as it does everything I thought it would when I bought it.

 

[Shanesan]

Out of interest, what didn’t it do that you thought it would when you bought it?

I bought one and love it, as it does everything I thought it would when I bought it.

I thought it would be better with iTunes Match, since I pay a subscription for it.

I thought Genius would work.

I thought Siri would be a bit smarter and not reliant on corrections entered through a screen which it can't do.

I thought Apple wouldn't keep pushing Apple Music at me at every turn. I thought this was a HomePod for my stuff, not an ApplePod for Apple Music.

Maybe I'll get version 2 or maybe they'll patch out the constant croaking for me to spend more money on Apple Music, but I don't think this will be the case.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

Returned mine after using it for the past week or so. Just not impressed overall with it. Decent speaker. But for $350, I expected somewhat more of a smart speaker. For that price I expect not only the hardware, but the software to be more refined.

 

[donster28]

Returned mine after using it for the past week or so. Just not impressed overall with it. Decent speaker. But for $350, I expected somewhat more of a smart speaker. For that price I expect not only the hardware, but the software to be more refined.

Some people's expectations on the HomePod (including yours) surprises me. After watching the keynote introduction of the HomePod, I knew moving forward that Siri on it will not be the big seller but it’s its sound quality.

Seeing it in person and finally hearing it made me more excited about it because to me there are no other speakers out there in such a small package that sound this good!....and I've been listening to 'Hi-Fi' since I was young in the 70's and been lucky to have had all sorts of sound systems growing up.

The HomePod to me is the perfect combination of size and sound. It doesn't compare to bigger speakers or other sound systems with artificial intelligence. It's not really a competitor to 'Alexa' or 'Google' but Siri provides basic useful information and HomeKit functionality.

Look at it this way: It's simply a great sounding small speaker that has the added functionality of Siri. It's speaker first and Siri second at this moment in time....and I'm OK with this.

I've spent $500+ on more powerful stereo systems that I would use 50% of their power most of the time when listening to music (not counting my home theatre set-up which is meant to be loud, of course). The HomePod, at a lesser price, suffices my music listening cravings!

Oh, and have you tried listening to it on low volume at night?...the bass response on this thing is awesome at such a relaxing volume! Other competing small speakers don't even come close.

Just my 2 Cents. 🙂

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

Some people's expectations on the HomePod (including yours) surprises me. After watching the keynote introduction of the HomePod, I knew moving forward that Siri on it will not be the big seller but it's its sound quality.

Seeing it in person and finally hearing it made me more excited about it because to me there are no other speakers out there in such a small package that sound this good!....and I've been listening to 'Hi-Fi' since I was young in the 70's and been lucky to have had all sorts of sound systems growing up.

The HomePod to me is the perfect combination of size and sound. It doesn't compare to bigger speakers or other sound systems with artificial intelligence. It's not really a competitor to 'Alexa' or 'Google' but Siri provides basic useful information and HomeKit functionality.

Look at it this way: It's simply a great sounding small speaker that has the added functionality of Siri. It's speaker first and Siri second at this moment in time....and I'm OK with this.

I've spent $500+ on more powerful stereo systems that I would use 50% of it's power most of the time when listening to music (not counting my home theatre set-up which is meant to be loud, of course). The HomePod, at a lesser price, suffices my music listening cravings!

Oh, and have you tried listening to it on low volume at night?...the bass response on this thing is awesome at such a relaxing volume! Other competing small speakers don't even come close.

Just my 2 Cents. 🙂

I think someone on here said it best. Lately Apple is late on everything thing. But once they jump in on something. That thing they sell is much more advanced and polished, both hardware and software wise. The HomePod is not only late in the game, but it seems like Apple has a lot of catching up to do against Amazon, and Google software AI wise. Which is surprising cause like I said, usually once they jump in on something. It’s a much more polished product.

 

[donster28]

I think someone on here said it best. Lately Apple is late on everything thing. But once they jump in on something. That thing they sell is much more advanced and polished, both hardware and software wise. The HomePod is not only late in the game, but it seems like Apple has a lot of catching up to do against Amazon, and Google software AI wise. Which is surprising cause like I said, usually once they jump in on something. It’s a much more polished product.

Apple never releases anything “polished” from the get-go. Just look at the Apple Watch. I bought it from day one and it was good, except it was slow. Speed is important in a smart watch so I couldn’t stand it and returned it only to invest on it again come the Series 3...and I’m liking this thing now.

As I said, the HomePod is speaker first and Siri second at this point in time and it is pretty darn good as a speaker from the get-go. You seem to be expecting a lot more on it’s Siri features and I don’t blame you if you’re not liking it now.

 

[Benz63amg]

This is a speaker after all, I’m not sure what some people “expected” it to be exactly that it makes them “second guess” the purchase? If it was the sound quality that is criticized is a different story but imo the HomePod sounds excellent given the size of this little thing. I do own a high end definitive tech home theatre setup with an SVS sub and I know what high end sound quality sounds like. The HomePod sounds excellent in comparison to a high end system and the bass is very surprising actually.

 

[bopajuice]

Some people's expectations on the HomePod (including yours) surprises me. After watching the keynote introduction of the HomePod, I knew moving forward that Siri on it will not be the big seller but it's its sound quality.

Seeing it in person and finally hearing it made me more excited about it because to me there are no other speakers out there in such a small package that sound this good!....and I've been listening to 'Hi-Fi' since I was young in the 70's and been lucky to have had all sorts of sound systems growing up.

The HomePod to me is the perfect combination of size and sound. It doesn't compare to bigger speakers or other sound systems with artificial intelligence. It's not really a competitor to 'Alexa' or 'Google' but Siri provides basic useful information and HomeKit functionality.

Look at it this way: It's simply a great sounding small speaker that has the added functionality of Siri. It's speaker first and Siri second at this moment in time....and I'm OK with this.

I've spent $500+ on more powerful stereo systems that I would use 50% of it's power most of the time when listening to music (not counting my home theatre set-up which is meant to be loud, of course). The HomePod, at a lesser price, suffices my music listening cravings!

Oh, and have you tried listening to it on low volume at night?...the bass response on this thing is awesome at such a relaxing volume! Other competing small speakers don't even come close.

Just my 2 Cents. 🙂

What other competing small speakers have you compared it to? Being a HiFi person you must have done some A/B comparisons.
[doublepost=1519052396][/doublepost]

This is a speaker after all, I’m not sure what some people “expected” it to be exactly that it makes them “second guess” the purchase? If it was the sound quality that is criticized is a different story but imo the HomePod sounds excellent given the size of this little thing. I do own a high end definitive tech home theatre setup with an SVS sub and I know what high end sound quality sounds like. The HomePod sounds excellent in comparison to a high end system.

I feel the second guessing came from the initial hype and excitement Apple lovers are known for. After drinking the cool aid maybe some realized they spent $350 on a speaker.

I have auditioned one twice. It sounds great for what it is. Can it compete with a HiFi set up, no. Can it compete with other smart speakers, yes.

Personally I think all the hype and chatter related to the HomePod does not match the actual product. Some will be underwhelmed some will love it, but it’s a speaker not a cure for cancer.

 

[Shanesan]

This is a speaker after all, I’m not sure what some people “expected” it to be exactly that it makes them “second guess” the purchase? If it was the sound quality that is criticized is a different story but imo the HomePod sounds excellent given the size of this little thing. I do own a high end definitive tech home theatre setup with an SVS sub and I know what high end sound quality sounds like. The HomePod sounds excellent in comparison to a high end system and the bass is very surprising actually.

I expected Siri and the associated software APIs to not suck.

 

[za9ra22]

Personally I think all the hype and chatter related to the HomePod does not match the actual product.

To my observation, the other way around. There has been very little hype and chatter about it, and most of what there was, was about how Apple were late to a market and would have real problems competing with Amazon and Google who were so far ahead. And the actual product, being delayed, let just about all the air out of Apple's balloon on top of that.

Then the product arrives, the reviews are great, people go out and buy them, they listen, find the sound to be excellent. The actual product is way better than most of us were expecting.

As always, and particularly with Apple products because they are relatively speaking so expensive, there are some buyers who are now rethinking. It doesn't seem all that many to me, but it is expensive, and if people find it deficient in some area where they were expecting it to perform better, there would be every reason to take it back.

 

[bopajuice]

To my observation, the other way around. There has been very little hype and chatter about it, and most of what there was, was about how Apple were late to a market and would have real problems competing with Amazon and Google who were so far ahead. And the actual product, being delayed, let just about all the air out of Apple's balloon on top of that.

Then the product arrives, the reviews are great, people go out and buy them, they listen, find the sound to be excellent. The actual product is way better than most of us were expecting.

As always, and particularly with Apple products because they are relatively speaking so expensive, there are some buyers who are now rethinking. It doesn't seem all that many to me, but it is expensive, and if people find it deficient in some area where they were expecting it to perform better, there would be every reason to take it back.

The $350 is relative and pales when compared to the price of a phone etc. I think the only issue with the cost that has people reconsidering the HomePod is does the product deliver for the price? Is it worth the money? Of course Apple arrives late to the party often, but then ups the game and goes above and beyond with their product.

The HomePod is being compared to other smart speakers that cost 1/3 to half of what this thing costs. It better sound pretty good considering you are buying a product that performs functions a $100 product can do. I guess you have to factor in the worth of the eco-system thing and the quality of the product.

Talk about putting a product on a pedestal. A speaker meant to compete with other smart speakers is being compared by enthusiaests to audiophile equipment. Some of these comparisons show the passion of Apple fans, but becomes comical if you really are an audiophile and read this stuff. Apples and oranges so to speak.

 

[za9ra22]

The $350 is relative and pales when compared to the price of a phone etc. I think the only issue with the cost that has people reconsidering the HomePod is does the product deliver for the price? Is it worth the money? Of course Apple arrives late to the party often, but then ups the game and goes above and beyond with their product.

The HomePod is being compared to other smart speakers that cost 1/3 to half of what this thing costs. It better sound pretty good considering you are buying a product that performs functions a $100 product can do. I guess you have to factor in the worth of the eco-system thing and the quality of the product.

Talk about putting a product on a pedestal. A speaker meant to compete with other smart speakers is being compared by enthusiaests to audiophile equipment. Some of these comparisons show the passion of Apple fans, but becomes comical if you really are an audiophile and read this stuff. Apples and oranges so to speak.

I think that $350 might seem a great deal of money to spend on one speaker for many people, and if so, any lack of perceived performance or functionality could be very telling in a decision whether to keep it or not.

I would agree that some people are comparing the HomePod to Amazon and Google devices, and for those, the price differential would perhaps weigh heavy, but I don't think the Echo and Google Home marketplace is where Apple plan the HomePod to sit.

In terms of the pedestal that you perceive 'audiophiles' putting the HomePod on, I neither know, nor care. When the performance of a product is a matter of subjective judgement rather than objective assessment, the only opinion that matters is mine. In that context I have worked in the audio industry, with top-end equipment for years, so I know what good sound is like. The HomePod doesn't come close to any of those audio systems, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a remarkable and very usable product in its own right, because it is.

That said, I would not have returned mine even if I had not liked it as much as I do. I got it to experiment with it, and with no real plan of using it. In fact it is good enough that I find I use it a lot.

 

[donster28]

What other competing small speakers have you compared it to? Being a HiFi person you must have done some A/B comparisons.
[doublepost=1519052396][/doublepost]

I’ve had Bose to Sonos to Sony, etc....name it.

I feel the second guessing came from the initial hype and excitement Apple lovers are known for. After drinking the cool aid maybe some realized they spent $350 on a speaker.

I have auditioned one twice. It sounds great for what it is. Can it compete with a HiFi set up, no. Can it compete with other smart speakers, yes.

Personally I think all the hype and chatter related to the HomePod does not match the actual product. Some will be underwhelmed some will love it, but it’s a speaker not a cure for cancer.

You said it: “it’s a speaker...” and a small one at that and let it be judged as such. Companies can advertise a product and relate it to something way more spectacular but in reality, we as consumers should use common sense in choosing said products. If Apple says “big sound in a small package”, I should not expect it to sound way more than I would think a small speaker would sound.

 

[douglasf13]

What other competing small speakers have you compared it to? Being a HiFi person you must have done some A/B comparisons.
[doublepost=1519052396][/doublepost]

I feel the second guessing came from the initial hype and excitement Apple lovers are known for. After drinking the cool aid maybe some realized they spent $350 on a speaker.

I have auditioned one twice. It sounds great for what it is. Can it compete with a HiFi set up, no. Can it compete with other smart speakers, yes.

Personally I think all the hype and chatter related to the HomePod does not match the actual product. Some will be underwhelmed some will love it, but it’s a speaker not a cure for cancer.

Describe the environment where you "auditioned" the HomePod. Surely you don't mean at the store?? Either way, what's great about the HomePod, other than being able to shout requests, is that it provides a much wider sweetspot for the sound compared to other sub-$1000 systems, which is great for casual listening around the house. Surely one isn't going to give up their perfectly positioned chair in front of a hi-fi setup for such a thing, but I think it's a pretty fantastic add-on. I bought one on a whim, having not really been interested in it at announcement, and our house has been quite lively ever since, because all of my family members shout requests at the thing all day, and the sound is remarkable for the size, cost and positioning. It's been quite fun, which I believe is the point.

 

[stevenisHAUNTED]

Love my HomePod a lot more than I expected to. The sound is amazing. I take it to my friend's house for parties we have on the weekend. Most usage is for music along with sound output on my Apple TV while watching different tv shows. I asked for the weather this morning while getting dressed for work. Provided all the necessary details highs and lows along with current temperature. Useful little thing.

 

[bopajuice]

Describe the environment where you "auditioned" the HomePod. Surely you don't mean at the store?? Either way, what's great about the HomePod, other than being able to shout requests, is that it provides a much wider sweetspot for the sound compared to other sub-$1000 systems, which is great for casual listening around the house. Surely one isn't going to give up their perfectly positioned chair in front of a hi-fi setup for such a thing, but I think it's a pretty fantastic add-on. I bought one on a whim, having not really been interested in it at announcement, and our house has been quite lively ever since, because all of my family members shout requests at the thing all day, and the sound is remarkable for the size, cost and positioning. It's been quite fun, which I believe is the point.

Sub $1000 systems... as in a stereo "system"? . I don't think we are talking about the same thing. I could put together a pretty decent "system" for about a grand that would blow away this thing regarding sound stage and sweet spot. Again if you are talking about a processed, algorithm enhanced room filling sound, that uses beam-forming technology to adapt to its environment then again we are talking about two different things. I thought we were talking about a smart speaker? It may enhance your enjoyment just as a Sonos or many other speakers will enhance the experience. I use my Sonos in the garage when washing my car or in the backyard when I BBQ. Very convenient. At no time would I consider the sound coming from a Sonos, HomePod, Alexa or any other smart speaker to be a replacement for a quality home system. Whether it be a two channel stereo HiFi set up, or a home entertainment system. We are comparing Apples and Oranges.

All this talk of measuring sound or comparing the HomePod to a pair of KEF speakers is nonsense. Almost every review I read was done by a computer related site, electronics related site, or Reddit by self proclaimed "audiophiles". They all seem to reference the KEF comparison as proof of audiophile quality. KEF is a fine speaker but certainly not a benchmark. Also, there is no mention of the source gear or music formats used with the KEF speakers, or the HomePod for that matter. The HomePod will play formats like FLAC, but Apple services do not currently support the format. So what "High quality" sources were used to test?

Shout all you want. I am sure it will provide hours of enjoyment.

[doublepost=1519105847][/doublepost]

I think that $350 might seem a great deal of money to spend on one speaker for many people, and if so, any lack of perceived performance or functionality could be very telling in a decision whether to keep it or not.

I would agree that some people are comparing the HomePod to Amazon and Google devices, and for those, the price differential would perhaps weigh heavy, but I don't think the Echo and Google Home marketplace is where Apple plan the HomePod to sit.

In terms of the pedestal that you perceive 'audiophiles' putting the HomePod on, I neither know, nor care. When the performance of a product is a matter of subjective judgement rather than objective assessment, the only opinion that matters is mine. In that context I have worked in the audio industry, with top-end equipment for years, so I know what good sound is like. The HomePod doesn't come close to any of those audio systems, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a remarkable and very usable product in its own right, because it is.

That said, I would not have returned mine even if I had not liked it as much as I do. I got it to experiment with it, and with no real plan of using it. In fact it is good enough that I find I use it a lot.

Actually I think $350 is not a lot of money to spend on a speaker "If" it provides a quality sound. I question whether the $350 spent on a HomePod is worth the extra expense when compared to a Sonos, Alexa, or other smart speaker. Cost is not always the deciding factor. The question is what do I get for the money?

Also, I was not talking about audiophiles placing this speaker on a pedestal, I was taking about fans of Apple putting the speaker on a pedestal. After all the over the top comments and reviews I have been reading I was expecting to be blown away when I listened to the speaker. I was surprised at how average it sounded. No better than a Sonos in my opinion.

I agree, sound is subjective. You said you spent time in the audio industry. So I assume you have spent some time with high quality audio systems. Anyone who has spent time in the audiophile world would know, after you have experienced high quality sound, you develop and ear. That being said, a HomePod is just a smart speaker nothing more.

 

[douglasf13]

Sub $1000 systems... as in a stereo "system"? . I don't think we are talking about the same thing. I could put together a pretty decent "system" for about a grand that would blow away this thing regarding sound stage and sweet spot. Again if you are talking about a processed, algorithm enhanced room filling sound, that uses beam-forming technology to adapt to its environment then again we are talking about two different things. I thought we were talking about a smart speaker? It may enhance your enjoyment just as a Sonos or many other speakers will enhance the experience. I use my Sonos in the garage when washing my car or in the backyard when I BBQ. Very convenient. At no time would I consider the sound coming from a Sonos, HomePod, Alexa or any other smart speaker to be a replacement for a quality home system. Whether it be a two channel stereo HiFi set up, or a home entertainment system. We are comparing Apples and Oranges.

All this talk of measuring sound or comparing the HomePod to a pair of KEF speakers is nonsense. Almost every review I read was done by a computer related site, electronics related site, or Reddit by self proclaimed "audiophiles". They all seem to reference the KEF comparison as proof of audiophile quality. KEF is a fine speaker but certainly not a benchmark. Also, there is no mention of the source gear or music formats used with the KEF speakers, or the HomePod for that matter. The HomePod will play formats like FLAC, but Apple services do not currently support the format. So what "High quality" sources were used to test?

Shout all you want. I am sure it will provide hours of enjoyment.

[doublepost=1519105847][/doublepost]

Actually I think $350 is not a lot of money to spend on a speaker "If" it provides a quality sound. I question whether the $350 spent on a HomePod is worth the extra expense when compared to a Sonos, Alexa, or other smart speaker. Cost is not always the deciding factor. The question is what do I get for the money?

Also, I was not talking about audiophiles placing this speaker on a pedestal, I was taking about fans of Apple putting the speaker on a pedestal. After all the over the top comments and reviews I have been reading I was expecting to be blown away when I listened to the speaker. I was surprised at how average it sounded. No better than a Sonos in my opinion.

I agree, sound is subjective. You said you spent time in the audio industry. So I assume you have spent some time with hight quality audio systems. Anyone who has spent time in the audiophile world would know, after you have experienced high quality sound, you develop and ear. That being said, a HomePod is just a smart speaker nothing more.

Again, where was the HomePod located when you listened to it?

 

[maflynn]

Love my HomePod a lot more than I expected to. The sound is amazing.

Same here, the sound quality is better, even though the positive reviews and disucssions have caused my expectations to be raised, the HomePod still surpasses those expecations. I know its not true stereo sound, but I wasn't expecting that.

 

[bopajuice]

Again, where was the HomePod located when you listened to it?

After all my comments all you can focus on is where i listened? First time was at a family members home, on a cabinet in front of a TV, and second at a friends home on a desk. Both were moderately sized rooms with Sofas, furniture, and one side of the room open to another area. I have also listened at a retail store, but that really doesn't count due to the enviornment. So yes, i auditioned in a proper enviornment. The speaker sounded great, but i feel the term audiophile is being tossed around too loosely. It is a fine smart speaker, nothing more. I feel these forums are making it out to be more than it is.

 

[AppleRobert]

This is a speaker after all, I’m not sure what some people “expected” it to be exactly that it makes them “second guess” the purchase? If it was the sound quality that is criticized is a different story but imo the HomePod sounds excellent given the size of this little thing. I do own a high end definitive tech home theatre setup with an SVS sub and I know what high end sound quality sounds like. The HomePod sounds excellent in comparison to a high end system and the bass is very surprising actually.

You listen to jazz or classical? Soundstage and volume (not loudness, I am talking about efficiency) just isn’t there from what I am hearing.

The Bose SoundTouch 20 is way better.