HomePod HomePod first impressions

[BananaX]

I’m in the same boat as you. It is below the TV on a shelf...and that shelf also has a lip. I did put it in front of the TV to test it for a bit and it sounded so much better. Tried it across the room and whilst it sounded amazing, it want natural for the Apple TV - that is my 90% use case. I’m now thinking behind the TV, though that may cause Siri issues.

First world problems.....

Same here. I am thinking a TV mount now. And 1-2 HomePods on the TV bench. Or one on the bench and another behind sofa or near kitchen.

 

[Brookzy]

I think it would be silly to think they would replace the sonos 5's they are far different beasts.

As has been said multiple times on this thread, many reviews were quite clear that in their opinion it was superior, and that was the basis for the expectation.

 

[maflynn]

When you are in the office, most of the time you are probably at your computer/desk. Fixed position is probably much better suited for a regular stereo setup which for the same price will have much better sound quality. Also, controlling play lists and music playing in general from the computer is probably much easier than trying to convince Siri to do what you want.

I don't own a stereo system, I have zero desire to buy a stereo system and tbh, what would I play on it? I don't own any music other then what's on iTunes. Seems to be an overly complicated solution to a problem that is easily solved with a smart speaker, i.e., buying recivers, speaker, and various other components.

As for my sitting in front of a computer, you are correct and yes, its fairly easy to open up iTunes, select a radio station and select what I want to listen. I will also say its probably just as easy to say hey siri play 70s music

My thinking is that the HomePod would produce better sound quality then my iMac speakers. True. I can get stearo speakers for the iMac in the 250 and up range, but I'm liking the idea of the HP in my office. Seems like an elegant solution to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[craig1410]

Another positive first impression from someone who sounds like they know what they are talking about.

http://tingilinde.typepad.com/omenti/2018/02/the-next-step-in-home-audio.html

“I suspect a pair of HomePods will blow my reference pair away when it comes to sound stage placement. That will be even more true for those who haven't carefully adjusted their current speakers with test recordings and a spectrum analyzer. ”

 

[The Game 161]

I’m in the same boat as you. It is below the TV on a shelf...and that shelf also has a lip. I did put it in front of the TV to test it for a bit and it sounded so much better. Tried it across the room and whilst it sounded amazing, it want natural for the Apple TV - that is my 90% use case. I’m now thinking behind the TV, though that may cause Siri issues.

First world problems.....

Yeah it’s a tough one

Here’s how my HomePod looks at the top of my TV

Would just bother me keeping this here I reckon

 

[AppleRobert]

Yeah it’s a tough one

Here’s how my HomePod looks at the top of my TV

Would just bother me keeping this here I reckon

Wall mount above TV maybe?

 

[The Game 161]

Wall mount above TV maybe?

Yeah might be the best option. the sound under the TV stand is noticeable enough for it to be less than. when on the side or on top.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I don't own a stereo system, I have zero desire to buy a stereo system and tbh, what would I play on it? I don't own any music other then what's on iTunes. Seems to be an overly complicated solution to a problem that is easily solved with a smart speaker, i.e., buying recivers, speaker, and various other components.

As for my sitting in front of a computer, you are correct and yes, its fairly easy to open up iTunes, select a radio station and select what I want to listen. I will also say its probably just as easy to say hey siri play 70s music

My thinking is that the HomePod would produce better sound quality then my iMac speakers. True. I can get stearo speakers for the iMac in the 250 and up range, but I'm liking the idea of the HP in my office. Seems like an elegant solution to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

A nice set of powered speakers with a smart device plugged into the aux input is a very compelling solution for many, especially as you can be platform agnostic and keep the smart part updated easily and cheaply while the speakers can last essentially forever.

 

[The Game 161]

This is the only other option

 

[the future]

As has been said multiple times on this thread, many reviews were quite clear that in their opinion it was superior, and that was the basis for the expectation.

Yes, and multiple other users have said that for them the HomePod does indeed sound better than any Sonos, even the 5.

 

[AppleRobert]

Yes, and multiple other users have said that for them the HomePod does indeed sound better than any Sonos, even the 5.

And some of them are selling the 5 as well.

 

[steve knight]

I don't know if it sounds better then one sonos 5 I doubt it but with the sonos in stereo no way and not as much bass. but it sounds better then any alexa or google device. I am not sure if you can really compare them. the sonos works well when it is placed well the home pod works well in less then ideal locations. but the sonos works great for my blind wife. the app is very voiceover friendly and they have worked hard to keep it working. my wife can access all her music sources from one app.

 

[The Game 161]

Just set a timer and it’s nice and loud even from upstairs can hear it

One of the main things I will use Siri for.

 

[AppleRobert]

Dave Brubeck “Take Five”. Drums sound great. Then again the whole composition sounds great.

 

[AidenL]

Can the HomePod act as an alarm clock, and does it have a Snooze function?

Can it use a Tunein radio station as an alarm? Or a Playlist? Or a sound tone only?

 

[BillGates1969]

This is the only other option

And you managed to catch the game I was at in the background

 

[SD449]

I have only opened 1 of the 2 I ordered and I think I will be returning tomorrow.

Biggest issue is lack of Tune In Support (cant believe I missed this before ordering).
Im not a huge Siri hater but she is noticeably worse on the HomePod to the point my Series 0 Watch does a better job.
Sound quality is very good and I am liking the Home Automation but I don't I cannot overlook the other issues.

 

[weeesss]

I am eager to have hands-free access to Apple Music vs using my Echo to control my Sonos Play 3.

 

[Macdude2010]

Welp... didn't last long, just picked up my second HomePod...

 

[AidenL]

I have only opened 1 of the 2 I ordered and I think I will be returning tomorrow.

Biggest issue is lack of Tune In Support (cant believe I missed this before ordering).
Im not a huge Siri hater but she is noticeably worse on the HomePod to the point my Series 0 Watch does a better job.
Sound quality is very good and I am liking the Home Automation but I don't I cannot overlook the other issues.

No radio stations?

I missed that too.

 

[SD449]

No radio stations?

I missed that too.

Only they Apple Ones i.e. Beats 1.

Im a big Absolute Radio listener

 

[AidenL]

Only they Apple Ones i.e. Beats 1.

Im a big Absolute Radio listener

I listen to local stations also.

That’s a bummer. Big negative for me then.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

For now I simply airplay my radio stations

 

[Bfarmer38119]

I bought 2 HomePod's, however competition is extremely tough in my house.

In my bedroom I have Dali Zensor 3's coupled with a BK Monolith Subwoofer.

View attachment 750793


Downstairs I have Dali Zensor 7's, with Dali Zensor 3's as surround and a Dali E12-F Subwoofer.

View attachment 750795

Now comparing the HomePod to these 2 setups is not fair at all, but my standard are set fairly high. However, after spending time with the HomePod, letting music play throughout the house for a few hours between 20-50% volume (not touching or moving them), the sound seemed to get better (I know speakers can need a little run in period). I started by just using once, getting use to it, how it works, things Siri could do. I thought the vocals and clarity was very good, with bass being very nicely balanced and not overpowering (of course you need a good source, I was playing .AIFF files from iTunes).

It changed when I put the other one on. Wow. These 2 little speakers playing together, roughly 8ft apart, sounded incredible, albeit not true stereo (yet!). Siri worked perfect for me still, only resulting in 1 speaker dimming the sound, it had no trouble hearing my voice. In short, if you like your audio, I would try and get 2 instead of 1 as I don't think someone who likes their audio a fair bit will be too impressed. The ease of use, ability to move it to another room is very handy. I will probably end up buying more in future.

Siri is nothing special either, its just like an iPhone or iPad, yes its not great compared to others, it gets things wrong often, it's worked ok for me so far, but this is all Apple's side that can be improved and updated.

Since we can't use stereo yet, how did you get both HomePods to pair up to play the same thing together?

 

[richard371]

Im really looking forward to seeing what they sound like in stereo. right now im sitting at my desk and have the home pod on a dresser behind me but i feel having the other near my desk will really fill the room.