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Nothing Launches Transparent Over-Ear Headphones
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I agree
After being so fed up with having mine for years and them not receiving any kind of updates (aside from a port change from lightning to USB-C), I eventually sold them
If you've spent any time in audio studios, then you probably understand that the audio goals of studio headphones are not the same as the audio goals for consumer headphones, even those catering to "audiophiles." My home audio equipment isn't remotely the same as what would be used in a studio, nor would I want it to be.
For reference, my go-to over-ear headphones are B&W PX8s, which are fairly expensive (about double the AirPod Max headphones) and which register as "warm" compared to a flat, studio-headphone profile. They avoid sibilance (studio headphones do not), and nicely smooth out the upper midrange compared to studio headphones. For me, they are pleasurable and more closely match what I would experience sitting in a concert hall, rather than sitting on stage next to the performer. That, along with looks, features, and comfort, is where my money is going. I'm not exactly "clueless" here, because I also own studio headphones, and I know exactly what I'm paying for in both cases.
I never even considered buying them, because aesthetically I think they are awful. Respectfully that is not objective, however the fact that their audio quality is trash, is fairly objective
)This article is very poorly researched. The audio comes from KEF - one of the leading audio speaker producers in the world. Not even mentioning this makes the whole "review" pointless.
Unclear. KEF makes great loudspeakers, so that affiliation caught my eye as well. But for all we know right now, their involvement may have been relatively minimal (or not). Either way, the physical design of the headphones matters greatly, and my sense from reading this is that this was not KEF's work. The MacRumors blurb sounds like the sound is passable but not necessarily great, so I will want to read actual reviews before jumping to any conclusions.
How do you know the audio is trash. The audio is provided by KEF. One of the leading audio speaker producer in the world. The last thing they produce is trash.I never even considered buying them, because aesthetically I think they are awful. Respectfully that is not objective, however the fact that their audio quality is trash, is fairly objective
I would at least vote for listen to them yourself. 😉
From the KEF website:
Our strategic partnership with Nothing, the London-based consumer technology company, explores new frontiers in sound innovation and brings refined audio experiences to a broader audience.
Introducing Headphone (1)
The collaboration’s first product, Headphone (1), is encased in Nothing’s iconic transparent design. Powered by KEF’s six decades of acoustic mastery, these headphones create a rich, natural soundstage that brings sound to life. With AI-powered Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Hi-Res Audio and LDAC support, it offers pristine, immersive listening.
Rooted in a shared commitment to craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and bold design, this collaboration brings together two of the UK’s most iconic brands. Our six decades of high-fidelity audio expertise will support Nothing’s expansion into new audio categories – bringing acoustic precision to products shaped by Nothing’s distinct approach to design and user experience.
“KEF is one of the most respected names in audio, and we’re proud to partner with them as we take the next step in expanding Nothing’s audio journey,” said Andrew Freshwater, Head of Smart Products Marketing at Nothing. “By combining KEF’s decades of expertise with our design-led approach to technology, we’re laying the groundwork for a new standard in everyday listening. Our products launching later this year mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter of our collaboration and the future of Nothing Audio.”
For those who choose their headphones by design and ascetics over audio, you're better off with Apple or Beats.
So you listened to them before they were released?
Pre-orders available from 4 July. 🤔😂
Yes, that you are a phenomena who can decide on the sound quality by your eyes - impressive!
You're not great at interpreting what you read... I wasn't interested in them because they look like trash (subjective), when I tested them at a much later date, I found that they also sound like trash (objective when compared to other headphones in that price range). Hope this clears it up for you a bit.
Sounds to me more like you're talking your way out of it pretty badly. 😂
If you think that AirPods Max sound good, I really don't think sound is your thing
So you were writing about yourself, I get it and reading is not your thing. I understand, since you can use your eyes to judge the sound quality.If you think that AirPods Max sound good, I really don't think sound is your thing
Ok this is getting ridiculous- welcome to my ignore list - you wrote hard for it. 😂
I like the Nothing aesthetic. If iOS ran on other phones, I'd get that hardware instead. So using these as an accessory to my iPhone got my attention.
How does the transparency hold up over time? Is it plastic, will it yellow or fog up or is it easily scratched? The phones, I assume are glass?
I'm thinking of getting a pair of over eat headphones to work in a busy office and my AirPodsPro are too uncomfortable for all day use. Going to wait to see what the next AirPods Max look like but giving these Nothing Headphone (1) a good look for sure.
How does the transparency hold up over time? Is it plastic, will it yellow or fog up or is it easily scratched? The phones, I assume are glass?
I'm thinking of getting a pair of over eat headphones to work in a busy office and my AirPodsPro are too uncomfortable for all day use. Going to wait to see what the next AirPods Max look like but giving these Nothing Headphone (1) a good look for sure.
They'd need to have a considerable advantage over the Max I already have. Otherwise why would I spend the money? As native integration is already as good as it gets (I only connect to Apple devices) and comfort is fantastic as well the Px8 could at best be on par. I don't use these on the go so ANC modes and whatnot are irrelevant to me. For travelling I got the Airpods Pro where the adaptive ANC is crucial.Try Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and let's talk
If anything that means you weren't missing out on anything. Why do you buy and keep headphones for many years if they're so terrible? Or if they were actually decent then why sell them? They were never gonna get new features of a new chip.
I am definitely hoping for Max 2 to come out by the time my first gen pair fails me (we all know they aren't known to be the most reliable) but I am not replacing them until they stop working. Maybe you want the latest gadgets, fair enough, but then you were going to sell these either way.
That comment was actually about the Max. And even though I don't agree that the Max sound like trash they do indeed merely sound average. Which certainly matters when purchasing them at MSRP. I got mine on some prime deal and for the money they're plenty for everyday use. I don't use anything Bluetooth for music production anyways (due to the delay inherent to Bluetooth which makes using them for work utterly impossible) and I don't need Spatial Audio with various ANC modes in the studio either.
And they are closed back after all. Of course I can find much better sounding headphones for half the price but those will all be open back.