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Sony Unveils Redesigned WH-1000XM5 Headphones With Improved Noise Cancelation
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. . . Better is a subjective word that doesn’t carry weight.
Also, I’d say it really factors down to personal preference. When you look at the AirPods Max, they have lots of potential, but there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’, especially in terms of fit and comfortability, and parity of features doesn’t make the AirPods Max ‘better’, it makes them user specific.
I emailed the author of this article because the White model is nowhere to be found. It looks only Silver and Black.
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It's better if you are only sticking with the Apple ecosystem. In general overall usage between multi-OS devices like I have Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. I think the Sony one is well-rounded.
APM is just overpriced for what it is.
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I agree about built-in lithium batteries, generally. They're kind of a ticking clock to the device dying. Where feasible, it's way more eco-friendly and user-friendly to use replacable batteries (provided people use rechargables, which they should). I had a pair of Bose that used a single AA which was great because I could pack a couple Eneloops in my bag and never worry about them dying.
AirPods generally are too tiny and full of glue to have the batteries swapped, but AirPods Max are made such that the battery can be replaced. Unless some other piece of electronics dies (always possible), they could conceivably be kept running a lot longer. I have a hunch 10 years would be a stretch though -- even if they were still functioning, probably we'll be using some better wireless tech than Bluetooth by then anyway.
It appears that just other members here were trying to say there is a white model.
I think non replaceable battery complaints in tiny in ear earphones are a classic example of virtue signally. Actual people observed behaviour shows no one actually cares, beyond just wasting their breath saying they do.
I love my XM4s too, and agree they are great value. But having tried the Max's a few times at the Apple Store, I came away super impressed. They really do have a premium quality and feel that the plastic-y XM4s can't match. I'm not looking to replace my XM4s just yet, but if I did, I think I'd be honestly hard pressed to choose the XM5 over the Max at the XM5's full retail price. At $399 they're not far off AirPods Max current discounted prices.
(Of course, in 6-12 months the XM5s will come down in price a lot so then it might be a different story!)
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I have the XM4’s and the APM’s … the APM’s are so dang heavy, traveling with them is problematic, and I have neck issues so the weight is a factor for me. The XM4’s are my go to … they are comfortable, I can wear them an entire flight and forget they are even on my head, dont need to wrap them in a Bra, and sound amazing. APM’s are great, the sound is awesome, the noise cancelling is awesome, but they are just more cumbersome. I pre—ordered the XM5’s and will see if they can match things like phone quality and more advanced noise cancelling and they are lighter than the XM4’s. We will see…
Just place Apple sticker on the cup and you will drool all over it.
Agreed. I love my XM4s for travelling. I'm wearing them on a plane right now in fact!
I’m in the opposite camp… I’ve got both… I think the AP Max’s sound better and for my big dome… more comfortable… but to each their own.
Agreed on the M4’s being more portable/travelable… What was apple thinking with that case?
Coachingguy.
Why is it virtue signaling? If you could replace the battery easily it would be less expensive than buying a new pair. If wanting to save money and not buying the same product over and over again is virtue signaling, then I’m all for it.
I think it’s very telling of who these are designed for that they are paired with a MacBook pro in the promo photo.
They are obviously derivative of AirPods Max, but a nice design nonetheless. The headband does look a little bit uncomfortable though.
Have both, they’re not better value depending on your priorities
Subjective discussion but the general consensus is like most things wired vs wireless; wired is better for reliability, data speed (hi-res playback), and more power/watts, no battery. Wireless is great for portability, acceptability audio quality albeit limited by Bluetooth standards, and aesthetics which is subjective as well.
Connect them using settings like a caveman? The first time, yes. After that, no. You just turn them on and they connect.
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Oh, no question. Based on that, I can see the resemblance with B&O’s headphones primarily in the fact that they’re both headphone products with a headband and cups that go over the ears.