Touch ID sensor on a MB IS in fact a power button. Press and hold it for 5 seconds while it’s on and logged on you’ll definitely see it power off after holding it 5 seconds.
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AirPods Max: Diary of a skeptic
- Thread starter turbineseaplane
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Yes. But my point is Apple is trying their hardest to make you think it isn't a power button. They really do not want you to use it as such.
Uhm yea they do. It’s all over their documentation and user guides.
But back to the topic. I have a big head and don’t find the clamping force to be an issue. I guess it did loosen up a bit, or I just got used to it, after a week or two.
I’m very surprised you got it at that price. It must have been stolen or repackaged. Did it have the Apple tab pull away plastic wrapping? I tried to pair of “sealed and new” AirPods Pro that were deeply discounted on OfferUp but when I saw them in person and examined the wrapping I knew it has been repAckaged. If you got a new set for that price that’s amazing. These things still go out of stock at some retailers.
I gave mine a solid 2 week try. They sounded amazing and I love everything about them except the clamping force. I even tried the suggesting of putting them on something for a few hours to stretch. I was always re-adjusting and thought I had been grinding my teeth in my sleep again my jaws hurt so bad. I figured out it was the headphones when I wasn't able to wear them during work one day and when I put them back on my jaw started hurting again. If apple made a light version of these I would buy them in a heartbeat.
@AreYouIn? Your post inspired me to update
I'm so sorry everyone -- I tried my best, but I didn't make it and have moved on.
I will say upfront that I do believe the weight was less of an issue overall than I'd first thought, but it was still a nuisance for me in terms of "moving around the house" with them on. The propensity to want to slide and threaten to fall off was not ideal and I definitely would prefer a future version to shave some weight off somehow.
Overall, what I couldn't get over was the pressure above my ear and the suction force on the NC.
The combination of those things was just making me miserable.
When I'd get laid down on the couch and get them positioned "just right" I was in heaven with great sound quality - loved it..
But it is just too finicky for me and not comfortable enough overall. I just want and need the comfort to be more automatic.
I also will say that I did not go down the route of "stretching them out" because I could tell the writing was on the wall for me with these and I didn't want to do something like that in case that's not what a future buyer might want.
So in closing..
Amazing sound - Comfort was overall better than I'd anticipated, but still not good enough out of the box for me.
Whether it would "get better" or not - honestly I'm just a little skeptical about lots of hacks like "stretch them out" and "you'll get used to it" on stuff like this. In my experience, for me, with headphones, they need to be a bit closer to "yes! Perfect!" right out of the box. Getting used to something and stretching it out and trying to sort of "mold it to you" has its limitations ultimately.
Maybe just the shape of my head was not going to help there either?
Maybe my advancing age and sensitivity on this stuff also doesn't help?
Honestly I don't know - but it just isn't the exact right thing for me in this iteration.
Amazing sound and iOS integration -- and if the comfort works for you - these are really great!
I super hope they do some revisions and perhaps a sport model where they try to tone down the weight of materials a bit, which might allow them to also dial in a bit less "clamp" out of the box. I'd be all over it - even at MSRP - if they did.
I'm so sorry everyone -- I tried my best, but I didn't make it and have moved on.
I will say upfront that I do believe the weight was less of an issue overall than I'd first thought, but it was still a nuisance for me in terms of "moving around the house" with them on. The propensity to want to slide and threaten to fall off was not ideal and I definitely would prefer a future version to shave some weight off somehow.
Overall, what I couldn't get over was the pressure above my ear and the suction force on the NC.
The combination of those things was just making me miserable.
When I'd get laid down on the couch and get them positioned "just right" I was in heaven with great sound quality - loved it..
But it is just too finicky for me and not comfortable enough overall. I just want and need the comfort to be more automatic.
I also will say that I did not go down the route of "stretching them out" because I could tell the writing was on the wall for me with these and I didn't want to do something like that in case that's not what a future buyer might want.
So in closing..
Amazing sound - Comfort was overall better than I'd anticipated, but still not good enough out of the box for me.
Whether it would "get better" or not - honestly I'm just a little skeptical about lots of hacks like "stretch them out" and "you'll get used to it" on stuff like this. In my experience, for me, with headphones, they need to be a bit closer to "yes! Perfect!" right out of the box. Getting used to something and stretching it out and trying to sort of "mold it to you" has its limitations ultimately.
Maybe just the shape of my head was not going to help there either?
Maybe my advancing age and sensitivity on this stuff also doesn't help?
Honestly I don't know - but it just isn't the exact right thing for me in this iteration.
Amazing sound and iOS integration -- and if the comfort works for you - these are really great!
I super hope they do some revisions and perhaps a sport model where they try to tone down the weight of materials a bit, which might allow them to also dial in a bit less "clamp" out of the box. I'd be all over it - even at MSRP - if they did.
This sums up my feelings as well. I loved everything but the clamping. If they work for others that's wonderful. They had an amazing sound and I loved the Digital Crown. I just couldn't deal with the fiddling for fit.
It really sucks when the fit is just not right. That happened to me with the original AirPods and it was so disappointing. Since you are not really on a timeline, I would consider giving them more time. Having said that, if they aren't working, they aren't working.
I would like to update that mine have continued to be more comfortable the more I wear them. I am at 3 weeks currently. I also should say that I am wearing them 6-8 hours a day during the week and did stretch them out. To me, Apple's 14-day return policy is far too short for headphones. You really need more than that for headphones to break in under normal circumstances (I don't classify 6-8 hours a day as normal). So those that are interested and are in the US, I would really suggest trying places like Amazon (30 days) or if you are Elite or Elite Plus then Best Buy (30 and 45 days respectively). Those return periods give you more of a chance to try to break them in.
That's a pity. I came to this point as well until some advised on how to stretch them. Made a huge world of a difference, and they went from being painful to be incredibly comfortable. I've thought about whether Apple could just have pre-stretched this before putting them in the box, but wonder if mine are now too loose for say kids, but I don't think so.
I wouldn't expect Apple to pre-stretch as you say. Many headphones require the stretching. Like you imply, better to be too tight and require some stretching than too loose.
Probably one of the fairest reviews I've seen rather than getting them for a day and returning while giving no real substance to why apart from "me no likey"
When these were announced I scoffed at the price, thought it was in the same category as Mac Pro wheels!, waited till March to see the reviews and any issues and only then thought it was worth giving them a go (couldn't try them out in a store in the UK).
Had mine a month now and no way their going back, but there is downsides to them!
Clamping force: everyones heads different for some the clamping force seems strong, for others it's not an issue. For me I can wear these without issue for 10 hour plus, I'm a glasses wearer too and I've never found a pair of on ear or over ear headphones that doesn't dig the stems into my head until the APM's. also the band doesn't feel like someones driving a spike through the crown of my head after an hour which I've not had before. Full disclosure I've switched from Beats Solo Pro's where the clamping force after half an hour felt like the Mountain out of GOT was squeezing my noggin and the headband felt like it was making a direct route to my feet.
Noise cancellation / Transparency: the noise cancellations great! what I've found is unique/unusual sound gets through with no music playing, but then with these the chances of wearing them without music playing is slim. The Transparency though wow, and I don't say that lightly, you could hear a pin drop in the room with no noticeable delay, it's amazing!
Sound Quality: So this is where everyone will find things a bit different dependent on how well your ears have held up, when first linked the APM's and played the best reference track I could find I was massively... unimpressed, it didn't sound better than the beats at all, to say I was livid was an understatement, then I started digging around in settings and what do you know it was Apple hobbling itself, since probably my first iPhone I've had "EQ" settings set in the iPhones settings to either Dance, Rock or Electronic. turned that off and my god the difference, think the iPhone EQ was fighting with the APM's adaptive EQ, the minute I played the same track I actually gasped!
The separations never gonna be as good as a decent set of open backs, but for closed backs it's extremely impressive, reminds me of the original HomePod's there's parts of music I've been listening to for years that I never knew was there due to the soundstage being so cramped up! for closed backs they do a great job, I've tried a mates Sienheisser HD 600's and these are near, not there but near!
Controls: thank god they didn't use touch control, at first I thought the digital crown was a gimmick but the granular control you have over the volume is way better than any touch controls could be!
Build Quality: Second to none, when you hold and play around with them the build quality just feels second level, plus all the parts are modular, the ear cups are replaceable the headband can disconnect so no doubt replaceable at some point, they even mad it easy to replace the battery something unheard of recently from Apple, they've definitely went with longevity in mind.
Issues:
That case, it's almost an insult for a product this well made! oh it puts them in sleep mode does it, fantastic so does leaving them still for a few minutes after the latest firmware update, protection! well I suppose somethings better than nothing but it's a bit like putting a baking tray under your shirt instead of a bullet proof vest!
They don't fold down? why don't they fold down, the ridiculous amount of engineering they put into the link between the band and the ear cups, would it have been that hard to put 2 hinges on either side that would allow them to fold down!
No off button, meh my APM's are for the house mostly, out and about I'll use my AirPod Pro's, so the APM's won't be short on getting a quick charge here and there when needed. but when I'm travelling why no fold down!!!?
Lightning instead of USB-C, not that bothered really, I see some points on this but really they come with the cable and if you've got an iPhone and if your not travelling with their overpriced 2 in 1 charging mat then you'll likely have a lightning cable with you.
No EQ settings, I do love a good fiddle with these so that's a downside but I've not missed it as much as I thought I would, the adaptive EQ works great, but I still would love the option!
When these were announced I scoffed at the price, thought it was in the same category as Mac Pro wheels!, waited till March to see the reviews and any issues and only then thought it was worth giving them a go (couldn't try them out in a store in the UK).
Had mine a month now and no way their going back, but there is downsides to them!
Clamping force: everyones heads different for some the clamping force seems strong, for others it's not an issue. For me I can wear these without issue for 10 hour plus, I'm a glasses wearer too and I've never found a pair of on ear or over ear headphones that doesn't dig the stems into my head until the APM's. also the band doesn't feel like someones driving a spike through the crown of my head after an hour which I've not had before. Full disclosure I've switched from Beats Solo Pro's where the clamping force after half an hour felt like the Mountain out of GOT was squeezing my noggin and the headband felt like it was making a direct route to my feet.
Noise cancellation / Transparency: the noise cancellations great! what I've found is unique/unusual sound gets through with no music playing, but then with these the chances of wearing them without music playing is slim. The Transparency though wow, and I don't say that lightly, you could hear a pin drop in the room with no noticeable delay, it's amazing!
Sound Quality: So this is where everyone will find things a bit different dependent on how well your ears have held up, when first linked the APM's and played the best reference track I could find I was massively... unimpressed, it didn't sound better than the beats at all, to say I was livid was an understatement, then I started digging around in settings and what do you know it was Apple hobbling itself, since probably my first iPhone I've had "EQ" settings set in the iPhones settings to either Dance, Rock or Electronic. turned that off and my god the difference, think the iPhone EQ was fighting with the APM's adaptive EQ, the minute I played the same track I actually gasped!
The separations never gonna be as good as a decent set of open backs, but for closed backs it's extremely impressive, reminds me of the original HomePod's there's parts of music I've been listening to for years that I never knew was there due to the soundstage being so cramped up! for closed backs they do a great job, I've tried a mates Sienheisser HD 600's and these are near, not there but near!
Controls: thank god they didn't use touch control, at first I thought the digital crown was a gimmick but the granular control you have over the volume is way better than any touch controls could be!
Build Quality: Second to none, when you hold and play around with them the build quality just feels second level, plus all the parts are modular, the ear cups are replaceable the headband can disconnect so no doubt replaceable at some point, they even mad it easy to replace the battery something unheard of recently from Apple, they've definitely went with longevity in mind.
Issues:
That case, it's almost an insult for a product this well made! oh it puts them in sleep mode does it, fantastic so does leaving them still for a few minutes after the latest firmware update, protection! well I suppose somethings better than nothing but it's a bit like putting a baking tray under your shirt instead of a bullet proof vest!
They don't fold down? why don't they fold down, the ridiculous amount of engineering they put into the link between the band and the ear cups, would it have been that hard to put 2 hinges on either side that would allow them to fold down!
No off button, meh my APM's are for the house mostly, out and about I'll use my AirPod Pro's, so the APM's won't be short on getting a quick charge here and there when needed. but when I'm travelling why no fold down!!!?
Lightning instead of USB-C, not that bothered really, I see some points on this but really they come with the cable and if you've got an iPhone and if your not travelling with their overpriced 2 in 1 charging mat then you'll likely have a lightning cable with you.
No EQ settings, I do love a good fiddle with these so that's a downside but I've not missed it as much as I thought I would, the adaptive EQ works great, but I still would love the option!
Is there a return option? I can’t decide whether they’re worth getting but would like to give them a decent try before making a final decision. From what you’ve said, I doubt I’d be able to do that during the course of just a store visit (when the queues die down!).Day two is not going well -- It's taking massive willpower just to use them.
The "clamp" force on my head, directly above my ears, is really not pleasant. It has me fiddling with them constantly to try to figure out an angle/spot for the top headband and cups to try to mitigate it.
oh sure. Take advantage of apple 14 day and give them a go!
if you can get on with them comfort wise, you’ll love everything else I think.
If Apple makes a lighter weight version that I can wear with and without glasses, I’ll try again. They were way too uncomfortable between the weight and the clamp against my head. Also, they were painful whether or not I wore my glasses, I’d love it if Apple releases APM that address these issues. AirPods are not an option for me either.
I loved the ANC and the sound. Oh well.
I loved the ANC and the sound. Oh well.
Basically my exact feelings as well.
I’m honestly not hopeful on this front though.
I suspect Apple loves the weight, heft and materials in use that all contribute to a “premium feel” and help justify a, likely, very high margin MSRP.
There is only one way for Apple to reduce the weight on APMs: Make the bass sound thin and crappy.
Good bass requires heavier magnets. There is no getting around that. Check out the weight of high end headphones, ones that have great bass response. I'm not talking about artificially pumped bass that will always sound muddy and undefined, and ends up giving you a headache. My Focals weight 1 oz. more that APMs. My Sony XMs weigh 4 oz. less, and the bass is crap compared to APMs.
APMs are noted for their good bass response. I can attest to that. Lighter APMs? No thanks!
Good bass requires heavier magnets. There is no getting around that. Check out the weight of high end headphones, ones that have great bass response. I'm not talking about artificially pumped bass that will always sound muddy and undefined, and ends up giving you a headache. My Focals weight 1 oz. more that APMs. My Sony XMs weigh 4 oz. less, and the bass is crap compared to APMs.
APMs are noted for their good bass response. I can attest to that. Lighter APMs? No thanks!
You are saying there’s nowhere else in the build to reduce the weight?
Perhaps a sport model could compromise a bit?
Can make it part of that line for all I would care... But I think there is room in the middle anyhow
There's probably little you can do to reduce the weight, nor would you want to. The APMs are built rugged, which for me makes the case a non-issue. Where the competitors use plastic, Apple uses aluminum. The headband looks fairly bullet proof compared to others. Even so, that amounts to very little in terms of overall weight.
A sport model would be good, but you will not get the same tonal response as APMs. But then, in the throws of a heavy workout... or even a mild hike, that's not nearly as critical compared to critical listening.