AirPods Max is here! First impressions and photos thread

[Bl0ckHe1d]

Does the volume go up fairly high? Could a person with hearing impairment get enjoyment from these?

I have severe hearing loss and wanted to try out these AirPods Max and using my audiogram with the Headphone Accommodation (Accessibility) to customise the audio output(s) to match my losses. I can hear the musical instruments but the volume is maxed out, however I cannot pick up on the vocals, for me it is very faint. It is the same when watching a movie on Apple TV or on the iPad I cannot make out what anyone is saying.

I don't think these AirPods Max are suitable for me, I am hoping that there may be something in the near future that may accommodating to my hearing loss as from what I could hear they were good.

 

[rews]

Got a space grey pair for Christmas. Really happy with how they sound and the noise cancelling/transparency modes are great.

Any good Apple Music atmos recommendations? ?

 

[Sooby]

View attachment 1934957
Got a space grey pair for Christmas. Really happy with how they sound and the noise cancelling/transparency modes are great.

Any good Apple Music atmos recommendations? ?

I‘d recommend going through the ‘Made For Spatial Audio’ playlist on Apple Music.

 

[klky]

I went to try out the AirPods Max yesterday and was pretty underwhelmed by the sound. They sound fine but I expected better. Sound wise, the only times I have been wowed by earphones or headphones was when I got the Shure SE846s and when I heard spatial audio for the first time on my AirPods Pros. I do like the look of the Airpods Max and they feel very well built. Unfortunately, I also find them a bit on the heavy side.

 

[Sooby]

I went to try out the AirPods Max yesterday and was pretty underwhelmed by the sound. They sound fine but I expected better. Sound wise, the only times I have been wowed by earphones or headphones was when I got the Shure SE846s and when I heard spatial audio for the first time on my AirPods Pros. I do like the look of the Airpods Max and they feel very well built. Unfortunately, I also find them a bit on the heavy side.

Tbh, I also feel that spatial audio is a bit overrated so far. It does seem to improve the sound staging of the instruments in the music but it's probably still not as a good at soundstaging as a pair high quality open back headphones playing stereo. I've had very limited experience using them with Dolby Atmos movies. I've heard people say that it can replicate a surround sound system. So far, I don't think this is true. The sound still feels like it's coming from a pair of headphones and not a group of speakers surrounding you. I may change my opinion once I listen to more movies.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Tbh, I also feel that spatial audio is a bit overrated so far.

It is.

It's an interesting tech demo at this point, and that's about it.

As an aside, I was trying to figure out why songs I knew really well were sounding awful on APMs at Best Buy....figured it out. They had the "spatialize stereo" option enabled. Boy was that dreadful. Why anyone would massacre a well mastered stereo recording with such a setting is beyond me. It's not "better" or "more accurate" or "spacious" -- it's just a mess.

A gimmick of all gimmicks.
That one reminds me of all the "audio modes" on receivers of the past.

 

[Sooby]

It is.

It's an interesting tech demo at this point, and that's about it.

As an aside, I was trying to figure out why songs I knew really well were sounding awful on APMs at Best Buy....figured it out. They had the "spatialize stereo" option enabled. Boy was that dreadful. Why anyone would massacre a well mastered stereo recording with such a setting is beyond me. It's not "better" or "more accurate" or "spacious" -- it's just a mess.

A gimmick of all gimmicks.
That one reminds me of all the "audio modes" on receivers of the past.

Personally I probably wouldn't go so far as to call it a gimmick but I'm not sure it's super revolutionary either. Maybe just a modest improvement to stereo. I think you need to have the music mastered for spatial audio in conjunction with the spatial audio setting turned on to see the improvements. I do think there is an improvement for some music when it's been specifically mastered for spatial audio. For example, the jazz song 'Weaver of Dreams' by Freddie Hubbard seems to be mastered quite well for spatial audio and sounds nice. I haven't listened to it in stereo, but it does seem like the placement and soundstaging of the instruments are being improved upon. It seems to me that so far spatial audio is a nice thing for closed back headphones which usually fall behind open back headphones with regards to sound staging. It helps them to replicate that open back sound a bit more. But I still think a good pair of open backs playing stereo is going to be better.

 

[telo123]

Returned mine. Nice overall, but cannot get use to the weight and clamping of it. Even did the stretching method on a box for over 24-hours — no dice.

 

[jterp7]

Returned mine. Nice overall, but cannot get use to the weight and clamping of it. Even did the stretching method on a box for over 24-hours — no dice.

which over ears work for you instead? The maxes pulled all the way out are the only full size that worked for me and ive tried B&W, B&O, sennheiser (really bad clamping), grados, older beats studios

 

[Htsi]

Returned mine. Nice overall, but cannot get use to the weight and clamping of it. Even did the stretching method on a box for over 24-hours — no dice.

which over ears work for you instead? The maxes pulled all the way out are the only full size that worked for me and ive tried B&W, B&O, sennheiser (really bad clamping), grados, older beats studios

With generous return policies 24 hours is too short of a trial period, but you do you.
I think Sony and Bose QC 35/45 have the least clamp force.

 

[usagora]

With generous return policies 24 hours is too short of a trial period

I agree. I've worn the same pair of Sennheiser headphones for about 7 years, so I knew when I ordered the AirPods Max that I would not immediately love the feel of them simply because they wouldn't be what I was used to. But after a few days of getting used to them, they felt great. You've really got to have that "clamping" force in order for the noise cancellation to work properly, and the added bonus is they won't slide off your head when you lean over (my Sennheisers did). The noise cancellation on these are really quite remarkable. Now when I take them off I can't believe all the background sounds that I was so used to hearing before (dehumidifier, HVAC system, refrigerator, freezer, etc.) that I can't hear at all (or extremely faintly) when I have the AirPods Max on.

My only complaint is that for the price I really wish Apple had included a nice hard shell case like some third party ones you can find online.

 

[usagora]

Got a brand new Space Gray for only 300USD. They sound okay - not worth the nearly 600 MSRP. For my tastes the 'Electronic' or 'Hip Hop' EQ sounds better to my ears than the out-of-the-box-eq but I haven't used them much yet.
My pair also have little factory scratches. Didn't really appreciate that no instructions were included and Apple's website has far more information about using them/features.

Yeah, I'm really wondering along with the other poster if you actually received a brand new or even genuine pair. Because they definitely come with instructions. They're in the little "Designed by Apple in California" packet in the bottom of the box (covers the charging cable):

 

[telo123]

which over ears work for you instead? The maxes pulled all the way out are the only full size that worked for me and ive tried B&W, B&O, sennheiser (really bad clamping), grados, older beats studios

I have had the QC35's for the longest time. However, I have not used them in months as I prefer in-ear for now. I get really sensitive to heat due to the leather. The AirPods Max was better regarding heat than the QC35 from my POV because of the mesh material. Apple did a good job with spreading the weight across the headphones, but it was just too heavy overall, no matter how I adjusted the headphones. It felt like my head was constantly trying to balance weights on them. As soon as I move or turn my head, the full weight is felt and causes headaches and soreness where the top mesh band rests on.

 

[telo123]

I agree. I've worn the same pair of Sennheiser headphones for about 7 years, so I knew when I ordered the AirPods Max that I would not immediately love the feel of them simply because they wouldn't be what I was used to. But after a few days of getting used to them, they felt great. You've really got to have that "clamping" force in order for the noise cancellation to work properly, and the added bonus is they won't slide off your head when you lean over (my Sennheisers did). The noise cancellation on these are really quite remarkable. Now when I take them off I can't believe all the background sounds that I was so used to hearing before (dehumidifier, HVAC system, refrigerator, freezer, etc.) that I can't hear at all (or extremely faintly) when I have the AirPods Max on.

My only complaint is that for the price I really wish Apple had included a nice hard shell case like some third party ones you can find online.

That's my problem, though. If the AirPods Max weighed the same as the Bose QC's or the 700s or XM4s, I would have definitely kept the AirPods Max. Love the sound stage, Spatial Audio, ANC and its integration with iOS and macOS. I spent 3 weeks with them trying to get use to them (due to extended holiday return policy), I could not. It caused fatigue and eventually caused headaches if I wear them for more than 2 hours at a time. Even the top mesh band was causing soreness on the part of my head it rests on, no matter the adjustment I did.

I had the QC35 ii's for a very long time, and I barely wear them because of the heat retention of the leather cushions (I'm sensitive to heat, more than the average person I guess). The Max fared better for heat because of the mesh material. It's just the weight. I'm glad that Apple came out with the AirPods Pro. While the ANC is not nearly as good as the QC or the Max, it's just more comfortable.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If the AirPods Max weighed the same as the Bose QC's or the 700s or XM4s, I would have definitely kept the AirPods Max. Love the sound stage, Spatial Audio, ANC and its integration with iOS and macOS. I spent 3 weeks with them trying to get use to them (due to extended holiday return policy), I could not. It caused fatigue and eventually caused headaches if I wear them for more than 2 hours at a time. Even the top mesh band was causing soreness on the part of my head it rests on, no matter the adjustment I did.

Don’t feel bad…I had exactly the same experience.
I think many did.

I really do hope they refresh it and make a model that is lighter and with less clamp force.

Wonderful sound and integration, but all of that doesn’t matter if the comfort isn’t there for you.
They are headphones after all — not much point if it’s not enjoyable to wear for extended periods.

 

[telo123]

Don’t feel bad…I had exactly the same experience.
I think many did.

I really do hope they refresh it and make a model that is lighter and with less clamp force.

Wonderful sound and integration, but all of that doesn’t matter if the comfort isn’t there for you.
They are headphones after all — not much point if it’s not enjoyable to wear for extended periods.

Right! I would love for a cheaper and lighter AirPods over-ear. I love the material they used on the ear cups (I find that I'm not sweating anymore). While it feels and looks nice, the metal adds so much unneeded weight.

I'm excited about the rumoured AirPods Pro 2, though. They make it seem promising. If Apple decides to release the Pros and a lighter AirPods Max around the same time, I will be struggling to make a choice.

 

[usagora]

Don’t feel bad…I had exactly the same experience.
I think many did.

I really do hope they refresh it and make a model that is lighter and with less clamp force.

Wonderful sound and integration, but all of that doesn’t matter if the comfort isn’t there for you.
They are headphones after all — not much point if it’s not enjoyable to wear for extended periods.

Well, many DO find them enjoyable to wear for extended periods. I've worn them pretty much all day some days. I'm not so sure if there is such a thing as a pair of headphones that literally everyone finds to fit them perfectly. And without the "clamping force" (honestly, I have a fairly large head and don't feel it's overly strong) you're going to risk losing the seal necessary for ANC to work properly and also have them move around more. Anyway, there's plenty of alternate choices out there. And maybe Apple will engineer a way to adjust the tension in the future, but I think it would be a mistake if they simply lessened the clamping force.

 

[xxray]

First two hours impressions:

• ANC is better than on AirPods Pro.
• Not that heavy to me at all (reviews had me a little concerned - I have a large head), and no clamping issues.
• I’m used to the Sennheiser HD 650 + Schitt Stack, and I find the AirPods Max to be warmer, with a punchier bass, but less clarity/detail compared to the HD 650s.
• Build quality is exceptional.
• I love the physical volume and ANC/transparency mode buttons. They have very natural/intuitive placement too.

 

[Brewc]

Tbh, I also feel that spatial audio is a bit overrated so far. It does seem to improve the sound staging of the instruments in the music but it's probably still not as a good at soundstaging as a pair high quality open back headphones playing stereo. I've had very limited experience using them with Dolby Atmos movies. I've heard people say that it can replicate a surround sound system. So far, I don't think this is true. The sound still feels like it's coming from a pair of headphones and not a group of speakers surrounding you. I may change my opinion once I listen to more movies.

Well I can tell you playing video games new Xbox and PS5 there is a huge difference from sound with games. You hear background conversations the NPC’s have on Halo infinite. Brings a new level to it.

 

[Sooby]

Well I can tell you playing video games new Xbox and PS5 there is a huge difference from sound with games. You hear background conversations the NPC’s have on Halo infinite. Brings a new level to it.

That's great to hear about their gaming performance. I don't have the 3.5mm cable so I haven't used them with my Series X. I have the Dolby Atmos License for my Xbox and a pair of Sennheiser HD58x's so I wonder how much better, if at all, the Airpods might be. I might have to get a cable one day and try them out.

 

[iSheep5S]

Finally got to try them yesterday. Lovely lady but I sent her off to serve other customers while I settled in.

My background is all the audio. Consumer to audiophile DAC and amp. HD600’s etc. I’m ok with the trade off of my XM3’s just now for Bluetooth.

Skip to audio as that’s all I’ve done reading or watching reviews.

At first I was impressed. The separation, the Bass control, general balance and soundstage. But I couldn’t put my finger on what was up.

It’s like the music is presented to you in a sterile environment. They are COVID 19 headphones. Music is sanitised and soulless. These lack character. BUT!

I want to play with them but not at a 550 entry fee.

 

[xxray]

Today marks a week since I’ve gotten the AirPods Max. I’m undecided if I will keep them or not.

The sound quality + convenience of Apple ecosystem + $429 price I bought them at was my motivation for buying. Before the Max, I used AirPods Pro basically everywhere (office, exercising outside, at the gym, at home while doing chores, at home while relaxing), while I reserved my Sennheiser HD 650s + Schiit DAC and Amp for when I wanted to truly get the best music quality and was willing to sacrifice convenience, comfort, and portability for audio quality. I bought APM hoping that it could provide me a middle ground where I could get the convenience of AirPods, yet get much better audio quality while relaxing around the house, getting work done, etc.

The APM live up to that goal for me, but I‘m worried it creates too much redundancy for an expensive price. For example, I basically only use my AirPods Pro for exercise now, which makes me feel like I’m wasting the money I’ve spent on them (even though I’ve already used them religiously since launch day). The AirPods Pro are also a more comfortable and convenient form factor. Your ears don’t get hot/sweaty, you can put them in your pocket, they take up less space in bag, there’s less concern about damaging them, and they attract less attention. Speaking of sweat, I also do get condensation pretty often when wearing the APM for 40+ minutes (while stationary, indoors, in a non-humid ~70 degrees environment), which makes me a little concerned for their longevity.

Additionally, the AirPods Max sound great, but when I’m listening to music while working, I’m so distracted with work that I’m not even fully appreciating/noticing the sound most of the time anyways. This makes me wonder why I don’t just stick with the AirPods Pro. When I do relax in bed with my iPhone and AirPods Max (way more convenient than moving DAC, Amp, HD 650s, all their cords, and my large 12.9” iPad Pro to my bedroom) and focus purely on the music, I can’t help but be thinking about how much nicer the music would sound on my HD 650s. Don’t get me wrong, the APM sounds great, but the HD 650s have so much clarity and balance that it makes you feel like you‘re listening to the “source material” of the song whereas APM kinda feels like there‘s a filter or processing layer over everything if you really pay attention.

I really enjoy the AirPods Max, but I just can’t decide if it’s worth it to spend almost $500 (with taxes) while also creating redundancy with the expensive headphones I already own.

 

[iSheep5S]

@xxray not quoting your full post but. I have many expensive sets. If you have more than one set AND audiophile gear. You are an enthusiast/collector. Keep em all. I managed to get the Airpods Max despite my above first thoughts. Just working on a picture and review.

 

[jterp7]

remember this is their first attempt at over ears hp. I actually have a hd650 but i cant do the clamping force where i can with the airpod max. Perhaps its cuz ive only run my 650s through the headamp pico but the maxes have been better for me on convenience and ease of use, even if i am missing that last bit of sparkle.

when i first got mine the first week i used it over 20hrs, which is a lot for me.

 

[iSheep5S]

So I got a good deal on a silver set. Not my first choice, Space Grey is but a deal is a deal. Thoughts?

Bad? The spacial audio is wasted on me. Case… tho I like it sitting out and looking at it it’s not a case. Pads are so so for a start but I seem to have forgot about them. Not XM3/4 comfortable tho.

Good? Despite my initial thoughts. If you like traditional HiFi you will love them. They are clear, decent soundstage for closed Bluetooth. I think there is software analysing as they sound like no other. Going between apple devices is seamless. I find them comfortable for long periods as well. No clamp and weight is fine for me.

Sound? Treble isn’t screaming and hard to listen to like some audiophile sets. Mids are clear and not tied in with the bass like some (Sony). Bass isn’t bass head head rattling. More on that soon. But it’s tight and separate in the mix. No mush here. They are music orientated. I say this as I watched my current series with them and they can be bright. I’d say they reveal recording errors. May be as my series is set in the 90’s? More testing required.

As a headphones user with many sets I was going to buy these anyway. But Mr/Mrs consumer? I dunno. My XM3’s are more comfortable. Transport easier. Noise cancel similar. If I gave them to my wife she would bop away at the bass as it is thick AND adjustable if required to clear up the mush. Most average consumers love bass. That’s why stuff like the Skull Candy Crushers exist. These do lack bass.

Who are they for? I honestly don’t know. Audiophiles that want clarity on the go? Sony can do it enough so there will be no tears for the outings. Every audiophile and tech reviewer on YouTube has them and rave about them. Sonys value can’t be ignored. The XM3’s are on offer at a steal. The XM4’s are not worth it over the 3’s for just quality of life improvements and a small audio change.

I think they will sell for years like the Beats Studio 3’s with no upgrade or die out. Do I regret getting them? Nope. But… they couldn’t be my only set where the Sonys could.


EDIT! Ran the Beatles through the Sonys and AirPods Max today. My apologies. The AirPods are very clear. 8 days a week, when the drums come in it’s like the drum room fades in then out when the section ends. The dynamic of the song is heard and felt with the change. I tried the Sonys. No such separation it all mixes. They are truly HiFi.

I stand by having several sets but these are outstanding. iSheep approved.