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AirPods Max Reviews
- Thread starter 3rdiguy
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iPhone review embargo's are usually lifted early during the week of release, I'd imagine Mon, Tue, Wed of next week probably.
Be very selective with the reviews you watch. 95% of Youtubers are not qualified to properly review audio products in depth. Go for the older reviewers or channels with many headphone reviews that consist of more than mainstream products.
I wouldn’t call these reviews, more like first looks. It baffles me that Apple is giving these to the same YouTubers that review iPhones. Why the heck is iJustine getting a review unit?!? In MKBHD‘s first look video he didn’t know what to compare them to. Does he compare them to the cheaper Sony’s or more expensive audiophile brands? That’s a failure on Apple’s part. Also most reviews I’ve seen so far have really knocked the smart case. I’d love to know what Apple’s intention was there. I would never travel with large headphones like that but for people who do it sounds like the case is no protection at all. Very weird.
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I think Apple is betting on brand loyalty to be a primary driver of sales for this product at its current markup. That explains why they give them to the usual suspects on YouTube.
Because she has 6.8million subscribers + however many watch without subscribing
Agree with this 100%. UrAvgConsumer, Marques, iJustine, and CNet are Apple loyalists. They typically give favorable reviews to most Apple products, hence the reason they get their units before other reviewers. I personally am waiting on reviews from Flossy, Gymcaddy, Rtings, and a few others that will be a a little more unbiased. If these reviewers give them the seal of approval, I'm on board. I personally prefer reviews from those who purchase the headphones with their own money. Much more incentive to be direct and unbiased in their review. And don't get me wrong, I hope these knock it out of the park. I purchased the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds and the Sony 1000XM4 headphones for Black Friday. I have until mid January to return both. It's nothing for me to send both back and grab the Max. I just have to make sure it's worth it before I do. Got a great deal on both.
I'm loving Rtings' systematic approach to reviewing products. Leaves very little room for bias to sneak in.
As others have noted, these people are "influencers" and Apple is hoping they will "influence" people to check them out and consider buying them. Others will wait for reviews from more autoreactive sources who will perform analytical testing in conjunction with their subjective reviews (because in the end, audio is subjective to the end-user).
Perhaps it is to provide a future add-on revenue opportunity should Apple release a sturdier "Travel Case" acessory.
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I think convenience is something that is not to be underestimated. I've had multitudes of $1000 + headphones over the years and in terms of wireless I have both Airpods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM3. While the Sony's sound better for music, they've been sitting collecting dust for the past 6 months because the Airpods Pros have good sound, instant pairing, terrific mics for conference calls, great fit for working out, spatial audio for movie, list goes on...
So similarly to all the comparisons between B&O, Sony, etc. over ear headphones and Airpods Max, I believe that Apple headphones will have so many conveniences that it won't really be a fair comparison just basing on sound quality and battery life...
So while expensive, I'm ok paying more for a quality product that I use on a daily basis. My only qualm is battery replacement - which needs to be addressed as one would expect to keep such a headphone for multiple years and not throw it in the trash like airpods due to dead batteries
So similarly to all the comparisons between B&O, Sony, etc. over ear headphones and Airpods Max, I believe that Apple headphones will have so many conveniences that it won't really be a fair comparison just basing on sound quality and battery life...
So while expensive, I'm ok paying more for a quality product that I use on a daily basis. My only qualm is battery replacement - which needs to be addressed as one would expect to keep such a headphone for multiple years and not throw it in the trash like airpods due to dead batteries
Minus the price, which is really high here are why I will wait or not purchase.
1. Lightning for charging is just horrible. Why can iPads have usb-c?
2. They are very heavy and bulky for using as a main set of headphones. I think they will sit on a shelf.
3. The materials will get dirty, fast.
4. The chi chi covers case looks horrible and that being the only way to put them to sleep isn't ideal.
5. If you are small, they are huge on your head. iJustine looks ridiculous with them on.
1. Lightning for charging is just horrible. Why can iPads have usb-c?
2. They are very heavy and bulky for using as a main set of headphones. I think they will sit on a shelf.
3. The materials will get dirty, fast.
4. The chi chi covers case looks horrible and that being the only way to put them to sleep isn't ideal.
5. If you are small, they are huge on your head. iJustine looks ridiculous with them on.
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So far I haven’t seen a first look/review that said anything positive about the case. Can’t imagine Apple wanting that.
Maybe it would not. Looks like only certain items have to be MFI-licensed and general cases do not appear to be that.
Because iPads need expansion connectivity options that USB-C provides and Lightning does not and a pair of headphones do not need that connectivity?
True, but it would not be the first time Apple loved something that end-users did not.
Its not about what it needs, its what's more convenient and easy. They are headphones and the standard for charging is usb-c.
I believe Micro-USB is more the standard for headphones at the moment.
And almost all, if not all, current Apple and Beats headphones use Lightning so that is the standard for Apple products.
I have the same opinion of the AirPods Pro. I have the AirPods Pro and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. I won't say my Momentums collect dust, but I tend to grab my AirPods Pro more because they are more convenient. The Momentums blow them away for Sound Quality and get plenty of ear time from me. But, one has to remember, the convenience only applies to those of us that use Apple products. So I understand those who are really critical of Apple and their eco system approach. And now you have headphones that they're charging a premium for where most features only apply to a set group. The Sony 1000XM4s are not the best sounding Wireless ANC headphones out, but what they have going for them is amazing features that you can take advantage of no matter your device of choice. They also currently have the best ANC on the market, best battery life, top 3 in comfort, while still sounding really good considering how strong their ANC is. And if you don't like the sound, you can EQ it in their app. You get all of this for $350 and can find it on sale pretty consistently for $270. For many, this makes the $550 asking price for the Max laughable. Does Apple care? Of course not. Their approach has always been Ecosystem and seamless integration. This is one of their devices that cater to those who are financially comfortable and hardcore Apple users. Nothing wrong with that just like there's nothing wrong with the criticism it is getting and will get unless reviews can show that it sounds notably better and has better ANC than all of the heavy hitters currently out that go for considerably less. We shall see. I'm ready to send my 1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 back if the reviewers I trust give the seal of approval. If not, I still have my AirPods Pro that has most of the same conveniences of the new Max.