APM - they have quite a few flaws...

[danneman]

After several months using APM I have a few thoughts. I was very excited about Apple’s new headphones at first. But sooner rather than later I began feeling annoyed about quite a few things. The sound quality however I found superb and not to mention the best in class transparency mode and noise cancellation.
However the things that disturbed me became more and more harder to accept for headphones that expensive.
1. You can’t switch them off
2. They are BIG and heavy. Not ideal to accompany you when travelling. They take up much space when not used.
3. The excellent noise cancellation works well only if I don’t move my head. When turning my head much noise leaks happen due to bad shaped earcups (at least for my head). When turning my head left the left earcup/ cushion doesn’t have a snug fit and vice versa. It was very annoying when flying.
They work very well at home - but they are a bummer when travelling. My plan is now to wait for a new model of Sony wh-1000m4.
it’s a shame - I really want to like them.

 

[johntw]

I agree with these being best for at home or when stationary. I have yet to travel with them though. I wasn't sure if the head movement thing we experience was due to the seal fluctuating or also the ANC algorithm needing to readjust? I only notice it happen when the AC unit is on.

 

[danneman]

Thanks for your thoughts on the matter!
At first I thought the bad sealing had to do with bad ear cushions. I even had Apple to send me replace cushions. It did not change a thing. I’m certain that the fluctuating seal is due to bad design of the ear cups. The problem is that it’s very prominent and annoying when using noise cancellation in a plane.

 

[johntw]

They tend to sit angled where there are "tighter" above the ear and "looser" below the ear, due to the connection to the headband only being at the top. I feel the design could be improved, perhaps something similar to the Bose NC 700 design.

 

[danneman]

They tend to sit angled where there are "tighter" above the ear and "looser" below the ear, due to the connection to the headband only being at the top. I feel the design could be improved, perhaps something similar to the Bose NC 700 design.

Exactly!

 

[Cashmonee]

The weight really does make them unusable anywhere but at a desk. I have tried even just walking around the house or my classroom and they get real uncomfortable real fast.

One other thing I have noticed is that with noise canceling turned on I am getting significant cabin pressure. To the point of getting sick. I thought I had gotten acclimated to it, but then did not use ANC for a couple months. I used it again the other day for about 45 minutes and felt sick for the next few hours.

They certainly have a lot of plusses, namely great connectivity (in my experience), fantastic transparency mode, and good sound quality. Those few minuses though are so critical they make them hard to recommend or keep.

 

[danneman]

The weight really does make them unusable anywhere but at a desk. I have tried even just walking around the house or my classroom and they get real uncomfortable real fast.

One other thing I have noticed is that with noise canceling turned on I am getting significant cabin pressure. To the point of getting sick. I thought I had gotten acclimated to it, but then did not use ANC for a couple months. I used it again the other day for about 45 minutes and felt sick for the next few hours.

They certainly have a lot of plusses, namely great connectivity (in my experience), fantastic transparency mode, and good sound quality. Those few minuses though are so critical they make them hard to recommend or keep.

Unfortunately yes!

 

[turbineseaplane]

One other thing I have noticed is that with noise canceling turned on I am getting significant cabin pressure. To the point of getting sick. I thought I had gotten acclimated to it, but then did not use ANC for a couple months. I used it again the other day for about 45 minutes and felt sick for the next few hours.

It was too much for me also. It cancelled the hell out of noise, but I found it profoundly unpleasant after a little while.

 

[bigshot]

The cabin pressure is because of the plane, not the headphones. You probably don't yawn or chew gum enough when you are listening to headphones to equalize the pressure in your ears with the cabin pressure.

For the uses people are talking about here the regular AirPods or cheap portable headphones are better suited. The APMs are for sitting on the couch and seriously listening to music, or watching TV late at night.

Bad seals are due to the headphones just not fitting your particular head. I use the APMs and get a great seal. You have to try headphones on just like trying on a pair of pants at the store.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The cabin pressure is because of the plane

Can't speak for others, but I was talking about the cabin pressure "suction" effect of the NC....on my couch at home.

The "amazing seal" actually becomes part of the problem for some of us.
The NC effect and feeling can be too much. It's very subjective.

 

[The Game 161]

Had mine for a few hours and I do get the weight but not a major issue for me as these will be used at home and indoor spaces. The sound is certainly amazing

the case is certainly flawed not a fan of it to be honest

 

[Bob Coxner]

I think the weight/fit issue is very subjective, due to the fact that there is no single head shape that we all share. They're very comfortable to me and I don't feel the weight. The same goes for stationary versus movement. A lot of reviewers say they're not comfortable for walking around. I have no problem with that. I wear them on outdoor walks for maybe an hour and they feel fine and don't shift around. I wouldn't recommend trying to run with them, though.

 

[bigshot]

I have regular headphones that are as heavy as the APMs. That weight isn't that uncommon for high end headphones. The heavy gauge steel pivots and casing is what you are paying for.

 

[Cashmonee]

The cabin pressure is because of the plane, not the headphones. You probably don't yawn or chew gum enough when you are listening to headphones to equalize the pressure in your ears with the cabin pressure.

For the uses people are talking about here the regular AirPods or cheap portable headphones are better suited. The APMs are for sitting on the couch and seriously listening to music, or watching TV late at night.

Bad seals are due to the headphones just not fitting your particular head. I use the APMs and get a great seal. You have to try headphones on just like trying on a pair of pants at the store.

Cabin pressure refers to the pressure the AirPods use to cancel noise. All ANC use pressure to get a good seal to help with the noise canceling. The APM uses a lot of pressure which leads to great ANC but can be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to it. I am not normally sensitive to this pressure but something is apparently different for me with the APM.

As a side note, I would not consider the APM as suitable for critical listening of music. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They are not built for that which allows them to excel in other areas.

I have regular headphones that are as heavy as the APMs. That weight isn't that uncommon for high end headphones. The heavy gauge steel pivots and casing is what you are paying for.

As do I. I also do not walk around with those either. Also, the weight on those headphones is often in the driver more than things like the headband or cup material. It’s why most of those types of headphones don’t shift on your head where for many the APM do.

 

[alecgold]

After several months using APM I have a few thoughts. I was very excited about Apple’s new headphones at first. But sooner rather than later I began feeling annoyed about quite a few things. The sound quality however I found superb and not to mention the best in class transparency mode and noise cancellation.
However the things that disturbed me became more and more harder to accept for headphones that expensive.
1. You can’t switch them off
2. They are BIG and heavy. Not ideal to accompany you when travelling. They take up much space when not used.
3. The excellent noise cancellation works well only if I don’t move my head. When turning my head much noise leaks happen due to bad shaped earcups (at least for my head). When turning my head left the left earcup/ cushion doesn’t have a snug fit and vice versa. It was very annoying when flying.
They work very well at home - but they are a bummer when travelling. My plan is now to wait for a new model of Sony wh-1000m4.
it’s a shame - I really want to like them.

I don’t see most of your points as flaws.
1. Don’t worry, just enjoy them. They do well, battery-wise, they get to sleep soon and after some time they get in ultra-low-power mode. But I would prefer them not to as the draining is so low that it hardly matters.
2. IMHO they are not traveling headphones, they are perfect WFH headphones when there are kids/spouses/neighbors-with-home-improvement-plans/utility-workers-replacing-the-sewers around that keep you from concentrated work. I expect them to work equally perfect in the office. If we ever get there again.
3. I had the same problem, looking right/left leaked some noise. Extending the headband solved it. Might/might-not work for you.
4. XM3’s gave me ANC-pressure/headache/nausea. If you can, test them before buying, although I head really good things about the XM4’s.

 

[alecgold]

…
As do I. I also do not walk around with those either. Also, the weight on those headphones is often in the driver more than things like the headband or cup material. It’s why most of those types of headphones don’t shift on your head where for many the APM do.

I fail to see what the difference is between the aluminium (heavy) ear cups on the Max or the heavy drivers on HiFi cans. They have the same result: the inertia of mass overcoming the friction caused by the cushions and the clamping force.

 

[Cashmonee]

I fail to see what the difference is between the aluminium (heavy) ear cups on the Max or the heavy drivers on HiFi cans. They have the same result: the inertia of mass overcoming the friction caused by the cushions and the clamping force.

What I am saying is that a higher percentage of the APM weight is in the band. Most audiophile headphones have a rather lightweight band and heavy drivers. So for someone with shorter hair, the band on the APM wants to slip, not the cups. Overall weight is only one piece of the puzzle. Where the weight is also matters.

 

[sunapple]

They were hurting my head after only 10 minutes of testing, but then again most similar headphones do. Luckily the other AirPod stay in my ears comfortably, balancing my luck.

I wish I was able to tell the difference in sound quality and ANC from my AirPods Pro during that testing. If it was a really clear difference it would’ve made me very excited. Build quality is the best I’ve ever seen though.

 

[bigshot]

Most audiophile headphones have a rather lightweight band and heavy drivers.

That is true of midrange cans, but high end headphones have much more rugged frames to survive being sat upon or dropped. I have Oppo PM-1s and the balance on those is very similar to the APMs.

 

[Cashmonee]

That is true of midrange cans, but high end headphones have much more rugged frames to survive being sat upon or dropped. I have Oppo PM-1s and the balance on those is very similar to the APMs.

Don't think I would call the HIFIMAN Arya or HD800S midrange and I wouldn't want to sit on either of those! Also, both of those have minimal weight in the headband. I admittedly do not have experience with the Oppo's though. I have not had Focal Clears either, but their headbands are known to snap in half. I would not agree that high end headphones are meant to survive any abuse, much less being sat on.

 

[nortonandreev]

I have been using the APM daily since I got them in February. This includes long walks out, using the subway, flying, etc. Never thought the weight is an issue. The only problem I find with them is that I sweat quite a lot and them covering the ears in the summer does not help at all. I will have to buy new ear cushions soon.

When it comes to not being to turn them off, I believe changes were made with the latest firmware updates, as they hold battery for few days even if not inside the case (I haven't used the case at all, tbh.

 

[alecgold]

I have been using the APM daily since I got them in February. This includes long walks out, using the subway, flying, etc. Never thought the weight is an issue. The only problem I find with them is that I sweat quite a lot and them covering the ears in the summer does not help at all. I will have to buy new ear cushions soon.

When it comes to not being to turn them off, I believe changes were made with the latest firmware updates, as they hold battery for few days even if not inside the case (I haven't used the case at all, tbh.

Why do you feel the need to replace the cushions? The become gross?
I’m a good sweater too, unfortunately ? but I try to use the APP in the summer. But the APM’s are so nice.
Ive been thinking to clean them like a sponge: rinse with lots of water squeeze them and then let them dry in a sunny windowsill for a day or more if needed. If it fails ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I needed to replace them anyway.
If it works once, it might work several times and save me 70 bucks each time.

 

[Cashmonee]

Why do you feel the need to replace the cushions? The become gross?
I’m a good sweater too, unfortunately ? but I try to use the APP in the summer. But the APM’s are so nice.
Ive been thinking to clean them like a sponge: rinse with lots of water squeeze them and then let them dry in a sunny windowsill for a day or more if needed. If it fails ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I needed to replace them anyway.
If it works once, it might work several times and save me 70 bucks each time.

Most cushion on most headphones need replacing after prolonged use. Just the nature of the beast. What Apple charges is not really out of line with other headphones in that price range. The only difference is that other headphones often have cheaper 3rd party solutions and I am not sure those exist for the APM yet (haven't looked).

 

[perezr10]

I have been using the APM daily since I got them in February. This includes long walks out, using the subway, flying, etc. Never thought the weight is an issue. The only problem I find with them is that I sweat quite a lot and them covering the ears in the summer does not help at all. I will have to buy new ear cushions soon.

When it comes to not being to turn them off, I believe changes were made with the latest firmware updates, as they hold battery for few days even if not inside the case (I haven't used the case at all, tbh.

You’re using your APM’s outside in the sun!?!?

 

[nortonandreev]

You’re using your APM’s outside in the sun!?!?

I do, yes.