Apple Airpods Max Review - Is it REALLY the best noise cancelling headphone in 2020?

[@galefraney]

Wow, I’m super impressed with the way you are able to explain complex concepts in a simple way that non-audiophiles can clearly understand. Super interesting, I immediately subscribed to your channel.

[@MrArdytube]

Hearing accommodation An unfortunate reality of growing older is that hearing almost always starts failing (gradually) In my case, there is a clear difference between left and right And both ears have substantially impaired high and mid ranges The Apple hearing accommodations let me compensate for both issues in a way that is frankly a unique god send

[@zfjames]

With good audio software like EqualizerAPO and Wavelet, you can do that on PC/Android as well

[@epochphilosophy]

I totally get ambient mode. It isn't just marketing. One of the sole reasons I have wireless IEM's is precisely because of the ambient mode feature. I like being aware of my surroundings; it's also about safety, too. Ambient mode is a must if I am to be in public with headphones/IEM's.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Ambient mode is great. I'm more just not sure how much the quality of it matters.

[@epochphilosophy]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Ahh, I see. Gotcha. I thought you meant the feature was a marketing gimmick. Although, having a "nice" sounding ambient mode seems pretty favorable if you really value that feature.

[@joshmontederamos4813]

what IEM's do you use?

[@Blackwing2345635]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow shitty ambient give a lot of discomfort, causes fatigue, sometimes you can't recognize what people are saying to you, etc. That's one of the reasons i chose open Galaxy Buds Live instead of IEMs with ambient. So i would say it matters to some extent

[@grandsome]

This brother knows what he's talking about. Subscribed.

[@GrantKimmerling]

my thoughts exactly.

[@ice923]

@@GrantKimmerling fr

[@zeke937]

Indeed, Resolve is one of the best headphone reviewers on KZbin period.

[@Marian1st.]

@@zeke937 Joshua is the best though. His videos are so well produced. TV quality.

[@DeepSpaceus]

Yes. And another very good audiophile reviewer is DMS and he also has a video of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHmse39mgp2Dp8k

[@dragonslayergeorge898]

I love how many non-hifi people have been drawn to this video and started to discover all ins and outs of headphones. Good stuff.

[@hags2k]

DankPods did a review that really got to the core of the difference of a product like this from other high end cans. Although it’s important that all these other headphones sound “better” even at 100 bucks, almost none of them sound better standing next to a freeway or a bus engine. If you have the means to buy headphones for “home” use and “on the go” use and you spend a lot of time in noisy environments, cans like these are worth it. I’ve got open back HD598s and 6XXs at my home desk and AirPods Pro and Sony MX3s to take with me literally everywhere else. The experience of ANC was an absolute game changer - all my other headphones for portable use (open back, closed, dozens of IEMs) are all collecting dust now.

[@Alxtorr77]

Hifiman closed back over there.... The real interesting review I'm waiting! 🤘

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

How do you know it's not the old Sony? ;)

[@Alxtorr77]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow the headband and looks like new open box product... 😂 Waiting for that review!

[@godtiermedic]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow holy Sh. it really does look like the Sonys haha

[@jeremyabramson4343]

It looks like the dynamic driver version of the HE-R10.

[@Alxtorr77]

@@jeremyabramson4343 Looks like the planar version..

[@nathandesmarais4427]

Damn I’m glad you called out MKBHD, although not specifically, because thinking that your average consumer wireless headphones are maxed out on sound quality because you’re using Spotify is just outrageous. Great video as always, keep up the great work, we need more people like you on this platform❤️

[@rozioaudi]

Also called out indirectly snazzy labs for saying AAC doesn’t matter.

[@mrfrosty3]

The KZbinr’s assertion that there are 2 categories of headphone - studio monitors and everything else was odd.

[@OvertopAccel]

@@mattsch21 I thought mkbhd would have had more well informed opinions considering he owns/uses an HD800S, but I guess its good that I waited for the audiophile channels to get stuff out

[@paulu_]

@@OvertopAccel Wasn't he recommending HD820? One of the worst headphones for the price.

[@transient_snail2528]

@@paulu_ yes its the 820 which really shows how much he knows about audio. It was already a joke before this launch with the xm3/4 what thos tech channels said about how awesome they sound. but this is diffrent. they now started talking about things like soundstage and imaging or even sources like they know shit. it has to be what apple told them

[@TheProgrn]

I’ve been waiting for this review. I’ve watched/listened/read several reviews at this point but until I heard what Andrew said, I wasn’t sure what to think. Now I know. Andrew is the authority on headphones bar none.

[@Plumboner]

but what about our god z reviews?

[@joaquinernestozaldivarmend1438]

@@Plumboner z review: a clown with no credibility, compared to this guy!

[@falcodarkzz]

@@Plumboner Lol are you being sarcastic? Z is an emotional reviewer, he seriously lacks objectivity and it has lead to some of the most biased, poor reviews I’ve ever seen on headphones.

[@sabrinamulligan6235]

To my ears these 3rd Gen Air pods are more comfortable compared to the newer Pro version with the soft gel tips. kzbin.infoUgkxgl8SzyQoymMu-S3V55Dskg5QJ8xr1yCR That said, compared to the 3rd Gen, I notice these do not stay planted in the ear as well. One design issue I think, is you squeeze the stem and click it twice to advance your songs. On 3rd gen you tap the large speaker. The difference is by grabbing the stem each time, you tend to loosen the bud fit in your ear. Not always, but the bud falls out a few times while running. The old tap to change never had that problem for me. I would not have changed that tap function. That said, the newer Pro version sticks in the ear, almost airtight if you want that. I do not like that Airtight fit. So that's why I'd stay with this version as the best trade off of comfort, use, and overall feel.

[@johnzealand9397]

Dude, your shameless plug isn't even on the correct video. This is for the Airpods Max. Nice try.

[@cosmiuz2246]

Man, this is just straight up the best review of this headphone I’ve seen, and they are a lot! Subscribed.

[@kakarott1511]

Finally a review that I can recommend. Great job!!

[@jamesthoma4927]

I have been saving this review for post Christmas since my presents (SR 007 and IESL were delayed) and I heard Resolve went off on Apple. The use of the word spank was hilarious. I think you went too easy on them. Now to watch Max S's rant. Love your work as always

[@kvnngkronos]

Great review as usual. I don't think the "angry rant" portion is the best way to label it, it's more like a much needed clarification on misleading comments that have been circulating.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Yeah but you clicked on it ;)

[@kvnngkronos]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow, I did not. I watched the entire video. So you should commend me on that 🤭

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

@@kvnngkronos well at least you noticed it hahah. And yes, I do. Listening to me drone on for 30 minutes is probably a bit punitive.

[@kvnngkronos]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow, thank you. On the contrary, I find those 30 mins very entertaining. Andrew is my fav headphone reviewer, I like his approach and delivery of the reviews, and I've noticed I share a very similar liking for tuning and technical capabilities of headphones, it's kind of a reference for me. So top job.

[@OriginEnjoyer]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow I'd watch you drone on for hours about the hifiman he400i 2020 version :(

[@thomsontharayiljoseph5082]

finally have seen something worth watching about AirPods max. all other reviews were just glorifying and just bragging like an apple fan boy. now I know what max worth...

[@AndrewLamas19]

Have you seen DMS’s video? He said that the k361s by akg sound better and they’re $100. He has great takes in my opinion

[@chamade166]

Dude this is for people who want “fun” sound and lots of features. Different worlds. If you are a career person and need great ANC for traveling and switching between iphone/macbook. It’s not for audio nerds who have ‘listening sessions’.

[@AndrewLamas19]

@@chamade166 kinda hard to travel with such a heavy pair of headphones 🎧 don’t you think?

[@thomsontharayiljoseph5082]

@@chamade166 I understand that. I’m using one of the ANC headphones in market. Sony M4. I’m also using all my other gadgets simply Apple. I don’t mind buying it either. But the real prb is how much it’s really worth?! And why do you have to spend extra dollars just Bcz it’s apple.

[@thomsontharayiljoseph5082]

@@AndrewLamas19 sure. It’s depends, how much you depends on headphones in regular life. It’s definitely a good one but the price is just simply bullshit.

[@progenitor_amborella]

I’ve heard from everyone that’s worn them for more than a few weeks that they get much much more comfortable after about two weeks of breaking them in, at least on the sideways pressure point of things.

[@arthurhaywood2184]

I think that you will find that a lot of ANC headphones have this kind of tuning. The reason being that when used as intended, subsonic frequencies have a tendency of attenuating bass response. When used on an airplane or train or bus or in congested city streets, the bass is mostly normalized. It's when you listen to them in a quiet environment where ANC is not really needed that they begin to not sound satisfactory.

[@TheIAmThat]

For Spacial Audio I highly recommend using the Demo in the Dolby Summit app. With the AirPods Pro I can pin point every sound behind, above and below me and when I verify by looking at it was exactly right to a single degree

[@PTL4179]

Just an awesome review! A lot more information both technical and overall usages than any other reviews out there. Super helpful for consumers to make buying decision with the product at this premium price range. Also the use of visual presentation as the analogy to soundstage and imaging help me personal better to understand the headphone review.

[@MartinLeschinski]

Thank you for the review Resolve. Showed this to my wife and she is all in, as Apple fangirl. In the past, she was no fan of ANC, because of isolation and even had nausea after a while. Now that the QC 35 ii is sub 200 Euro, paying double for too much clampforce and the apple tax, would be crazy without testing and comparing

[@MegaBobization]

I loved this review!!! I personally have U12T, focal elegía, and so much more massive audiophile collection having been an audiophile for over 2 decades. Now the sound quality really isn’t that bad, really insane technology features included that no other headphones have. If one really wants to constantly criticize sound quality every single second of their life, these AirPods Pro Max are like a guilty pleasure. yet I do 10000% agree with you RESOLVE! each H1 chip’s 10 audio cores, computational audio helps block outside noise, adapts audio to the fit and seal of your ear cushions, and makes movie scenes sound like they’re happening all around you. Inward-facing microphones measure what you’re hearing, then adjust the frequencies of your music to deliver a rich, consistent experience that faithfully reproduces every note.

[@yannisgk]

i admire your courage to say nice things about apms!!! i totally respect audiophile world in general, but also technology and mostly computers!!! as a mac owner , i am intrigued by them, and it's something that hardcore audiophiles can't understand!!! i also liked the review, and i thank you again for your post!!!

[@stephendenagy3396]

Great review, I learned so much! So basically, electronics or EQ can only do so much. If the driver cannot physically resolve the nuances, computational audio cannot save it. Plus Apple tends to over curate the situation the sound profile keeps changing. So thanks to you guys, I use an XM4 for wandering and phone, and a Radiance for desk work. The best of all worlds.

[@jamielee9819]

The best review that I have watched so far regarding AirPods Max

[@Palumpalumpa]

I think a comparasion with the AKG361-BT and the AKG371-BT would be awesome. Great review as always!

[@vipernecklampy8773]

Thumbs up for the guy up here :)

[@falcodarkzz]

I like the comparison to the 560s, because a lot of people looking at the Max are doing so because they think the $550 price means it'll sound divine, at least people new to headphones. It can be useful for them to know that a 560s will be leagues ahead, which it is I agree with you, having both. Truly a dramatic difference in SQ.

[@goodforwatch]

Best thumbnail of the year! 😂😂👏

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

I'm embarrassed

[@goodforwatch]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow oh come on sir! You look like an Indian classical dancer applied for the job of a booth babe at CES 2021! Just the best I'm telling you😂

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

@@goodforwatch Waow... I thought I already had the best comment of 2020 but this may just take the cake.

[@goodforwatch]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow always happy to help 😊 especially if I can have a good laugh while I'm at it👍

[@DamianNocun]

Hello and thank you for this review, you just stopped me from buying this headphones for what I'm grateful. I use only an iPhone and thinking of buying entry level wired headphones, something like bayerdynamic 770 pro, etc. Question is what is the best way to connect it with iphone ? Dragonfly Red ? apple dongle is not supporting 24bits I believe...

[@Nonesuch6588]

Excellent review as always 👌🏻

[@theemusicman]

Best APM review I’ve seen, by far! I noticed you mentioned the Audeze Mobius. How do they compare sound wise? Also are you going to compare them in your Drop Panda review? The Mobius can also do HiRes through usb. It sounds great that way.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Mobius is WAY more detailed, and it also has a good FR with the 'neutral' preset. Although it does take a bit of figuring out to get it to sound great.

[@Elazarko]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow what about the Shures Aonic 50? In short, how do they compare to the mobius or Drop Panda?

[@godtiermedic]

I hope everyone gets to hear and focus on 26:27 about how dramatic the difference is between most of the wireless headphones and a wired quality headphone. P.s. completely agree with even a non flac file

[@bratosin1]

Not really true , some bluetooth headphones actually sounds better than wired ones , sony xb700 in ear sound better than every other wired ine ear I ever tried even 3x more the price , I dont really now how the hell they achieve that , I believe is the dsp inside

[@godtiermedic]

@@bratosin1 good on you man I think you found a diamond in the rough. I need LDAC900 or APTX-HD to get close but I took his note about this more about the amazing amazing wired headsets out there for a few hundred less even than these Apple BT aac headsets. For example the Senn HD650s are amazing in terms of the KPIs of sound quality and Soundstage too

[@MrB10N1CLE]

@@bratosin1 Good in terms of what? If it's sound signature, it has nothing to do with wired/wireless and DSP can correct that. Technicalities, on the other hand, wired wins every time. Maybe you like the sound signature of the XB700 compared to your other IEMs. That's not what the video is referring to regarding sound quality

[@blackcatooow]

can we appreciate him trying to use an iPhone and a MacBook to get into the ecosystem just to test them out for his viewers

[@masterfx112]

Fax

[@blackcatooow]

@Flat Earth i use windows all the time but for anything personal or business related or any transactions, switch to mac and iPhone try to stay safe on either platform

[@WheezyTech]

Great video as always. Everything I see about this headphone, its good, but its just not worth the price delta over the BTNC old guard Bose and Sony. Not for me at least, not even close. Not these days when so many other brands are catching up to Sony and Bose for less money. I ask myself what do I value from a BTNC headphone and actually the noise cancelling, wireless convenience, comfort and price are weighted higher than sound quality. Controversial take maybe. But if I want to listen to my music I'll pick a wired headphone or an IEM, if I want sound on the go or isolation with wireless convenience, then I'm only listening to background music. Sound quality is kind of taking a back seat over features and features can be had for a lot less than these headphones.

[@techinrl9869]

For me, ecosystem is king. Apple’s advantage is in how well things work within their ecosystem. For those who have no Apple products, I’d recommend people stay far away from these. But if you’re neck deep in Apple, these are great. Sony and Bose don’t work with the ecosystem at all and are just decent but not great headphones (I have an XM4 and only got them because of a deep discount). I use my XM4 with my Android products. Just like people who buy AirPods and AirPods Pro, it’s all about the ecosystem. It’s not because they’re the best sounding available. It’s because of the whole package. I know a ton of people who call themselves audiophiles and own AirPods Pro because they’re just so convenient and the sound is good enough.

[@RX-rd4sc]

is it better than audeze mobius? in terms of sound quality and technical peformance? please reply

[@Rick999888]

Very measured review, nicely done.

[@mikewoollard667]

Hi, great video,I’ve bought b&w px7,are the AirPods max worth the steep price hike are they much difference in the sound signature as I got them for £200 and £550 for the the pods is alot

[@KenDupont]

Thumbs up for Angry Rant

[@impulsivesumit7916]

Great review...crisp and clear and honest one..you have amazing knowledge.. 👍

[@fucksampleclearance2106]

I'll admit I was looking for AirPods Max bashing videos. But to have an open, honest unbiased review was quite refreshing. You didn't endorse them, but you weren't trying to necessarily crap on them either. Just what they did and didn't do for you. SUBBED! w/ notifications

[@xeniavader]

Was waiting for a true audiophile review. Thanks!!!! Other reviews gush over this product and I wasn't buying it. (literally, not buying one). Confirmation bias.

[@brothatwasepic]

Hey audiophiles based on 22:00. Try a FIIO BTR5 with a super super short cable clipped right onto a used good deal-type second set of Anandas, Aryas, HD800, etc. You will enjoy it 100x better because you will have AptxHD LDAC990 etc and even higher ampage with its 2.5mm jack. I just sold off my Airpods Max cough aac, Ananda BT, BoseNC700, and my Sony XM4s. Volume up to 50% and all outside sounds are gone yet sound separation, timbre, soundstage, everything is just so so much better since you are used to your high end wired headphones. If you don't have a second set just try it with yours. 100 bucks and you are free from your amp and dac in those times that you need to be free. Ie. I wear my HE1000SEs while driving now LOL. Yup crazy. If you need closed back look just behind Andrew's right ear 😀

[@ewon9903]

was considering getting the Sony xm4s or Apple airpods max to use at my desk for long periods of time, then I discovered high end wired headphones and instead got an amp, a dac, and the hifiman sundaras (which come in tomorrow), seems I made the right choice

[@GiulianoM14]

For desk use? Yes of course.

[@whysoanger]

Hope you don't have any nearby coworkers

[@seanmapley7417]

I have the sundaras with an element2 dac/amp and for their price they sound pretty amazing :D

[@mrfrosty3]

That sounds like an excellent use of funds. I bought the xm4 a few months ago, I wasn't expecting the sound to be great but I've been pleasantly surprised how much I enjoy them. They have that fun sound. I'm using mine with a new Sony Xperia phone using LDAC, a friend who uses a Huawei phone claims that my xm4s sound far better than hers and they are also twice as loud. Not sure how this could be.

[@LukeMtech55]

You absolutely did

[@gybulls5070]

With your EQ for sony xm4, which sounds better the sony or airpods max.

[@mjim7775]

Great review, thank you! Any chance you could review the Beoplay H95, which can also be connected via cable? I use my headphones both over bluetooth and wired, and value some ANC for my sanity at home when listening to music (noisy household!) and also for the commute. Would be very much appreciated !

[@dranek]

Would really like to get your thoughts on immersive audio from Bose. I think it’s much better than Apple’s Spatial Audio.

[@jhill4778]

Great review - best so far! Did you try it wired without noise cancelling?

[@thesoundizerav4956]

Great that you mentioned 9n the begging which devices you tested with. That’s important as other reviewers often don’t. I prefer lower 2k-8k treble compared to Harmon Target and so might prefer this sound signature.

[@JohnRussellHodge_progtwit]

This is a fantastic review. Very considered and helpful.

[@richardmalone4837]

Top notch review,any chance of getting a review of the B&O H95 cheers

[@Suboceanicos]

is you were to buy one headphone for your smartphone no amp. what would it be? doesnt matter if it is open closed portable etc... thank you!

[@minnami778]

Even though I prioritize sounds quality, I can't live without wireless connection and ANC/Ambient mode. I think I will go for AirPods Max with fairly good clean sound with all other features. Thanks for a nice in detail review.

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Excellent review!! Just love how easily you explain pair's signature and features!! Keep up the good work!! I don't personally like the design of the headphones, not even their carry pouch :(

[@jiyahbj]

I need your honest answer what do you think about the drop panda vs all the newest Bluetooth headphones I don’t care about anc just SQ and Convenience!

[@thunderoad02]

For someone in the Apple ecosystem that loves AirPods Pro’s and the HomePod - would the recommendation be the max or Sony XM4 at sale price of 280? I would much rather have hands-on with both to compare but Covid makes that difficult. I have been able to try the Bose and Sony‘s in store. I am not thrilled with the sound of either of them , but it seems that the Sony may be able to be customized more to my liking. To my ears the Sony‘s are too base-y and muddy with no soundstage, while the Bose are too much on the high end . ANC is a must , so I am stuck within that subgroup

[@awevaan1]

I have both, i prefer the sound on max, xm4 is too boomy for me. Max is clearer and sound stage is much better also more comfortable

[@WhamBlam99]

@@awevaan1 Agree! 👍🏼

[@SxC97]

Excellent review! I’m almost convinced on buying these since I am looking for a set of headphones that can kind of "do it all". Wireless, so I can take them out with me when I want to work at a coffee shop Noise Cancelling, so I can use them on planes Zero Latency (w/ a cable), so I can use them for editing and podcasting Decent Sound Quality for watching movies and listen to music and Compatibility with all of my other (Apple) devices The only other alternative is to buy a set of headphones that specialize in noise cancelling (like the Sony’s at $300) and a wired set of headphones + a DAC that are focused sound quality (for ~$300 I’m assuming?), but it seems like buying 2 headphones would be more expensive overall than just buying the APM. Thoughts?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

I would be careful about this for editing. I did try it and I did notice a bit of latency. It's not really noticeable for movies but it did get in the way for me occasionally with premiere pro, trying to edit quickly.

[@lobo_2822]

Very good video, thank you for your hard work on explaining.

[@ChrisoneillART]

Good job, Nice to see a real review of these, all the normie reviews were inaccurate, uninspired, apple wanking, luxury listening nonsense.

[@johnhayes8476]

Great review, as always!

[@Alexander5R]

Have you tried a pair of BT headphones that sound decent enough? Decent as in HD600 levels, I mean. I read that Crinacle was fond of the Senn Momentum 3 wireless.

[@sanderhoogeland9161]

So, I preordered these with the intention of returning them if I do not like them and at this point, it sounds like I could get something that is far better for me at the same price I payed for the AirPods max. I do not actually need noise cancelling or transparency mode. They are cool I guess, but I have no need for them. So, I am wondering, what would you say are the best wireless over ear closed back headphones, without noise cancelling, at around $700? I spent over €700 on the AirPods max including the cable and Apple care +, so that is kind of what I am willing to spend on headphones. And what would you say are the best wired over ear closed back headphones in that price range? For some reason, if you do not know very much about headphones like me, stuff like that can be hard to find without getting some recommendations.

[@Uebelkraehe]

Excellent review, as per your standard. And is that an HE-R10 in the background? That would be an interesting review considering how controversial this headphone is....

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Did you use iPhone and Apple Music for your testing? Because I believe it sounds best within the Apple ecosystem.

[@kietbuituan2991]

Is it weird that you compared it with PXC-II but not with Momentum Wireless 3? I really like your review and I'd love to have your opinion on the Sen Momentum 3.

[@Ryan_3gRi]

Best thumbnail ever.

[@triplew_w_w]

Very nice and detailed review and comparison, appreciate

[@tpacback]

they are very comfortable

[@RobertBMenke]

Wow, awesome video. I actually just bought a pair of these and will be receiving them in a few weeks. I’m all-in on the Apple ecosystem. This review was thoughtful, well-measured, and informative. Very well done!

[@cp070476]

I have some Sony XM3's. Been looking at reviews on Focal Elegia, just wondered how big of jump in sound quality would the Focal's give?

[@jairogabrielcaceressimo1418]

I think the Transparency Mode on the AirPodsMax is also a great feature.

[@stuartcharlton]

Great review. I bought the AirPods Max, and have been wearing them all weekend. your channel convinced me also to pick up the Hifiman Sundara (and an Atom stack). I find audiophile headphones and speakers to be an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole and really can’t afford the time to get sucked in, but between you and DMS I have been. Beyer T70s 10 years ago and Sennheiser HD600s 20 years ago, which were lovely though both weren’t mobile enough (I lived on airplanes) and both eventually got stolen (sigh). I am a happy Bose QC 35 ii user for many years, but figured these would be better. They are... but not $450 CAD better! I may yet trade the APMs in for the Pros, as I had held off on them. One small point: I actually far prefer the APM’s device switching approach where it disconnects the old device. Simultaneous Bluetooth connections in a family (as with the Bose QC 35s) are the bane of our existence. Clean disconnect is far better for us, though I totally agree an option to allow for prosumer style simultaneous connections is a legitimate diffeeent use case. one weird APM switching quirk, is it tends to bind to an Apple iCloud profile and assume that identity’s devices get preference for device switching. So we see cases where someone will pick up an iPhone in the other room and the APM will switch to them because I am on their iPad.

[@stuartcharlton]

@@shameermulji Better than Bose QC 35 IIs or the Sony XM3s, not in the same league as the quality wired headsets. The transparency mode and “immediate on/off” effect when you place them on your ears is really nice. The biggest issues are price and comfort. This weekend I found I’d get too much temple pressure, though yesterday I used them for work all day and found I had gotten used to them. Bose QC still far more comfortable just not quite the same sound. I may pick up and try the AKG K371 Bluetooth model as it gets good marks but the mainstream reviews say the build quality and comfort suck, and I’d bet the bluetooth pairing also ain’t great (which is the original airpods killer feature)

[@whippet0]

Hi. I am not interested in any of the features such as noise cancellation, spatial audio, etc. How would these headphones rank compared to other wireless/bluetooth headphones if sound quality is the *only* thing that mattered and price was not a factor? Are there any other bluetooth headphones with better sound quality? I am not an fan of too much bass so I assume these are a better choice over the Sony XM4s. Are there any other higher end bluetooth head phones with better sound quality?

[@Darthozzan13]

Hitman ananda-bt if price or not an issue

[@Macsleuth]

Awesome review. I’m in the Apple eco-system and am still on the fence over these. Perhaps I’ll wait til the next version comes out. Thanks for the review!

[@mangalegends]

Great video! Do you happen to have a review of the bose 700's? On another note, I think you've convinced me to look into getting a good pair of wired over-ear headphones 😆

[@groovemasteralex]

How it sounds compared with the momentum 3's?

[@Morden97]

Damn I dunno if you guys trade thoughts on this but DMS also rates the sound on these at $100 worth vs wired headphones... I find it interesting... I'm just interested in this stuff I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile and many of the concepts audio youtubers use seem "ethereal" or rather abstract for me, but hearing it put into numbers and having people agree like that effortlessly is interesting to me Also.. as a non audiophile.. I can say I agree 100% on your angry rant... I can absolutely tell the difference when listening to all types of media. Even in videogames you can tell the difference between different quality headphones.

[@MrB10N1CLE]

Another audio reviewer, Crinacle, the owner of the world's largest headphone and IEM measurement database, also said a similar thing. The Max is matched in overall performance against $100 "studio" headphones

[@ZombieLincoln666]

@@MrB10N1CLE No. This is some major cope from people that dislike Apple or hate the idea that normies will be buying very good headphones. Even ignoring the fact that these are closed headphones, they still sound better than any $100 headphones I've heard. They compare favorablely to my Senn HD600's, actually, even though they're closed.

[@MrB10N1CLE]

@@ZombieLincoln666 Funny, never once have I mentioned open-backs. The headphone most reviewers are referring to is the K371, a $150 closed-back. I specifically chose Crin because he judges headphones as is. Had you seen his review, you'd realized he isn't trying to 'cope' for anything. I'm taking his word for it because he's heard more headphones than you and I can ever try.

[@yahu5988]

Whats the best heaphones and where is your review to it?

[@gorkempacaci]

Thank you for the great technical review. If you have access to it, it'd be great to hear what you think about Dali's IO headphones. To me they sound better than all other bluetooth headphones I could try.

[@vincenthusvh]

Are those the new Hifiman r10 in the background?🤗

[@nimzerz2422]

Haha I was looking at them as well

[@soanis6362]

Good review there! Any chance we can get your thoughts on the H95s from B&O? Thanks!

[@scrawz1181]

Most comprehensive review I’ve seen. I think a lot of us might want to see just how good we can get audio pumped into our brains. Wireless vs Wired, LDAC vs AAC or whatnot, where should we begin and look to invest?

[@Dovndyr13]

I think if you are totally new, ask your self were do I want to use these? At home, the office or on the road? If only at home, wired is the answer. If you can afford buy an HiFiMan Susvara and a cheap amp + dac from Shiit or other companies If Bluetooth is the answer, here you then can ask your self. How important is ANC for me? If super important I would go for SONY XM3/XM4 . If not so important Sennheisers Momentum 3 when on sale (even the Headphone show likes them) And els just watch videos like these describing the difference between dynamic, planner, LDAC, AAC etc. After having the basic Idea its only the Bank saying yes or no to buying different headphones or systems like the Sennheisers HE1 and of course your partner saying a car/house is more important. Like most hobbies there is no real endgame...

[@tahmidarham8066]

Wait so wired $200 headphones better than wireless $400 or above headphones in terms of sound?

[@gearofwar113]

that $200 hp you are talking about was a 17 years old $800 hp and until this day, people who are new to this hobby are still underdriving it

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Depends on which $200 headphone, but yeah an HD 560S, HD6XX, and HiFiMAN Sundara ($350) along with a DAC/Amp of some kind blow all ANC headphones out of the water - at least all the ones I've tried so far.

[@TalesOfGod]

This is common knowledge for the audio community. Pretty much, any of the wired benchmarks at $200 (or less if used) will utterly destroy the wireless counterparts and I've tried most of the wireless headphones (with the exception of the Drop Panda). Even really old ones like the Sennheisers HD 599 or newer ones like the Philips Fidelio X2HR will easily beat any of the wireless ANC headphones at double the price. Heck, it may be a stretch but there is a real argument to be made that wired IEMs can be better than wireless ANC headphones at double the price. Even more so at the same price. Bluetooth is still very convenient to have and ANC headphones are good for your ears, along with being comfortable. There are still tons of features and advantages of having Bluetooth (like Bluetooth earbuds being best for workouts) but sound quality is definitely not one of them.

[@AndrewLamas19]

Yeah, I hear even $100 headphones sound better (k361 by akg). Also no technically it’s all “ANC” headphones sound worse than wireless and wired. The drop panda sounds amazing for a wireless can.

[@SBruv]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Hi. Great review, but, as with the DMS piece, you're saying they can't compete with any half-decent wired headphones, but what happens when you use the AirPods Max wired? You've not mentioned that at all. When used wired with ANC and Transparency off, does this not become basically a set of wired headphones? I'd really love to know how these fare under those circumstances, but no one seems to address that anywhere.

[@arijeet1979]

Best unbiased reveiw of airpods max

[@GIChow]

27:14 "we're looking at $100 of sound quality here" best distillation of this and 3 hours listening to other reviews :-)

[@mrblob5413]

You looked for the take that agrees with your opinion?

[@GIChow]

@@mrblob5413 Just looking for a concise description from someone who has experience of hearing a few headphones of how they sounded compared to a known quantity..if you can point me to a timestamp from another video that says fairly concisely otherwise please do. This review 'feels' qualified..more so than many other rambling and imprecise ones. Btw if they sound like a good sounding pair of $100 headphones (the AKG mentioned) then that is still something of a compliment :-)

[@ZombieLincoln666]

That's simply not true. maybe there are some awesome $100 headphones I've never heard before..

[@GIChow]

@@ZombieLincoln666 Well for under $100 nowadays one can get the broadcast reference Sennheiser HD25. To be honest I don't imagine the Apple APM sounding as 'honest' and impactful in the bass as those (since many consumers prefer a less true to life sound). In a nutshell from the reviews I've seen seems they may sound close to as good as your average consumer (v headphone/earphone nerds like me!) has ever heard plus with the convenience of Bluetooth and some best in class fancy/gimmicky (depending on your real world use cases) features like transparency mode, noise cancelling (v simple passive isolation) and spatial audio and very low latency wired operation (allowing use for editing) plus ease of use. I was curious what effect the DSP would have and (from the Snazzy Labs review) it seems like it keeps the sound consistent even with earcup position changes. Overall for 'audiophiles' whose interest is mainly the most lifelike/realistic/impressive sound it doesn't seem ground-breaking anywhere near its price point but some (particularly those with several Apple devices) will consider it worth the price for its other qualities. For me personally their weight might be a deal breaker even if they cost $100..I had issues with the weight distribution by the headband of the great sounding but uncomfortable (for me) Shure 840.

[@paulu_]

$100 wired headphones. That's still much better than other ANC headphones, right?

[@poppygin4807]

In the rant section, is the "stream quality" you are talked about is for server to phone or phone to headphones through bluetooth? I'm under the impression that the compression from server to phone is different from phone to headphones through bluetooth.

[@nukert658]

is there a wireless headphone that has similar or better bass but without the sharpness in the mid to highs? or a wired pair around $200-$250

[@alanc6416]

Is it possible to do another review with the optional wires connected? Because I’ve heard that it should be better. Thanks in advance

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

They don't, I tried it. It doesn't meaningfully change the FR either.

[@mrblob5413]

Did you try these using the cable?

[@ArchDragoon-Arm]

Any opinion if you compare to ath-dsr9bt ?

[@attilab.2818]

Any comparison with the Nuraphones?

[@cw7886]

Are there any wireless headphones (BT or other technology, open back or closed) that can be recommended for home which have a more audiophile sound experience (than those AirPods Max or Sony XM4)?

[@brendonhope]

The transparency mode is good but it amplifies the sound it draws in, if you stand next to a boiling kettle or frying bacon etc it becomes load and drowns out the music and background voices. It’s a feature I use a lot, it’s good but needs improving.

[@AaronFigFront]

Were you on macOS Big Sur 11.1 at the time? It was out a few days ago. It includes updates for AirPods max support. Btw, will there be a review for the new campfire Vega and dorado?

[@ResolveReviews]

I was on the latest one at the time. But... maybe there's a new one? I expect my issues with the switching to be fixed because it's really silly that it wouldn't work with the presets across multiple devices. Still, even if they did update it, it doesn't stick for other devices like TVs for example, where the XM4 and Bose 700 do keep their profiles because they're app-based.

[@marklawal6944]

Did you try these in wired mode? A few reviewers indicated that the SQ delta is substantial from wireless to wired

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

I did, and I measured it in wired mode as well. It sounds the same, and that makes sense because it's going digital to analog back to digital in the headphone, and then the same processing takes place.

[@fazzxides8429]

Solid review, thank you

[@MANGEKYOLOL]

He nailed the mesh headband net… literally 90% ignored this. Comfort is horrid..sold mine due to weight..clamping pressure and headband hotspot causing full day migraines. Got the xm4

[@gideonrios9796]

Great review!! Went with a Sony MX4 and will save for a wired setup in the future.

[@TKDdans]

Wonderful to hear the analysis. I can't wait to compare the K361 and Drop Panda against the APM, knowing that at least one of them are highlighted here as being objectively more capable than the APM. EDIT: Yes, you say the K371, but are they close enough to compare to the APM and speak to your points?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

It's a different kind of sound with the K371. Worse soundstage, worse punch and slam, but better detail and better tuning.

[@TKDdans]

Oh and by the way, I have since stopped preferring either the vocal or balanced accessibility modes on most tracks. I really only prefer classical in a weird way with balanced. Nothing worth mentioning generally though, to my ear, anymore.

[@TKDdans]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Thank you for clarifying! I may need to order the K371 and compare those/return if I don't prefer those.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

@@TKDdans If you really want a good sounding setup, get a HiFiMAN Sundara, and a Schiit Modi Magni combo, or Topping L30/E30 stack.

[@TKDdans]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Actually, I do have the Magni/Modi, HD 800 S and 650. But I'm venturing into closed back wireless and trying to get the best I can there. I do keep seeing the Sundaras mentioned though...very tempting!

[@6058jeremysmith]

Subscribed you totally know what you are talking about ....

[@adrianmorrish8494]

With the MacOS issue of not maintaining the EQ preset, were you using Big Sur version of MacOS?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Yes. Honestly, the presets aren't really EQ profiles. They're more to compensate for hearing damage and stuff like that. It's deep within iOS accessibility

[@vhockada]

How did you tune your Bose NC700? I would love to get the best out of mine with your help thanks.

[@hantsay8180]

Great video and assessment! If you get a chance to, please review the B&W PX7 in comparison as I'm sure you will make great points as you did here. It can do both wired (via USB from PC) and Bluetooth wireless. I have not seen anyone talk about that capability but I can hear the night and day difference! Good wireless when on the go, and Great wired for home hifi/gaming (less latency) experience!