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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@KenDupont]

Thumbs up for Angry Rant

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :(

[@metal571]

Nice bra, brah

[@Ali_Shafai]

It’s a great headphone. Don’t be so quick to dismiss it!

[@ResolveReviews]

Thanks for the analogy by the way ;)

[@metal571]

And to clarify, I'm not saying it's good or bad, I haven't heard it so I cannot comment on that. I have no plans at all to review this thing. If I end up hearing it someday, somehow, I'll probably make a Twitter thread, but that's about it. For full reviews, you're already watching the right channel if you can read this!

[@goodforwatch]

@@metal571 why can't you just blabber on KZbin😂. I mean I'm not on Twitter's you see....or better still just come on the headphone show, I mean every week 🤓

[@insaneff8465]

@@metal571 can u please compare verite open vs lcd 2

[@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.

[@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.

[@tpacback]

they are very comfortable

[@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.

[@morespinach9832]

Nowhere close. Apple is an overrated Beats type rubbish sound. Technics A800 beats the field.

[@ChrisoneillART]

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

[@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.

[@ncrtrooper2370]

but what about our god z reviews?

[@joaquinernestozaldivarmend1438]

@@ncrtrooper2370 z review: a clown with no credibility, compared to this guy!

[@falcodarkzz]

@@ncrtrooper2370 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.

[@kakarott1511]

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

[@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👍

[@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 😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@cosmiuz2246]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@vincenthusvh]

Are those the new Hifiman r10 in the background?🤗

[@nimzerz2422]

Haha I was looking at them as well

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@6058jeremysmith]

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

[@denM-ey3vb]

There are two types of people on here. The broke cheap people who can’t afford it and want someone to give them proof that they should t get it. The others are the ones who bought it and want someone to justify their purchase.

[@exol511]

That makes it sound as if anyone who can afford the thing will buy it (which they wont and you should not as imo its not worth it). You might also be forgetting this is a hifi headphone channel which deals with generally much more expensive headphones.

[@Sam-ne9ns]

Save your stimulus check!

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

I live in Canada...

[@bstrxn]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow F

[@whysoanger]

Sound quality? I was told by apple talking points that I should only care about lUxUrY LiStEnInG

[@NanoDex]

They look like earmuffs lol

[@mikebroesel]

I love mine the best thing I ever did it to buy them.

[@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.

[@dranek]

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

[@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

[@Forte.in.G]

After the OG Airpods, Apple can't seem to catch lighting in their massive bottle. Apple is simply overpriced mid Qual stuff, if anyone picks up their Max' they're just buying them for the brand.

[@CannyK]

I don’t think the goal by any means is to be 100% shout out from the world. If there a horn from a vehicle I’d definitely like to hear that. If I’m in an airplane, or office or somewhere I know that is constant - then the noise cancelling is also constant. In an airplane I can still catch that the captain is saying something (although not extremely clear), in my office I can still tell there is a phone call coming in. The headphones aren’t made to block out real life, it’s supposed to supplement and deaden extra ambient noise.

[@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....

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@SamA-ll2dt]

I know these main tech channels aren't aimed at enthusiasts at all with headphones, but seeing them spew out hugely incorrect statements is very infuriating. It's extremely clear that most of the big ones really don't have a clue when it comes to audio.

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

I find it cute when they try to attempt to break down equipment and sound characteristics backwards upside down and inside out 😄 But the general consumer doesn’t give a flying fuck about these, if that looks good and it’s comfortable and the base thumps, that’s all that matters to them.

[@ZombieLincoln666]

@@KojiCO-ConvinceM Having good low end extension is the very definition of hifi.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Dear audiophiles and music lovers. The 2020 has been a tough year but we somehow made it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you have some time for music enjoyment take a look of my humble suggestions. For the audiophiles. 1 Cassandra Williams Strange Fruits 2 Yosi Horikawa Babbles 3 Jack Marshall, Shelly Manne S'posin' 4 Christian McBride Night Train 5 Hok-man Yim Poem of Chinese Drums. 6 AR Rahman Dacoit Duel 7 Brian Bromberg My Bass 8 Arca Mutant 9 Malia, Boris Blank Magnetic Lies 10 Nenad Vasilic Bass Drops And for those in search of pure musical bliss with style follows 1 KC and the Sunshine Band Get Down Tonight 2004 remaster 2 Herbie Hancock Cantaloupe Island 3 T he Manhattan Transfer The Cantaloupe 4 Dina Blade Quando quando quando 5 Bing Crosby Louis Armstrong Bye bye blues 6 The King's Singers Good Vibration 7 Laid Back Bakerman 8 Yello Starlight Scene 9 Tony Esposito Kalimba De Luna 10 Black Wonderful Life HAVE A GREAT TIME AND DON'T PISS OFF YOUR WIVES AND NEIGHBORS WITH TOO MUCH LOUD MUSIC. Drink responsibly and stay safe.

[@cranberryjuicek2535]

Thx, will check later 👍

[@dtzyYT]

If only apple priced this at $700 then it could have been the best noise cancelling headphone in 2020.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Certainly people would say that haha.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

The quick answer is NO..!!! Apple put 2 Apple priority chips in those headphones. Apple is using a priority Apple technology built into those headphones most people are not aware of yet. That technology reads the metadata in Apple Music in songs and albums. That particular new priority technology is forthcoming in Apple Music and only available with those headphones. Future Apple priority firmware updates to those headphones will be forthcoming.

[@MrB10N1CLE]

I think the word you're looking for is "proprietary"

[@iron_recluse]

I have these and the “fewer shades in the gradient” metaphor is accurate. The sound feels muddy at times and the sound stage and separation is underwhelming! I also have to nearly max the volume to have everything feel as though it’s coming through and unfortunately when it’s that high the treble really does sound too high and harsh. Have to return and I’m disappointed because influencer reviewers hyped this up so much.

[@jennifergala]

The other youtubers are making infomercials. Super bad sound on these.

[@-aexc-]

why did you trust influencer reviewers

[@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 :)

[@Rick999888]

Very measured review, nicely done.

[@RX-rd4sc]

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

[@allansh828]

I think being able to hear traffic is essential for safety. Sony also has such feature that can be turned on/off. Apparently Apple likes to make choices for users.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Definitely. Yeah I like the feature, I just don't think the quality of that feature is make or break.

[@doobas2171]

You can turn on or off transparency mode

[@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 :(

[@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 !

[@llelsonbustillo6374]

The studio 3s are still louder which surprised me but the bass sucks on them

[@brianm2850]

Compares to a $100 wired headphone. So, K361?

[@lolitalilaa4478]

its orenge?? why they said it's pink??

[@KojiCO-ConvinceM]

Excellent breakdown as usual Andrew Setting aside the fit and finish, which I found exceptional, I will disagree in regards to comfort that I did spend a short time with them I think the head shape will have a drastic impact in regards to clamp and tightness in the temple. The transparency mode and noise cancellation is superb, feature wise pretty good with updates I’m pretty sure coming along the way, but sound? I must admit I was quite disappointed, I was hoping for these to come out of the gate bloody swinging, they just sounded like a nice pair of Bluetooth headphones, definitely better than the Sony and most definitely better than the Bose, but I think we have become a little jaded LOL When you’re walking around with a 3 1/2 K portable set up it’s very difficult to scrub your brain of that when picking up a pair of Bluetooth headphones. I give them a pass, I just wish they could’ve been so much more sound wise. My impressions were, they are very non-offensive The general consumers will love them

[@heatontom1]

Great job! Yeah, you are right no matter what music file I listen the good headphones are obviously better sounding! However, in today's market misleading is everywhere and they slowly become truth! So......

[@wildoneback]

Apple TV doesn’t have spatial audio yet

[@johanescandra]

Didn't realize you uploaded this, and i was not expecting the thumbnail... Hahahahahaha

[@Shadow_Men]

Respect, can someone kindly point me to a good sounding wireless headphone (no amp required, no ANC required, preferably multiple devices supports) without costing a fortune like these.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Airpods Pro hahah

[@Shadow_Men]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Oh I have those, but frankly have not often connected them to my PC. I’ve searched but have not found your review for the Airpods pro.

[@zahitemremetin606]

@@Shadow_Men kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ7dY4FoqLKpZq8

[@Shadow_Men]

@@zahitemremetin606 thank you you kind sir

[@musen296]

Alot of people say the drop panda's are great.

[@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! 👍🏼

[@miasma6666]

WHY the fuck is everyone comparing these to wired headphones? like "the sound quality on a 150€ headphone is much better" ... yea. might be, but thats irrellevant. no techtuber or headphone youtuber talked about that kind of stuff when they reviewed the sony oder bose. so why now? its ridiculous. i own the amiron home, the sony z7m2 AND XM4 and the qc35ii and none of these sound anything like the airpods max TO ME as a music-loving-but-absolutlely-non-audiophile-guy. they sound boring and too much like studio monitors. so yeah ... your rand - my rant. keep it up with your good work tho o7

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

but... I did compare them to 4 other wireless ANC headphones. Those were my primary comparisons.

[@shadouxg7150]

Hey when you guys going to make a video of normal people listening to high end headphones

[@richardmalone4837]

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

[@Nonesuch6588]

Excellent review as always 👌🏻

[@sdreaver816]

anyone else kinda shocked that you can actually take a part off and replace something on an apple device? Yeah. They're just ear pads, but it's still

[@GinsuSher]

Not really. It's added revenue for apple.

[@sdreaver816]

@@GinsuSher That’s a fair point. I’m just used to them making you have to just buy new headphones or pay for apple service to replace/repair them.

[@zyghom]

Listening this on PXC-550 and Sundara ;-) Truth be told: Apple products are never THE BEST IN THE CLASS or the cheapest But... they sell in gazillions and make Apple the richest company in the world And that is probably what matters for Apple's CFO

[@dksun]

Porta Pro vs Airpods Max? Go

[@carlod803]

KPP anytime of the day!

[@semtexxl]

The only real review along with DMS. Both are my favourite reviewers + Josh Valour. In one simple sentence. I great pricey joke from Apple.....

[@MegaBobization]

The computational audio on them adapts audio to the fit and seal of your ear cushions, 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. This is a pricey joke? I say not. One has to admit this alone and the other features for the price with the craftsmanship one can’t at all get for sub $500

[@thesoundizerav4956]

It is not a given that a £150 wired headphone sounds better then this ir other premium ANC headphones. The Sennheiser 660 has horrible grainy treble and cost me over £400. B&W P7 wireless sounds allot better. Also Phillips have a £350 wired headphone which is garbage.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Not all $150 headphones yeah. But SOME are definitely better.

[@ZombieLincoln666]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow What $150 closed headphones sound better

[@jhill4778]

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

[@jamielee9819]

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

[@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!

[@corneliussmith5875]

Your video is the only one online saying that airpods max ANC isn’t the best wow.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

It's good, and could be the best. But right now the Bose 700 and XM4 are slightly more useful I find.

[@groovemasteralex]

How it sounds compared with the momentum 3's?

[@godtiermedic]

Hey guys if you are looking for an incredible top tier Bluetooth headset with the best clarity and detail retrieval with LDAC900 APTX-HD and HWA true high end codecs and of course aac etc for Apple but you want the best Bluetooth headset on the market please please try the Hifiman Ananda Bt or the Drop Pandas if you must go for closed

[@godtiermedic]

P.s. Awesome review and this is why you are one of only two reviewers in the world that I truly trust

[@zahitemremetin606]

@@godtiermedic who's the other one?

[@lobo_2822]

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

[@hyperguranity]

“this is uniquely terrible..” *italian hand emoji*

[@shadouxg7150]

Hi I bought an M40X but people told me it is bad, so I want a good pair of audiophiles headphones/iem, Unfortunately can't get the 6xx/560s what would be as great as that, give me two choices under 200 and 100

[@jarekharmening8993]

Did you listen to the m40x yet or did you just go by what people told you? The m40x is a great headphone.

[@shadouxg7150]

@@jarekharmening8993 it's my first headphones so I couldn't tell, but for me is amazing

[@jarekharmening8993]

@@shadouxg7150 They're great headphones. You can also look for AKG K240 headphones, or if you stretch your budget, AKG 712 Pro on the used market has really great reviews too.

[@trancenut81]

I am not sure I agree with you on comfort. I had Bose 700 and they clamp far too much and gave me chronic headaches so much so that I sold them off within a week of owning them. Airpods Max are much more comfortable even though they are heavier simply because the clamping force is a combination of the headband plus the ear cups which also pivot according to the contours themselves unlike Bose's where the clamping force is just coming from the steel headband and is excessive and unbalanced. I stopped looking at the rest of the review because there are multiple review with binaural audio and its easy to see that Bose and Sony's are not even close when it comes to the sound quality. Your review is "my opinion" - where is the objectivity. As for Noise Cancellations, it is the best! Here's how you do a headphone review kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJbYdXyPjtBmnM0

[@The2808erik]

The only time I would want noise cancelling is on a plane. Even if I was someone who travel's a lot, I'd probably still go for the XM4, the technical performance is not as good but it's also like half the price.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Bose 700 is better than XM4 for the default tuning. Although, honestly they're all pretty weird.

[@The2808erik]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Oh wow. Do you have any experience with the Shivr or Mpow h21 noise cancelling Headphones, they are supposed to be really good for around a 100$, it would be interesting to know how they compare.

[@JKHYT]

I have a modest Schiit stack, 6XX, K371... the usual suspects. My wife listened to those and was like "yea it sounds nice 🤷‍♀". When I put the APM on her head she literally said "holy shit these headphones are amazing!" and I didn't even say anything about the headphones I was just showing her a song I liked. She's not a techy person and didn't know anything about the headphones one way or another. So yea, Apple made these to please the average non-enthusiast and I think they absolutely succeeded.

[@SlavaT]

Apple air pods max, these headphones are so smart that they do everything just not to sound.they are not listened to, they are worn😉

[@danieljoda]

Im interested to know how they perform with the cable connected!

[@UltimateAK86]

I’m also curious about this. I’ve read quite a few impressions stating corded does sound clearer.

[@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

[@時雨-f1h]

Best thumbnail ever.

[@Grof142007]

I think that was a very fair review

[@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...

[@iWasimAbbas]

Me: I like to wear these when walking around Apple: You wrong to walk outside

[@stringbreaker87]

Too many useless features that don't justify the cost, even if you're in the Apple ecosystem. I like hear-through and active noise cancelation but I rather spend less money and get a Chinese IEM like the Ikko OH10 or Mangird Tea and a FIIO LC-BT2 for bluetooth, and some dekoni mercury ear tips for noise isolation. Then you have a much better sounding wireless solution in my opinion.