AirPods Max Review: An Audiophile's Perspective
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- Опубліковано 19 тра 2024
- Are Apple's new $550 AirPods Max any good? As reluctant audiophiles, we give the most in-depth review yet!
iFixit made new TINY driver kits and they're under $20! ifix.gd/snazzy
Buy AirPods Max - geni.us/fe9gB
Buy AirPods Pro - geni.us/gAUVN4
Buy AirPods - geni.us/wCtapZr
Buy Sony WH-1000XM4 - geni.us/24Wsq
Buy Bose 700 - geni.us/Dj2Oqe
Buy B&W PX7 - geni.us/VysPY
Buy HiFiMAN Ananda-BT - geni.us/nC7VuTW
Chapters:
0:00 - Background
0:49 - Comfort/Fit
3:40 - Controls
4:45 - Case/Portability
6:46 - Battery
7:42 - Repairability/Teardown
9:40 - The Good Stuff
9:56 - Active Noise Cancelling
12:22 - Transparency Mode
13:26 - "Off" Mode
13:48 - Bluetooth Codecs
16:48 - The $35 Cable
19:09 - Objective SQ
20:08 - Subjective SQ
21:44 - Spatial Audio
22:36 - Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
23:51 - vs Sony 1000XM4
24:10 - vs B&W PX7
24:30 - AirPods vs The Competition
25:08 - The Problem with AirPods Pro
26:09 - Should You Buy Them?
Crinacle measurements: crinacle.com/2020/12/17/apple...
LDAC’s problems: www.soundguys.com/ldac-ultima...
Bluetooth headphone codecs: www.soundguys.com/the-ultimat...
AirPods Case design interview: translate.google.com/translat...
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The Apple AirPods Max have been released to much fanfare. At a colossal $550, it puts itself way above the competition like the very popular Sony WH-1000XM4, Bowers & Wilkins PX7, and the Bose 700; however, it's still a bit shy of what the hi-fi market would expect in terms of pricing. Are they good? Yes. Quite good, in fact. But are they good enough to warrant their price tag? Watch our comprehensive AirPods Max review to find out. - Наука та технологія
Dang son, seriously impressed at how you made a 30 minute video feel like a ten minute one
I agree. I was like „what? 30 minutes?“ and then like „oh“
Dam thought it was ten minutes and your comment made me notice
WTF, I just realised I wasted (not really) 30 minutes of my life. I actually thought 12 minutes had passed!
Wow, spot on! I had no clue I just watched a 30 minute video. I need to bring this guy to work with me during my 8 hour shift.
ikr it’s actually amazing
“Ditch the stupid case and don’t worry about it” - Snazzy 2020
But then, each time you move, APM exits low power mode ...
Ditch the stupid terrible ending music Quinn. Who thought that was a good idea? Fire them.
Netflix: Are you still watching?
Someones daughter: 2:49
Lmao im happy I wasn’t the only one
LMAO this needs to be pinned
Jesuschrist
Lmfaooooo
🤣
This is the best review (and I have listened to several) regarding the Air Pods Max. It's certainly pleasant to hear someone, not only produce an effective review, but do so with extensive technological knowledge and experience. Great job!
Great review and always appreciate your input when it comes to audio.
Thank, Aaron. ಥ‿ಥ
where is your review? interested in your thoughts on the apm
The sound signature of the Bose QC35ii is much better. It’s well balanced and the vocals are clear. The vocals of the AirPods Max are recessed and muddy. I’ve done a side by side comparison and I’m returning the AirPods.
@@urbanistgod Clearly you don't have one.
@@menukasamarakkody9034 Oh yeah how? No one is saying that the APM sound clear. People only praise the soundstage and separation of notes. You don’t know about what you’re talking about. The audiophile in the video said the same thing.
Never has there been a piece of content so anticipated ! Finally ! Let's all help quinn afford that fridge !
😂
That's the only reason I'm watching this.
@@snazzy please try the skullcandy crusher evo :D
@Ron Bali yes that's why I asked him to review it 🙃
Let’s not
THANK YOU for comparing the AirPods Max to Bowers & Wilkins! Every other UA-camr acts like those headphones don’t even exist.
@@CoachDitka for what it’s worth, you can find some decent reviews of B&W P7 Wireless, which are the PX7’s predecessor. They don’t have ANC, but the sound quality is the best of all $500 and under headphones. I expect the PX7 would provide a similarly amazing experience.
Hmm, those look like they might be a good compromise I like the maxes the price is high but pales in comparison to good headphones by far. And the removable cups is great. That’s an underrated feature and not terrible expensive. Just too heavy for me and not a fan of the footprint, I can’t fit em in my bag without worrying about damaging them. Ima check these out.
@@DirkDeadeye_ P7 wireless are quite heavy as well, since they’re made of steel and thick leather + memory foam. But they fold very compactly so I can fit them in most backpacks safely.
Gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this review. Mostly because it was so much more than a product review. Kudos for packing in a heck lot of knowledge into a comprehensive format.
"I don't like to call myself an audiophile."
Owns Stax
Honestly lmao
i mean, an actual audiophile would never be caught dead using bluetooth anything to listen to music. the fidelity of bluetooth is and will always be absolute shit compared to a proper audio cable.
@@ActuallySanFrancisco Found the audiophile who doesn't understand codecs and location of DACs
@@TimSheehan found the internet user who doesn't understand the fundamental differences between wired and wireless signal/data transfer.
@@ActuallySanFrancisco "Bluetooth will always be shit compared to a proper audio cable"; this is ridiculous and you should know that wireless audio quality will change in the near future, LDAC is the beginning of the end for cables
I wish that the included lightning - usbc cable could be used to plug into your MacBook or iPad for audio.
Unfortunately that cable will not work for listening to audio. You can only use a lightning to 3.5mm
@@ConnorCrosby hence the wishing
@@JesseDriftwood ah I misread that. My bad
It’s a good thing none of the MacBooks have ditched the headphone port.... uhh, yet.
I agree, would be awesome to send some lossless / high res audio to them.
Snazzy lab: unhealthy amount of headphones
Dank pods:
I wish his maxs didnt die
dank pods has a STINKY amount of headphones
None of them rival Zeos
@@CorredorDigital_ and an even Stinkier amount of nuggets
z reviews, joshua v., dms, THS, etc
I've seen these reviewed on many other channels and am looking forward to doing one as well. Something I haven't seen covered yet which I'd like to touch on is how well these headphones work for business applications. When headsets don't have a USB dongle we've seen many models fail to perform up to our customers standards for their Zoom, Ringcentral, etc. applications. I hope this model performs well in our tests as it looks promising.
Thank you for your fantastic review!
Ijustine - OMG APPLE IS SO COOL!
MKBHD - I hate the case...
Linus - I overpaid a scalper to get my AirPods Max
Snazzy Labs - A thorough review of the AirPods Max
And Faruk (iPhonedo) also did a great video.
Now we wait for z reviews
iPhonedo - Let me show you
The headphone show review was also excellent
@@mynamerobbie5100 his are really delayed unfortunately. He wanted the blue ones so they were backordered.
Been waiting for this one
Bean Waiting
Check iPhonedo’s review out. You can experience AirPods Max’s sound. (Not simulation, mic record)
Yeah... I have the Sony (beats the Bose in NC). Tested best noice cancelling headphone. Now this. Switching from iPhone to iPad to Macbook... is one of the extra's. Just the price. I've been waiting for this... to drop. Maybe later this year.
You are everything anyone could ever want in an informative UA-camr.
As a Carpenter I’ve been dying for some over the ear noise cancelling. The AirPods Pro were over and above expectations but I miss those drivers. Very very intrigued!
My last can phones were jbl synchros s400+bt and I loved them. Touch control, long battery, cable option, great sound for a steal. This price point is staggering but for my circumstances I believe it could be there.
Thanks for choosing my thumbnail! This honestly means so much to me. 🙌🙌
Thanks for making such a great one!!
Wait. There was a thumbnail contest?
I don't do social media, so that could be it.
@@neekster28 yep, on twitter
@@snazzy u deserve a lot more subscribers❤️
@@neekster28 he does the thumbnail contest for a lot of good videos on Twitter
I waited for this one and was not disappointed. Great work!
Moin Valentin!
So trifft sich die Technikszene 😄🎄☃️
Please speak English, Danke!
Du hier ?
Best video on AirPods Max. I really appreciate hearing all the very details of how the cable works, how the audio signature is, and charts and everything. Legitimately helpful
In-depth and shows you know a lot about what your talking about with showing off. Excellent job.
Every review should include a repairability and longevity comment. I think you you are one of the few reviewer that actually think about every day normal people rather then people that change all of their device each year.
Battery service fee is missing from the review imho.
In for that fire jacket though. 🔥
yea but where do you get that jacket though?
@@retr00000 target
Bape Reflector
after seeing him in a bape jacket, i'm definitely convinced that snazzy is the kinda guy to wear 150 dollar plain grey tshirts 😂
You should do a edc holographic 🔥🔥🔥🔥
They sound amazing. But I had mine for 12 days when the condensation issue under the ear cups caused a electrical short which killed them. This condensation would build up even after the shortest period of listening. It seemed to be compounded by the metal exterior and transitioning between warm inside environments and cold outside environments. It’s a fatal flaw with the design and the fact that the drivers aren’t water proof only compounds this issue.
My Personal Airpods Max Experience
I Bought The Airpods Max - Great ANC - After Hours Of Back And Forth Testing Against My Sony 1000X M3s Using My Z Fold 3 & My IPhone 13 Playing Music And Even More Movies We Came To The Overwhelming & Very Surprising Conclusion The The XM3s Sounded More Present And Impactful Than The Airpods Max Even When The XM3s Were At A Lower Volume Than The Airpods Max - I Really Did Not Expext This At All Especially With The Airpods Max Costing $550.00 ‐ - With The Spacial Audio On The Max Sounded Even Better But Still My Sony WH 1000X M3s Were More Impactful And Present - The Airpods Max Did Sound Good But In Comparison To My XM3 Over Ears The Max Are Lacking - - I Returned The Airpods Max
@@DroidLocks6971 you’re about the only person I’ve heard say that. Everyone has different listening experiences though . I personally love Bowers and Wilkins old P7s and think they sound much better than what B&W released afterwards but not many people would likely agree with me ha. Edit: re the original poster about condensation, I experience this issue and now I clean the AirPods after every use and do notice some condensation just from indoor use, I don’t think I’ll use these outside especially in cold weather or any weather extremes, I’ll use other headphones outside.
@@DroidLocks6971 either lying or ur family has broken ears.😂
@@DroidLocks6971 I hope they’re more impactful, they’re muddy as shit
@@DroidLocks6971 dang those are the ones I’m looking to replace!
Thank you for a great, detailed, review. So far, I really like my Max and that tip about the Accessibility tweak is amazing!
Fantastic review, dude! So dang good and comprehensive.
My Personal Airpods Max Experience
I Bought The Airpods Max - Great ANC - After Hours Of Back And Forth Testing Against My Sony 1000X M3s Using My Z Fold 3 & My IPhone 13 Playing Music And Even More Movies We Came To The Overwhelming & Very Surprising Conclusion The The XM3s Sounded More Present And Impactful Than The Airpods Max Even When The XM3s Were At A Lower Volume Than The Airpods Max - I Really Did Not Expext This At All Especially With The Airpods Max Costing $550.00 ‐ - With The Spacial Audio On The Max Sounded Even Better But Still My Sony WH 1000X M3s Were More Impactful And Present - The Airpods Max Did Sound Good But In Comparison To My XM3 Over Ears The Max Are Lacking - - I Returned The Airpods Max
Finally someone talking about the Codecs Apple uses!
Great job all in all.
I have always had an issue with AAC, it hurts to listen too it. I will always choose an AC3 codec for TV/Movies compared to AAC. I can't buy anything from Apple as it comes in AAC format. I have never experienced true HiFi listening but when creative released their audigy 2 years ago I realised more data was always better.
Great review. Particularly about the clamping on the head. I'm one of those that can't stand clamping pressure. I've had several over-the-head headphones be gifted to friends for this reason. Where I was about to pull the trigger on purchasing them, I'm now in HOLD mode thanks to your awesome review.
I appreciated your comments about AAC. People get hung up on specs and what’s new and don’t always consider whether or not it really affects them.
When MKBHD talked about audio quality I immediately thought about Snazzy Q.
yeah that guy has no idea what he talks about with anything (not Quinn).
He owns a HD820. That says it all.
He thought M50X is a pair of good headphones, what do you expect...
@@yihan4835 Still not as bad as UrAvgConsumer who said the Sony XB950BT are his favorite headphones. That thing sounds like straight up Beats trash.
@@sternkrieger1950 It's personal preference. If you enjoy blown up bass and aren't fussed about getting a true-to-studio sound replication, they're were a good value pair of bluetooth headphones. I own both the XB950BTs and the XB950N1s, and while I have far superior headphones I will often grab the N1s on the way out the door because they're just so much fun.
This is THE review for AirPods Max. Much more pleased after watching it than the hollow MKBHD video which even has wrong info.
it isn’t wrong. As usual, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Try putting them in a backpack without that stupid case on and they will be waking up every time you move
@@AlJey007 it is way wrong and fan like you can't defend that
The low power mode was incorrect. It doesn’t take 2 hours to enter; it takes 5 minutes.
@@TKDdans not incorrect he thought that it was only his opinion
@@nishant54 His opinion that the headphones turn off after 2 hours?
I’ve had them 2 days, I also own a set of the xm4. The max set are just better all round. From build to the sound, they’re just better. And listening to movies with spatial audio really is something else. The one downside is that price, but they’re incredibly well made, and if you listen to plenty of music on the go, or watch movies on your tablet or phone, I think you can justify paying for them.
I wish the folded and traveled better/USB C.
I totally agree
more informative with practical info than any other video i have seen on these cans. Bought a pair was looking for the best Wireless ANC AND best Wireless sound. Did the adjusting in the accesibility settings and am very happy
Ready for this review man ! Stoked for it ! I was just waiting for an audiophiles review and you did it !
This is a great video, the editing is excellent and I trust Quinn's opinion. Many people take themselves too seriously when it comes to audio or don't really review it properly imo (i.e. just compare to the Sony headphones). This review feels beautifully balanced.
This was a perfect review. Love your channel. You were born to review, so natural and knowledgeable, i’m so invested into Apple ecosystem, I see no reason not to get these. Thanks for the review and keep up the reviews and content.
0:10 *sees left arm*
IS THAT A HUH-DUH SIX HUNGEOS BY OL' MATE SENN?
I bet he doesn't own a one grit though
3 weeks ago this would’ve been a woosh.
whatta nugget
Sorry to be a buzzkill but those are the sennheiser hd650
Hehe
I appreciate the high level of editing effort you have put in to this video. This is TV grade 👍
The best review on UA-cam so far, so spot on and full of needed details.
i love how you seamlessly integrate your sponsors into your video. good job.
Great review - Great personality. You made my day. With age, I've been trying to cut away from large audio systems toward simplicity. It's hard trying to find equivalent sound in miniature. Closest I've come is Kef LS50WII. I've purchased several headphones but forced air heating & cooling detracts from the audio experience. Just prior to watching your review I was about to try the XM4s. There are SO many factors to consider. After your review I changed my mind. Your points on noise cancelling, wiring connection, and accessibility aced it for me. I'll go with the pro Max and hope those bring a stop to all this needless spending.
This is the best review of Airpods Max by far. Not just the cans were reviewed, the details on codecs, conversions and wired mode is amazing, provided that people are able to follow that.
2:49 had me dying, but on a real note, amazing review, truly one from an audiophile's perspective.
Stumbled across this video. Your set up is incredible.
The reason why you still can hear the tire on the concrete is simple. You just don’t only hear it with you ears. Your whole body is getting the little swings and make you your own box for sounds 😉
I'd almost agree with this, and it's quite possible that this is a big contributor, but knowing how Apple handles ANC on AirPods Pro I know that it hates sounds like that. It doesn't just have sharp sounds playing in my ears - the music distorts and contorts beyond all recognition as the ANC tries its best to compensate for the noise, but it can't do it. AirPods Max have way better mics and dual chips, but I'd still expect a similar effect. On car journeys, I always have ANC off for the Pros.
I just did a road-trip from the Netherlands to Germany wearing the Max, ANC was great without any glitches.
11:46 I demand a SnazzyLabs cement highway mixtape.
Amazing video! I don’t think I need to look anywhere else for further reviews! Thx!
I just got a pair and I’m no expert but they sound pretty amazing I just wish they would go a little louder but I’m also a drummer so my ears aren’t as sensitive as most.
For me, they’re a little too loud at max volume. It’s dangerous to listen at max volume (occurring to Apple) but I have sensitive ears so yeah lol I love them tho
@@alielzabidi1009 It is definitely dangerous to listen to any headphones on max volume more than maybe half an hour. If you do this for long period of time you can get hearing loss.
You probably have hearing damage and will develop tinnitus and hearing issues later in life
Just add rosemary salt
@@alielzabidi1009 welll not according to apple, its based on actual health advice
Thank you for being literally the only reviewer to actually test wired performance!
Max tech test wired connection too. Any compare the performance to Sony WH1000XM4 too
@@benwong1111 Barely. And those guys really don't know jack about audio - I doubt they'd appreciate the difference between wired and wireless.
Yeah I thought there was no wired option because everyone was complaining that they can't edit on Airpod Max but Clearly they can.
late reply, but I saw one reviewer even recently with his long term review say one negative about these was that you can't use them wired at all... :/
Best review by a long mile! Quite a few reviews have added “Audiophile” in the title without featuring any audiophile detailed content in the review. Thank you for this🙏🏻
Next-level indepth review. Well done!
Watching this video should not feel so therapeutic and soothing, it’s so enjoyable to listen to this guy
This is the most thorough and thoughtful review of these headphones yet. Thank you!!!
The BEST review. I love how well you articulate the sound signature. 10/10
Dude, that’s one, amazingly detailed, honest, thorough, and objective AS WELL AS subjective review. Good job. I’m so glad I came across your channel!
I had headphones that I thought were pretty good. Trying out the AirPods Max out of curiosity, I fell in love with them. I received my purchase today. After several hours of music listening, I'm very happy that I got them.
In my opinion this is one of the best reviews on youtube. The review I was waiting for. Thank you.
Just subbed, this is a masterful review well done. Fantastic job! :)
This is the most informative review I've ever watched. Thank you.
I just started watching, that song in the background is so good!
This was an extremely impressive overview. Great job Snazzy!!
My thoughts exactly! Incredible
Bought the AirPods Max recently (2022) due to very good discounts. Seen many reviews and this is the best one, hands down. I am a mid level audiophile. I have not seen this level of influence software can have on a pair of headphones. (Thanks for pointing out the settings in the Accessibility section - now I can hear the extensions).
I did the same. $100 off on Amazon so finally grabbed a pair. I love them so much once I adjusted the accessability settings and found a good EQ with Apple Music. On my mac it was easier with SoundSource to tune everything. Most comfortable over ear headphones I've had. Finally can wear them for hours at a time.
@@andrewhargreaves1095did you get apple care with them on amazon? idk if i should get it on amazon for less or pay more to get the engraving on apple
May have been the most informative UA-cam video I have ever seen! Flawless video. Thank you!
Great review, and i've seen it all! ;)
BTW, thanks for the "chapters", it is an underrated feature.
As a fellow audiophile, thank you for this review, when i first heard the news and the lack of info apple came out with I too jumped on the hate train, but you changed my mind, so thanks
Do you like them a year later? Would you go back and buy them again?
@@-z13 I'm about to purchase ones, so I'm also looking for references 👀
@@stevemajors3152 Hello. Same! Any updates?
@@SimonT54 I’m not an audiophile but the sound quality is certainly premium, and the anc and transparent feel seriously luxurious. I do prep work in a kitchen and sometimes get to listen to podcasts, and going from paused in transparency to listening in noise cancelation, feels like walking into a movie, as the background noise fades away nearly completely.
Awesome! Video love the work you put into testing.Really enjoyed Deb. 👌✌
Best review of the airpods max I've seen so far. Thank you for going into detail about the $35 wire.
This makes pretty much every other Airpods max review feel amateurish
DankPods review is also worth to see.
DMS review too is worth that, even more detailed description of sound signature
Dankpods says they are good they are good every thing else don’t matter
Zeos: "That's... why I'm here."
*laughs in iPhonedo*
Great review!
“From performing to listening” : curious to know what instruments you play
It's the first time I watch a review SEVERAL TIMES (yep, I might be a bit obsessed about the Airpods Max, until I receive my pair, in a few days). I think I might have even memorised some parts of your video already hahaha. I'm surprised how enjoyable I find it. Also, your videos (well, at least this one, I haven't watched many more) have great sound quality, probably the best I've heard on UA-cam. Curious... MKH 416? (I guess your audiophile's room has much to do).
wow, more information than I ever thought I needed. Great Job. I have ordered the space grey ones, long wait till march.
This was a college lecture titled as a 'review'. Great watch. Loved it!
edit: +1 for the Tron:Legacy vinyl
Tron: Legacy=Yes
This is hands down the best review on UA-cam.
I got a pair of AirPods Max today and I've had the DT 1990 as headphones for years. I thought the AirPods were broken because of how dark they sounded like the Beyers but little by little I started to appreciate them. Thanks for your video
First time listening to your reviews. I am impressed that you gave a thoughtful review that was balanced and cut through a lot of the BS that many plague reviewers. Well done.
This video popped up oh my recommendations. I really like the way you edited the video and just in general I enjoyed it. Subscribing.... now!
YES! The only review I've been waiting for regarding Airpod Max
Honestly I love this video and subscribed in an instant I want to be an audiophile and work with music and do it enough to where I live with music for the rest of my life. thanks for the review! won't be purchasing but it was nice to see the differences with that and other brands.
I have been considering these for listening to my Apple Music, Watching Apple TV+ on my MacBook Pro. Your video was helpful.
Been waiting for this one all weekend long!
The best and most detailed review I saw so far from this product.
First video I saw from you and I got hooked already. Subbed!
Man an Eames Lounge in the background! love it! :D
Insanely well done review, with the level of insights I was looking for!
What an amazing review. I can’t think of a single thing not covered here. Actually I heard more than few things I had no idea are relevant.
21:00, great tip in the accessibility adjustments.
I spent about 10 hours reading and watching reviews of these headphones. Your review is by far the most useful that I have found. THANK YOU!!
Cheers!
I can't wait for the DankPods review.
_(Aussie noises intensifies)_
2:50 snazzy’s audition tape
I recently got a pair and price aside, I do thoroughly enjoy them. I don’t remember the last time I really liked a set of over ear headphones like these. Only complaint is portability but I enjoy how they feel and sound.
I appreciate that accessibility tip btw. Helps with the limited customization.
Such a well done video, at some point it became edutainment and I forgot that I was looking for headphone advice. Thnx for the DIYaudiophile4newbstarterkit!
amazing detailed review. great work! i'm really left with zero questions after this hahahaha
Finally after days of teasing you are here ✌🏻
Great review and he did it in MJF's jacket from Back to the Future Part II
What a great review! I appreciated the balanced approach on this. Well done!
Cool background music! And great review!
This is THE review I was waiting for.
Picked up a pair the other day from an Apple Store-- not an audiophile and I really enjoy them. I used my original AirPods so much that when the AirPods Pro came out, I purchased them as soon as I could find stock (I wear my Pros nearly 8 hours a day at work)-- I pretty much did the same with the Maxs. I plan on using them for watching movies in an apartment where I cannot listen to loud cinema late at night. I was initially very nervous that I would be missing out on the benefits of Tidal and a HiFi Bluetooth codec but after testing it out via the wired adapter I can say that I find the difference between Tidal and Apple Music negligible and I don't think I am missing out on anything. I wish that you could use a USB-C to Lightning cable for audio in from a MacBook to avoid using the horrible 3.5 to lightning adapter but it's not a deal-breaker-- I bought them to use wirelessly. Happy that watching your video only reaffirmed my purchase :)
Amazingly detailed review dude! You should check out the Drop + THX Pandas, i wonder how they would compare to these headphones in particular.
Loved this, what a great video. Perfect balance of accessible (aka not too much insider lingo for a dumdum like me) and yet still packed with good info.
Finally, an insightful review from someone who knows about audio. Thanks!