A Musician's Take on the HomePod 2 - Full Review
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- Check out the new HomePod 2! This thing is totally revamped for 2023 and sounds great. Let's look at it from the ears of a musician and see if it's really worth the hype!
In 2023 it's a competitive landscape for great wireless shelf speakers and the HomePod 2 takes the cake in my opinion. What do you think?
When Apple releases these on Amazon they'll be here: amzn.to/3XnY7xW
See ya on the next one!
00:00 Introduction
01:41 Unboxing
03:42 HomePod Setup
05:15 Sound Test - Song 1
07:07 Sound Test - Song 2
08:41 Summary
In my next video I'm going to go stereo. Any suggestions on how to test 2 HomePods in stereo? I have some ideas... :)
Try to play some music with no copyright 🤧🤧
And songs with good bass on it you will see the difference on stereo
Please please compare the stereo Homepods to budget audiophile speakers. The cheapest KEF/Polk/Jamo/Klipsch/Definitive Technology speakers driven by a cheap (but audiophile) Denon/NAD/Rotel/Cambridge Audio integrated amp vs stereo Homepods. I bet the budget audiophile system will blow the stereo Homepods away.
Oh I have almost no doubt. As good as they sound, HomePods are a consumer product. Audiophile gear crosses over into Prosumer and maybe even Professional in some cases. HomePods can’t compete. 😇
The cheapest NAD amp is $400 and there are many good speakers from Polk, Jamo etc for $200. Same price as stereo Homepods. Don’t think anyone on UA-cam has done such a comparison.
I think the thing people underrate with the HomePod is how good it sounds for the size. I've lived with different roommates/significant others who do not like having big speakers in the room with a big receiver and wires. However,they can digest the idea of two homepods in the corner.
And yes you are correct about the HomePod sounding great at low volumes. I love listening to music at low volumes when I'm reading or laying down and I appreciate how good it still sounds.
This is a great point, when it come to bang for the buck these babies definitely give you a huge full sound in a little package. More than any other speaker in its class IMO. Thanks for watching! Welcome to the crew.
Excellent. Super excited for what you've got coming next!
Stoked you found the channel! Let's hang!
Yes - there is an Equaliser in your iPhone Music settings that should affect the HomePods if you stream music from your iPhone. The stream is actually carried by AirPlay over Wifi, not Bluetooth, which is why you can play back your tracks lossless.
Much smarter tech than a Bluetooth speaker IMO! Thanks for watching
Great start! Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Loved the review.
Watching your review from a musician perspective is both relevant and substantial. Your voice is pleasant to listen also. Thanks for sharing your video. Oh because this is your first video here I subscribed.
Thank you for watching!
I have a 4 HomePod speaker setup. 2 HomePod 2’s paired in living room and then paired 2 HomePod minis and labeled them “Living Room Rear”. And when you tap the power button on the remote once a menu appears that will let you select audio menu. From there I checkmark both pairs of HomePods (2 and minis) Andjust the core volume I want them to be separate from each other then back out of that menu. TIP - set the minis volume a little higher to better match the larger HomePods. From there the regular volume control adjusts like normal for both sets. Then boom I have 4 speakers booming Apple Music in my living room space. Be sure to reverse the left and right rear speakers though to match the front speakers so the left and right audio matches. Of course, this isn’t true surround sound from Apple, but it is the best option to fill a room with music or movie audio until Apple gives us an update to allow 4 speakers for a real surround sound experience. One more thing to note is when you select to add on the rear speakers it is just temporary until you turn off the Apple TV after you turn off the TV and turn it back on you will have to re-select the additional speakers again. Not a big deal though, as it’s pretty easy to do, and only takes secaonds. It would be nice if somebody showed this set up in a video as I can’t find any videos, showing this set up.
Dude this is legendary. I have 4 HomePods, but they are not set up like this. Maybe I should try it…and film it! If I do, I’ll reference your comment in the video! Thanks for sharing!
That would be amazing! Even if you don’t film it, let me know what you think about the set up after you give it a try. 👍
@@stuff-thats-good also play around with turning Dolby Atmos on and off after you get set up. I had to make some adjustments in the music setting in my iPhone too. For example turning on sound check, etc.. I had to turn on sound check in order for the Dolby Atmos to stop sounding more faded whenever I play them. I kept having to turn the volume up for Dolby Atmos songs. But I finally found the sweet spot in the settings, but it took an hour or so lol if you’d like to know my settings, just let me know.
Welcome to UA-cam. 🎉🎉🎉 great vid. Subbed!
Thank you!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Hey…congrats from Germany for your first video…well done!…aaaand subbed!
Thank you! 😃
Great video! I would like to see future videos comparing the sound quality of other smart or non-smart speakers you have. Keep it up!
That sounds fun. Thanks for watching, welcome to the crew!
Please note that the HomePod is NOT a Bluetooth speaker.
Good point!
Yeah, I think Apple specifically steared clear of Bluetooth to make the quality better.
True. I had noticed Target stated that as well. Apple is too greedy for Bluetooth. Honestly Wi-Fi sounds so much better anyway.
@@garyjustgary5059 that makes no sense at all. Wi-Fi does not sound so much better than Bluetooth. Give me a break. you’re just making things up.
@@chezchezchezchez , Ok, connect to a Bluetooth speaker and move more than 33 feet away and you’ll see exactly what I’m saying. Also some audio quality is lost from the way it’s compressed using Bluetooth. Please know what you’re talking about before criticizing someone’s comment. You sound foolish.
Nice video! I definitely suggest getting another one for the stereo pair. It really takes it to a whole other level.
Looking forward to more videos!
I think I’m going to have to try that! Thanks for watching, welcome to the crew!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Really nice first video! Clear audio and amazing visuals! What camera do you use? And are you still happy about your pruchase? U def earned a sub, even though im not really that much into music.
I use a Panasonic GH5S - I don’t regret the camera or the HomePod! Thanks for watching!
Nice video. Just got my HomePod 2 in midnight. Love the sound and Apple Music. I couldn’t be more happier with the ecosystem
So good!
Does it support Atmos in Apple Music or simply the Lossless?
9to5mac.com/2021/10/25/homepod-now-supports-lossless-and-dolby-atmos-heres-a-workaround-for-homepod-mini/
Yes!
Great review mate.
New sub 👍🏻
Thanks! Welcome to the crew!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
This is your first UA-cam video? Well you look and sound like a seasoned pro! Good work.
Thank you! And thanks for watching. More to come soon.
Great video! Welcome! I LOVE my HomePod 2! It sounds amazing in my bedroom. It fit so many needs - including getting away from Alexa. Later I will use 2 for the living room…
So glad you like it! Mine ended up in my room as well for now. Perfect bedroom speaker. Thanks for watching!
Guitarist with the new HomePod here. I have to agree with you!
Also, I have a stereo pair of HomePod minis that play along with my HomePod 2 in the same room, and it sounds great. Those little satellites fill out the sound even more. 🤘🏽
Like PA fills in your house! I love it. This is the first HomePod I’ve bought but I have a feeling it is far from the last. Thanks for watching!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Made it before taken down due to copy right! Love the new channel!
Hopefully it never goes down, we’ll see! To test Good For You on a HomePod it was a risk I was willing to take 😅
Thanks for watching!
Nice video bro!!!!😊
Thanks for watching!
I just ordered a pair of homepods today - not sure quite what to expect, since its been ages since I’ve purchased any home theatre gear. Ever since my 13 year old Onkyo amp died a few years ago, I’ve used LG C1 TV speakers for everything movie/game related.
I love my high fidelity audio though - got a pair of Adam A7X running out of my Macbook’s Babyface Pro.. Obviously not expecting homepod to compare with those, though I do hope they come close to Klipsch or Harmon Kardon computer speaker/SUB sets I used to own. I have such fond memories of those; especially the Klipsch
Let us know how they sound! Congrats on the purchase and thanks for watching!
A very refreshing take on a review. I knew you were an aficionado when I saw the VOX in the background. Get two and let us know how it changes.
Will do! Thanks for checking out the channel - welcome to the crew!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
I just got 2. They are so sick
I just spent all day at home listening to music. Also tried a movie with Dolby atmos in stereo with Apple TV. It sounds pretty amazing. Can’t believe how the bass hits and rumbles- doesn’t seem like it could come from these little speakers 🔥
That is honestly probably my favorite thing. How is there no sub and yet the low end is so rich and responsive?! What movie did you watch? Welcome to the crew!
Get an Apple Airport Express 2 and hook up a subwoofer to it. You'll have a powered subwoofer with the 2 HomePod's to make it pretty decent.
Good video mister! Nice flow and edit throughout. I think a darker background with some discrete lights would make you more pronounced and make the video even more pleasant. Anyways, just friendly advice to grow your channel. You got what it takes. Thanks
Thank you for the kind words! These are some great tips. Thanks for watching, welcome to the crew!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Cool down to earth review. Interesting choice not going with "semi-charmed life" You must like those deep cuts.
I only have 1 mode of listening to albums: deep cuts.
Thanks for watching!
That speaker sounds so good on my speakers! Omg!
You should audio record it playing back on your speakers and then play THAT back on other speakers. It’s WORTH IT
sounds like an Islandic technique
Subbed to see your take on a stereo pair of HomePods
Hang tight for part 2?
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Good one brother
Thanks!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Same here, mainly for music
Great video. I’m with you, who cares about that HomeKit stuff I just want to listen to music.
I’ll be very interested to hear your views on using two of these, as a home theatre, with Apple TV, 4K.
Sounds fun! I’ve already used it as a single speaker for my Apple TV 4K and it’s amazing in mono. Stereo would be amazing for sure! Thanks for watching!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Great video. Now more tempted to sell my Mini HomePod and purchase the 2nd generation HomePod 😂
Go for it! Or save up and add the HomePod. You could intercom then! Thanks for watching!
@@stuff-thats-good oh yes forgot about inter-coming! Thank you 😊
A tip for future videos: You should lower the sound of the music playing in the background a bit!
Thanks for the tip! This is going to be a fun journey for sure.
I need your honest opinion, which one sounds better between the OG HomePod and 2nd generation?
Full disclosure I’ve never heard the OG! And they’re hard to find these days. From what I’ve heard it’s a toss up, some people swear by the OG some are positive that the new one sounds better. Sounds like taster’s choice to me! Thanks for watching!
Original has more speakers and more microphones and sounds better.
I’m an old bass player, also learning piano/keyboard. Played in a local group in the mid 70’s. Always like learning things in music. Also played cornet in junior high and high school. So I guess I can say I am a musician, but won’t claim to be a good one.
Hey if you appreciate it, you play it, you pursue it, then you’re a musician! Let’s hang! 👍🏻
I have had both took back 2nd gen 1st sounds much better and you can reduce the bass inside the settings of the home app
Yes! I found that setting, so great! In what way do you feel v1 sounds better than v2? I’ve never actually heard the original HomePod. Welcome to the crew!
0:39 actually,
a lot of people bought it, which is probably why they are bringing it back.
Good point! Thanks for watching!
Believe me, the original homepod sounds much better than the second gen one.
I have 2 of the original and they are amazing.
Maybe someday I’ll have to compare the 2. Have you compared them back to back? Thanks for watching!
I just got my first HomePod. A version two so far I’m underwhelmed with the sound. Yes, I know about stereo pairing them anyway, it might be going back.
From my experience if you want to try to stereo pair it, make sure they are very spaced out from each other! It sounds amazing that way. Otherwise not worth the extra $300. Thanks for watching!
@@stuff-thats-good good to know. I’ll probably be putting mine about a foot and half away from each side of my 65” LGC1 .. should be enough seperation - maybe too much, since it’s not a perfect triangle from my listening point
You need two for the full stereo experience good video
Yeah I may just have to go for that! Do you have 2? Thanks for watching!
@@stuff-thats-good I have two, they’re amazing in a pair. For speakers that size the sound output is phenomenal. No distortion at any volume, home theatre, earc support. These hands down are the best sounding “smart speakers”
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
You state the HomePod is a bluetooth speaker in your video. That is incorrect. It does not have the capability to stream via bluetooth. It streams via Airplay. The speaker does have a bluetooth radio in it but it is not used for music streaming.
Yeah I totally misspoke there. You’re right! Thanks for watching!
Can this be used to playback Alexa?
I don’t think so…
Equalizer? Spotify and you have it 😀
True!! Thanks for watching!
We had a 1st gen Echo in our master bathroom for listening to music in the morning ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxABghAEkaIDGZfHRBH3D3rBrlraNmnC71 and while in the shower. I didn't realize how tinny and awful the sound output on the original Echo was until we replaced it with the Studio. It was a sonic upgrade far beyond what I was expecting. Just wow. I love it because it's like having speakers IN the shower. My friend likes it because the music is so loud that she can no longer hear me singing. So that's a win-win.
Estoy de acuerdo, ¡gracias por mirar!
🤯
Right!? Welcome to the channel!
Rung that bell
Thanks! Represent!
when you add the 2nd one, you will be even more impressed
Can’t wait!! Do you have 2?
@@stuff-thats-good I have 2 HomePod Minis. They're surprisingly good for their size too.
I’ll have to try those out too!
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
You definitely missed Spatial audio test.
Always room to improve - thanks for watching!
I also use iTunes
Apple Music / iTunes is a perfect fit for HomePod. Thanks for watching!
Now that you’ve done an “unboxing,” you never have to do another one. You’re welcome.
Freedom!! 😂
Thanks for watching!
I like bass 😅
I know what you want to say, but this is not a "bluetooth speaker". Good video and nice to have the perspective of a musician, though.
You are totally right!
I hit subscribe too fast. My doctor said I need a few months of physical therapy in my thumb!
We all struggle with something! Thanks for subscribing tho!
HomePod's have no bass. Spatial is neat but no bass response makes it worthless. An Apple Airport Express 2 gives you a headphone out port, which you can buy a headphone to sub out cable and get a powered subwoofer to connect to your wifi connection along with the HomePods. It gives very good spatial audio bass with a powered subwoofer.
This is genius. Thanks for sharing and watching!
Finally someone with brains - I use them too
I love music from the 60 and the 70 and have in control of how the music sounds,digital music is too flat for me.
Thanks for watching!
LP music sound better then digital music.
I have to agree with you there ;)
I feel seen 😭
You are, my friend. You are.
As a musician i can only recommend the Homepod if you are deaf, otherwise avoid it
What speakers do you use? Thanks for watching!
It is not a Bluetooth speaker. It is a Wi-Fi speaker..
Yes you are totally right! Thanks for watching!
Why do all the reviews just use one speaker? Baffling.
For me, it’s because this is my first video and they’re $300 each 😂
Stereo Pair review (+other goodies) ua-cam.com/video/QOuzHberN_c/v-deo.html
Shitty Krk will make you depressed. The real representantion of music is not funny at all. HomePod is even better than audiophile gear
They’re pretty amazing!
Cringe song(s) lol
What do you test speakers with?