Thank you for that...a few points I'd like to raise. Neither of these companies have ever been noted for the quality of their headphones, yet suddenly we're being asked to shed hundreds of notes for the new kids on the block. Is it only because of Atmos/Spatial? and are Atmos and Spatial going to fare any better than the "late" awful 3D video or are they just another attempt by very powerful companies, to de facto "own" music? (discuss?) and...there are no references to Classical music here (the only music form where accurate reproduction is super important) and let's face it, it's on classical stuff that the greats like B&W have built their reputations over many years - so why is this? Finally we know that however much they cost headphones can only really "fake" low end (low end is about moving large quantities of air - how can phones ever do that?) so the curves you show demonstrate the way that we're being "persuaded" that real bass is there....I would have like to have seen that addressed...thank you again.
I found the Sonos Ace was all mid-range and not much else. Whether wired or Bluetooth. Regardless of the source. ANC, and spatial audio on/off made no difference. I don’t have the Max - I’m on some 8 year old B&Os, AirPods Pro 2 and a pair of Beats Studio Pros. The beats ones are good but not great, but way ahead of the Sonos quality wise. Nice headphones. Maybe I just got a bad pair.
The funny thing is u can spend like $600 on a pair of headphones to hear your music clearly or just eq a set of $40 until it sounds good to you and call it a day .
Keep in mind that you used Dolby Atmos as your reference, and the Sonos uses Dolby Atmos but Apple does not. Apple’s spacial audio is similar, but not the same. So if Atmos is your reference, the Sonos will be closer. But if you listen without Atmos as your reference, you could feel differently. It really just depends what your personal benchmark is.
Totally agree! Apple’s Spatial renderer may not exactly be the same as Dolby’s renderer for Atmos content, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some may prefer Apple’s approach over Sonos’, or vice-versa. Thanks for watching! Happy listening!
nice review. I owned both the Airpod Max and Sonos Ace. Soundwise, I do like the higher treble of Sonos and I agree with the reviewer that spatial sound works better on the Sonos. And ..... one of the most important thing is that the Sonos Ace is so light and comfortable!
Great analysis! If I want to lean on your reference curve, what should I put in Treble and Bass in the Sonos app for the Sonos Ace? I think bass -5 is the right spot but wondering for treble. Thanks!
Anyway, I personally don't think the air pods max sound great. They are $550 and it's difficult to even hear the words of a song because the eq is set to overlay bass. Personally the beats solo 4 sound far clearer to me.
What do you guys think of the new video format? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Thank you for that...a few points I'd like to raise. Neither of these companies have ever been noted for the quality of their headphones, yet suddenly we're being asked to shed hundreds of notes for the new kids on the block. Is it only because of Atmos/Spatial? and are Atmos and Spatial going to fare any better than the "late" awful 3D video or are they just another attempt by very powerful companies, to de facto "own" music? (discuss?) and...there are no references to Classical music here (the only music form where accurate reproduction is super important) and let's face it, it's on classical stuff that the greats like B&W have built their reputations over many years - so why is this? Finally we know that however much they cost headphones can only really "fake" low end (low end is about moving large quantities of air - how can phones ever do that?) so the curves you show demonstrate the way that we're being "persuaded" that real bass is there....I would have like to have seen that addressed...thank you again.
I found the Sonos Ace was all mid-range and not much else. Whether wired or Bluetooth. Regardless of the source. ANC, and spatial audio on/off made no difference. I don’t have the Max - I’m on some 8 year old B&Os, AirPods Pro 2 and a pair of Beats Studio Pros. The beats ones are good but not great, but way ahead of the Sonos quality wise. Nice headphones. Maybe I just got a bad pair.
The funny thing is u can spend like $600 on a pair of headphones to hear your music clearly or just eq a set of $40 until it sounds good to you and call it a day .
🤝🏽
Keep in mind that you used Dolby Atmos as your reference, and the Sonos uses Dolby Atmos but Apple does not. Apple’s spacial audio is similar, but not the same. So if Atmos is your reference, the Sonos will be closer. But if you listen without Atmos as your reference, you could feel differently. It really just depends what your personal benchmark is.
Who says Apple does not, do you research…apple’s special audio is for all apps. Apple Music’s tracks that have Dolby atmos will be in atmos.
Totally agree! Apple’s Spatial renderer may not exactly be the same as Dolby’s renderer for Atmos content, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some may prefer Apple’s approach over Sonos’, or vice-versa. Thanks for watching! Happy listening!
Spatial Audio is just the trade name Apple gives to Dolby Atmos, it's Apple, they have this need to rename everything.
@@rolins3279 it is not, they cannot go that. Dolby Atmos in Apple Music is Dolby atmos. Spacial audio is a separate feature from that.
nice review. I owned both the Airpod Max and Sonos Ace. Soundwise, I do like the higher treble of Sonos and I agree with the reviewer that spatial sound works better on the Sonos. And ..... one of the most important thing is that the Sonos Ace is so light and comfortable!
How can you can Dolby Atmos over Bluetooth? Atmos delivers over ARC only.
So if we have Dolby Atmos turned on for Apple Music, Sonos is the better choice?
Please make a video on the dolby atmos renders; that each music prodiver may use. ie, Tidal, Apple Music.. Love the content
Great analysis! If I want to lean on your reference curve, what should I put in Treble and Bass in the Sonos app for the Sonos Ace? I think bass -5 is the right spot but wondering for treble. Thanks!
Anyway, I personally don't think the air pods max sound great. They are $550 and it's difficult to even hear the words of a song because the eq is set to overlay bass. Personally the beats solo 4 sound far clearer to me.
great info, very nice vid
Great review
Great job on this review
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