Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat pick for Apple ecosystem!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
First let me say I’ve been looking at the APM for months, but I’m a Sony fan. So, I’ve had my Sony WH-1000XM4 for about 2 years. 1st was a refurbished unit and so glad I got the insurance! Something went bad on the left side and it would get ringing feedback increasing in volume until unbearable. Had to send them back 3 times to Asurion who “fixed” them. They didn’t do jack. They did replace the ear pads on the first try with some crappy hard aftermarket ones. Replaced on the second try with the right pads but the feedback issues were still there. 3 times and you can request replacement or refund. I opted for refund and went to Best Buy and got a new pair and in the blue I wanted. They’re wonderful, I love them. Noise cancellation is excellent and after adjusting with their app they sound fantastic to me.
But I was still wanting to check out the APM. Price is a bit crazy but I decided to order renewed and insurance again JIC. Now that I’ve had them about 4 days (I’m sorry Sony) I’m in love all over again! They sound absolutely amazing. The spatial audio really works well (Sony has a similar feature but it’s only supported by certain streaming services not including Apple). The soundstage opens up to something really fantastic sounding.
Now reasons not to buy and why others may have returned theirs (thank you whoever sent mine back).
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, if you don’t have an Apple device to connect to any only android or a PC, DO NOT BUY THESE! You will be seriously disappointed. You won’t be able to EQ them at all unless you use a 3rd party app or your device has EQ built in. I was very disappointed when I first connected and listened so some music, they were not good. Flat sounding with hardly any bass or treble! Like WTF, this can’t be right. Googled some information and instructions on how to properly set up Apple AirPods and the Max. You have to go into settings and go through a hearing test procedure that tunes the EQ specifically to your own ears. Listening to tones very similar to going to an audiologist. The results after that were WOW, what a difference nice broad response, solid bass, not quite as good as Sony who allows EQ from their app and have a special bass enhancement system, but solid and good definition. The soundstage opened up also with any stereo material. Then when you turn on spatial audio it’s WOW again, Apple did a really good job of processing the music and not messing it up. It goes from just headphones to room phones, the sound is around you! You can opt to let the headphones track your head movements or not. If you turn the music stays where it was, but after a few seconds of you don’t turn back they recenter you again.
I really held off a long time as the price on these is really extreme compared to what the competition are selling as “equivalents”. The build quality on the Apple really separates them from the pack. With steel headband and aluminum components they should be very durable. Sony and Bose are, well… just plastic. As to lack of folding ability, I really don’t care, 99% of my listening is at home. I use earbuds if I’m outside or working out. The holder is… interesting. Different than what I’m used to but seems to work just fine around the house.
Now I’ll try to wrap up with a comment about other reviews complaining about no power cords or chargers…I DON’T CARE!! I HAVE TOO MANY NOW!! lol, really if you have Apple products around you’re going to have a lightning cable and charger somewhere!
Then, noise cancellation reaction…can I say WOW again? Really, my Sony are good but these are significantly better. Things I can’t hear or barely heard around the house with Sony that I don’t hear with APM. The TV, my wife, fans, well almost anything! Sony works well but their around ear system still rest on my Dumbo sized ears! lol. The Apple are really around the ear with a little room! This helps with noise control and comfort.
And finally, comfort…the Sony are very comfortable but the plastic cups get hot and sweaty after a few minutes. The Apple are much better in that respect. My only criticism I guess would be comfort though. The clamping force on my head is significant by I’m getting used to it. I know my ears are large enough but I don’t think my head is oversized! Not ridiculous but definitely more than Sony, but the do stay in place well.
Summary
If you have an iPhone or Apple devices to use these with and take the time to set them up properly you’ll be very happy.
If you’re not using Apple, WALK AWAY NOW!!
1/17/24
3 months later and the refurbished Max went bad. Could not stay connected with Bluetooth so fortunately within the Amazon return window. Returned, credited and also reimbursed for the Asurion warranty.
So, this was bad but I liked them a lot so I went out and picked up a brand new Pro Max. Not using the spatial sound much but the noise cancellation on the Max is awesome! Having foundation repairs done and staying in an upstairs bedroom with these on and I can hardly hear the industrial tools in use. These are far and away the best NC headphones I’ve owned. Still highly recommended but didn’t want to roll the dice on refurbished this time around!
