And I feel like a loft of the sonic magic is happening via the signal processing within the apm so. It would be really interesting to see if somebody would hack these so the drives can be hooked up to a normal analogue source and do a sound comparison to the processed sound.
Agree, which Is why the ability to accept a digital signal, and process through its own internal DAC/amp would be desirable. I've seen no mention of this capability thus far. Someone here can surely test them, easily enough, I am sure.
I do have to say that the Digital Crown is an absolute master stroke, very intuitive and much easier to work out than any other control system I’ve used.
I do have to say that the Digital Crown is an absolute master stroke, very intuitive and much easier to work out than any other control system I’ve used.
I'm a southpaw and it doesn't bother me. Though I do wonder why they are not ear agnostic or at least user selectable. Seems like when wireless, it should be something that you could change easily via software.
I am no Apple fanboy, but they deserve their reputation, IMO. In general, they make (really) great tech products. Not everything they touch turns to gold, but more often than not, the stuff that rolls off the highly-lauded assembly line are top-notch in both performance and build.
Oops I didn’t catch Crinicle testing his phone from an Android device, would have said something about it. AAC just isn’t handled well on Android.
This thread getting tons of guest views should be no surprise, anything Apple does gets all the mainstream attention and I’m sure people are now scouring the ‘net for more info on these cans. Seems logical they would end up on a audiophile enthusiast forum talking about this very thing.
I don’t have an issue with the $549 price in itself, I just would have expected more than a conventional headphone design with a premium build to justify it on paper. Now that reviews are starting to be released, it does seem that more critics than not are feeling that the price is justified and that the audio quality is approaching high-end territory.
I am familiar with Apple‘s approach to pricing, which is to design the product first then price it accordingly. I think they made the right call by deciding that $1,000+ headphones would be too niche. Still, this feels like a luxury product/status symbol first and foremost when positioned on the consumer market.
Having. the APM for 2 days now. I have to say I'm very impressed by the sound quality and how easy it connects to my MacBook and iPhone. The treble can be a bit harsh on some tracks. Bass can be too boomy with no texture. Female vocals so sound thin at times.
This thread getting tons of guest views should be no surprise, anything Apple does gets all the mainstream attention and I’m sure people are now scouring the ‘net for more info on these cans. Seems logical they would end up on a audiophile enthusiast forum talking about this very thing.
Well many moons ago, I got my start here asking about addiems way back when. Now I have some Audeze and eyeing this and some custom JH Laylas to round off my set.
So it’s possible that the APM introduces new blood into the mid-fi market
That said I’ll likely dump my NC 700 for this ...I already have Apple as a source and Laylas as my hi-fi so...
I wouldn’t say totally off, but there were a couple of tracks that I use as part of my audio test playlist that are pretty focused on imaging. From my listening notes:
King Oliver, "Memphis Soul Stew" *Master* This is one of the great spatial tracks of all time. Kind of made for showcasing these headphones (although good wired setups do the job even better. Apple's algorithm doesn't quite get everything right). On really good wired headphones, each of the different instruments in this song is very well placed; with the APM, they move around a little bit in weird ways. Also, there is a weird audio glitch on every version of this recording that I have ever heard (a momentary dropout on one recording channel that I'm almost positive is in the original master), and I wasn't able to hear it with these headphones, which is strange.
Duke Ellington/Count Basie, "Jumpin' at the Woodside" First off, how is this not available in MQA?? However, this song does do a nice job of showcasing the spatial sound of these cans. You can totally hear how the different orchestras are playing together. Mids and some part of the highs are just a tiny bit veiled, though. On most gear, some of the horn work in this song is almost too bright, it cuts like a knife through the wall of sound. Not happening here. Also, during the climax of the song, when everyone is going full bore, the sound just breaks down and the positioning and definition go to crap. I think this was the first song where I actively thought the APMs failed.
Anybody buying these who's got affordable planar closed backs like the old Oppo pm-3? If it's within the same basic realm of sound quality, I'd definitely consider these for the tech functions (ANC & spacial audio). They'd have to replace the role my Oppo's have taken on as my travel/closed back headphone though. Would love to hear that take (ideally from someone testing using Apple devices as a source).
I have my old PM3s somewhere around here, although as I recall, I really preferred to listen to those with the HA-2 amp. I’d have to dig that setup out of a box (haven’t listened to them since I moved at the beginning of this year). Will try to do that sometime in the next couple of days, I want to put these things through their paces in the next week so that I can decide whether they’re going back by end of year.
The no so good or bad:
- After only 30 minutes I start feeling discomfort in my ears, isn't exactly the clamping aspect but I'm feeling strange pressure and this is too happening in the top of my head; and my ears are getting a little hot and starting little sweat too. With my h95 I can wearing for many hours and don't having all this problems.
When I first put them on I thought they were fine. But after a few hours I was really feeling it. Pressure at the top of the cups behind my temple, and also on the head. When I put them on again this morning I felt it right away... almost like I’d never taken them off. They Beyer 177x Go feel like pillows in comparison (but way bulkier with no ANC).
I think they‘ll have to go back as well. I was happy with them sound wise. Case is stupid though and the cups that slam together is also not great.
I’m curious, can anyone do a comparison of the AirPods Max vs the HD6XX/650?
I ordered a pair of APMs and that brought me back into the audiophile mindset, which I had been out of for years. That got the ball rolling and made me order the 6XX from Drop.
So now I have both an APM and a 6XX on order.
I’m wondering if both are worthwhile or if the APM is good enough to obviate the need for the Senns. Should I cancel the 6XX order or is it still worth having in addition to the APM?
Went to the Apple store, cash in hand, after seeing the store had 1 space grey listed as available in-store... arrived only to see someone buy it before my eyes...
Got to try them though, and they’re lovely headphones. Does not compare to some of my expensive headphones - but wow that build quality and comfort is top tier!
Sound isn’t as “Hi-Fi” as the Airpods Pro, but they’re not terrible, and sound fun with anything you throw at em
They sound pretty dark, but still very detailed and decent dynamics
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