Help in chosing a new wireless Headphone

[Womaz]

Always seek the advice on Head Fi before I purchase so thanks in advance

So I am looking to replace my 4 year old Sony WHXM2. The obviuos choice is the XM5 but I am considering others as I may have a bit more cash to spend.
ANC is nice to have but it does not have to be brilliant , although i do feel the Sonys are very good at this.

They will be used exclusively with Tidal Hifi strteaming and only with my IPhone , i think its an Iphone 13 I have.
So obvioulsy the Apple AirPod Max will be considered, I had a quick listen this morning in the Apple store and they were much better than I expected.

I feel an App is a must , although I rarely use an EQ on my HPs I do on the Sonys as they need a treble boost to my ears.
As the Iphone has no EQ i feel an app with the Headphones is therefere a big requirement.

I have been redaing a lot of the posts on this forum and this is my shortlist .......

Sony WHXM5
ML 5909
B&W PX8
Focal Bathys
KEF Mu7
Apple Air pods Max

Read that the Focals dont go loud enough so again this would put me off.
I may get the chance ti audition some of the models before I buy but I do struggle to make any meaningful assessemnt in such a short space of time if I am honest

If anyone can offer me any guidance this would be greatly appreciated

EDIT muisc playback is the most important factor to me as call qulaity etc is not important to me at all

 

[tesarpa]

+ Shure Aonic 50
Haven't heard them, just read here that music sounds very good.

 

[Womaz]

+ Shure Aonic 50
Haven't heard them, just read here that music sounds very good.

Trying to shorten the list not add to it will have a look into these too though

 

[silentraindrop]

If I was in your shoes, I would most likely lean towards APM. APM + Apple ecosystem is lovely I hear. Then I would rank B&W and KEF higher than rest since they are hometown products.

I am an Android user, so here is my 2 cents:
Out of the HP in your list, most will be out due to lack of LDAC support. I ended up with XM5, Aonic50, and Q35(Lawn mowing duties). I love the sound of Aonic, but always end up grabbing the XM5 on the go. It just is slightly more convenient with touch controls. SQ is good with EQ help. At home, I always grab the Aonic.

I haven't considered ML(cost) and rest are too new and does not meet my requirement(LDAC). Judging by the popularity here, B&W >= Bathys >>>>> Mu7.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Womaz]

If I was in your shoes, I would most likely lean towards APM. APM + Apple ecosystem is lovely I hear. Then I would rank B&W and KEF higher than rest since they are hometown products.

I am an Android user, so here is my 2 cents:
Out of the HP in your list, most will be out due to lack of LDAC support. I ended up with XM5, Aonic50, and Q35(Lawn mowing duties). I love the sound of Aonic, but always end up grabbing the XM5 on the go. It just is slightly more convenient with touch controls. SQ is good with EQ help. At home, I always grab the Aonic.

I haven't considered ML(cost) and rest are too new and does not meet my requirement(LDAC). Judging by the popularity here, B&W >= Bathys >>>>> Mu7.

Good luck with your search!

Yes you make a good point as they will be used exclusively with my IPhone maybe the APM will be the obvious choice. Thanks for the reply. I will keep reading the forums until I am more comfortable with my decision

 

[silentraindrop]

I am watching this now. PX8 is supposed to be every bit better than s2.

 

[dunring]

Just got the B&W PX7 Carbon edition and it's sounds great and feels sturdy. We have the Bose Quiet comfort ii 35 and it really does sound good in low noise cancelling mode too.
The B&W wins because the fast charge mode. 15 minutes on the charger gets hours of usage. I thought it was broken the first time I charged it because it charged so fast, but it really works.