CobraAB
Member
The $1000 stand for their $5000 Pro XDR display is right up there too.
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Apple Announces $550 Headphones
- Thread starter ManaByte
- Start date
The $1000 stand for their $5000 Pro XDR display is right up there too.
Krappadizzle
Member
Dwight Schrute
Member
One can find much better cans for the bucks.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Almost certainly. Not sure I get the appeal of this product beyond the Apple branding. I say this as someone who bought both the AirPods and AirPods Pro, but that's because those products offered me something I couldn't get elsewhere at the time. They're excellent, but wireless headphones (rather than earbuds) have been excellent for a long time.
newtypepilot
Member
so they just rebranded Beats and sell it for $550? lol
The Pleasure
Member
No shame in cables bro.I own 500 dollar headphones, i bet they sound better. But they have a cable
Super Mario
Banned
$550 is not a lot of money for high-quality headphones
$550 is overpriced because it's Apple. Not surprised at stripped-down accessories, features, etc. They aren't about tech. They are as close as you can get to fashion, in tech form. It's look at me.
$550 is overpriced because it's Apple. Not surprised at stripped-down accessories, features, etc. They aren't about tech. They are as close as you can get to fashion, in tech form. It's look at me.
Michael Hawk
Member
The ear cup looks like an oversized stopwatch. Hopefully the quality is excellent, because the majority of headphones above $500 deliver exceptional sound quality that's not easy to beat.
There are 'high-end' sneakers retailing for $220 that cost between $8 to $12 to make (or $4/$6 per shoe). It's why you should never underestimate the power of presentation.
From what I've read the margin on the Beats headphones is insane.
.Cost Of Making Dr. Dre’s Beats Headphones Is Far, Far Less Than You’d Think
Dr. Dre just made himself a fortune, but made Apple a profit margin monster. The Daily Mail is reporting that Beats headphones, the headset company started by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine that was just ...www.inquisitr.com
There are 'high-end' sneakers retailing for $220 that cost between $8 to $12 to make (or $4/$6 per shoe). It's why you should never underestimate the power of presentation.
manfestival
Member
I am curious about how it compares to what we have on the market. I think the expectation is that they are going to be grossly overpriced since that is the Apple way. Just wonder what the actual comparable value is... $150, $300, $50, etc?
Looking forward to seeing reviews.
Looking forward to seeing reviews.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Bought two pairs, one for me and one for the Mrs.
The thing I don’t think people quite appreciate yet is Apple’s power in real-time computational EQ based on microphone feedback. The HomePod and AirPods Pro sound way better than they should thanks to it.
Just think about it. The only variables the likes of Sennheiser, Focal, Hifiman, Bose and Sony can really work with to achieve the perfect frequency response are the cup shape and material, driver and diaphragm. That is that they have been finessing for decades to achieve the perfect frequency response to the average head.
Enter Apple and computational audio. Suddenly you have sensors that actually detect how the audio sounds to your specific ear shape and seal. Continuously EQs the sound to optimise your frequency response. It’s basically like having real time Dirac Live room correction for your head. Logic dictates that with a decent enough driver and cup it should sound absolutely phenomenal.
$600 may be a steal. This comes from someone with the following setups
- Hifiman HE-1000 + Schiit Yggdrasil + Schiit Ragnarok (> $5,000)
- Sennheiser HD-820 + Sennheiser HDV-820 (> $2,500)
- Emu Teak + Schiit Bifrost + Schiit Jotunheim (> $ 1,000)
The only weak point I can envision is amping. All the power will be coming from a pretty small battery.
The thing I don’t think people quite appreciate yet is Apple’s power in real-time computational EQ based on microphone feedback. The HomePod and AirPods Pro sound way better than they should thanks to it.
Just think about it. The only variables the likes of Sennheiser, Focal, Hifiman, Bose and Sony can really work with to achieve the perfect frequency response are the cup shape and material, driver and diaphragm. That is that they have been finessing for decades to achieve the perfect frequency response to the average head.
Enter Apple and computational audio. Suddenly you have sensors that actually detect how the audio sounds to your specific ear shape and seal. Continuously EQs the sound to optimise your frequency response. It’s basically like having real time Dirac Live room correction for your head. Logic dictates that with a decent enough driver and cup it should sound absolutely phenomenal.
$600 may be a steal. This comes from someone with the following setups
- Hifiman HE-1000 + Schiit Yggdrasil + Schiit Ragnarok (> $5,000)
- Sennheiser HD-820 + Sennheiser HDV-820 (> $2,500)
- Emu Teak + Schiit Bifrost + Schiit Jotunheim (> $ 1,000)
The only weak point I can envision is amping. All the power will be coming from a pretty small battery.
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IDKFA
I am Become Bilbo Baggins
I'll wait for reviews, but I can't imagine they'll end up being the greatest headphones of all time. Even with that price. I bet even the best in class Bose or Sony headphones will compete with or exceed the quality of these Apple headphones and at half the price.
Currently a no from me.
Currently a no from me.
cryptoadam
Banned
Honestly missed opportunity here for Apple.
Why stop at 550$? Why not just go 750 or 1K even?
If I owned Apple stock I would be pissed they aren't bilking their die hards enough.
Why stop at 550$? Why not just go 750 or 1K even?
If I owned Apple stock I would be pissed they aren't bilking their die hards enough.
Maiden Voyage
Gold™ Member
Bought two pairs, one for me and one for the Mrs.
The thing I don’t think people quite appreciate yet is Apple’s power in real-time computational EQ based on microphone feedback. The HomePod and AirPods Pro sound way better than they should thanks to it.
Just think about it. The only variables the likes of Sennheiser, Focal, Hifiman, Bose and Sony can really work with to achieve the perfect frequency response are the cup shape and material, driver and diaphragm. That is that they have been finessing for decades to achieve the perfect frequency response to the average head.
Enter Apple and computational audio. Suddenly you have sensors that actually detect how the audio sounds to your specific ear shape and seal. Continuously EQs the sound to optimise your frequency response. It’s basically like having real time Dirac Live room correction for your head. Logic dictates that with a decent enough driver and cup it should sound absolutely phenomenal.
$600 may be a steal. This comes from someone with the following setups
- Hifiman HE-1000 + Schiit Yggdrasil + Schiit Ragnarok (> $5,000)
- Sennheiser HD-820 + Sennheiser HDV-820 (> $2,500)
- Emu Teak + Schiit Bifrost + Schiit Jotunheim (> $ 1,000)
The only weak point I can envision is amping. All the power will be coming from a pretty small battery.
You need to get a pair of Sennheiser HE-1s.
HE 1 | Sennheiser United States
The first electrostatic headphones with integrated high-voltage amplifiers. Discover ultimate sound experience now!
en-us.sennheiser.com
Azelover
Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams, and it was. It really was.
See, this is the problem with large margins. Your company gets addicted to it, and then you need more and more of it.
There's a guy from Silicon Valley that worked for Apple for a while. I don't remember his name, but he had this point about profit margins. That it works for a while, but eventually you're gonna get screwed.
EDIT: Chamath Palihapitiya. Great guy, very smart.
There's a guy from Silicon Valley that worked for Apple for a while. I don't remember his name, but he had this point about profit margins. That it works for a while, but eventually you're gonna get screwed.
EDIT: Chamath Palihapitiya. Great guy, very smart.
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HeadsUp7Up
Member
At least let them come out so you can hear them first before saying something else is superior.
HeadsUp7Up
Member
I really need to get around to checking those out or the MX4’s. I’ve heard and read nothing but the highest praise for them.
DonJuanSchlong
Banned
My Audeze LCD2C's >>>>>> Anything related to Apple and audio. Fucking LOL at the price for some shitty cans.
S
SLoWMoTIoN
Unconfirmed Member
Remember to post all the shill videos claiming these phones to be the best thing on Earth here guys.
Erdrick
Member
It's well-deserved. The active noise cancelling and adaptive sound control via a Sony app for your phone really is a game changer for me. Walk around a bit and it changes depending if you're by loud traffic, or just sitting in your backyard with a beer and a book. 30 hours of battery life too. From what I understand, the XM4's allow 2 devices to be paired at the same time as opposed to my XM3's. Phone call quality is improved and they're even more comfortable than mine. (After wearing these for some 2 hours minimum, never any issues with comfort.)
These were $249 CDN and I've just been blown away. Not an Apple fan but that price point I've seen... And they charge you extra for cables and chargers? C'mon son. Plus it's even more expensive?
I'm sure the things will sell on name alone, and perhaps they are of equal quality. I'll have to check some reviews.
Haint
Member
Bought two pairs, one for me and one for the Mrs.
The thing I don’t think people quite appreciate yet is Apple’s power in real-time computational EQ based on microphone feedback. The HomePod and AirPods Pro sound way better than they should thanks to it.
Just think about it. The only variables the likes of Sennheiser, Focal, Hifiman, Bose and Sony can really work with to achieve the perfect frequency response are the cup shape and material, driver and diaphragm. That is that they have been finessing for decades to achieve the perfect frequency response to the average head.
Enter Apple and computational audio. Suddenly you have sensors that actually detect how the audio sounds to your specific ear shape and seal. Continuously EQs the sound to optimise your frequency response. It’s basically like having real time Dirac Live room correction for your head. Logic dictates that with a decent enough driver and cup it should sound absolutely phenomenal.
$600 may be a steal. This comes from someone with the following setups
- Hifiman HE-1000 + Schiit Yggdrasil + Schiit Ragnarok (> $5,000)
- Sennheiser HD-820 + Sennheiser HDV-820 (> $2,500)
- Emu Teak + Schiit Bifrost + Schiit Jotunheim (> $ 1,000)
The only weak point I can envision is amping. All the power will be coming from a pretty small battery.
Have they actually detailed what they're using the mic's and computational resources for? Are they just measuring and correcting for a proper seal, or are they attempting something far more advanced like a sonar mold/map of your ear and canal? As a first gen product I assumed it was the former, but I haven't really read anything about them beyond Apple's marketing print.
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Elektro Demon
Banned
You can get professional monitoring headphones for that kind of money.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Details have been extremely scarce, but here is what people have been able do dig up from patents
Fast Company said:
Here is all Apple is saying about it:
Apple said:
So it would seem like the former of your two options.
Kev Kev
Member
ill never understand headphones being hundreds and hundreds of dollars. the sound just isnt that good, or different enough than $50 headphones/earbuds, to justify the price tag. plus, if im out and about i dont care that much about amazing audio quality. im not paying enough attention to it enough for that to matter. i can get that at home on my monitors. i feel like the price tag on a lot of these phones is 50% just paying for the brand name. i dont get it 
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INC
Member
Half the price, and double the quality too
But its apple, so it'll sell regardless
Maiden Voyage
Gold™ Member
ill never understand headphones being hundreds and hundreds of dollars. the sound just isnt that good, or different enough than $50 headphones/earbuds, to justify the price tag. plus, if im out and about i dont care that much about amazing audio quality. im not paying enough attention to it enough for that to matter. i can get that at home on my monitors. i feel like the price tag on a lot of these phones is 50% just paying for the brand name. i dont get it
I get it, and I do think the majority of consumers agree with you. I don't think these headphones are targeted toward the average person.
There is a large market for headphones in this price range, and even beyond (above I linked to pair that cost $60k). The people who buys mid & high-end gear do care about audio quality and they do pay attention enough to justify the cost.
You might be amazed, if you get the chance, to listen to some of your old favorite songs on a pair of quality speakers or headphones. You start to notice aspects or even instruments playing that you never realized were there before. It's a cool experience.
I am one of those weirdos who enjoys actively listening to music (as well as passively), so this absolutely targets me. If travel ever picks up like it used to, I will be in the market for a pair of over-ear, active noise cancelling headphones. If these don't review well, I will probably go with Sennheiser. Regardless I will be looking for a mid-tier headphone that is travel-friendly.
Maiden Voyage
Gold™ Member
That weird AirPods Max case gives jokesters plenty of ammo
After Apple unveiled AirPods Max this morning, the internet jumped quickly into mockery mode. The pricey over-the-ears headphones come with a case that
www.cultofmac.com
Chittagong
Gold Member
You need to get a pair of Sennheiser HE-1s.
HE 1 | Sennheiser United States
The first electrostatic headphones with integrated high-voltage amplifiers. Discover ultimate sound experience now!
You know, my wife has said that she explicitly bans me of buying a Sennheiser Orpheus setup. She said that she doesn't have many limits for me, but that's where she draws the line.
I guess she knows that it is a realistic risk, in case we end up having a strong year for our investments
I have never had a chance to hear one, but I suspect that the improvement over a €5K setup is rather marginal
Maiden Voyage
Gold™ Member
You know, my wife has said that she explicitly bans me of buying a Sennheiser Orpheus setup. She said that she doesn't have many limits for me, but that's where she draws the line.
I guess she knows that it is a realistic risk, in case we end up having a strong year for our investments
I have never had a chance to hear one, but I suspect that the improvement over a €5K setup is rather marginal
When I reach my financial goals, the HE 1 is next on my list.
Burger
Member
The bill of materials is not the cost of the product though.
Every product needs to pay for everything else. Staff. Tooling. R&D. Retail Rent. The water cooler at the spaceship HQ. The accounts lady.
Haint
Member
Of course, but these costs also exist for companies selling $50 headphones. The Apple tax is largely paying for their extravagances, like the city sized HQ with nap zones, organic juice bars, and the self driving cars that shuttle the multi-million dollar employees between them.
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Chittagong
Gold Member
I just heard that a friend of mine worked on these as their main job for the last 6 years. Insane.
Personally I think these are nice but not $550 nice.
I wish these Apple headphones could do something like Even headphones which I found to be rather good for the price.
www.weareeven.com
I wish these Apple headphones could do something like Even headphones which I found to be rather good for the price.
EVEN - Glasses for your ears
All new Even H4 wireless headphones, featuring EarPrint technology that learns and adapts sound to your unique hearing profile.
www.weareeven.com
Meanwhile
www.macrumors.com
AirPods Max Now Backordered Until March in All Colors [Updated]
Apple today introduced new wireless over-ear headphones called AirPods Max, and delivery estimates have already slipped into 2021 on Apple.com. ...
www.macrumors.com