All articles tagged with #audio quality
Google’s new Home Speaker, powered by Gemini, offers better audio and solid microphone performance in a compact package, but key features require a Gemini Live subscription, making it a decent entry point for small smart homes rather than a dramatic upgrade for existing Google setups.
The piece compares soundbars and full surround sound systems, noting that soundbars are a cheaper, simpler upgrade that improves TV dialogue and overall audio, while surround setups deliver a theater-like, immersive experience but cost more and may require installation. For casual viewing, a soundbar is often enough; for movie nights, sports, and immersive gaming, a full system can be worth the investment, with basic setups starting at hundreds of dollars and higher-end systems reaching thousands (reddit users often cite $2,000–$5,000).
Android 17 quietly adds LHDC v5 support to Pixel phones, enabling higher-bitrate wireless audio with LHDC-capable earbuds (e.g., Nothing and OnePlus). Users may need to enable LHDC v5 in Settings > System > Developer Options > Bluetooth Audio Codec and possibly turn on Hi‑Res Audio in the companion earbuds app. Google’s update broadens codec options beyond AAC/LDAC and, with Auracast support, improves wireless audio options for Pixel devices.
Consumer Reports named Apple's AirPods Max 2 the top over-ear noise-canceling headphones, beating Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser thanks to the new H2 chip, Adaptive EQ, and stronger ANC that deliver higher sound quality; the $549 model adds features like Live Translation and Siri, though weight, comfort, and battery life remain downsides.
A charming, nostalgia-driven Pokémon collectible featuring 45 tiny cartridges that play classic Game Boy tunes, but its low‑fidelity audio, lack of headphones, and mere novelty value mean it’s ultimately a decorative trinket rather than a satisfying music device.
Consumer Reports crowned Apple's AirPods Max 2 as the top-sounding wireless, noise-canceling headphones, giving it a perfect sound-quality score and tying for the best overall score thanks to the new H2 chip’s improvements in bass, vocal clarity, and soundstage, plus Adaptive Audio for ANC and a Loud Sound Reduction feature. The Max 2 also offers wired, lossless playback via USB‑C and enhanced call quality via Voice Isolation. Bose and Sony did not lead in audio quality this round, and reviewers view the Max 2 as a meaningful upgrade over the original AirPods Max.
A tech writer swaps his Bluetooth Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds for Final Audio’s budget A2000 IEMs for three weeks. He finds wired delivers bigger soundstage, more detail, and reliable performance without battery worries, at the expense of convenience and portability. The setup includes modular cables and DACs to bridge wired audio with calls and mobile use; overall, for music lovers who value fidelity and value, a wired rig can outperform wireless and offer longer life.
Wired headphone interest is surging: Cupid PR data shows a 68% month-over-month rise in searches for wired headphones, reaching 2.6 million in April. The trend is driven in part by Gen Z’s embrace of nostalgia and “effortful leisure,” but it’s also framed as a push for durability and higher-fidelity audio. Wired gear is pitched as longer-lasting, lower-maintenance, and less prone to firmware or battery issues, while the tangible act of plugging in creates a ritual that enhances focus and immersion, suggesting a possible shift toward more intentional listening over constant wireless upgrades.
AirPods Max 2 deliver excellent sound and top-tier ANC thanks to a new high-dynamic-range amplifier and an upgraded H2 chip, plus USB-C lossless audio and seamless Apple ecosystem integration; but they remain heavy, lack a proper power switch, have a weak protective case, and are expensive compared with Sony XM6 and Bose Ultra Headphones, making this a strong but not revolutionary upgrade intended mainly for Apple users.
Anker unveiled the Soundcore Space 2 at Mobile World Congress as a refined follow‑up to the Space One, pairing 40mm dual-silk diaphragm drivers with a four‑stage noise‑cancelling system and HearID 3.0 sound customization. Built for all‑day comfort with soft materials, the headphones boast up to 50 hours of ANC playback (70 hours with ANC off) and a five‑minute charge for four hours of listening. They come in Jet Black, Linen White, and Seafoam Green and go on sale April 21 for $129.99, with a full review to follow.
An author tests Edifier M60 bookshelf speakers and finds that using the included aluminum speaker stands (or other compatible stands) raises the speakers off the desk, reducing wood absorption and allowing clearer highs and fuller overall sound. The upgrade is quick, inexpensive, and recommended for anyone with small speakers seeking noticeable—though modest—improvement in clarity and depth.
LG announced its new Sound Suite home cinema system at CES, offering flexible configurations up to 13.1.7 channels, aiming to rival Sony's packages. However, concerns remain about LG's historically poor sound quality, which could impact the system's success if not addressed. The system is designed to work with LG's latest premium TVs, providing a versatile home audio setup.
Rumors suggest a higher-end version of the AirPods Pro 3 is coming with infrared cameras to enhance AI capabilities, enabling features like understanding the outside world and supporting hand gestures, while the current model continues to improve audio and noise cancellation. The new model is expected to be priced higher and may support both camera and button features.
Sony continues to lead in noise-cancelling headphones with its new WH-1000XM6 model, featuring improved sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, a faster processor, and practical design updates like foldability and simultaneous charging and listening, maintaining its reputation for industry-leading audio and comfort.
Amazon offers a rare deal on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, saving 28% on the Hazel color version, making them a compelling purchase with improved design, longer battery life, and enhanced features like Gemini support and active noise cancellation.