My original stereo-set HomePods sound amazing, I always stare at them thinking how the heck does all this sound come out of those small packages. I am glad Apple finally fixed the bugs that plagued a stereo set working with the AppleTV, about time Apple! Sheesh!
So in a controlled, closed environment, a hand picked assortment of reviewers listened to a small selection music that Apple picked.
Not really an unbiased test. I’ll wait for a broader assortment of reviews.
Yeah I'm sure that'll sway your already-formulated opinion.
I think it will have great sound. The first gen did and this one has been updated so it should. I’m just saying that a stage managed press event isn’t going to produce unbiased reports in the press. Let someone get one or two of them, put them in their home and see how they sound then. That will be a real test. This was a stage managed press event and means very little.
Why assume any type of marketing would be unbiased? Do you think that Apple events are portraying images, videos, and stats in a light that makes the new products look bad? Has anyone stated that there isn't a bias innate to Apple controlling the marketing? The article made it quite clear that Apple picked the songs.
If they could be used wired, they could be for vinyls, gaming, Blu-ray, computers, small live performances or anything. Would’ve loved a pair by the TV, but it’d only work with the AppleTV. I think it’s unfortunate. And I must add to that… their commercial is so creepy. Getting more and more creepy to be honest, these virtual home environments where everything is Apple. 😬
Still no Spotify integration, still the same or similar lack of Siri features. Unless Apple is going to go hard on these, this one is just as dead as the original one. I have the original one, and no Apple Music. It's a great speaker I guess. For a little bit more money you can get way better ones, that work with almost everything.
I use paired original HomePods for AppleTV sound (we get everything via Apple TV, including terrestrial channels) and it is fantastic. I would upgrade to the second generation if they could be paired with HP minis for full surround sound.
Ditto, but I'd also want a "BassPod" subwoofer system to go along with it. The HPs did a good job with a lot of things, but simply can't compete w/o a subwoofer.
I mean, Apple could sell a kit with a couple of HomePods, a couple of minis, and a BassPod for, what, $1999?
So this kit would include a $1203 BassPod!?
Physically because of the components? Or just because Apple wants them be so incompatible (because of the software)?
Phobos7 said: My HP Original, kind of like a first issue, but not, still plays music very efficiently, and that’s outdoors.
My minis have what I believe is a short in the power cable.
I’m glad to hear your HP is working fine. I’m sure many are. I’ve just heard of too many issues in my small circle of owners to be comfortable in terms of reliability (and, that has been made worse my Apple not supporting my AirPods Pro. I’d like an AirPods Max, but their lack of service has me hesitating).
If they could be used wired, they could be for vinyls, gaming, Blu-ray, computers, small live performances or anything. Would’ve loved a pair by the TV, but it’d only work with the AppleTV. I think it’s unfortunate. …
I guess I (we) just aren’t ‘smart speaker’ target audience, but this seems like such a no-brainer. They’d be so much more useful if they weren’t streaming only. I also don’t care about the Siri aspect at all, but I can just not use it. How they do audio is what interests me, but maybe I’m much better off putting that money into an amp and some speakers anyway… or just good headphones. (I keep hoping one day the family will play audio into a room instead of everyone listening to their own devices via earbuds.)
michelb76 said: For a little bit more money you can get way better ones, that work with almost everything.
Such as?
I’d be curious as well, from someone with some experience in audio systems. I’ve heard people say Sonos One or such, but I’m more curious how it might compare - as well - to similarly priced amp/speaker combos, as I don’t need a smart speaker.
michelb76 said: For a little bit more money you can get way better ones, that work with almost everything.
Such as?
I’d be curious as well, from someone with some experience in audio systems. I’ve heard people say Sonos One or such, but I’m more curious how it might compare - as well - to similarly priced amp/speaker combos, as I don’t need a smart speaker.
Yes, I realize the price differential is fairly significant, but the company is known for delivering solid products with very good sound. I’ve been waiting to see some reviews I’d have faith in before purchasing.
IMHO the (original) HomePod is too thumpy. I compare it to Sonos 5, 1, and Arc, which are balanced or natural. (However a Sonos Sub introduces unwanted thumpiness. For example, outdoor sporting events often lack wind filters and this produces whiffling of the Sub.)
I’d really love a pair, but w/o audio in, it’s a no-go. And, I wonder if they solved the problem with a seemingly high percentage of the original ones breaking? They are way too expensive if they only last a couple of years (and Apple won’t stand behind them, just like they haven’t for my crackling AirPods Pro).
Audio in? Why? Best use of these is pair with Apple TV 4K wireless
If they had a broader ecosystem of speakers I could be interested in these
but a TV setup is an essential for me. Needs to work with any tv / cable tv inputs as well as Apple TV
and also the form factor really needs to be soundbar. I just don’t have the space next to my tv for these
Out of curiosity (and no judgment), why are you still using the old style cable setup?
While I'm more than fine with on-demand streaming options, I know several people who still want the classic allotment of local and "cable"-ish channels, but I have been able to get them to switch to on-line options accessed via the Apple TV. Everyone is happier about it due to the better UI, lower overall cost, and additional features (like server-side recordings of shows with YouTube TV). Of course, decent internet speeds are required, but typically if you can get cable TV to your home your ISP is also getting up triple-digit Mb speeds for a reasonable cost.
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I guess I (we) just aren’t ‘smart speaker’ target audience, but this seems like such a no-brainer. They’d be so much more useful if they weren’t streaming only. I also don’t care about the Siri aspect at all, but I can just not use it. How they do audio is what interests me, but maybe I’m much better off putting that money into an amp and some speakers anyway… or just good headphones. (I keep hoping one day the family will play audio into a room instead of everyone listening to their own devices via earbuds.)
I’d be curious as well, from someone with some experience in audio systems. I’ve heard people say Sonos One or such, but I’m more curious how it might compare - as well - to similarly priced amp/speaker combos, as I don’t need a smart speaker.
https://www.bluesound.com/products/pulse-m/
Yes, I realize the price differential is fairly significant, but the company is known for delivering solid products with very good sound. I’ve been waiting to see some reviews I’d have faith in before purchasing.
but a TV setup is an essential for me. Needs to work with any tv / cable tv inputs as well as Apple TV
and also the form factor really needs to be soundbar. I just don’t have the space next to my tv for these
and if you already have the Apple TV 4K… $600
Works a treat for me.
cable TV input? What Do you mean? Like a coax cable?
While I'm more than fine with on-demand streaming options, I know several people who still want the classic allotment of local and "cable"-ish channels, but I have been able to get them to switch to on-line options accessed via the Apple TV. Everyone is happier about it due to the better UI, lower overall cost, and additional features (like server-side recordings of shows with YouTube TV). Of course, decent internet speeds are required, but typically if you can get cable TV to your home your ISP is also getting up triple-digit Mb speeds for a reasonable cost.