Apple HomePod 2 Review | Don't buy one. Buy two!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Some are arguing that the new 2nd Gen HomePod could be a tough sell for Apple, but I've always wondered if a stereo pair of HomePods could make a formidable system. Is a pair of new Apple HomePods good enough to best soundbars and other powered speakers as a full home entertainment or home theater system? I think you'll be surprised by what I found out.
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00:00 Intro
01:25 What’s new in Gen 2?
06:23 It takes two
09:04 Serious Surround Sound
11:52 Sound quality
13:42 The Bottom Line
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#apple #homepod #applereview #hometheater #applehomepod #digitaltrends #technology #tech #review #speakers #smartspeaker #spatialaudio #dolbyatmos - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Hey everyone! Thanks for watching. Hard to rate this speaker given such a specific use case. Also, couple of clarifications: Sorry if I didn’t make this clean in the video, but any TV audio can be routed through an Apple TV to the HomePods via ARC or eARC. TV streaming apps, game console, cable box, Blu-ray player, you name it. Virtually no latency - not enough to notice, I still have to measure. Also, still testing volume control using various TVs, will update soon.
You can only connect two HomePods, correct? If you had to, would you connect a center or base also?
I was about to ask! Thank you for the clarification. One question though ... If I connect my LG 4K blue-ray player through eARC cable to apple tv (and therefore with the new homepods) will I get dolby Atmos from a dolby Atmos (ofcourse) blue-ray movie? There is no need for any amplifier or other equipment?
Less speakers, less mics and is shorter.
Please let us know after you measure!
Sorry for asking for a clarification, but how do I get the sound from my Xbox series x to a pair of homepods?
Apple: " We sell smart speakers"
Caleb: " Nah, you sell TV speakers!"
Great review.
yes. Just about sums it up. Got 2 of them on the release date at the Apple Store. Never looked back. Movies, 🎥music 🎵and using Siri for alarms and other things is amazing.
Apple needs to update the HomePod mini to be surroundsound speakers.
that would be so sick !!
That would be unbeatable with ease of use🥰
I have a 4 HomePod speaker setup. 2 HomePod 2’s paired in living room and then paired 2 HomePod minis and labeled them “Living Room Rear”. And when you tap the power button on the remote once a menu appears that will let you select audio menu. From there I checkmark both pairs of HomePods (2 and minis) Andjust the core volume I want them to be separate from each other then back out of that menu. TIP - set the minis volume a little higher to better match the larger HomePods. From there the regular volume control adjusts like normal for both sets. Then boom I have 4 speakers booming Apple Music in my living room space. Be sure to reverse the left and right rear speakers though to match the front speakers so the left and right audio matches. Of course, this isn’t true surround sound from Apple, but it is the best option to fill a room with music or movie audio until Apple gives us an update to allow 4 speakers for a real surround sound experience. One more thing to note is when you select to add on the rear speakers it is just temporary until you turn off the Apple TV after you turn off the TV and turn it back on you will have to re-select the additional speakers again. Not a big deal though, as it’s pretty easy to do, and only takes secaonds. It would be nice if somebody showed this set up in a video as I can’t find any videos, showing this set up.
That may be good for a childs bedroom, but the HomePod Mini is only an 'OK' speaker. Frankly I find it less workable too, as if the softward isn't as good in the Mini, even though it may well be identical to the big Homepod. Having had the HP Original set up for TB I know what I would be missing if I used the Min. Like Dolby Atmost, some of the bass, maybe even other things you get on the big HomePod. But it's a used case issue. Kids bedroom would be find for a Mini. Main TV in the living room or theatre room, the big ones are so much better.
You can have two HomePod Mini’s and create a surround sound. I can’t confirm yet but I’d believe your be able to get SS 5.1 from the Apple TV 4K. But it can’t do Atmos because it can’t determine where it is like the bigger HomePods can.
And I highly doubt Apple will add that into the cheaper HomePod Mini next gen (whatever they call them).
I literally searched for a video like this 20 minutes after it was posted. Perfect timing and saved me from continuing down the rabbit hole of sound bars!
It would be so great if they could release a software update that allows you to make it in a surround sound system! It would be interesting to have 5 or 9 HomePods all around!
Some one who buys 5 or 9 of these for $299 each must be be pretty god damn stupid, maybe that's why.
^This
They would be dope , I wonder why apple haven’t made a sound bar with a sub woofer. Then you could add 4 home pods .
It is doable. Makita has a $150 18v cordless speaker that can pair up to 10 speakers.
soundbar with built in Apple tv
I have a pair of HomePods for my tv and love them. They work flawlessly with an Apple TV 4K and never lose connection. I’m no audiophile but I love watching movies and tv with my HomePods. I use to have a sound bar but the HomePods out perform it by a wide margin.
Do they only work with Apple TV? What about Blu-ray players and gaming consoles?
@@DefiedFaith They work with other devices as long you have an Apple TV 4k 2nd gen and up and an HDMI ARC port on your tv. Plug in the Apple TV into that ARC port on your TV and go into settings to enable the function.
Thanks for the review Caleb. Nice job as always. I would really like to hear your oppinion (review) about the new Klipsch Sevens and Nines.
It is an entry level home audio speaker with Smart capability. That’s nice that most people are fine with sound that is “good enough” the HomePod Mini is available for them. The mini sounds OK, I have one and seldom use it, the Home Pods get used all day almost everyday. The new and OG HomePods are for people that want room filling sound without paying thousands. This fits the price point of Sony and Sonos speakers.
I have been looking at reviews all day and been solely wanting to hear thoughts on Spatial Audio. Thank you!
This review is just what i was looking for. My use case is mostly as TV speakers and I allready have the new Apple TV 4 K. Great to see a review where the focus is on the sound and not the “smart”
Speaking from someone who is in the Apple eco system, I really enjoyed the the first gen speaker I enjoyed the sound and how seamlessly it transfers music from device to device . My older Ones will go in my room and purchase the new one for the living room.
Love mine as a pair. One side note with “one” more piece of Apple hardware, an old AirPort Express, you can add a powered subwoofer to the mix and now, altogether it’s amazing.
Appreciate the review Caleb. Will pick up two of ‘em. I am in the Apple ecosystem so yeah. Already have two HomePod minis and 1st gen HomePod. Regret I never got a pair. Sucks that you can’t pair this one with the older speaker.
YOU LITERALLY ANSWERED EVERYTHING I WAS THINKING! Ever since the announcement I was questioning getting 2 of these vs the Vizio ATMOS sound bar for the living room
What did you get?
@@victuringan1429 I just bought 2 new HomePods. They sound as advertised in the video, especially given my open floor plan living room.
Are your referring to the Vizio Elevate Atmos Soundbar ?
@@georgekaradimos5596 yeah, the M-Series elevate but I settled for the HomePods. I wanted the sound bar months ago but they were always sold out. So availability coupled with this review made me get the HomePods.
The Vizio is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I agree with this.
I got two for the purpose of actually downsizing my equipment footprint for a move and I’m very pleased. As mentioned the deep bass of a subwoofer can be missed, but not by much.
I also noted that the ATV will play the audio out to the pair as well as over the HDMI at the same time, so you COULD have a sub connected to your amp as well.
I already love my homepod mini stereo pair as tv speakers lol
I’ll probably love the full sized homepods when I get my hands on them
Thank you for actually going to detail of how they sound. Thank you for also comparing them to sound bars. :)
Hello, great video!
just wondering if you have one talking about two echo studio as a home theater as well, that be great
thank you
THIS is the review I’ve been looking for!👏 Thanks for the in-depth review. Much appreciated!
Thank you for the great review. If you compare 2 2nd Gen HomePods vs Sony HTA9 with sub performance in both surround sound and music quality. Which one would you pick?
You’ve opened my eyes to something I’ve never thought of, I’ve had my LG C8 for years and have just recently been thinking of a sound bar when I upgrade to an LG C2, although I don’t have an Apple TV 4K, I’m pretty invested in the Apple ecosystem so this would be really great
There are plenty of options. For a real cinematic experience I would certainly opt for a Sonos setup - one can start with two ONE gen2 devices and later extend the system to sound bar + subwoofer + two rear speakers (= ONE loudspeakers) - all wirelessly (incl. the connection to a Apple TV box). It's nice that Apple supports Dolby Atmos but don't hold your breath - it's still a stereo setup with some surround capability. The competition also supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay, Spotify, Tidal etc. - I am in an Apple-oriented home but I still want some flexibility.
Thanks for the review. Convinced to get a pair!
Not sure if you have a video on best multiroom speaker system like sonos or denon, etc. Would love to see. Ty BTW great channel
I’ve been using a stereo set of OG HomePods with my tv for a while now and love it.
Is it enough bass ?
@@DGYtown I think so, but that would also depend on how big your room is
My son uses that setup with his xbox and 2 minis. It’s awesome for game play. We use 2 minis in the den and our bedroom. It’s a great solution and can be done a little at a time.
Thanks! I love my HomePod (1st Gen) pair for excellent stereo sound. And now I ordered a pair of (2nd Gen) HomePods to listen as is or use together to make a ‘quad stereo sound’ with Apple Music. Hope it works. Will let you know.
I understand that you can’t pair the Gen 1 with the Gen 2. Better check that.
@@fkknight1 hi, thanks for your response. My thinking was having two separate pairs of HomePods (stereo pair of Gen 1 & a stereo pair of Gen 2 speakers) which can play separately Apple Music through them. But…. next Monday 2/6/23 when I receive my Gen 2 HomePod speaker pair, I’m going to set up across the room from my Gen 1 HomePod speaker pair, and stream Apple Music through both pairs at same time, which will work (called Apple about this and they said yes 👍), and it should fill the room up with ‘a quad sound’, not true surround, but a fake surround sound. I will update next week to reveal how well this sounds.
I received and hooked up my new HomePod (2nd Gen) pair and once dialed in with the Apple stereo pairing, they sounded great 👍 Then while they played Apple Music, I added my HomePod (1st Gen) stereo pair to also play and yes!! the sound was perfect with all four playing around me. I’m happy it turned out as I had hoped. Each stereo pair volume can be adjusted from the app or on top of each paired HomePod.
Great Review! 2 home pods or samsung HW-990B?
Hi Digital Trends, I have been watching you very recently, we’ll since 2019, and because of your awesome reviews I bought my first Oled Tv back in 2020 (LG CX) and absolutely love it. I have also purchased the same TV stand (the BDI Corridor 8179) and I absolutely love it as well, to be honest it’s my favorite piece of It all. Finally I have had 2 HomePods (2018) for the past two years, and I just sold them a week ago when I heard the new ones got announced and have them preordered for pick up this Thursday. So as I watch this review I realized we have the exact same living room tv set up, (I just copied you lol) and since you finally tested the stereo paired Homepods you can now enjoy them as daily drivers too. Great minds think alike I guess ;), but seriously thank you for your reviews, my favorite honest reviewer out there with great taste. Keep ‘em coming! The 🐐.
Hi Caleb, awesome review at the right time for me. I loved my Gen 1 Homepod and replaced it with a Sonos Beam Gen 2 but I think I prefer the Homepod’s sound profile more. I already own an appl tv 4k 2nd gen and now need to either go Sonos sub mini or get the 2 new Homepods and sell the Sonos? Was the Beam used in your testing a 1st or 2nd gen?
When I first heard about matter I thought this would be a great setup with the Apple TV, maybe I’ll try it out since they don’t take as much space for the sound
This is the only reason I would get a HomePod…thank you for the review, I’ll be picking up a pair of these.
Bought 2... Started off great the first 2 days everything sounded great... Then i had issues with them connecting to my Apple TV 4k and my iPhone. Had to completely reset both Homepods to get them back on track.
Hoping this is a one time thing.
What a great review and interesting use case, well done and thank you!
Hmm I have 2 of the original. I wonder how they compare to those. Does the quality suffer because of fewer tweeters?
Would love to know if you set these up in Bitstream or PCM When paired with TV for home theater?
Great review and great information. I would also love to see/hear your opinion on a similar setup with the Bowers & Wilkins Formation speakers -- specifically the FLEX speakers as a stereo pair used as an AirPlay output for the Apple TV. The Formation speakers can also be paired with the Formation Bass. Again, great review, this type of setup offers a great option away from soundbars and traditional AV Receiver/Speaker setups.
Still using Gen1 for my home theater. Works great for my house.
Could you use your tv as center speaker ?
So do the work with regular tv viewing also how does it work with PlayStation or Xbox consoles
I have been using a pair of HomePod 1 in the bedroom as my sound system for tv and music. Yes I do have Apple TV 4K so I can enjoy the spacial audio and Atmos. I got them used and they have been great for me.
Amazing technology for sure.
Will this stereo pair can replace HT-A9? in terms of ATMOS effect?
Deciding between this or VIZIO elevate sound bar
I’ve been fighting if I should buy dual Second gen HomePods and do this setup. I bought 2 SYMFONISK bookshelf speakers from ikea and have this set up in my living room and love that I can expand it. I’ve been meaning to see if I could also do this with Airplay 2 enabled tvs. At least the bookshelf speakers are Sonos so I can add a sub and more speakers for a more immersive sound.
I appreciate this video. I have had some interest in a HomePod. I also hate the audio sound from my TV.... and already have a Apple TV 4K. Perhaps the HomePod stereo pair is in my future.
Can you connect HomePods using Firestick with the App TV app?
I ordered two of them to use as computer speakers. What are the alternatives for the same price tag?
How would you compare a pair of these HomePods to Samsung Q990B?
It's a very interesting analysis, thank you Caleb for your video. I have a Sonos Arc (with no sub or any other Sonos speaker attached to it ) and I would like to know if a pair of these new Apple speakers would out-perform the Arc. What do you think? I use the Arc in a small bedroom. Thanks in advance.
finally someone comparing it to good speakers and a sound bar. best review
Excellent! This was the exact review I needed ❤
I have two HomePod gen 1. Is it worth it to upgrade?
can you connect them to the home pod mini?
would you prefer the homepod pair over sony a5000 soundbar??
Review aside…
Gotta give DT/Caleb their flowers for how far these videos have come. Been watching since 2018. Congratulations.
Is this close to the same with the home pod mini?
Could you explain if you think a dual stereo HomePod can compete with the Sonos arc? Much appreciated
Apple knows how to advertise. Their ad made me start looking for reviews. Thanks for the great video
Yeah, seriously considering replacing our current kitchen/dining area setup of two older B&W 685S/Denon PMA-50 with a stereo pair HomePods 2. Mainly for improved user experience as we only the current setup with Bluetooth which takes just a bit too long to connect and fire up the amp
What is your take on Nakamichi 11. Surround sound
I love spatial audio but only trust it to an extent. I'd buy immediately if you could pair 4 for surround sound
I’ve brought one but not to replace my Bose 900 system.. but I’m very deep into the apple ecosystem have all the services also own OG one and two minis.. but OG one has slow down in responding to request hoping for faster response with this new Apple silicone s7 chip inside
Do they only play content from the Apple TV? Nothing connected to the TV externally? (ie: gaming console or Blu-ray)
Thanks for the review. So it is much better than the A95K TV speakers? Voices are clear your said? I am so tired of putting the volume up when watching voices scenes and down during action scenes. You did not have that issue with a pair of 2 Homepods?
How would this compare against arc(just the bar)and ambeo ?
Given ATV4k + 2x Homepods comes out a similar price, would you opt for Sonos Arc instead if you already have Sonos products?
Excellent review! I can't wait to get mine!
Nice job! Did you ever get to try the 1st gen HomePods as a stereo pair or home theater system? We used them for a few months and I had few complaints with the sound. I ended up replacing them with a pair of Klipsch The Fives and a sub but not necessarily for better sound. One of our HomePods would lose the stereo pairing overnight. I tend to start Apple Music every morning when I get up and having to re-pair the speakers every morning was a hassle. I liked the original HomePods and still use them in the kitchen and bedroom. I wish that Siri was a little smarter but otherwise I have no complaints. To me they sound way better than the Mini version. I may try them as a stereo pair again as there have been many updates since I fired them from that job.
What would it sound like to have four Homepods? Two in front and two behind the seating. Would the TV take advantage of the ARC and other sound effects processing?
How would you compare the home theater surround sound experience compared to the Vizio Elevate Dolby Atmos Soundbar?
Been running my OG Gen1 HomePods for years. I also added a Definitive Technology subwoofer to the mix using an Apple Airport Express.
Theoretically, if Apple enabled up to 4 HomePods to be connected in the future and really went for it to create a true spatial audio room sound, do you think this could rival or even surpass the sound quality generated from the Sony HT-A9 system? While watching this video I kept thinking of the similarities here!
I was close to buying the Sony system but if Apple enabled this feature I'd buy four without hesitation
@@Chapter7Certified $1329 vs $1999. and If Apple Makes a 7-9in sub for $500-750. It's a no brainer to get the HomePod HT System.
No
@@Chapter7Certified Sony HT-A9 still better has High Resolution Audio
@@Chapter7Certified trust me, the Sony sub makes a good difference and apple would have to have a sub. Plus eARC.
Viewing in this way as a soundbar replacement make it senses to buy it. I just think if it priced for 250 would sell a lot more. And they could make it the profit difference by selling numbers. Also made the Siri more ubiquitous.
Does the power cord pop out like the old OG Homepod?
Can I use with gaming consoles? (Ps5, Xbox, pc)
Hello, I saw a massive subwoofer on your video. Do they work in conjunction with the second generation HomePods? Thank you.
Great review. I especially like the fact that you tend to quantify most of your remarks… tends to add a sense of balance and perspective to your reviews. Keep up the good work!
I’d love to see how this stacks up against a Sonos arc. Also is there a way to add a subwoofer in the mix?
Agree. We need a new sound bar and I would be interested In these.
How do you rate the Gen 2 an against the Gen 1?
I have two HomePod mini’s and just ordered a regular HomePod. I plan on using all three with my Apple TV as a home theater. I am going to put the two mini’s behind me and the regular under my TV. Do you think that will sound good or just put all three under the TV?
How close are they to the Sony HT-A9 with the obvious limitation of 2 vs 4 speakers?
I have the first generation, would buying a second gen weigh in just as good as this video suggests with the 2 second generation HomePods?
So, should I replace my 2 Sonos for a set of 2 HomePod to mimic a home theater ?
Can a pair of HomePods be effectively used as a general replacement for a soundbar? I don’t mean when watching video on an Apple TV. But as a sound output for your cable box, Xbox, etc. Specifically, even if it’s possible at all… does it work well or is there too much latency?
Could my PC connect to this via Bluetooth as a general quality mono speaker?
Is there a signal delay from Apple TV?
2 homepod in front n 2 minis in the rear...and an add-on subwoofer from apple for extra bass would be a game changer 🤘🤩
Ny idea is to get 2 and Mount them at the top og the wall. Joe do you Think that will work?
awesome detailed review!!!!
Thank you! Having a dedicated movie room with a Marantz,center, sub, and surrounds, it works but as most debate: dealing with wires galore…. Are there any Apple TV hacks to allow for 3rd party subs? That would greatly help the utilization of midrange back to the HomePods. Also curious if minis can work with ATV as surrounds or if two rear large HomePods could work.
Work love to know how phantom is the center stage during movies/tv.
Also would love a comparison to Sony’s HT-A9.
Cheers!
Exactly! Compare this to the Sony HT-A9, please!!!
What about just one HomePod for a small apartment? I’m thinking of replacing my soundbar sometime soon and I’m torn between HomePod and Sonos Beam.
Buz you can't get them to play the sound from the tv, only the sound from the Apple TV, right?
Would using 2 pair of Amazon echo studio with an echo sub paired with fire TV 4K be an equivalent or better solution ?
Hi Caleb, I have a question. Have you noticed different audio levels when watching different content from different apps such as Netflix or Disney+ I have heard some reports of This being the case, and was wondering if you had noticed it too. I would be interested to know your thoughts. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Can you add a link to that tv stand ?
how do i connect this two Homepods with two subwoofers
Were you able to compare the two HomePod (2023) setup with two of the OG ones by any chance?
So very tempted to upgrade my Gen 1 Beam to a pair of HomePods
What price range of soundbar do you think Apple's home pod 2nd Gen is equivalent to? TY
Can you pair the Sonos beam with the 2 HomePods through Apple TV to have a full space audio system?
Great review!
Well, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Duckwrth…looks like we have the same taste when it comes to music!😅
I’m considering buying a pair to replace my old (but still working) Yamaha amplifier with 5.1 speaker set. But I was also considering a pair of Devialet for pure listening (definitely not the same price range though). My TV room is damp so a pair of HomePod should be more than enough, however I’m concerned how they’d fare in my living room that has a very high ceiling with an open mezzanine on top of it…