I keep hearing mixed reviews about footstep audio and positioning and some people say its good and can tell exactly where they are but other say its bad.
Is there a similar headset from Audeze with ANC and lighter weight for walking or working out, traveling? That also sounds good and have good mic for calls. Thanks
Hi! I saw a couple of reviews for these headsets, but no tests or comments for Dolby Atmos and how is supported for movies on blu-ray players and multi-media players like Zidoo... It is working good or not?
I like the Mobius for the 3D head tracking. For music that's especially fun because you can turn and look in the direction of specific instruments and they stay locked in virtual space. For gaming, particularly with RPGs, the 3D 5.1 audio is especially interesting because it virtualizes the acoustic properties of the 3D world with jaw dropping realism. It adds an extra element of immersion to the experience. For instance, a bird flew over my head when playing a game and it scared the crap out of me! Sounds in the distance really seem like miles away.
I've got the Cloud Orbit S which is a rebranded Mobius and I loved it so much for the reasons you mentioned until the earcup snapped at the hinge as I was taking it off :( People were saying that the build quality was bad because it was made of plastic but damn I wasn't expecting it to snap like that.
@@zedetachX3 xD, my right ear cup snapped hanging from only the internal cord. A trashy plastic stick was holding it together all the time. Was still under warranty tho, and hyper x did replace them. I've been handling the replacement pair with great care, not even grabbing it below the rotation point, they are about to survive their second year. I personally use mine with eq (apo), tho there is nothing that can be done about the pink noise
I’ve owned 3 of them and they where all amazing. Sadly, they’ve been discontinued. All 3 headset bands snapped. Cheap build quality with excellent sound, so painful. I looked for a long time for someone to replace the headband with metal and couldn’t find anyone. I’ll miss them dearly. They are ticking time bombs though sadly, the build assures they will be broken within a year or two of regular use.
After using the Maxwell for a while I can confidently say the hype is real. As good as the Penrose was this is a big step up in terms of sound, comfort, build quality, and battery. Nothing at this price even comes close.
@@eaahabis no budget common answer is the Sennheiser HD 800. Considerably less expensive and still great are the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, DT 900 Pro X, Sennheiser HD 560S, AKG 702, and ATH R70X
@@JCerris Equivalent to HD560S technically and in FPS games, but more warm and fun sounding. Better imaging for CoD games cuz footsteps are bass, but games were footsteps are treble the HD560S is better cuz bright. TYGR 300R Cheaper and low impedance (32 ohm vs 120). I preferred it to the Sennheiser and it's so cheap around 150 to 180 USD depending on deals vs 200 for HD560s.
This is the most comprehensive review about a headphone from you guys, great work Andrew. And Audeze smashed it too, especially for the price point it’s coming at.
I have those and after 6 months of testing i found the best audio for gaming and music to be Audeze HQ on immersive + Dolby Atmos on Game preset Detailed.
I have ordered them as soon as I saw the review. They just tick so many ticks for me it's hard to pass really. Big audiophile name company is doing wireless closed back planar magnetic headphones which has decent sound, spectacular microphone and support for gaming consoles with 80+ hours of battery life and all of that for just $300 - this is as good as it could be. I had to sell my Meze 99 Noir and Phillips X2HR to cover the purchase, but considering that I used Meze for commute and X2HR for gaming, I don't expect I'll be missing any of them honestly. Good game, Audeze!
Would you recommend Audeze Maxwell for a home use, where noise cancelling would not be needed, and it will be used for listening to music and also for listening immersive audios recorded in nature occasionally paired with 360 videos, and also for Dolby Atmos content? Is there anything better? Thanks for your time 😊
I'm seriously eyeing these. I tried the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but the sound quality was so atrocious (and believe me, I tried for hours to EQ it to sound decent) it made me switch back to my Arctis 7 Wireless, which, while not perfect, still sounds very good after a basic, quick EQ. I also have a set of Bluetooth headphones (the Soundcore Life Q20+) which after EQing it sounds astonishingly clear and crisp. I'm really hoping that these Audeze Maxwell headphones sound as good as my Q20+ headphones.
@@Soandnb Q20 is a dynamic headphones, while Maxwell is planar. There is a huge gap in sound quality between them, as the large diaphragm of planar headphones will definitely give you more sound detail. These headphones are also from different price categories, as Maxwell is a premium product, albeit the most basic one. In general, I am definitely sure that if you try Maxwell, the quality, positioning, and detail they will provide you with will amaze you immensely. If you buy them - let me know, I want to make sure of my correctness :)
@@Bustedfuture I certainly hope so. I don't even consider myself an audiophile (my headphone sound quality "standard" comes from a set of $70 BT headphones listening to TH-cam music and MP3s) but the sound on the Nova Pro Wireless that I got was noticeably bad, which had terrible clarity in the midrange and treble areas, where sounds felt hollow and like they were being played out of a portable device's small speaker. Admittedly, it was a pre-owned set of headphones, so maybe I ended up getting someone else's lemon. Or maybe those headphones are specifically tuned not for music, but for footsteps, and being that I simply don't play the type of games where I need that competitive edge I don't find value in that sound signature over a more accurate reproduction. Either way, I fully intend on trying these out at a store before I make any purchases, or if I do purchase these, it will come with a very generous return period. And I might also try a set of Nova Pro Wireless headphones that doesn't come from eBay, just to make sure.
@@SoandnbI have to disagree. The Nova Pro Wireless respond very well to EQ, they’re just average compared to certain products but miles ahead over the old Arctis in terms of build and sound quality.
@@or1on89 hey man, I know what I heard, and what I heard I didn't like. I'm entirely willing to believe that I got a lemon, and I've considered a trip to the store to do some more testing on a floor model to see if my lemon theory is the case. But until that happens, I have to conclude that these are far too bass-heavy without the headroom to EQ to the bright sound I like.
Great review. Not looking for a wireless headphone so this ain’t for me but exciting to see new products from Audeze. Looking forward to the MM100 review.
@@xeddieu MM100 is Audeze’s next announcement. It’s a $399 open back studio monitor in the MM500 lineup and color scheme. The headband and yoke look almost identical to the Maxwell.
I love your review and bought the Maxwell's, they are amazing. I am not really an audiophile but am a musician and gamer and this is the best headset I've heard for both. When listening to music I am hearing parts in the songs I had not heard before due to the excellent separation and clarity. These are also amazing for gaming due to the drivers and tuning. Much better than any other gaming headset and I've owned them all. The only negative I keep hearing is the weight but honestly I don't even find it an issue at all. These are not that heavy on the head - they may weigh more than other cheap plastic headsets, but not even an issue for me and I think too much is made of this in general. Great review!
The noise suppression sounds impressive. Can someone comment on how phone calls and meetings sound with these headphones with noise suppression on. Not even for gaming, but basically listening to some music or podcast with phone call interruptions/ meetings. Is there a physical button to answer calls and also a what is the distance range on the Bluetooth.
bluetooth is great for range, usb dongle range is poor (to be expected though). the controls on the headset are limited, not as feature-rich as an actual bluetooth headset. awesome for meetings WFH/Remote/hybrid setup. it allows two bluetooth sources and usb dongle, however switching around isn't as seamless as like AirPods Pro... i often need to manually disconnect bluetooth from the other device or pull out the usb dongle. the sound quality is 💯 so this minor QoL device selection is minor. get the wicked cushions upgrade!!!
I used Maxwell for quite some time, and I've gone back to my Steelserries Novus Pro Wireless. I can not deny the Maxwell's sound amazing...when they work. I tried them on multiple computers, from desktops to laptops and all of them had issues staying connected to the headset. Constant dropouts and the inability of support to fix the problem caused me to set them aside as a wasted $350. I recommend staying away from these until they fix their issues.
Very informative review. I am waiting for a warranty replacement on my second pair of Mobius'. Though I really love the planar magnetic sound, the build quality has been sub par with my last 2 pairs as they broke at the ear join in the same way both sides. In your handling this new pair, how sturdy did they feel? Notice any hairline fractures around the ear joints? I'm curious to see if the build quality has improved.
Hopefully I will get a chance to try these eventually, and probably will become my new work headset, now that my Mobius headband cracked like everybody else's
Can you compare the sound quality (detail, tuning, etc.) to the Focal Bathys and Hifiman Sundara? I have Bathys, would the Bathys be MUCH better in sound isolation (with ANC versus no ANC of the Maxwell) and wireless sound quality? The reason I got Bathys is to isolate ambient sound, get as better sound quality and tuning as possible. Can I save a few bucks and "upgrade" to the Maxwell?
I own both the Bathys and Maxwells and I have to say the Maxwells are giving the Bathys a run for it’s money. Maxwells have such a unique sound signature that I love. They have great separation and clarity while still having punchy bass. Bathy’s lack in the low end compared to the maxwells but make up for it in the imaging/clarity. It comes down to what you prefer. I’m personally going to sell my Bathys because ANC isn’t that important to me and I prefer an immersive experience rather than the little bit of more detail/imaging the Bathys have. Also $300 vs $800 is crazy. Hope this helps
Hi guys. Does anyone know if the width of the earcups are wider/taller than the Mobius. I found the mobius to be incredible and so so so much more resolving than my Drop Pandas but just a wee bit narrow for my ears leading to a part of them being on ear
I'm obsessed with this headset, games, movies and music... sublime. I game on PC and PS5 so I got the PS5 version and bought the Dolby Atmos license on PC and it absolutely works just like it should, sounds unbelievable!
I know this might be very specific, but can you compare Maxwell vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 used via bluetooth from iphone just for music and occasionally long calls? (I have a dedicated desktop setup for music so this is just for portability.)
Thanks for your excellent, in-depth review. Even though I'm not a gamer, I think your perspective on the Audeze Maxwell has convinced me that it's the headphone model I'd like to buy. I'd been giving serious consideration to another closed-back planar headphone offering good compliance with the Harman curve, the Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon X, and I was impressed by your conclusion that the Maxwell is on par with that model (while being significantly less expensive).
Now it would just have to be available on the market. Pre-ordering with an eternal wait and then also paying 20% of the price for shipping doesn't sound very tempting.
Hey guys I have a question about the Maxwell gaming headset. It looks like they have personalized spatial audio? Is that correct? Like how Creative does with their SXFI app and taking pics of your face and ears? I think Apple is doing that now too with their new headphones.
Truly a jack of all trades! Every connection option, tuned right, planar technicalities, passable mic. I only wish they did an open back version or tune the side tone so I can hear someone knocking at the door 😅. I plan on selling my dedicated closed backs and anything else I hardly use to get these
sounds like it'd be a hard pass as a work headset, at least on work laptops with admin access locks and questionable USB-C availability/specs. the PC38x lives to fight another day...
been doubting to get something like a gaming headset, just for the sidetalk that most have, which helps a lot in meetngs. But never bit the bullet. Been watching an upgrade to my momentum-wireless-2 since I've seen that updates to it have bigger earcups (the one issue I had with the 2's)... That made me looking for 'any' closed-back headphones (Since most I have are open), which something like a suspension-headband because I often like those for comfort... Saw these while going 'sort on price lowest to highest' and thoughtt 'that cannot be right'. Hard to find reviews for it from people with audiophile background... I clicked 'notify me on stock' before watching this. During your video it went to 'nope, order it! I will wait for stock :)'. So there. Kinda excited about it. The whole thing about great music quality, low-latency wireless on PC / bluetooth for outside. Mic removable-but-still-has-a-mic-builtin for when at the office... outside of the weight they seem perfect!
I have listened and bought it today , and my conclusion was that I have ordered one more for a good friend of mine. I have Susvara and I have listened and owned LCd4, and LCD x... I am shocked too. You are doing a very pin point job Andrew, I was against your opinions in the past , but for so many times I had to say you were right . keep up ! and thank you
I'm extremely happy everyone is loving these. Maxwell is seriously something speical. Not only is it the first in this next generation of wireless headset, but also in this next generation of Bluetooth and closed backs in general. DSP active closed backs are the future. And it's here with Maxwell. Best closed back under $500.
Anyone here can help me to compare this to the new 2023 razer blackshark v2 pro? I understand that the audeze is overall better but the mic sounds way better on the blackshark which is only 200€. Please help me make the right buying decision. My use case is csgo and listening to music, but I also want the best mic possible. Thanks a lot in advance.
Bought this coming from the Razer Blackshark V2 pro 2023. This is a HUGE step up audio wise. Only thing the razer does better is mic recording. The mic on that blackshark is GREAT. However as far as just chatting with teammates go it is just fine. The audio is soo good for both music and gaming though. Also the only real drawback of the maxwell in my personal opinion is that it can get fatiguing on my head in the long run. I do need to take listening breaks after about 2-3 hours. I highly recommend this headset for the more hardcore gamers out there though. (Also lil tip, you are gonna want to play this at a moderate to high volume to really get the most out of these drivers, and to really feel how much better they are than most competitors)
I really like the Audeze Maxwell headphones, but it's surprising that not a single reviewer has mentioned the issue with the side tone functionality. There's this annoying crackling sound when there's no audio playing, and honestly, it's unbearable. I reached out to Audeze, and they mentioned it's due to the design of the headphones and considered normal. However, I've never experienced this with even the cheapest headsets I've tried before. I ended up returning my unit, but I'd be open to trying it again if this issue isn't present for you.
I know you sort of said this in the video, but just to confirm: Maxwell's sound quality for music listening is WAY better than Apple's airpods Max and Sony's XM5? And thanks for the great review!
The plosive issues are mostly because the mic is just in the wrong position. If you move it a bit up and to the side, so that the capsule is right outside the corner of your mouth there should be way less problems, because there is neither air blowing directly out of your mouth or the nose while still being close enough to get a decent sound. ♥️
Idk if I'm completely stupid, but I can't seem to connect the headphones to the PC to update the firmware. And for whatever reason, I get this horrible crackling sound whenever I listen to certain audio (like the Opera GX typing clicking sound triggers it). I'm hoping once it connects I can fix that, but I'm really lost.
Connect it through the usb, and then use the audeze software. It'll detect the headset automatically. Then simply just click on update firmware. Do keep in mind, both the headphone & the dongle has to be updated.
I have been watching so many You Tubers talking about headsets, but NOT a single ONE of them cares about telling if the headset itself, or the device driver , support VOLUME BALANCE Left-Right speaker! It is frustrating, since I have hearing problems and need balance the sound. Usually 100% to the right ear and 52% on the left..so PLEASE, include this in headset reviews..
3 big downers with this headset: Connection issues with dongle when 2 or more devices are simultaneously connected to the headset, or when reconnecting after being out of range. Annoying fade in delay with mostly online media when skipping through timeline. It has awful spacial fidelity, absolutely do not get these if you play FPS games you will not be able to tell where anything is coming from. Everything else is really good, battery, range, audio quality, bass, comfort and build quality.
These have major quality control/software issues and channel imbalance on top. They got glowing reviews but no one mentions how bad they are as actual products. I returned mine after 2 hours of trying to "make them work". Don't buy these used or without a return option. Get the extra warranty if you really like them and get a working pair.
I know this is an older video but this is also the only one I've come across that compared the Maxwell to the THX Panda and the Aeon Closed X. I've been waiting years for a quality wireless planar magnetic headset to replace the Panda since Drop had the buyback program due to the connectivity issues. I also find myself preferring these to the ACX, although they have been excellent as well. Just wanted to say thank you for the great review after I've had time to spend with the Maxwell.
I have watched so many reviews on this headset, and this was the most informative and well put together review I have seen yet! Love this headset, bought it a week ago. A large part was your review.
Great review! I am a newbie to headphones & looking for best value can find on a starter headphone. Have found these headphones used for right at 200, so seems to be a no-brainer, unless missing something. Will not be using for gaming though. Tks
Anyone else's game volume low? I just purchased a set of these and the Bluetooth volume is great but, the Xbox game volume is medium at best. With all known volumes turned up. Audeze so far is telling me that their volume level should be in spec. Any help is appreciated...
I will wait for the next version. Hopefully they will make the dongle smaller and metal. Plus reduce the overall weight of the headphones. 400+ is too heavy for longer listening sessions.
This looks like it could be a top-of-the-line headset for at the office. I like to sit and listen to music, but need to switch from headphones to a headset anytime there's a meeting or a Teams call. This might be a killer solution for the office. Anyone else?
Just a friendly question? Are the Maxwells capable of 32bit/192Khz Hi-Fi sound when wired? I know about Bluetooth with LDAC it's capped to 24bit/96Khz.
Audeze makes phenomenal headphones I use a lcd2 and hd650 and Ifi stack for pc gaming my two favorite cans by far I may have to get these for a viable wireless option
I also use the 650 with an ifi DAC/Amp. Been my fav set up thus far. Since I am at a desktop I just use a mic on an arm instead of a headset. If these would work with Xbox I’d consider them for the living room.
Would love to buy this, but comfort is king for me and there are multiple options in this price range that are considerably lighter and sound great. Might not sound as good as the Maxwell, but I can't comfortably go with the heaviest option in the market
Would you recommend it for bluetooth use over the typical anc xm5 or momentum 4? (idc about anc i just want good sounding bt headphones, and if it works for gaming on pc that'd be an extra.
I definitely don't trust Audeze to make powered headphones after the Mobius. The noise floor on that thing made it unusable for me. But all the reviewers were raving about it.
@@sheep7255what do you mean by this Doesn't it have a 3.5 mm cable. I thought you would be able to just plug it into the headset and into a xbox controller
11:40 "people do this right?" .. Paper shuffling .. Yeah it's a thing called lunch and shuffling around their work papers at their desks. I think the biggest everyday test that you overlooked was typing on a mechanical keyboard, to see how the noise canceling blocks those obnoxious sounds out of the background.
If only the mic can be a bit better, not sure if the issue lies with the mic capsule itself or it is the wireless coded that compresses to barely usable level or the noise suppression algorithm that was too aggressive.
I fear about ear cushions. Audeze Mobius have that fall apart within a year and this looks the same in the video :/ If someone uses them since release, please do give some feedback as they aren't cheap.
Do it. Awaken the gaming headphone plebs to real quality sound. These are gateway products to funnel new people into audio. A very smart move for audiophile companies and they can’t do it without channels like this.
@@markozafirkovski1234 I can only recommend what I have because I'm happy with it -AKG 702 with an IFI ZEN DAC V2. The headphones are raw and IMO best for soundhoring. I am constantly taking them off at night because I though I heard someone in my house lol. The ZEN DAC V2 has BASS BOOST button for more pleasurable listening music ect
Completely disagree in regards to the mic. It's class leading with the hs80 for best mic on a headset . Absolutely phenomenal. But I really enjoyed the rest of your review though. Keep up the great work 🫡
I just bought these! I have a hifiman sundara paired with a schiit stack for music and vids etc, these will be great for gaming. I'm excited and great review!!
any white noise due to built in amp? I tried audeze wireless headphone before and the white noise is unbearable. white noise is so bad it was almost design defective level
no way, andrew escaped the digital world
Noo. We were so close!
@@sidesaladaudio he has the high ground
@@sidesaladaudio your niche is safe
I keep hearing mixed reviews about footstep audio and positioning and some people say its good and can tell exactly where they are but other say its bad.
Is there a similar headset from Audeze with ANC and lighter weight for walking or working out, traveling? That also sounds good and have good mic for calls. Thanks
Are the maxwells louder then the penrose?
Hi! I saw a couple of reviews for these headsets, but no tests or comments for Dolby Atmos and how is supported for movies on blu-ray players and multi-media players like Zidoo... It is working good or not?
Are there any in ear solutions? I find they are the most comfortable for me and lightest.
How do these stack up against the the drop panda for music?
Y ahora que te parece frente al Beyerdinamic mmx150?
I like the Mobius for the 3D head tracking. For music that's especially fun because you can turn and look in the direction of specific instruments and they stay locked in virtual space. For gaming, particularly with RPGs, the 3D 5.1 audio is especially interesting because it virtualizes the acoustic properties of the 3D world with jaw dropping realism. It adds an extra element of immersion to the experience. For instance, a bird flew over my head when playing a game and it scared the crap out of me! Sounds in the distance really seem like miles away.
I've got the Cloud Orbit S which is a rebranded Mobius and I loved it so much for the reasons you mentioned until the earcup snapped at the hinge as I was taking it off :( People were saying that the build quality was bad because it was made of plastic but damn I wasn't expecting it to snap like that.
@@zedetach Dude, my Mobius snapped as well! It's so upsetting because it's the best gaming headset I have ever used.
@@zedetachX3 xD, my right ear cup snapped hanging from only the internal cord. A trashy plastic stick was holding it together all the time. Was still under warranty tho, and hyper x did replace them. I've been handling the replacement pair with great care, not even grabbing it below the rotation point, they are about to survive their second year.
I personally use mine with eq (apo), tho there is nothing that can be done about the pink noise
I’ve owned 3 of them and they where all amazing. Sadly, they’ve been discontinued. All 3 headset bands snapped. Cheap build quality with excellent sound, so painful. I looked for a long time for someone to replace the headband with metal and couldn’t find anyone. I’ll miss them dearly. They are ticking time bombs though sadly, the build assures they will be broken within a year or two of regular use.
Morbius???
After using the Maxwell for a while I can confidently say the hype is real. As good as the Penrose was this is a big step up in terms of sound, comfort, build quality, and battery. Nothing at this price even comes close.
If price was not a concern what headphones would you say beat these in terms of the gaming experience?
@@eaahabis no budget common answer is the Sennheiser HD 800. Considerably less expensive and still great are the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, DT 900 Pro X, Sennheiser HD 560S, AKG 702, and ATH R70X
@@JCerrisBeyerdynamic TYGR 300R deserves a spot there.
@@Frencho9 sure, I haven't tried that one tho
@@JCerris Equivalent to HD560S technically and in FPS games, but more warm and fun sounding. Better imaging for CoD games cuz footsteps are bass, but games were footsteps are treble the HD560S is better cuz bright. TYGR 300R Cheaper and low impedance (32 ohm vs 120). I preferred it to the Sennheiser and it's so cheap around 150 to 180 USD depending on deals vs 200 for HD560s.
This is the most comprehensive review about a headphone from you guys, great work Andrew.
And Audeze smashed it too, especially for the price point it’s coming at.
I have those and after 6 months of testing i found the best audio for gaming and music to be Audeze HQ on immersive + Dolby Atmos on Game preset Detailed.
I have ordered them as soon as I saw the review. They just tick so many ticks for me it's hard to pass really. Big audiophile name company is doing wireless closed back planar magnetic headphones which has decent sound, spectacular microphone and support for gaming consoles with 80+ hours of battery life and all of that for just $300 - this is as good as it could be. I had to sell my Meze 99 Noir and Phillips X2HR to cover the purchase, but considering that I used Meze for commute and X2HR for gaming, I don't expect I'll be missing any of them honestly. Good game, Audeze!
Do you have problem with heat and weight of maxwell?
Would you recommend Audeze Maxwell for a home use, where noise cancelling would not be needed, and it will be used for listening to music and also for listening immersive audios recorded in nature occasionally paired with 360 videos, and also for Dolby Atmos content?
Is there anything better? Thanks for your time 😊
This thing made me love music again.
I was shocked by how good they sound.
Best headset I ever had.
I'm seriously eyeing these. I tried the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but the sound quality was so atrocious (and believe me, I tried for hours to EQ it to sound decent) it made me switch back to my Arctis 7 Wireless, which, while not perfect, still sounds very good after a basic, quick EQ. I also have a set of Bluetooth headphones (the Soundcore Life Q20+) which after EQing it sounds astonishingly clear and crisp. I'm really hoping that these Audeze Maxwell headphones sound as good as my Q20+ headphones.
@@Soandnb Q20 is a dynamic headphones, while Maxwell is planar. There is a huge gap in sound quality between them, as the large diaphragm of planar headphones will definitely give you more sound detail. These headphones are also from different price categories, as Maxwell is a premium product, albeit the most basic one. In general, I am definitely sure that if you try Maxwell, the quality, positioning, and detail they will provide you with will amaze you immensely. If you buy them - let me know, I want to make sure of my correctness :)
@@Bustedfuture I certainly hope so. I don't even consider myself an audiophile (my headphone sound quality "standard" comes from a set of $70 BT headphones listening to TH-cam music and MP3s) but the sound on the Nova Pro Wireless that I got was noticeably bad, which had terrible clarity in the midrange and treble areas, where sounds felt hollow and like they were being played out of a portable device's small speaker. Admittedly, it was a pre-owned set of headphones, so maybe I ended up getting someone else's lemon. Or maybe those headphones are specifically tuned not for music, but for footsteps, and being that I simply don't play the type of games where I need that competitive edge I don't find value in that sound signature over a more accurate reproduction.
Either way, I fully intend on trying these out at a store before I make any purchases, or if I do purchase these, it will come with a very generous return period. And I might also try a set of Nova Pro Wireless headphones that doesn't come from eBay, just to make sure.
@@SoandnbI have to disagree. The Nova Pro Wireless respond very well to EQ, they’re just average compared to certain products but miles ahead over the old Arctis in terms of build and sound quality.
@@or1on89 hey man, I know what I heard, and what I heard I didn't like. I'm entirely willing to believe that I got a lemon, and I've considered a trip to the store to do some more testing on a floor model to see if my lemon theory is the case. But until that happens, I have to conclude that these are far too bass-heavy without the headroom to EQ to the bright sound I like.
Great review. Not looking for a wireless headphone so this ain’t for me but exciting to see new products from Audeze. Looking forward to the MM100 review.
the mm100 is going to be game changing
what is the MM100?
@@lain2236ad what is the mm100?
Mmx100 ?
@@xeddieu MM100 is Audeze’s next announcement. It’s a $399 open back studio monitor in the MM500 lineup and color scheme. The headband and yoke look almost identical to the Maxwell.
If this had existed 3 years ago I probably wouldn't have gone down the head-fi rabbit hole to begin with. I'm not sure if I'm angry or grateful. lol
You measure the size, but not the depth, very important to not forget that
Are these or Focal Bathys better in terms of sound quality/ enjoyment to music & movies?
I love your review and bought the Maxwell's, they are amazing. I am not really an audiophile but am a musician and gamer and this is the best headset I've heard for both. When listening to music I am hearing parts in the songs I had not heard before due to the excellent separation and clarity. These are also amazing for gaming due to the drivers and tuning. Much better than any other gaming headset and I've owned them all. The only negative I keep hearing is the weight but honestly I don't even find it an issue at all. These are not that heavy on the head - they may weigh more than other cheap plastic headsets, but not even an issue for me and I think too much is made of this in general. Great review!
The noise suppression sounds impressive. Can someone comment on how phone calls and meetings sound with these headphones with noise suppression on. Not even for gaming, but basically listening to some music or podcast with phone call interruptions/ meetings. Is there a physical button to answer calls and also a what is the distance range on the Bluetooth.
bluetooth is great for range, usb dongle range is poor (to be expected though).
the controls on the headset are limited, not as feature-rich as an actual bluetooth headset.
awesome for meetings WFH/Remote/hybrid setup.
it allows two bluetooth sources and usb dongle, however switching around isn't as seamless as like AirPods Pro... i often need to manually disconnect bluetooth from the other device or pull out the usb dongle.
the sound quality is 💯 so this minor QoL device selection is minor.
get the wicked cushions upgrade!!!
I used Maxwell for quite some time, and I've gone back to my Steelserries Novus Pro Wireless. I can not deny the Maxwell's sound amazing...when they work. I tried them on multiple computers, from desktops to laptops and all of them had issues staying connected to the headset. Constant dropouts and the inability of support to fix the problem caused me to set them aside as a wasted $350. I recommend staying away from these until they fix their issues.
However, it’s definitely the best option for console story mode gamers
Great. Now PLEASE make an open back version. I'm dying for a good wireless open back headphone.
Very informative review. I am waiting for a warranty replacement on my second pair of Mobius'. Though I really love the planar magnetic sound, the build quality has been sub par with my last 2 pairs as they broke at the ear join in the same way both sides. In your handling this new pair, how sturdy did they feel? Notice any hairline fractures around the ear joints? I'm curious to see if the build quality has improved.
0:01, General Kenobi
Glad that see Audeze go nearer to realistic prices.
It's been like that since 2019 with the cloud orbit
Buddy headphones get crazy expensive, especially high end planars
👀
A wild Mr.571 appears!
Hopefully I will get a chance to try these eventually, and probably will become my new work headset, now that my Mobius headband cracked like everybody else's
Maxwell vs Bathys with EQ? Maxwell vs Sundara without EQ? How are the macrodynamics since on the Mobius they were rather soft.
Also soft. Most planars don't do that well.
It is a fantastic headset. The Bluetooth range is great!
Can you compare the sound quality (detail, tuning, etc.) to the Focal Bathys and Hifiman Sundara? I have Bathys, would the Bathys be MUCH better in sound isolation (with ANC versus no ANC of the Maxwell) and wireless sound quality? The reason I got Bathys is to isolate ambient sound, get as better sound quality and tuning as possible. Can I save a few bucks and "upgrade" to the Maxwell?
I own both the Bathys and Maxwells and I have to say the Maxwells are giving the Bathys a run for it’s money. Maxwells have such a unique sound signature that I love. They have great separation and clarity while still having punchy bass. Bathy’s lack in the low end compared to the maxwells but make up for it in the imaging/clarity. It comes down to what you prefer. I’m personally going to sell my Bathys because ANC isn’t that important to me and I prefer an immersive experience rather than the little bit of more detail/imaging the Bathys have. Also $300 vs $800 is crazy. Hope this helps
What about slam ?
@@mike.soto_ I think you saved $500 for many people...Thanks!
Thanks alot!!
Hi guys. Does anyone know if the width of the earcups are wider/taller than the Mobius. I found the mobius to be incredible and so so so much more resolving than my Drop Pandas but just a wee bit narrow for my ears leading to a part of them being on ear
Commenting because there were 666 comments
Doing the good work.
Audeze maxwell v epos pc38x for strictly gaming which would you choose and why? Many thanks in advance
I'm obsessed with this headset, games, movies and music... sublime. I game on PC and PS5 so I got the PS5 version and bought the Dolby Atmos license on PC and it absolutely works just like it should, sounds unbelievable!
Do you have problem with heat and weight of maxwell?
Do you think it's worth buying the Dolby Atmos license on PC? Does it have any added value to the headset?
How are movies with it I'm on the fence between these and the a50x I have both consoles tho
Really liked this review everything was on point! One of your best so far
I know this might be very specific, but can you compare Maxwell vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 used via bluetooth from iphone just for music and occasionally long calls? (I have a dedicated desktop setup for music so this is just for portability.)
Thanks for your excellent, in-depth review. Even though I'm not a gamer, I think your perspective on the Audeze Maxwell has convinced me that it's the headphone model I'd like to buy. I'd been giving serious consideration to another closed-back planar headphone offering good compliance with the Harman curve, the Drop + Dan Clark Audio Aeon X, and I was impressed by your conclusion that the Maxwell is on par with that model (while being significantly less expensive).
Now it would just have to be available on the market.
Pre-ordering with an eternal wait and then also paying 20% of the price for shipping doesn't sound very tempting.
300 dollars??? Why is always everyone so freaking cheap in the US?! I paid 420 EUROS for the xbox version.
Universal healthcare, Uni costs, social security…
Damn 500 grams is a lot
I swear i thought thats lew from unbox therapy #unboxtherapy
Hey guys I have a question about the Maxwell gaming headset. It looks like they have personalized spatial audio? Is that correct? Like how Creative does with their SXFI app and taking pics of your face and ears? I think Apple is doing that now too with their new headphones.
Truly a jack of all trades! Every connection option, tuned right, planar technicalities, passable mic. I only wish they did an open back version or tune the side tone so I can hear someone knocking at the door 😅. I plan on selling my dedicated closed backs and anything else I hardly use to get these
I got some yesterday and plan on taking them back. Channel imbalance. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Do you have problem with heat and weight of maxwell?
@@P-U-S-S couldn't you just adjust channel balance to reduce that problem?
@@MilanB023, there are cooling pads, the WC FreeZe for Maxwell! 30 Bucks.
Passable mic my ass...
sounds like it'd be a hard pass as a work headset, at least on work laptops with admin access locks and questionable USB-C availability/specs. the PC38x lives to fight another day...
been doubting to get something like a gaming headset, just for the sidetalk that most have, which helps a lot in meetngs. But never bit the bullet.
Been watching an upgrade to my momentum-wireless-2 since I've seen that updates to it have bigger earcups (the one issue I had with the 2's)...
That made me looking for 'any' closed-back headphones (Since most I have are open), which something like a suspension-headband because I often like those for comfort... Saw these while going 'sort on price lowest to highest' and thoughtt 'that cannot be right'. Hard to find reviews for it from people with audiophile background... I clicked 'notify me on stock' before watching this. During your video it went to 'nope, order it! I will wait for stock :)'. So there.
Kinda excited about it. The whole thing about great music quality, low-latency wireless on PC / bluetooth for outside. Mic removable-but-still-has-a-mic-builtin for when at the office... outside of the weight they seem perfect!
I have listened and bought it today , and my conclusion was that I have ordered one more for a good friend of mine. I have Susvara and I have listened and owned LCd4, and LCD x... I am shocked too. You are doing a very pin point job Andrew, I was against your opinions in the past , but for so many times I had to say you were right . keep up ! and thank you
Do you have problem with heat and weight of maxwell?
I'm extremely happy everyone is loving these.
Maxwell is seriously something speical. Not only is it the first in this next generation of wireless headset, but also in this next generation of Bluetooth and closed backs in general.
DSP active closed backs are the future. And it's here with Maxwell.
Best closed back under $500.
i just orderd them and im soooo happyppypypypypypy! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY CAT VIBE! heheheheheh
@@McRemmyBabysame here! How are they working out for ya?
@@BennyJackson101 dont have yet, they said june (this month)
@@McRemmyBabyupdate?
@@ziokalco sent back, overhyped poop
Anyone here can help me to compare this to the new 2023 razer blackshark v2 pro? I understand that the audeze is overall better but the mic sounds way better on the blackshark which is only 200€.
Please help me make the right buying decision. My use case is csgo and listening to music, but I also want the best mic possible.
Thanks a lot in advance.
the best way is to use standalone microphones instead of boom mic with Maxwell
Bought this coming from the Razer Blackshark V2 pro 2023. This is a HUGE step up audio wise. Only thing the razer does better is mic recording. The mic on that blackshark is GREAT.
However as far as just chatting with teammates go it is just fine.
The audio is soo good for both music and gaming though.
Also the only real drawback of the maxwell in my personal opinion is that it can get fatiguing on my head in the long run. I do need to take listening breaks after about 2-3 hours.
I highly recommend this headset for the more hardcore gamers out there though.
(Also lil tip, you are gonna want to play this at a moderate to high volume to really get the most out of these drivers, and to really feel how much better they are than most competitors)
So the Dolby Atmos thing is just a license? Meaning if you have a license already, you could use Atmos on the Playstation version?
Yes, you can use it with any headphone. Dolby atmos for headphones is done via software, it has nothing to do with the headphone you are using.
I really like the Audeze Maxwell headphones, but it's surprising that not a single reviewer has mentioned the issue with the side tone functionality. There's this annoying crackling sound when there's no audio playing, and honestly, it's unbearable. I reached out to Audeze, and they mentioned it's due to the design of the headphones and considered normal. However, I've never experienced this with even the cheapest headsets I've tried before. I ended up returning my unit, but I'd be open to trying it again if this issue isn't present for you.
Reviewers don't want to ruin their relationship with the company
Mine doesn’t do that
He did address it and said it was bc of the pcie bandwidth. Wasn’t the headset, but glad you got something you enjoy now
^No, he didn't say it was because of PCIE bandwidth, but yes, he DID seem to mention it at 9:18
Mine dont do that
I know you sort of said this in the video, but just to confirm: Maxwell's sound quality for music listening is WAY better than Apple's airpods Max and Sony's XM5? And thanks for the great review!
I got the same question
I can confirm this!!! It’s much better!
i find myself reverting back to shp9500 all the time
wearing planars for long hours gaming is just bad experience
anything above 400g is too heavy
The plosive issues are mostly because the mic is just in the wrong position. If you move it a bit up and to the side, so that the capsule is right outside the corner of your mouth there should be way less problems, because there is neither air blowing directly out of your mouth or the nose while still being close enough to get a decent sound. ♥️
Idk if I'm completely stupid, but I can't seem to connect the headphones to the PC to update the firmware. And for whatever reason, I get this horrible crackling sound whenever I listen to certain audio (like the Opera GX typing clicking sound triggers it). I'm hoping once it connects I can fix that, but I'm really lost.
now all ok?
Connect it through the usb, and then use the audeze software. It'll detect the headset automatically. Then simply just click on update firmware. Do keep in mind, both the headphone & the dongle has to be updated.
Andrew's on the hype train 🤯
I have been watching so many You Tubers talking about headsets,
but NOT a single ONE of them cares about telling if the headset itself,
or the device driver , support VOLUME BALANCE Left-Right speaker!
It is frustrating, since I have hearing problems and need balance the sound.
Usually 100% to the right ear and 52% on the left..so PLEASE, include this in headset reviews..
Volume balance is done in software, not on the headset. That's why nobody talks about it.
@@dandjsh7978Yea that's something you change on Windows, as it's pretty pointless to do adjustments via hardware.
Rip out the wireless/battery and mic tech, shed some weight and release a cable version for £269, it would do really well...
No Linux software support in this day and age?
Ofc not; if you're doing anything else than servers on linux, you're a masochist.
3 big downers with this headset:
Connection issues with dongle when 2 or more devices are simultaneously connected to the headset, or when reconnecting after being out of range.
Annoying fade in delay with mostly online media when skipping through timeline.
It has awful spacial fidelity, absolutely do not get these if you play FPS games you will not be able to tell where anything is coming from.
Everything else is really good, battery, range, audio quality, bass, comfort and build quality.
These have major quality control/software issues and channel imbalance on top. They got glowing reviews but no one mentions how bad they are as actual products. I returned mine after 2 hours of trying to "make them work". Don't buy these used or without a return option. Get the extra warranty if you really like them and get a working pair.
I know this is an older video but this is also the only one I've come across that compared the Maxwell to the THX Panda and the Aeon Closed X. I've been waiting years for a quality wireless planar magnetic headset to replace the Panda since Drop had the buyback program due to the connectivity issues. I also find myself preferring these to the ACX, although they have been excellent as well. Just wanted to say thank you for the great review after I've had time to spend with the Maxwell.
I have watched so many reviews on this headset, and this was the most informative and well put together review I have seen yet! Love this headset, bought it a week ago. A large part was your review.
My setup is actually in my motorcycle repair shop...I'll have to check these out
Great review! I am a newbie to headphones & looking for best value can find on a starter headphone. Have found these headphones used for right at 200, so seems to be a no-brainer, unless missing something. Will not be using for gaming though. Tks
Anyone else's game volume low? I just purchased a set of these and the Bluetooth volume is great but, the Xbox game volume is medium at best. With all known volumes turned up. Audeze so far is telling me that their volume level should be in spec. Any help is appreciated...
I will wait for the next version. Hopefully they will make the dongle smaller and metal. Plus reduce the overall weight of the headphones. 400+ is too heavy for longer listening sessions.
This looks like it could be a top-of-the-line headset for at the office. I like to sit and listen to music, but need to switch from headphones to a headset anytime there's a meeting or a Teams call. This might be a killer solution for the office. Anyone else?
This + commute. Exactly the reason I ordered them.
Just a friendly question? Are the Maxwells capable of 32bit/192Khz Hi-Fi sound when wired? I know about Bluetooth with LDAC it's capped to 24bit/96Khz.
Holy Shit, I will use this for work in my home office, when my kids are screaming during a call :D
Doesn't matter how good something sounds if it is too heavy and uncomfortable to wear IMO. :)
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Audeze is killing it -- and by it, I mean all the noise. Very, very impressive.
Noise suppression lowers the sound quality but it also eliminates the plosives.
So what headphones should I get for PC only??
Wondering the same, did you ever find out or decide?
I have a HD600 and 560s that I switch back and forth for gaming. What is a good headphone for imaging and footsteps? Want to add to my collection
Audeze makes phenomenal headphones I use a lcd2 and hd650 and Ifi stack for pc gaming my two favorite cans by far I may have to get these for a viable wireless option
I also use the 650 with an ifi DAC/Amp. Been my fav set up thus far. Since I am at a desktop I just use a mic on an arm instead of a headset.
If these would work with Xbox I’d consider them for the living room.
The LCD2 ain't it
Nothing changed, this is still the best headset, any competition?
Would love to buy this, but comfort is king for me and there are multiple options in this price range that are considerably lighter and sound great. Might not sound as good as the Maxwell, but I can't comfortably go with the heaviest option in the market
What options are those? I'm looking for something light in this price-range, but with closed back and boom mic.
Need to test it with a smoke alarm chirping in the background lol
Would you recommend it for bluetooth use over the typical anc xm5 or momentum 4? (idc about anc i just want good sounding bt headphones, and if it works for gaming on pc that'd be an extra.
This is what I'm wondering as well
I definitely don't trust Audeze to make powered headphones after the Mobius. The noise floor on that thing made it unusable for me. But all the reviewers were raving about it.
I would love a wired version of this headset
you can use it wired with the USB cable it comes with
@Silver Fox But it's always active, I want a inactive version.
@@sheep7255what do you mean by this Doesn't it have a 3.5 mm cable. I thought you would be able to just plug it into the headset and into a xbox controller
@@lol-ic7fo I mean completely passive, the headset still needs to be on for the wire to work correctly, because it uses a lot of dsp
@@sheep7255 ok thanks mate
not a fan of the headband design or weight, hopefully next model there are some improvements, lighter and less bulky
11:40 "people do this right?" .. Paper shuffling .. Yeah it's a thing called lunch and shuffling around their work papers at their desks. I think the biggest everyday test that you overlooked was typing on a mechanical keyboard, to see how the noise canceling blocks those obnoxious sounds out of the background.
If only the mic can be a bit better, not sure if the issue lies with the mic capsule itself or it is the wireless coded that compresses to barely usable level or the noise suppression algorithm that was too aggressive.
It is 300$ because they cheap out on build quality. I found clips that headband splits.
If you were chewing… say chips… would it reject the crunch?
I fear about ear cushions. Audeze Mobius have that fall apart within a year and this looks the same in the video :/ If someone uses them since release, please do give some feedback as they aren't cheap.
Great review! Does anyone know if Dolby Atmos works via Bluetooth with an Apple product (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)?
Do it. Awaken the gaming headphone plebs to real quality sound. These are gateway products to funnel new people into audio. A very smart move for audiophile companies and they can’t do it without channels like this.
I have a pc and ps5, do you have any suggestions for best audio quality? Would get these but they are sold out. Was looking at the m50x or 770 pro
@@markozafirkovski1234 I can only recommend what I have because I'm happy with it -AKG 702 with an IFI ZEN DAC V2. The headphones are raw and IMO best for soundhoring. I am constantly taking them off at night because I though I heard someone in my house lol. The ZEN DAC V2 has BASS BOOST button for more pleasurable listening music ect
I though this show was about the Z-Ghost, when I saw BEST in the title.
Is it possible to upgrade the mic since it's removable? Would it make a difference or does the hardware not really matter?
Why can't they put good mic's on good headsets?.........
can i connect this headset directly to the ps5 with the GO blu by iFi to the usb-c port to increase the quality and have lossless audio?
Completely disagree in regards to the mic. It's class leading with the hs80 for best mic on a headset . Absolutely phenomenal. But I really enjoyed the rest of your review though. Keep up the great work 🫡
I just bought these! I have a hifiman sundara paired with a schiit stack for music and vids etc, these will be great for gaming. I'm excited and great review!!
any white noise due to built in amp? I tried audeze wireless headphone before and the white noise is unbearable. white noise is so bad it was almost design defective level
Bring. Back. Cartoon. Andrew!
The microphone on this gaming headset is better than 99% of the competition. They only one that sound similar or better is the Corsair Virtuoso XT.
How is it compared to Audeze LCD GX ?