Erfon Elijah, podcaster at Cult of Mac and HomePod fanatic, lastly acquired his palms on his coveted HomePod 2 audio system. In a primary impressions video on his private channel, he places the 2023 mannequin head-to-head with the 2018 mannequin the way in which it’s meant to be loved: in a stereo pair.
The brand new HomePod comes loaded with new options: good dwelling connectivity, a brighter high panel, a U1 chip, temperature and humidity sensors … however the huge query is, how does it sound?
How does the brand new HomePod evaluate to the unique?
If you happen to’re not aware of The CultCast or Erfon’s not too long ago revived YouTube channel, he’s a full-size HomePod snob connoisseur. He has put “hundreds of hours” into his stereo pair of the 2018 audio system, utilizing them for his TV sound system.
Listening to the identical music, one after one other, Erfon stunned himself. The unique audio system “really do sound simply barely higher” to his ears. With that many wiggle phrases, you’ll be able to inform he’s hesitant to say it out loud.
After a second check with a distinct music, this time reversing the order, Erfon stood by his first take. “I really assume the V1 HomePods sound higher!” he says extra confidently.
Whereas the brand new fashions get louder, with a thumpier bass, he thinks the unique mannequin has “extra sparkle” to the sound.
To make clear, it’s a small distinction — solely “5 to 10% higher.” The brand new fashions nonetheless “sound terrific,” and he’s pleased with the brand new audio system.
A stunning end result, until you completely noticed this coming
Photograph: Apple
When Apple introduced the upgraded HomePod — after we might see the specs however we couldn’t hear its stunning, thumping vibrations — Erfon speculated the brand new mannequin would sound higher than the unique.
Whereas it loses two tweeters from the general package deal, it’s upgraded from an historical A8 chip from 2014 to the S7 chip from 2020. Might that bump in CPU energy wrangle higher sound out of an easier array?
I used to be extraordinarily skeptical. I didn’t purchase it — that Apple might make a speaker with fewer audio system sound higher — and I wasn’t even satisfied that the full-size HomePod was value it as a product when the HomePod mini is offered for a 3rd the associated fee. Opinions I didn’t maintain again in expressing to my gracious host whereas making a visitor look on The CultCast.
However in some unusual poetic justice, Erfon and I’ve each reached the identical delightfully middling, nuanced conclusion. Is the brand new mannequin value upgrading from the unique mannequin? Certain, in case you really need the brand new good options. When it comes to sound? Eh.
Extra to come back, keep tuned
Erfon guarantees he’ll proceed documenting his new HomePod saga. Subscribe to his YouTube channel to see his follow-up movies, and take a look at The CultCast if you wish to hear Erfon and Lewis discussing our high headlines each week.
