The2nd - gen HomePodhas only been on shelves for a week , but many shoppers might think it ’s been out for old age . Even though Apple ’s original full - size HomePod was discontinued in 2019 , the new model is nearly identical to the sure-enough mannikin , and it ’s unclear how Apple await the HomePod 2 to do any considerably this time around .
With this in judgement , we put the two model head to lead in a blind audio test . The verbalizer were set up nigh together in the same room , and the reviewer ( me ) sat in the fresh spot while an assistant reviewer ( my married woman ) pullulate a play list of motley tracks to each verbaliser . For fairness , she mixed the order and I was n’t narrate which speaker was playing until I had have my verdict .
After an initial trial that seemed very close , I could generally recite the two verbalizer apart quite easily . That might seem absurd — of course , the 2d version of anything should be good than the first , you ’re no doubt thinking . But base on theminimal design and specification changesbetween the two models , it was n’t readable where any audio improvements were expire to add up from , and even Apple ’s enthusiastic write - up of the launch break down to deliver much in the way of concrete upgrades .
The results were surprising — and surprisingly closemouthed . The new HomePod was n’t always estimable to my auricle , though it emphatically delivered a different sound . On certain genres of the tracks I listened to , the new example was clearly better , but on others , particularly unity with a dominant basso portion , the original was preferable .
The original HomePod was criticize for its exuberant bass , but it assist create a full , cryptical sound on certain tracks .
Foundry
The HomePod Challenge
Song:“Horse and I ” by Bat for LashesPreferred speaker:2nd - gen HomePodObservations : fat and immersive , put me powerful there in the recording studio apartment , the unexampled HomePod knock it out of the park on this one . I had never been dissatisfied with the erstwhile model , but by comparing with its heir , it soundedslightlyflatter . But this was a very close test to commence with . ( Objectively speaking the old HomePod is not flat at all , it just sound that manner next to its new sib . I ’d still recommend it if you spot a 2d - hand bargain , but the Modern manikin is better . )
Song:“The Great Gig in the Sky ” by Pink FloydPreferred speaker:2nd - gen HomePodObservations : Again , and this fourth dimension with no hesitation , I preferred the HomePod 2 . ( I also aright approximate which one was the HomePod 2 , base on the results of the first test . ) There ’s simplymoreto the sound : It surrounded me and drew me into the music . I felt like I was take heed item I missed the first 20 times I had hear the track . Thumbs up to the newfangled poser .
Song:“Supernature ” by CerronePreferred speaker:1st - gen HomePodObservations : On this electro track , I steadfastly voted for the original HomePod . The bass was hard and punchy and sounded mythic through the sometime model . By comparison , the newfangled HomePod play it slenderly cool with the bass oddment , as if it ’s apprehensive about overwhelming the listener . For some that will be good news , as the original HomePod was rated as very bass part - heavy , but for me , that was part of its charm .
Song:“Prelude & Fugue 03 in speed of light # ” by J.S. Bach , played by Glen GouldPreferred speaker:2nd - gen HomePodObservations : The first speaker I find out extend superb point and a pleasing , balanced sound , while the second was thinner and a ghost flatter . It turned out this was another balloting for the new HomePod . 3 - 1 to the new model .
Song:“Emerge ” by FischerspoonerPreferred speaker:1st - gen HomePodObservations : This vocal take a here and now to get proceed , but once the bass kicks in there ’s no comparison between the two speakers – and having learn from the old Cerrone running , I was able to aright guess which was which . Sure enough , the original HomePod delivers noticeably heavier , punchier bass and catch my balloting as a better hearing experience .
Song:“Locomotion ” by John ColtranePreferred speaker:1st - gen HomePodObservations : This jazz rail should prove the speakers ’ abilities across the spectrum , but the heavier bass muscle of the original poser proves key . With more at the bottom conclusion , the original HomePod deliver a all-encompassing and cryptical sound which I preferred . There ’s a fiddling more detail at the top with the newfangled speaker , however .
Conclusion: How much bass do you want?
That ’s a 3 - 3 hooking , with preference motley accord to the literary genre . On classical , most dada and rock ‘n’ roll and some jazz my preference is for the secondly - gen HomePod with its richer and more detailed phone ; but on saltation / electro and sea bass - arduous jazz the original HomePod wins out . For most of us that will render into a win for the new model more often than not . Mind you , this is a subject of personal taste ; some may prefer the new speaker ’s light touch at the bass voice end even when that constituent is highlight .
From the annunciation , it did n’t seem like Apple had switch a great pot in the full - size HomePod ’s external aim and internal layout , but the society has generate results . There are noticeable improvement here , and the newer model is a suitable ( if sea bass - lighter ) successor to what was already an excellent utterer .
Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023)
record abouthow the HomePod mini and HomePod compare , plus , find outwhat the HomePod does .
