Audio
I use my AirPods Max the most
I have gone through a myriad of personal audio setups over the years. I used to have studio monitors (recently Audioengine A5s and Rokit RP5G2s) for my desktop alongside larger circumaural headphones (Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and Sennheiser HD 650).
I began to prefer having a simpler setup and cleaner desk. While I definitely play music over the Sonos system, I opted to simplify my desk setup when I got my Pro Display XDR. Initially I began looking for speakers that matched the XDR aesthetic but couldn't find any I liked. They were all huge and unsightly. Eventually I figured, why not only use the AirPods Max? So that's what I did and I love them.
The AirPods Max easily replaced my older Sony WH-1000XM3 headset. I love the look, comfort and features. For one, it has both a stellar transparency mode, which is a requirement for me as I use that extensively when on calls/Zooms, and a great noise-cancelling mode. The battery life is also much better than the AirPods Pro, which I use to rely on for attending video calls all day.
I have the AirPods Pro for everything else: when working out, when walking around outside, et cetera. Both also support Spatial Audio which is awesome to use with certain movies and shows on my iPad Pro or Apple TV.
My only complaint with the AirPods Max is the case. I don't need to use it often—only when traveling—but I wish it would cover and protect the entire headset. Instead it leaves the band with its delicate mesh fabric unprotected.
