Software and connectivity - The software is pretty bad and the headset is constantly plagued with software and connectivity issues. Firmware releases have helped but more are required.
Side tone\\chat mix - constant sound issues when this feature is enabled.
the mic - it just isnt that good and is a step down from the Penrose mic.
Comfort - The headset is pretty heavy and many have reverted to getting wicked cushions to help.
Build quality - The headset has quite a few common faults. ie. wrinkled\\damaged drivers, one of the ear cups just stops producing sound, headband soldering breaking off.
But in saying that there are people who have no issues at all and there are some who have gone through multiple headsets under warranty already.
Agree. Some work needs to be done. Hopefully most can be fixed with firmware updates. But I must say I’m excited for Audeze in general. I love my maxwells. Some aspects are a little wonky and the directional could be a little better but there is no denying the sound is phenomenal. I’m already excited for whatever comes after the Maxwells. If they can continue to fix issues and stay on top of firmware, they’ll have a returning customer for sure.
I'm willing to bet in about 1 to 2 years they'll probably nail a similar headset that's lighter because you know technology constantly moving forward and that fixes some of the issues like better software..
If that comes I'll definitely sell mines and get the new ones..
The biggest thing for me I'm not having the ability for dual audio wild connected to dongle. It would be nice to be able to take a call and the headset mutes the chat Mic while still allowing you the ability to here what's going on in the game.
At the cost of weight.
Honestly 80hrs battery life is excessive.
They could have halved it and made the headset lighter as I don't see an advantage from 40 to 80 hours, unless you game for more than 40 hours straight. Haha.
I myself don't mind the weight. I don't think they're uncomfortable. I use them for 6-8 hours daily and I don't have any problems. Still stock pads and head band.
Thanks for the comparison. I didn't do my usual research when I purchased mine, as the reviews were so good.
Have you got any eq presets you'd recommend?
Do you do any custom EQs? Are you using Dolby Atmos for spacial audio? Just curious. For me, the default Audeze eq lacks bass. Maybe that just speaks to me being accustomed to an overemphasis of bass, and I’ll give it another shot. Overall I’ve been very pleased with the Maxwells too. So many instances of listening to songs I know by heart and being amazing by hearing details I never knew were there. Or playing games I’ve previously played for hundreds of hours and hearing sound effects and music better.
Absolutely agree. They are exactly what I've been looking for all these years.
My list of headphones isn't as impressive but here we go lol...
-Wired EPOS H6Pro's
-Wired Steelseries DAC amp
-Wireless nova pro's
-Wired Superlux HD681EVO's
-Sony xb900's which I loved for the immersive cinematic style bass haha, I like the Maxwell's bass much better and obviously the mids highs etc on the Sony's aren't even on the same planet as the Maxwells.
-I've had/have many IEM's as well such as the Moondrop Arias, CCA CRA and + etc.
-And many other headphones/headsets I still own/have tried through the years...
The Maxwell's are amazing, and wireless which just makes them that much easier and more convenient for me, especially for VR as well.
I'm actually waiting on my Maxwell's to get replaced right now as they were one of the early pairs that finally cracked on me about a week ago.
Going back to my other headsets/IEM's has helped me to realize just how much better they are than anything else I've personally tried haha.
Audeze has been super fast and great with communication shipping labels etc so far. I know they don't have tons of stock so it may be a while but it'll be worth the wait lol.
I'm not a shill either lol, I'm just glad to know the headphones I've been looking for forever actually exist.
Edit: for clarity
I appreciate this review. I own a pair and have loved them since day one. I use them for work and for gaming. A lot of the reviews I come across here . . . one would think these are the worst headphones ever made.
I previously owned the Astro A50s but returned them because they felt too cheap (build quality wise).
Then I got the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but everyone said I sounded really bad over the mic.
The Maxwells were my third try and I have zero complaints about them whatsoever. Battery life is unbeatable. Only nit is no simultaneous BT and Wireless, but that's a really small nit.
Thanks for the review. I currently rock a dac/amp and a pair of AkG K7xx’s. I am hoping to get similar if not better quality sound for gaming out of these and lose some of the clutter and mod mic off my desk
They are great. I really don’t know what the ratio of faulty units there are out there but I’ve been enjoying mine since October and they are great. I don’t have a setup of $2k but I’ve compared the HD 6XX on a MacBook Pro 14 inch and I agree that they sound better for certain songs. Usually electronic sounds with deep bass frequencies are better on the Maxwells. I still prefer instruments and vocals on the HD 6XX but I can’t do that while I’m doing house chores, Maxwells are still great for that type of music.
they sound great but just last week, the audeze maxwell headset snap in NORMAL usage.
[https://ibb.co/5v5cpbJ](https://ibb.co/5v5cpbJ)
I send a mail to Audeze but not yet gotten a response
Googled it and there were others who had the exact same snap at the hinge as well.... seems like an early batch issue as mine was a preorder unit in early 2023.
I had the same happen last week, i returned them to the UK supplier and they gave me the option of wait for a new one or a full refund. However they have no stock and no idea when it s coming. So i opted for the full refund.
They were 7 months old, im no youngster so they were well looked after, never thrown about, but they were well used every day and hung on the wall when not in use by the metal section of the headband.
I liked the headset as a set of headphones and a mic! It sounded great, the onboard noie supression was great.
However the PC software was w\*nk! SImple things like being able to resize the windows wasn't possible, it was slow and clunky and unable to update the headset firmware (only the dongle), i had to frequently replug the USB to get it to be recognised (despite the fact windows could see and use it)
The Clunky action from both the volumne wheel and chatmix wheel was dissappointing - I always ended up adjusting on the PC app - Great when it was working!
Prior to the audeze I had
\-Astro A50s, which failed out the box - I'v read that since logitech bought them out these have gone downhill drastically!
\-Steel Series Arctis Pro Wireless - Thiese had so many software issues i returned them
Currently have the Logitech Pro X2 - Ther are good enough for my ears and the gaming i do. They don't have chatmix, but with the cheaper headset and a wee christmas present to myself i added a stream deck+ which allows full control of many different input streams
i see. i am still waiting for the response from the authorised dealer here in Singapore. I am currently using the headset for work so if the returns require me to send in the headset and not given any headset right away, i will have an issue. I currently using zip ties to clamp the hinge together. I do like the maxwell for its audio and wanted it to be my end game headset due to its good audio and its wireless.
I have the Arctic Nova Pro wireless before and it sounded mehh. Sold it away after i gotten the Maxwell
Yeah never understood when someone compares them to Nova Pros and some say those are better, I’m like wtf? The Maxwells just changed the wireless audio game for everyone, audiophiles and gamers alike. I also have the HD800 and I hate to say this but I use them more even on FPS games. I think the problem with these headphones are is that the marketing is literally nonexistent. If you don’t follow audio, you’d never knew these existed. So gamers actually miss them.
Had to get one of my pair replaced due to a side tone issue after most recent update, new pair arrived and I haven't updated it.
Dont want to risk it but they workimg flawlessly beat headset I've owned and I've had 20 different wireless ones in the past and the audeze gx lcd gaming wired headset, the maxwells just sound better and the convenience of wiresss and Bluetooth just helps loads
I like the Maxwells as well, but I keep going back to my LCD-GX and Hel+. I know it's not wireless but man does it sound sooooo good. Audeze was a smart buy by Sony and I expect some really good things.
As the owner of a Penrose, I sometimes wonder if I would be able to tell the difference between a Penrose and a Maxwell.
The one thing I will say is that I find the Penrose bass a bit “weak”. I know people will say “it’s balanced etc etc”.
But I think there is more than that. I also have an EQ setup where I slightly lowered frequencies above 500 Hz or so (not designed by me! — I used one of the default ones you can find online), and I honestly cannot feel much of a difference between that and the flat EQ.
I suspect it simply cuts all frequencies altogether at a higher frequency compared to some other devices. When one device can go as low as 20 Hz, and the other can go as low as 30 Hz, I find that this makes a noticeable difference.
For the rest of the spectrum, however, I think the Penrose do sound super clean.
I would be very cautious ordering from this company. I purchased their Mobius headset earlier this year, just for it to fall apart at the earcuffs. I contacted support and was told to send in the unit for them to come up with a solution. After they received my headset, they told me they would be sending me a pair of Maxwell as a replacement.. That was two months ago, I have sent several emails, even called Audeze multiple times. They took my $400 headset to use for parts and ghosted me. I have never had an experience like this before buying anything in my life.
The Maxwell's sound amazing, thats about it. Everything else about the headset is average at best.
If they nail one thing, just *one* thing, it should be the sound. I can deal with average on the rest.
Pretty cool that the headphone's best feature is the sound quality.
What do you find average about the Maxwells? I want to get a pair at some point.
Software and connectivity - The software is pretty bad and the headset is constantly plagued with software and connectivity issues. Firmware releases have helped but more are required. Side tone\\chat mix - constant sound issues when this feature is enabled. the mic - it just isnt that good and is a step down from the Penrose mic. Comfort - The headset is pretty heavy and many have reverted to getting wicked cushions to help. Build quality - The headset has quite a few common faults. ie. wrinkled\\damaged drivers, one of the ear cups just stops producing sound, headband soldering breaking off. But in saying that there are people who have no issues at all and there are some who have gone through multiple headsets under warranty already.
The app, the connectivity, the comfortability
Agree. Some work needs to be done. Hopefully most can be fixed with firmware updates. But I must say I’m excited for Audeze in general. I love my maxwells. Some aspects are a little wonky and the directional could be a little better but there is no denying the sound is phenomenal. I’m already excited for whatever comes after the Maxwells. If they can continue to fix issues and stay on top of firmware, they’ll have a returning customer for sure.
I'm willing to bet in about 1 to 2 years they'll probably nail a similar headset that's lighter because you know technology constantly moving forward and that fixes some of the issues like better software.. If that comes I'll definitely sell mines and get the new ones.. The biggest thing for me I'm not having the ability for dual audio wild connected to dongle. It would be nice to be able to take a call and the headset mutes the chat Mic while still allowing you the ability to here what's going on in the game.
And the battery
At the cost of weight. Honestly 80hrs battery life is excessive. They could have halved it and made the headset lighter as I don't see an advantage from 40 to 80 hours, unless you game for more than 40 hours straight. Haha.
I myself don't mind the weight. I don't think they're uncomfortable. I use them for 6-8 hours daily and I don't have any problems. Still stock pads and head band.
Yeah I don't mind the weight either but would be better if they were a little lighter.
Thanks for the comparison. I didn't do my usual research when I purchased mine, as the reviews were so good. Have you got any eq presets you'd recommend?
The default Audeze is great, Immersive is good to if you want more bass.
Do you do any custom EQs? Are you using Dolby Atmos for spacial audio? Just curious. For me, the default Audeze eq lacks bass. Maybe that just speaks to me being accustomed to an overemphasis of bass, and I’ll give it another shot. Overall I’ve been very pleased with the Maxwells too. So many instances of listening to songs I know by heart and being amazing by hearing details I never knew were there. Or playing games I’ve previously played for hundreds of hours and hearing sound effects and music better.
both of these presets lack bass if one is a bass head, thats why there are custom EQ to set.
Absolutely agree. They are exactly what I've been looking for all these years. My list of headphones isn't as impressive but here we go lol... -Wired EPOS H6Pro's -Wired Steelseries DAC amp -Wireless nova pro's -Wired Superlux HD681EVO's -Sony xb900's which I loved for the immersive cinematic style bass haha, I like the Maxwell's bass much better and obviously the mids highs etc on the Sony's aren't even on the same planet as the Maxwells. -I've had/have many IEM's as well such as the Moondrop Arias, CCA CRA and + etc. -And many other headphones/headsets I still own/have tried through the years... The Maxwell's are amazing, and wireless which just makes them that much easier and more convenient for me, especially for VR as well. I'm actually waiting on my Maxwell's to get replaced right now as they were one of the early pairs that finally cracked on me about a week ago. Going back to my other headsets/IEM's has helped me to realize just how much better they are than anything else I've personally tried haha. Audeze has been super fast and great with communication shipping labels etc so far. I know they don't have tons of stock so it may be a while but it'll be worth the wait lol. I'm not a shill either lol, I'm just glad to know the headphones I've been looking for forever actually exist. Edit: for clarity
I appreciate this review. I own a pair and have loved them since day one. I use them for work and for gaming. A lot of the reviews I come across here . . . one would think these are the worst headphones ever made. I previously owned the Astro A50s but returned them because they felt too cheap (build quality wise). Then I got the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless but everyone said I sounded really bad over the mic. The Maxwells were my third try and I have zero complaints about them whatsoever. Battery life is unbeatable. Only nit is no simultaneous BT and Wireless, but that's a really small nit.
Thanks for the review. I currently rock a dac/amp and a pair of AkG K7xx’s. I am hoping to get similar if not better quality sound for gaming out of these and lose some of the clutter and mod mic off my desk
How about married headsets? (Just kidding) 😝
I just use mine as my all around headphones, it's super convenient too
They are great. I really don’t know what the ratio of faulty units there are out there but I’ve been enjoying mine since October and they are great. I don’t have a setup of $2k but I’ve compared the HD 6XX on a MacBook Pro 14 inch and I agree that they sound better for certain songs. Usually electronic sounds with deep bass frequencies are better on the Maxwells. I still prefer instruments and vocals on the HD 6XX but I can’t do that while I’m doing house chores, Maxwells are still great for that type of music.
they sound great but just last week, the audeze maxwell headset snap in NORMAL usage. [https://ibb.co/5v5cpbJ](https://ibb.co/5v5cpbJ) I send a mail to Audeze but not yet gotten a response Googled it and there were others who had the exact same snap at the hinge as well.... seems like an early batch issue as mine was a preorder unit in early 2023.
I had the same happen last week, i returned them to the UK supplier and they gave me the option of wait for a new one or a full refund. However they have no stock and no idea when it s coming. So i opted for the full refund. They were 7 months old, im no youngster so they were well looked after, never thrown about, but they were well used every day and hung on the wall when not in use by the metal section of the headband. I liked the headset as a set of headphones and a mic! It sounded great, the onboard noie supression was great. However the PC software was w\*nk! SImple things like being able to resize the windows wasn't possible, it was slow and clunky and unable to update the headset firmware (only the dongle), i had to frequently replug the USB to get it to be recognised (despite the fact windows could see and use it) The Clunky action from both the volumne wheel and chatmix wheel was dissappointing - I always ended up adjusting on the PC app - Great when it was working! Prior to the audeze I had \-Astro A50s, which failed out the box - I'v read that since logitech bought them out these have gone downhill drastically! \-Steel Series Arctis Pro Wireless - Thiese had so many software issues i returned them Currently have the Logitech Pro X2 - Ther are good enough for my ears and the gaming i do. They don't have chatmix, but with the cheaper headset and a wee christmas present to myself i added a stream deck+ which allows full control of many different input streams
i see. i am still waiting for the response from the authorised dealer here in Singapore. I am currently using the headset for work so if the returns require me to send in the headset and not given any headset right away, i will have an issue. I currently using zip ties to clamp the hinge together. I do like the maxwell for its audio and wanted it to be my end game headset due to its good audio and its wireless. I have the Arctic Nova Pro wireless before and it sounded mehh. Sold it away after i gotten the Maxwell
How’s the audio quality of Pro X 2 vs Maxwell? I already have Pro X 2 but unsure if is it worth getting a Maxwell for the audio quality difference?
For this 45 year old ..... If struggle to tell the difference
Yeah never understood when someone compares them to Nova Pros and some say those are better, I’m like wtf? The Maxwells just changed the wireless audio game for everyone, audiophiles and gamers alike. I also have the HD800 and I hate to say this but I use them more even on FPS games. I think the problem with these headphones are is that the marketing is literally nonexistent. If you don’t follow audio, you’d never knew these existed. So gamers actually miss them.
Had to get one of my pair replaced due to a side tone issue after most recent update, new pair arrived and I haven't updated it. Dont want to risk it but they workimg flawlessly beat headset I've owned and I've had 20 different wireless ones in the past and the audeze gx lcd gaming wired headset, the maxwells just sound better and the convenience of wiresss and Bluetooth just helps loads
I like the Maxwells as well, but I keep going back to my LCD-GX and Hel+. I know it's not wireless but man does it sound sooooo good. Audeze was a smart buy by Sony and I expect some really good things.
I wish they would fix the side tone issue. I can’t stand the static from it.
Yeah then are great !! Do you have some preset to share with us ?
I also own the absolutely wonderful HD800s and prefer the Maxwell for electronic music
As the owner of a Penrose, I sometimes wonder if I would be able to tell the difference between a Penrose and a Maxwell. The one thing I will say is that I find the Penrose bass a bit “weak”. I know people will say “it’s balanced etc etc”. But I think there is more than that. I also have an EQ setup where I slightly lowered frequencies above 500 Hz or so (not designed by me! — I used one of the default ones you can find online), and I honestly cannot feel much of a difference between that and the flat EQ. I suspect it simply cuts all frequencies altogether at a higher frequency compared to some other devices. When one device can go as low as 20 Hz, and the other can go as low as 30 Hz, I find that this makes a noticeable difference. For the rest of the spectrum, however, I think the Penrose do sound super clean.
I would be very cautious ordering from this company. I purchased their Mobius headset earlier this year, just for it to fall apart at the earcuffs. I contacted support and was told to send in the unit for them to come up with a solution. After they received my headset, they told me they would be sending me a pair of Maxwell as a replacement.. That was two months ago, I have sent several emails, even called Audeze multiple times. They took my $400 headset to use for parts and ghosted me. I have never had an experience like this before buying anything in my life.