HomePod 2: A Definitive Audiophile Review

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Published 2023-02-13
Quinn reviews the confusing, flawed, but rather compelling 2nd-generation HomePod in this audiophile-focused review.

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0:00 I didn't like the 2018 HomePod
1:00 A new HomePod is here
1:30 New smart home sensors
2:20 Temperature sensor is wack
3:08 Moist is good tho
3:39 U1 Handoff functionality
5:03 Nothing else is new. Literally.
5:49 Speed improvements? Ehh...
7:37 HomePod as a TV speaker
9:27 Dolby BADmos
10:03 Does HomePod 2 sound better, worse, or the same?
11:20 First HomePod wasn't great
12:19 HomePod 2 sounds MUCH better
13:26 Not everyone will like it. But MOST will.
14:33 HomePod cannot best physics
15:26 There's better stuff for less
15:47 Why buy a HomePod?

All Comments (21)
  • @Evie0133
    Quinn actually makes audio reviews enjoyable to watch :D
  • @leobustos740
    Channels like yours make paying for yt premium a way better deal than tv or streaming.
  • From the moment the HomePod 2 had its SURPRISE announcement, I was waiting for this review. No one else has been able to definitely say if the loss of the two tweeters and microphones has had real impact to the speaker. The 1st gens as a pair have been incredible for years now though in our home at least
  • @RoadkillBC
    Finally an honest, detailed, and useful HomePod 2 review that covers important and relevant points that actually matter. You’ve earned my subscription sir!
  • Sincere appreciation for this detailed report! I spent 20 years as a professional musician and had stellar audio engineers. Therefore, my tastes and interests are keen. Having 4 OGs and two miniHPs, I've been especially pleased with them. Your review is a strong case for upgrading to the 2nd gen!
  • @CeeJayDee94
    Watching Atmos content in a stereo pair is amazing! I love them, incredibly immersive and such a wide soundscape. Maybe it’s just the size of our living room but I think they are phenomenal. Solid purchase for me. Friends that come over are always amazed at how good they sound too
  • @Fanto1
    Great content as always Quinn, I always look forward to hearing your perspective on all things audio. I have one of each homepod (2018, mini, & new). I’m glad you mentioned the “younger ears” who seem to hear the high mids/treble a little differently…the very first thing I noticed on the first song I played was that, when turned up, some voices seemed to almost lose the “warmth” that the OG seemingly could produce better. In fact, in some situations the new homepod almost sounded a little too harsh on the higher frequencies and I felt the need to turn it down a tad. There’s no denying that it’s a much better package, but i’m beginning to think that I may be in that small minority of people who prefer the 2018’s overall sound signature. I just cross my fingers with every update in hopes my 2018 doesn’t become a $350 paperweight
  • @giorgioguitar
    Your content is brutal, love your essence and your honesty, as well as the ironic / funny / joking parts, LOVE your content. Glad I discovered your channel!
  • @Ben81424
    Thanks Quinn for a really awesome and honest review. As an Apple fan who is completely bought into the ecosystem, but never owned the OG HomePod or HomePod Mini felt it was time to enter that realm of Apple. I used to watch TV (using an Apple TV 4K) just with the built in speakers. A stereo pair HomePod 2nd Gens has been phenomenal and a huge upgrade. I have owned a Sonos One for the last 4 years or so and thought about getting a Five, so thank you for that comparison. Very interesting!!
  • @salemsayed
    It’s good to have you back Quinn, keep the videos coming!
  • @colbecks39
    As ever bang on, refreshingly accurate reviews from someone who understands audio, and Apple better than just about every YouTuber
  • @malteadotas4
    Loved your review. I’ve watched hundreds of Homepod reviews and this is one of my favorites. The fact that you’re an audiophile and know what you’re talking about helps a lot.
  • @muhkuhdingsda
    I've tried a stereo pair and enjoy them since. They are subtle, simple and sound really good. I find your evaluation on point.
  • Your vids are my #1 source of excitement on the web. Simply great content. Thank you.
  • @ryakkan
    I currently have three HomePod Mini's through my home. I never owned the original HomePod. If I were in a small house or an apartment, I can easily see getting two HomePods for a home theater setup especially if you use an Apple TV as your hub.
  • @Nliten1
    Fantastic review !!! Your delivery and the overall quantity of content concerning the pros and cons was simply a pleasure to listen to.
  • @jjlay1689
    I have long been waiting for your review on HomePod 2, I knew you would do a blind test on them! Informative as alway, Thank you!
  • As always, best review out there 👍🏻 Still a proud owner of the OG HomePod- got a refurb about a year after I bought it as it died, but this one has lasted. And still sounds fantastic. Definitely appreciated the OG and 2 speed comparisons 👍🏻
  • @_e_z1601
    Great review! Love it how you dive into details that are understandable for mere mortals. Nicely done!
  • @sam123581321
    Interesting review! I have half a dozen original HomePods and bought a pair of the HomePod 2's to compare against. I set up two stereo pairs next to each other in the main room where I listen to music, and spent a few hours of A/B comparing them, and I also came to same conclusion where I found the new ones to be more pleasing, clean and balanced with every musical genre I listen to. They're keepers.