Apple Releases New 11.3 Software for the HomePod

Pretty sure there is more cowbell on Don't Fear the Reaper with 11.3

Just listened to a few familiar tracks on mine.
For me, the bass is slightly down, and there's a bit more mid-range.
Listening to some classical music, there is a bit more definition across the strings.
But listening to some rock, like The Who, the bass is less thumpy.

I think they've smoothed out the EQ curve a smidge.

Which is fine.
It still sounds good.

BUT... I think they'd get a lot of good will if they put an EQ adjust setting within the homepod settings, and allow users to tweak it to suit listener preference.

Those not satisfied with audio changes - please let Apple know. With enough noise (pun intended) maybe we can get this fixed!

Let them know here:
https://www.apple.com/feedback/

This is a huge problem. Changing the sound signature like this without any EQ's for users to change it back is a awkward state of affers. I bought three HomePod's and that sound signature which I really enjoyed has now been clearly altered and there is no way for me to get it back.

The HomePod uses algorithms to equalize the sound in real time at any given moment in any given environment. It appears that Apple modified that analysis system to create an overall more accurate and cleaner sound. Saying that Apple decreased the “bass” is misleading at best.

Bass in general can be boomy(Some people may like the fact that it’s boomy but it’s far from accurate) in certain rooms because the sound system is not optimized for the room or the real-time audio optimizing algorithm is not functioning properly therefore causing much stronger and louder bass than should be present therefore overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum.

What Apple has done here should be appreciated for optimizing the Audio analyzing algorithms, not mocked.

Just because the average person likes “Boomy” inaccurate sound and bass doesn’t mean that that’s the sound profile Apple should set for the HomePod as the Signature Profile,

Now, I do agree that Apple should introduce an equalizer to OVERRIDE the built in audio analyzing system for these individuals that want inaccurate boomy sound regardless to avoid complaints.

I have a reference song that I test all audio with. I listened to Michael Jackson's Human Nature so often growing up because it was the only vinyl album I owned outside of my dad's collection. Every note, every background vocal and sound, the physical effect of the song on my skin, is burned into my brain.

I was a little disappointed when I first ran it on my HomePod because despite all the stellar audiophile reviews, my Harman Kardon reproduced it better. Wow, they fixed it. The bass is still there, it's still rich, but it's not overwhelming all the details in the song.

This is a huge problem. Changing the sound signature like this without any EQ's for users to change it back is a awkward state of affers. I bought three HomePod's and that sound signature which I really enjoyed has now been clearly altered and there is no way for me to get it back.

The original EQ setting for the HomePod was way too boomy. Even at just 15% volume, I had to be worried about the bass waking up my roommates or neighbours. With the new EQ settings, I can listen at 20% or 25% volume (loud enough to properly hear the vocals), and not worry about waking anyone up. I can now properly enjoy the HomePod at night. So I am very happy with this change.

Been listening all day. The new HomePod sound profile is better.

To the average Joe, a powerful bass is impressive and might sound expensive. But if you care about good audio, bass that muddles up the rest of the sound is crap. You want bass where it matters while still allowing the other layers to make it through.

Really loving this more refined sound.

I thought it might help. But the sound stays the same, but is bound to its position. I have no idea why one HomePod sounds flat and the other one normal in the same room, but a different corner. The calibration is a bit messed up I think! After moving the one hp around the spot which wasn’t working anymore some bass returned, but the bass (no idea how and why) seems to be focusing to the middle and left side. I know that is not how bass works, but it has probably smth to do with the sound beaming.

Pls try to rotate the hp and try to focus certain areas. I‘m in direct contact with Apple and there seems to be a problem with the spacial awareness and beaming thing since the update.

Ok, here's what I'm noticing after playing with the two HomePods for the past half hour or so. I kept both devices at 60% the entire time. I played Dinosaur Adventure 3D by Underworld on the bedroom one first (updated) and then I asked the one in the living room (not updated) to play the same song. The song does not sound flat on either one, but what I'm noticing is that the depth is lost a bit on the bedroom HomePod if I move around. It only sounds rich and deep if I stay in my usual spot on the bed. The living room HomePod does not sound as crisp, but lower frequencies remain consistent whether I move around the room or not.
After this initial test, I picked both devices up and moved them closer to a wall. Same song. I gave it about 30-40 seconds for calibration. Once the sound equalized a bit, the updated HomePod actually sounds better with more pronounced bass.
Third round. I put both HomePods in the centre of the living room on a coffee table (about 3 feet apart from each other).
I unplugged updated HomePod and on the non-updated one I played:
1. Kate Boy - Northern Lights (electronic and good test for lows)
2. Anderson Paak - Til it's over (good test for highs and mids)
3. Lights - Peace Sign (acoustic) (good test for vocals)
Then I unplugged non-updated and played the same songs on the restarted updated one.

What I've concluded so far is:
The update definitely enhances mids but highs also seem crisper and sometimes overbearing. This is not annoying in acoustic music, but in electronic music it is very palpable and sounds produced. Updated HomePod definitely sounds crisp and has more definition, but loses it's depth with some songs and it's a sound I'm not a fan of.
What set the HomePod aside for me was the depth coming out of such a small speaker - lows were rich, but not too bassy and overpowering (contrary to the ridiculous complaints I've read all over forums and reddit).
It's not enough of a change for me to hate the update and I need to spend more time listening to songs I know well to determine how much of a change it is. One thing's sure: there is a change to the sound signature, whether it's a tweak to an equalizer or a tweak to how beam forming works - it's there and it's significant.
It was not necessary and it is honestly not a good move on Apple not to include this in the update notes and just sneak it in.
More to come.

Can’t wait to try out all the new AR features!
/s