Awesome to hear! Happy to help!

Love ya, back! Much appreciated!

I’m happy I could be of help! And thank you for subbing!

Awesome! Thank you for watching and for your lovely comment! I’m glad this was useful. I do need to make one talking about some of the newer codecs, like LC3, aptX Lossless, LLAC/LHDC LL, and Samsung’s scalable codec. Hopefully I can get that one out by year’s end.

Thank you for the kind words!

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching!

Thank you!

Thank you!

My pleasure!

Thanks for this feedback. This was early on my YT journey and I made a mistake here. (I wish YT would allow me to edit and correct, but the most I can do is edit stuff out, not in.)

Provided you have a solid connection, LDAC. But LDAC’s reign may be short-lived, as aptX Lossless, which promises to deliver CD quality over Bluetooth starts rolling out in 2022. That’s one hefty promise, so we’ll see.

To put it super simply, when the casting device and the headphones pair, they tell each other what their best option is that they both have in common and use that. Sometimes it depends on the job (aptX adaptive for music vs aptX-LL for games, for example), but often it’s just one (LDAC or AAC or aptX Adaptive). In a few cases, with some devices, you can select manually.

This is a good set of questions, but I’d need to research this. My first thought is that it depends on the TWS, for example the Galaxy Buds Live gaming mode only works with Samsung products. That makes me wonder if they’re using a Samsung-specific codec instead of something more common, like aptX LL. I’m sorry I can’t really provide any advice, though I’ll be sure to start looking into this in the future.

I will add, there have been complaints about reduction of sound quality in some cases, but I haven’t tested any of this myself, so I can’t speak to it.

@@NorbReviews Thanks, man. Looking forward for future uploads. Subbed.

Oh, this is a tough question. Here’s the simple answer: Generally speaking, LDAC > aptX when it comes to quality. But this depends on a few things: 1. distance to the LDAC source - LDAC will shift the quality down if it requires too much power, or if the hardware is of lower quality on one side or another. 2. aptX vs aptX HD vs aptX Lossless - aptX is the base one, and is lower quality than LDAC. aptX Adaptive includes aptX HD (as well as aptX LL and regular aptX), which can make it sound closer to LDAC or *better* if the LDAC quality drops due to distance or hardware quality. (AptX TWS+ is also a thing that I don’t know much about, so caveat lector.) From my understanding, Samsung phones have not used aptX HD or Adaptive (or TWS+) since 2018, meaning LDAC will probably provide better sound quality than aptX for you. But more importantly than the codec is the device itself. Provided the Momentum and Technics are on par, then I’d probably go with the Technics in that case. But if you can try them both side by side, that will give you the best result, because in addition to the codec, the quality of the source will also matter.

@NorbReviews oh thank you so much. Yes I tried the MTW4 and I didn't find the sound so amazing as my phone only supports AptX, so I ordered the Technics now and I'm hoping that LDAC will be the answer. Thank you so much for the response. I really appreciate it.

Dedicated DAC that also supports all the codecs plus world headphones for the desktop sounds so good, I might pick up one sooner or later.

I’m planning an updated video that will cover that as well as other developments since then. There have been a LOT of changes in the past 2 years! I don’t have a timeline for that, however: real life has slowed my progress here, unfortunately.

GREAT question, and I’m actually working on videos about this right now. (They’ll come out this month. Sorry I can’t be faster.) Here’s my quick takeaways: - The Momentum 4 is VERY different than the momentum 3 in *EVERY* way. - The sound of the Momentum 4 is similar to the XM4 and XM5, although I like it a bit better. It is NOT at ALL like the Momentum 3, and a big part of that is the ear pads + changes in tuning. - If you like the comfort of the XM4 you’ll love the Momentum 4. I don’t, and so I prefer the XM5. Knowing what I know now, I’d get the XM5. The Momentum 4 isn’t bad at all, but LDAC is fantastic. Between that and the comfort (which is ENTIRELY subjective), I prefer the XM5. Now, if you love the sound of the Momentum 3, none of these sound like that. Before you do anything, consider watching those 2 videos I’ve done on the XM5. One is the review, the other is how to tune it so you get the best sound. XM5 Review - ukposts.info/have/v-deo/foGWeX54gHdkqWg.html Tuning the XM5 - ukposts.info/have/v-deo/gqGBopWKZ6R7lac.html Best of luck, and please let me know what you decide!

@@NorbReviews Thanks, i will let you know

I was on the same dilemma, and tbh I'm still in the dilemma. I can't test both and I have an s22 ultra but based on the countless reviews seen and read I think I like the signature of the momentum 4 way more than mx5. Thing is the smartphone will be replaced sooner or later but headphones will be still there, or you might have other devices that support aptx adaptive I still got my old android that supports it and plan to use it for that purpose alone also if you are on PC working you can use the usb that will transfer the data directly to the internal dac of the headphones leaving out the codecs and still have ANC etc or you can use a BT adapter that supports aptx adaptive. Sure LDAC is the best codec exists now but still if the drivers struggle to deliver what you expect then it's no good of course you might like more the signature of mx5 more then it's no brainer you for them. I made my choice based on that I can have alternative sources for my music that can get the best out of the momentum 4.

Hey Stanley, thanks for watching and the question. The first thing to consider is what device you’re using as your source. If it’s an iPhone, you’ll get the best sound from the X1 pro. If it’s Android you’ll get the best from the W1. For other devices (for example, Bluetooth enabled DAPs), I’d look to see what they have available. That said, I generally tend to favor things with ANC. The noise canceling often means you can listen at a lower volume, which protects your hearing, especially in noisy environments like busses. In both cases I might suggest that you pair them with foam tips for a better seal. If it were me, since I have an iPhone and like ANC, I’d go for the X1 pro. If I had an Android phone, I’d want to consider how often I was listening to them and how loud the environments are before deciding. Best of luck!

@@NorbReviews Thank you. I'll go to the X1 pro.

Thank you!

Not that I know of. The latency depends on the hardware used and the version of AAC used. Apple products have been good to me on this front, but other devices using AAC haven’t always been as good.

@@NorbReviews they are good for everyday use but not when trying to to produce music. Latency kicks kn

@@Clem_dow - Oh, no, I agree: I 100% would *not* recommend them for producing music. This is strictly for the enjoyment, not production.

AptX-LL (touched on in the aptX section).

@NorbReviews I've been comparing the difference between faststream and aptx ll and on these headphones there's only a noticeable drop in call quality w/ aptx ll when I activate microphone input. Faststream seems to provide a much better, seamless experience so far. Does that mean there's something wrong with the setup or is faststream just better?

1. Bluetooth Codec doesn’t matter when using a wired connection, since you’re not using a Bluetooth connection. 2. Wired connections are better than wireless for a few reasons. Part of it is because there’s direct power transfer. Second is because you don’t have signal loss, since you reduce the amount of encoding and decoding that has to happen. (In fact, you eliminate it entirely from the headphone’s side.) 3. Quality of components always matters, but not because of codecs. They matter because of things like electrical noise and interference. Good components will deliver sufficient power and keep cables shielded. Bad components won’t. If you’re going to listen wired, you never have to worry about Bluetooth codecs. You SHOULD, however, pay attention to the file encoding: MP3, AAC, FLAC, etc., and the bit rate of that encoding. You should also pay attention to the quality of the headphones themselves and the cables. Better cables will give you better signal with less interference. The headphones, too, should be able to be driven by the phone, so they should be less than 40ohms or so. (You don’t want to use a pair of Sennheiser HD600’s with a phone, unless you attach it to a DAC/AMP first. From what I see here, I think your best bet might actually be to get yourself a portable DAC/AMP. Attach that to your phone and attach a good pair of headphones to the DAC/AMP. You’ll get spectacular sound, and never have to worry about the Bluetooth codecs. If you want some wireless capabilities, look for something like the FiiO Q5. Best of luck!

Thanks for breaking this down. What is the relationship between file encodings and the actual codec which the hardware negotiates to use? E.g. when playing an AAC file and headphones don‘t support decoding AAC, the codec will be SBC. Which type of media gets sent as aptx over Bluetooth?

Ok, so a lot of issues here! - I definitely get the frustration with Apple. It’s annoying they aren’t more flexible here. - There isn’t just one AAC, it’s actually multiple versions and quality is hardware dependent. Still, definitely no LDAC, even with the newest versions. - there are rumors that Apple uses a proprietary codec with their headphones that piggybacks on AAC, which is why Apple stuff sounds so much better on Apple phones. Might be something else, though. - the headphone itself will be much more important than the codec, provided you still have a good source. Yes, codecs help, the hardware is most important. It’s not like having a Lambo in the city, it’s like having a Lambo in the Autobahn in the rain vs a sunny day. (I hope that analogy came out right.) - I’ve used the Bathys with both Android and iPhone. The difference isn’t huge. - with the Bathys and the PX8’s, both include a USB-C to USB-C audio cable. If you have a recent iPhone, THAT is how you’ll get the best sound. No additional hardware needed. If you need an OTG cable, this is the one I’ve used and have loved it: amzn.to/42GN5YU - that said, my Bathys review was largely done on iPhone. I was still thrilled. (But more thrilled with the DAC mode.) - If you want to use a dongle, I’ve used both the Qudelix5K (BT + wired) and the iFi Go Link (wired) with zero issues. (The Qudelix sounds way better, and I comfortably use it with my Hifiman Ananda Stealth, and have used it VERY comfortably with the Meze 109 Pro [review upcoming] .) Don’t know what forums you’re looking at or what they’re using, so I can’t say. In fact, if you have an older iPhone, I like (and have reviewed) the iFi Go Link. Just be careful with the cable. But I have never run into an issue where there’s an error. Not to defend Apple not using other codecs-goodness knows I give them enough crap about it-but there are still plenty of options, and the differences, while there, aren’t necessarily all that huge unless you’re A/B testing. I really wish you the best of luck, but don’t worry about what other people say. Ultimately, your ears are your guide. Test, hear for yourself, and go with what you like: there is no wrong answer, and plenty of right ones. Best of luck, and feel free to ask for any opinions. I’ll do what I can to answer.

Side note: I’ve done reviews on the following which you might find helpful - momentum 4 - momentum 4 vs focal Bathys - focal Bathys - ifi Go Link The M4 is an excellent option (though I generally prefer the sound of the M3). The Bathys is a more refined option, but lacks in sub bass. Still, rich and warm. I’ve only tried the PX8’s for a short time, hence no review. What are you looking to do with them? What’s your use case? Maybe I can help.

@@NorbReviews Wow appreciate the response and time you took to write it with such detail and even the time to read my long comment. Sorry again for another long comment/rant. Honestly what ultimately led me to the px8 and bathys was my disappointment with sony's xm5 after having watched a ton of mostly positive reviews and immediately thought I had to spend more to get better sound. I have already ordered the momentum 4's prior to reading your response and will give them a try. The price point makes more sense, I may have the disposable income but have a hard time justifying the price for a pair of headphones that will only be as good as the battery lasts (may just be paranoid). If I don't like them I may give them to my brother and get the px8's now that I know usb c will elevate the listening experience (prefer how they look over the bathys). I live in the eu and our return policies are non existent but made sure to get a good warranty because apparently these momentums may have various bugs which I hope have been ironed out by now. There aren't demo units for the momentum 4's or bathys here and have relied solely on reviews like yours (have watched yours a few times on m4, bathys and the comparison between the two) to gauge what they're like but ultimately you're absolutely right on having to try them myself. My use case is while travelling by boat but more importantly when flying (not too often about 6-8 international flights per year), decent anc is important but it doesn't have to be the best since music/movie would be playing. Hoping apple comes out with a new airpods max (also did not know that apple had their own codec) with an actual case this time. I'm pretty pleased with my airpods pro 2 but can't wear them for more than about 2-3 hours without irritation and I feel like it is worse when flying.

@@michaelklein23 first, my pleasure and thank you for thanking the time to write. I really appreciate it. So, in your use case, I think the M4 will be an excellent choice. If / when the battery dies, a lot of the companies let you send them back and they’ll replace the battery. (This was explicitly stated by Focal at one point, and I can’t imagine other companies like Sennheiser/Sonova not letting you do that for a fee.) As for Apple, to be clear, it *seems* from some of what I’ve seen (from some code snippets and system logs) that Apple has their own proprietary codec, but I don’t have any direct proof because they’ve never openly admitted to this… but if I had to put money on it I’d say that yeah, there’s something extra in there. That said, I’ve been watching the rumors on an AirPods Max 2 this year and will 100% be ordering and reviewing them if they announce them. All that aside, whether you decide to go with the PX8 or whether you stick with the M4’s, that USB-C connection is definitely the audiophile’s friend: I think you’ll really like that sound in either. And if you go with the PX8, keep an eye on B&W’s site; they have refurbs for something like half the price. It’s an outright steal. Best of luck!

This is irrespective of the OS. AAC is very hardware quality dependent. If the quality of the hardware isn’t good, AAC might sound worse than SBC. Honestly it’s just a matter of trying it out for yourself and seeing what sounds best with your hardware combo.

That’s a tough question because they’re so different. If you have to choose one, go with the Galaxy Buds 2: It’s more convenient (because it travels easier) and the codec really makes a difference. Plus Samsung features really will make a difference. And yeah, the But rate matters. But if you think you might use the headphones wired, then the Momentum 3 is a fantastic choice: with a wired connection, they really shine, and codec doesn’t matter at that point. I tend to prefer over the ear headphones over earbuds, so I always lean this way, but two are so different that it’s hard for me to say one over the other. Still, in your case, I’d lean Galaxy Buds 2 for the overall package.

Thank you so much For the detailed reply. I've decided to just wait for the galaxy buds 3 pro With the explosion of "Hi-res" Earbuds launching in the market Recently OnePlus launched their earbuds too With LHDC Codec I hope Samsung will do the same, since spending 230 dollars on these just doesn't seem worth rn. Hoping for them to improve their SSC or just give us AptX Codecs LOL

@@hritikghatge Solid choice, and yeah, going next Gen is probably a good idea. This reminds me, I need to make an updated version of this video.

@@NorbReviews Thanks for the reply and the video Helped me a lot! Cheers

I just covered the most common at the time of filming (SBC, the aptX family, AAC, LDAC). I’m planning to do an update video sometime in the future that will include LC3, and might expand to answer other questions I’ve received surrounding this.

That depends on a lot of factors. If you're using Apple products, AAC all the way. If you're using Windows, it depends, but I'd lean toward AAC on newer computers with the latest Windows patches, but if it's a weak or older computer, stick with aptX. (I'm assuming you're not buying an extra DAC or anything, which changes things entirely.) If you're using Android, that depends: if it's a higher-end Android product (like the latest Samsung Galaxy, for example), AAC will probably be better, especially if you're just talking about aptX. (If you're talking aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, or aptX Low Latency, go for those.) But if it's an older device, or if it's a lower-end phone, then aptX may be better, since AAC will be more processor intensive, and it may not be able to handle the latest improvements to AAC. (The hardware and software may not be well optimized for AAC.) The most important thing is to make sure that your headphones and your device use the same codecs.

@@NorbReviews Thanks But I have high performance android device , my headphone and android phone also supports both aac and aptx In this case what I will choose ?

Test both out and see which sounds better to you. If you can’t tell the difference then just go with the default. Ultimately, this is for your enjoyment: there’s no right or wrong answer. The quality of your headphones will make the bigger difference at this point. (Me? I’d go for AAC over base aptX, since base aptX is not much different from SBC. But I also don’t know either your equipment or-far more importantly-your ear canals.)

​@@NorbReviews I really like your explanation expert in sound

I’m not sure I understand your question. My apologies. If I’m reading it right, here’s what I THINK you might be referring to: - All Bluetooth headphones handle the SBC codec. Devs can’t opt out of it. - For any other codecs, they usually have to pay royalties to the company that created it. For example, if a company wants to use aptX, they have to pay Qualcomm, who created aptX. - Bluetooth has a bandwidth limit, so you can’t transfer lossless music. All Bluetooth music is lossy, even if it’s using Sony’s LDAC or the latest versions of AAC. Do those cover the question? My apologies for not understanding.

@@NorbReviews Most music is already encoded in mp3. Podcasts are either that or aac. Few are >= 192kbps. Most are

Unfortunately, this is beyond my pay grade, so to speak. I can’t give you a satisfactory answer because, honestly; I don’t know. I’ll try reading around to find an answer. I suspect it’s multi-factorial (decompression speed, licensing and engineering costs, hardware limitations from the ODMs, industry non-standardization, etc.)

LDAC. How much of a difference there is will depend on how good you connection is (since LDAC adapts to the connection strength), but generally LDAC will give you better sound than SBC.