Where is this journey taking us? An extreme example of immersion. Is this better than using Apple AirPods Max?

For true immersion in audio today, headphones with Spatial Audio and active noise cancellation (ANC) currently offer one of the most compelling setups. Models such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Apple AirPods Max lead the market with their combination of advanced ANC and 3D audio technologies.

Sony relies on dynamic drivers and adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to the surrounding environment, allowing users to immerse themselves more fully in the listening experience. Their 360 Reality Audio technology delivers an impressively spacious soundstage, particularly effective with music and film content designed for immersive playback.

Apple Inc. offers a similarly advanced setup with the AirPods Max. Thanks to Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking, the sound appears to originate from all directions. This significantly enhances immersion, especially when listening to content optimized for 3D audio.

Combined with precise microphones for noise cancellation and a high level of comfort, these devices create an experience that can fully immerse the listener in the audio world. For those seeking true immersion, these technologies currently represent some of the leading solutions. Those who prefer achieving this effect without complex electronics will find an alternative in the legendary S-Logic technology from ULTRASONE.

My opinion on this:

I have experienced true immersion exactly once in the way I would imagine it.

In the arena of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, there was a demonstration by Media Apes showing what is technically possible. It combined 360-degree video through a high-quality VR headset with an exceptional audio setup.

Open-back ULTRASONE headphones—such as the new Signature FUSION open back (coming in November)—handled the voices and the subtle details that still require precise spatial localization and depth. Surrounding the listener was a cage of nine loudspeakers placed roughly three meters away, supported by a subwoofer.

It simply doesn’t get any better than that.

But in everyday listening situations, such a setup is obviously not very practical. 🎧🔊