Low Bass on HomePod 2nd Gen

I just got the new HomePod and the bass is virtually nonexistent. It actually has less than the first gen and Mini.


I listened to a demo at the store and is had plenty of bass.


I've updated it to iOS 16.3 and tried restarting it but it’s still having problems. Apple Support recommended an exchange but of course they’re all out of stock now.


I've adjusted settings in my Home and Music apps but they don’t make a difference.


Any support is appreciated

Posted on Feb 4, 2023 01:40 PM

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3 replies

Feb 4, 2023 02:25 PM in response to apple_Addict92

So you checked reduce bass isn’t on?

Bass is less than the OG but more than the mini. It shouldn’t sound tinny though.

I played around with some songs I knew had a deep rumbling bass on my OG . This is an example of one song that I can tell is far less bass and it bugs me! It’s about all I really like in the song lol See how it sounds for you. It should have some bass.


I’d suggest you move them around , experimenting with different surfaces. Try denser solid wood. Keep at least 6” away from a wall, avoid corners. Once moved, they will recalibrate. This model is different though and adjusts to size of the room I believe.


Feb 5, 2023 04:51 AM in response to apple_Addict92

Beside the fact that they are sometimes really unreliable in terms of connection (sometimes one of the 2 doesnt work or takes 10 seconds etc) I do not understand why I feel the bass more on my table vibrating than I feel it as punch in the face! Thats what I should feel and not a table massage!


What I also noticed is, it really focuses on clear tones, so for example vocals in a song etc. That might be great for pop music etc. but if you listen some metal, it sounds.....I really don't know. I miss the mid tones.....


I think about to bring them back, seriously. They are not bad speakers dont get me wrong but I have some Sonos move next to me and what can I say.... I have the impression what the SONOS lacks, the Hompods have and vice versa. In combination 2 Sonos and 2 Homepods....wow that sounds great :D


They also don't sync on my mac in the HomeApp. I see them on my iPhone, but not on the Home App on Mac.

Feb 5, 2023 11:53 AM in response to Valtyr

They aren’t as good as the first as far as the music goes. Not tested any Metal. Some music is ok. The vocals being more present are not what I need (Sometimes, depending on the singer). I like to feel the music. The bass is there but it’s not deep and booming. I think I got used to my OGs. If yours have no bass then perhaps they’re defective? Do check reduce bass isn’t enabled, I’ve heard some people set them up and it was enabled and they said reduce bass was no bass at all. Others have said the vocals stand out too much. Everyone has a different experience with them, which I always think is based on expectations and comparisons to what they had previously. There’s 2 less tweeters in these compared to the OG. But as I also said, placement matters.


As to any other issues with syncing I’m not experiencing that. One improvement is being able to connect to AirPlay a lot quicker. My OGs took so long , the song was almost over.


They do stand out using with Apple TV 4K for movies. I do recommend testing for home theatre if you have the set up. With the 2021 or 2022 Apple TV 4K you can use them (or any other HomePod) as an Audio system for regular tv watching because the eARC turns it into input & output. (The tv needs the ARC port). They might beat out a Sonos Beam for sound on that.


Either way they still have a cult following and there are people spending up to $200 on an OG! I wouldn’t by a used one but I wouldn’t sell my OG either. Unless it completely dies because people will even buy the broken ones.


I hope you can get this sorted out




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Low Bass on HomePod 2nd Gen

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