Audio Description on Airpod Max

By Jim D, 19 March, 2026

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

All:
I recently replaced my Bose QC headphones with a pair of AirPod Max. I use these for listening to both music from my phone and movies and shows from AppleTV. These work great for music, but I'm a little concerned about the audio from movies and tv shows. In particular, when I listen to something with audio description, it sounds like the description is coming from across the room. Its not horrible, but its not nearly as good as the audio from my Bose, which sounds like the audio description is right there with the movie. I've tried making various adjustments to the Airpod Max and turned off the spacial audio, but I'm still experiencing this. I should also add that my AppleTV is usually not connected to any video output as I really don't need this.
Has anyone else experienced this and, if so, were you able to solve it?
Thanks for any input.
Jim

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Comments

By Alicia Krage on Thursday, March 19, 2026 - 21:26

I have the AirPods pro 2 I believe, I got them in 2024. I was watching something recently on the xfinity stream app on our DVR, and I noticed this almost immediately. I turned mono audio on in accessibility settings and the sound came through both AirPods. So if mono audio is turned off, it's more stereo sound and it'll sound like it's across the room. Not sure why this is, but that's my experience.

By Holger Fiallo on Thursday, March 19, 2026 - 21:54

It suppose to help if you move your head and the sound suppose to be infromt of you. If I am mistaking someone tell me. Long live cats.

By Jim D on Friday, March 20, 2026 - 17:03

Thanks Holger. I tried moving my head, but it didn't change. I also disabled the spacial audio, which I believe is what causes the head tracking.
Jim

By Holger Fiallo on Friday, March 20, 2026 - 17:30

Turn it off suppose to do so. Check the settings to see if it off. Accessibility and your airpods. Long live cats.

By Brian on Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 02:09

Is this something that can be disabled? If so, could it be what is causing audio descriptions to sound like they are coming from far away, when it's active?
I am not an audiophile, nor have I much experience with audio engineering, so if my question sounds silly I apologize. 😇

By Holger Fiallo on Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 08:16

I think so, in settings in the airpods. I might be wrong. I know is hard to believe. Long live cats.