For years, I've been singing the praises of the original Audeze Maxwell across my headset coverage here at IGN. So, when I caught wind of an updated version on the way with the Audeze Maxwell 2, I was as excited as I was curious – curious as to how the company could improve on the already stellar sound quality, and also for how it might address its few shortcomings. After using it as my primary headset for about two weeks, I'm a little disappointed that it didn't make any drastic changes, but that means it's at least still a fantastic headset. This means it's more accurate to look at the Maxwell 2 as a simple refresh rather than a brand-new headset. If you're still going strong with the original Maxwell or an equivalent high-end gaming headset, it won't be a major jump, but anyone in the market for a new top-tier option in the range of $300 and up, this is your new king.
Audeze Maxwell 2 – Design and Comfort
Audeze did not stray far from the original design; the Maxwell 2 still rocks the heavy-set earcups that house its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, although they come with some minor changes. They no longer swivel inward the full 90 degrees to lay flat and instead stop at a 45-degree angle, and it’s good enough to rest the headset around your neck comfortably. The earcup covers can pop out if you twist them, which allows for custom designs. It also means both the mute toggle and power button are no longer on the outside of the earcups. Those are now along the border of the right earcup, but the mute toggle is just a tad harder to switch on and off since it's wedged into a dip. The left earcup has the usual suspects: volume dial, chat/game mix, 3.5mm jack, USB-C port, microphone jack, and Bluetooth button.
I'm a bit surprised that the Maxwell 2 largely reused the original headband design, where the leatherette strap hooks into notches built into the frame. It's still more difficult to adjust the fit than I'd like since the holes on the strap are very rigid – at least you know it'll lock into place. The noticeable change, however, is the width of the strap itself, which now covers more surface area atop your head. It helps alleviate pressure, and it's better for keeping the headset in place when you're moving your head. That's important for a headset as heavy as this (560g, up from the original's 490g).
The earpads have a slimmer profile which makes the space within for your ears noticeably larger, and can help them fit easier (and theoretically, help with a more spacious audio experience). However, you can feel a little more jostling of the headset when turning or walking around with these (compounded by the fact it's slightly heavier) – although I can say that the new strap design offsets this by making sure the headset doesn’t slide off so easily. Regardless, I wore the Maxwell 2 for sessions upwards of four hours at a time and didn't experience much discomfort, if at all. That's because the pads are still dense and plushy, and thanks to the lighter-than-usual clamp force, there wasn't much pressure around my ears. They also limited the sweatiness I tend to get from leatherette material. And since the earpads are magnetically attached, I anticipate being able to swap them out for aftermarket ones if you wish.
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