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crwdns2933797:0Taylor Dixoncrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0
crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Taylor Dixon
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| [* black] On the back of the left ear cup, this square circuit board is home to Sony's [https://www.sony-asia.com/pressrelease?prName=the-best-just-got-better-sony-announces-wh-1000xm4-industry-leading-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones|QN1 processor|new_window=true] and a Mediatek bluetooth SoC, among some other ICs. Here are full-sized images of [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/J1F1ZvrfMsy1UV2P.full|both|new_window=true] [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/fCymDkY3pLXaYpkR.full|sides|new_window=true], for the curious. | |
| [* black] On the back of the right ear cup: the battery! The connector is easy to access, but the [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/vIvdEGSFAftUQLht.full|4.1 Wh cell|new_window=true] rests on a tenacious adhesive pad. We used a little isopropyl alcohol to free it. | |
| [* black] In both ear cups, all wires that pass through the plastic housing are [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ULHlEi333tyIvhY1.full|hot glued in their holes|new_window=true]. Because of this, moving components around on either side is tricky, and accessing the USB-C port or 3.5 mm jack underneath the driver housing is a pain. | |
| - | [* black] Overall, not too bad. A couple misses |
| + | [* black] Overall, not too bad. A couple misses, but refreshingly simple after that very long and winding AirPods slog: |
| [* green] All screws are Phillips 00; ear cushions, headband, buttons, and ports are all modular and replaceable. | |
| [* yellow] The battery is a gluey mess and the disassembly path is slightly wonky. | |
| [* red] Lots of hot glue and no friendly connectors for the 3.5 mm aux jack or drivers. |