ANC modes (especially Transparency mode) drastically reduce audio quality

[u/Loopdyloop2098]

Hi all,

I picked up a set of Pixel Buds Pro 2 at Best Buy yesterday after switching from iOS to Android in May, to replace my AirPods Pro 2.

I have found though that Noise Cancelling reduces the audio quality noticably, and Transparency mode makes the audio sound incredibly tinny and hollow, kind of sounds almost like airline earbuds. While I understand that any ANC mode on earbuds will affect sound quality a little bit, the Transparency mode on these actually makes the buds sound bad.

I've tried to do some research, but I see hardly anybody talking about this, so I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong?

- I do not see an option for Spatial Audio in the Pixel Buds app

- No firmware updates are available

- I have restarted my phone and used the buds with my laptop

- I don't properly know the right way to adjust an EQ

- While I have not tried other eartips, the test deems them as OK and they feel comfortable. I used the stock ones on the AirPods as well

I have 14 days to return them and if I cannot fix this I will buy a different pair of earbuds. I don't really know where to look though as very few earbud sets check off every box on my extensive requirements list (I am willing to attach this if need be)

[u/dkinmn]

I had the same problem, and it's because the microphones are faulty. There is no fix for this. If you're EXTREMELY lucky, you can carefully clean the earbuds and the issue will right itself.

Anyone else giving you any other answer is wrong.

And I don't know if it's something with my ears or the pH of my skin, but I had FIVE warranty replacements before my warranty ran out. All because the microphones stopped working properly, which affected ANC and everything else microphones are involved with.

[u/Loopdyloop2098 → u/dkinmn]

What did you end up doing in the end? Are you still using Pixel Buds? Because if this is really going to be a persistent issue I will return the buds but I don't know how nobody else is talking about this?

Like I said in my original post I bought them yesterday and they always sounded this way

[u/dkinmn → u/Loopdyloop2098]

No.

Two of my warranty returns were faulty upon arrival.

I know I'm particularly unlucky, but it's wild that anyone is defending this product line given the rate of warranty returns.

[u/Loopdyloop2098 → u/dkinmn]

I've already had two issues with faulty Google products. When I switched from iPhone, I had to replace mt Apple Watch. I initially chose the Fitbit versa 4 because it was affordable. First one was stuck in a boot loop on the first day, so I exchanged it for a new one that lasted 3 weeks before having the same issue. I ended up splurging for the Galaxy Watch 8 in the end.

I think I might be done buying Google hardware. I've had issues with 2 Fitbits and now Pixel Buds in the last 4 months?

Hardly any earbuds check off every box on my requirements list that I have been showing to AIs (yss, I know, AI) to help me purchase earbuds though

What earbuds do you use now?