Dacrazydude
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2011
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[size=small]The Brainwavz line is well known in the audiophile community as bringing great bang for the buck as every single one of their earphones offers incredible sound quality for the price. In this regard, the M4 does not disappoint.[/size]
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[size=small]SOUND - Bright but not overly, sound signature between a classic V signature and a neutral analytical sound, low fatigue, Wide soundstage, bass - detailed and clear but not overwhelming in quantity - basslovers may want to avoid, Microphonics may be slightly below average but mostly disappear when used with the cable/shirt clip. Driver flex is a problem. Isolation is on the low side for an IEM.[/size][size=small][/size]
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[size=small]The most important part of purchasing an IEM is the sound. So let's start with that. The sound signature of the M4 is interesting. It's not a typical V signature in which the highs and the lows are overly emphasized. At the same time, it is not what you would call a neutral sounding IEM. It is instead, a combination of the two. This creates a sound that is both energetic and fun but at the same time, remaining clear and detailed. The bass from these earphones are strong and impactful but most importantly clear. They don't sound muddled at any point and they don't get confused during fast songs. The mids are some of the best I've heard from this price range. Good clarity and detail and most importantly, they are always present and never get hidden. Highs are also fairly solid. They lack any annoying sibiliance and cymbals have good clarity and range. The soundstage is fairly wide for an IEM. The cable itself has some microphonics but a shirt clip(which is included) will get rid of most of it. I also recommend putting the cable underneath your shirt or wearing it over the ear to eliminate this problem. Driver flex is an issue with the M4, mostly due to the port/vent that's prominently placed in the middle of the earphone. However, I've only had driver flex issues when placing it in the ear(it will sound like a loud click or a pop) and not while actively wearing it. There were no sound issues(frequency or volume distortion) associated with the driver flex. Isolation isn't phenomenal due to the large port/vent on the side of the earphone. However, like most IEMs, the isolation is good enough for most environments. [/size][size=small][/size]
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[size=small]Build Quality and Accessories - Appears well built and comes with some goodies.[/size][size=small][/size]
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[size=small]The build quality of the M4's seems high. The driver housing is made of metal(most likely aluminum) and while sturdy, its very light and appealing. There is a strain relief cover where the cable meets the driver housing. While it will do the job, it is a little on the thin side. The cable quality itself is not stellar. It is fairly thin and does not strike me confidence. Paired to the metal earbuds, they look very out of place. The M4 comes with most of the usual accessories along with some extras. A pair of S/M/L silicone single flange tips are provided as well as a handy shirt clip. Surprisingly, the M4 comes with S-400 Comply foam tips. Comply tips are high quality foam that are very comfortable that many audiophiles believe are the best tips(Comply for foam/Shure or Sony Hybrids for silicone). This is a very nice addition and it's interesting to see how the foam tips affect the sound of the earphone. Make sure to try these for yourself. Note that foam tips degrade over time and need to be replaced.[/size][size=small][/size]
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[size=small]Recommendations for specific listeners on a similar budget[/size][size=small][/size]
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[size=small]Jack of all Trades(good at everything) - Brainwavz M4[/size][size=small][/size]
[size=small]Basslovers - Brainwavz M2 [/size][size=small][/size]
[size=small]Fun and Energetic - ATH CKM50 [/size][size=small][/size]
[size=small]Analytical - ME A151[/size]
Edit - I'd just like to add to my review saying that the Brainwavz M4 right side headphone driver outputs only 30% of the sound now. As it stands, I've submitted a return to Amazon. Considering these were my off-pair of earphones, this one month failure turns me completely off them so I don't even want to trouble with the warranty.
