PSB M4U 2 - Page 15

hehe, I think he meant the one with less bass from the three ; )

Just my two cents comparing bass with Momentum vs. M4U2- Momentum has more bass in volume, but seems loose and unfocused, including some midrange bleed, compared to the punchy, deeper bass extension of the M4U2.  I also A/B'd M4U2 vs. Amperior and M4U2 bass had greater presence and depth as well, also excellent at high volume.  Amperior started to flutter at a volume where M4U2 was still distortion free (my ears are still ringing from that test).
 

Has anyone else experienced a slight "pressurization" in the left earcup when listening to the M4U2's? I went back to my audio shop to take a 2nd listen, and don't think I came away as impressed as my initial experience.  But one thing that really stood out to me was the feeling like the left earcup was ever slightly pressurized...as if the active circuitry was affecting the sound (even though the headphones were in passive mode). 

It took the image and pulled it to the left, and really messed with the presentation.  I remember feeling this the first time listening, but pretty much disregarded it as a first-time experience thing.  This didn't change the 2nd time around.  And as for my listening experience, I feel like the only way I ever really enjoyed them was in "active mode".  The ANC is useless, but the active mode was much more enjoyable, despite the fact that I was double-amping at that point (Fostex HP-P1 was my dac/amp from my iPhone 4s). 

In passive mode, I would have to kick the volume up almost 10-minutes worth just to match the active mode feeling.  But at the same time, it would bring a bit more brightness into play...I don't do brightness well.  My goal is to take a listen to some Ultrasone ED8s and SPs in the next week or so at Moon Audio, and hopefully those aren't too bright for my tastes.  All I want is higher resolution in the upper mids/treble, authoritative and tight bass, and smooth, clear mids as a portable.  I feel like I may have to just end up settling for something in the mid-range at some point and live with it.

I have not experienced the pressure issues you mention.

As has been mentioned several times, these headphones perform best when in active mode.  I'm sure they have a flat and accurate response when in passive mode, but they lose the excitement and overall enjoyability.  I only listen in active mode, as the noise cancellation is of no use to me.

So, I personally have little interest in the M4U1 that's rumored, as the passive mode on these doesn't quite do it for me.

All that being said, these M4U2 in active mode are the best sound I've been able to get straight out of an iPod playing lossless files, and that's against very good competition (V-Moda M80, M100, Senn Momentum, Amperior, UE6000, UE9000, Focal Spirit, M50, and some Shure and Ultrasone that I cannot for the life of me remember the model number).

That's the only use I have for the PSB, straight out of an iPod.  These are not 'reference' headphones, and when amped there are lots of better options out there, including a few sealed models I've tried.  However, I don't think that's what these were designed for and certainly not my intended use of them.  But straight out of an iPod I've yet to hear a better headphone.

What do these have in special that the M100's do not? Or by other words, what makes you like the M4U2 most compared to the M100's?

Quote:

Originally Posted by miow 

What do these have in special that the M100's do not? Or by other words, what makes you like the M4U2 most compared to the M100's?

The M4U2 is more balanced/neutral and really has a solid sonic presentation with nothing offensive where the M-100 adds coloration in all the right places for my ears.  M4U2 bass also has a solid, deep bass punch similar to M-100, but M-100 is tighter.  If you prefer a more neutral presentation, you may prefer the M4U2.

I would argue that the M100s scale better as you add an amp, or at least with the amps I have.  If you're going with an amp, then the M100 may be better than the PSB.  However, if you're adding an amp then I'd argue there are better options than both the M100 and PSB.  My HD600 for example can be had for about the same price as either and is better than both IMO.

For me where the PSB shine (and where they're at their best) is in active mode driven from an iPod.  Although the M100 can be driven by an iPod, it sounds much better when driven by even an inexpensive amp.  Both being driven by an iPod or comparable portable device though, I think the PSB sounds significantly better.

Looks like the M4U1 is out now, 3 colours.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/632434/psb-m4u1-already-in-stock-for-299-99

Welp, took the plunge and bought a pair of the new white M4U2s, should arrive tomorrow.  I figured since the white models are newer, maybe I have a better chance of not having any headband cracking and possibly minimal creaking as well...we shall see.  I have a cross-country flight next week, so it'll be a great opportunity to test portability, long-duration comfort, noise cancelling, and overall sound quality (outside of auditioning). 

I plan to break them in over the weekend to get a solid sense of what they're truly capable of.  Fortunately, I have the 60-day guarantee with Crutchfield just in case they don't impress enough to keep.  My additional test is to see whether or not having my Fostex HP-P1 is actually worth it.  I remember doing a brief A/B with M4U2 active directly into iPhone 4s vs. M4U2 passive into Fostex HP-P1, and remember being caught a bit off guard by the minimal difference.  So hopefully my extended sessions will allow me to fully determine the HP-P1's worth in my circumstance.

Will return with feedback in the coming week or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyWaj10 

Welp, took the plunge and bought a pair of the new white M4U2s, should arrive tomorrow.  I figured since the white models are newer, maybe I have a better chance of not having any headband cracking and possibly minimal creaking as well...we shall see.

I took delivery on an M4U 1 earlier in the week and the headband is definitively more pliable than that of the M4U 2 that I had previously owned.

Has anyone determined if there are any sonic differences between the M4U1 and the unamped M4U2?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigster75 

Has anyone determined if there are any sonic differences between the M4U1 and the unamped M4U2?

I wish I could say for certain, but my component chain has evolved since I've owned the M4U 2.  Within that context and strictly from memory, the M4U 1 has exhibited better resolution and separation -- a very "effortless" presentation overall.  Bass presence also seems closer to neutral, but that may be due to the fact that I'm sharing head time with the M-100.