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INTRO:-
 
  Brainwavz has become one of the house hold names in our audiophile, even when they don't make products competing with heavyweights, they make products that are more bang for bucks than most brands in this business, they make verity of products too, amps, headphones, BT earphones/ headphones, and their package is the best in my opinion. Who else ships an $25 earphone with a pair of comply, hard carry case and 6 pairs of silicone tips( Talking about XF-200 here)!!
 
 This time around I have a headphone from Brainwavz. They have couple of full sized headphones, HM5, HM7 to be precise, what I have here is the newer HM2, this one too sports detachable cables. It’s the cheapest of them all, priced $50, will compete with Headphones from Philips, superlux , JVC, and sony ZX & XB series headphones.
 
 I don’t own plenty of headphones, but I do have SHo9560 and JBL J55 to compare with HM2.
 
 P.S.:- I would like to thank Pandora and Brainwavz for this review unit. I am really sorry for this delay.

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ACCESSORIES, ERGONOMICS AND MISCELLANEOUS:-
 
  Even when its priced $50, it comes with a hard carry case, helps while traveling.  There are two cables too, 1. with a universal remote and MIC with a volume controlling slider. It doesn’t control  volume from the device though, it just works on the preset volume, to increase volume, you will have to reach out for the source never the less. It does enable the user with some control.  the cable itself Is nice, isn't much microphonic and is really supple. 2. 2nd cable is a flat one without anything on it, just a simple line in cable. It's too is really low on microphonic and is really too.
 
 Ergonomically its one of the best $50 headphone you will find on the market shelves. Let it be ZX600 or even M20x, none of these $50 headphone is as comfortable as HM2. Its ear cups easily adjust to one's head shape and sits nicely over/on-ear. Over ear if your ears are small. It slightly goes on my ears but it’s the soft ear pad that makes the experience comfortable.
 
 There is no cushioning on the headband though, not uncomfortable. It doesn’t press on ears, which is a good thing for most.
 
Those who want an compact foldable headphone, HM2's does collapse into the band hence takes lesser space when you want to toss it into your bag. Don’t forget to put in inside the carry case, for protection.
 
 As far as the look is concerned, it has dolphin skin finish on it, silver rings on ear cups looks nice. My friend even said it looks classy and futuristic at the same time, I do concur with him. HM2 is one of the best looking headphones for sure.
 

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REMOTE AND MIC:-
 
 Now this one does have ship with remote loaded cable but it's more like a one button MIC unit and works just like other universal one button MIC units. That single button will pick calls and end, play and pause music, double tap will skip forward and triple tap will move back, you can control the volume from volume slider built into the remote but it won't help controlling source volume. MIC quality is better than average, sounds clear and slightly hollowed. Not bad.

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SOUND QUALITY:-
 
 The official statement states that HM2 boasts a smooth sound designed to give a comfortable and enjoyable audio experience and I do agree with it. It's not one of those sparky, top end extended headphones but the one with a smoother and easy on ears signature. Its not V shaped, it’s more like a slide to be precise. Elevated bass, acceptable mids and turned down highs.
 
 Some songs I used:-
Adele - set fire to the rain.
Paul lindford and Chris vrenna – most wanted mash up.
George Barnett- super hero in a ball and Down on me (this guy knows what he is doing).
Hozier  - Foreigner's god. (beautiful song)
Plan B - playing with fire.
Chase and Status - No problem.
Rise against - survivors guilt.
Lupe Fiasco- Adoration of the magi Feat. Crystal Torres.
Dotan - fall.
Jessie J - sweet talker.
Morning parade - carousel
Bullet for my valentine - Truth hurts
 
 I would like to confirm that HM2 is burned for more than 80+ hrs and I have use the non-MIC cable. HM2 is loud enough, doesn’t require an amp and can be powered by most of these modern day smart phones.
 
Bass:-
 
 Now its not the type of bass one will find on srh440 or ZX-700 but from something like SHO 9560. HM2's bass has mid bass elevation in the 60-90HZ region and is fluffy, boomier and slow, decay is not good no doubt. This bass doesn't go as deep as something like sho9560 or even ath-j55 and even with its mid bass elevation it's not bothering.  Better than XB-400 for sure, XB-400's bass is seriously uncontrolled and boomier too.
 
 Even with its short comings this bass is not exactly bad, has good amount of details and some control, is fuller too. Impact is good , moves good amount of air with a slightly softer slam.  sadly its not exactly good with high speed tracks and slightly lags with house and electro music.
 
One should not expect much control and precision from a $50 headphone especially in the department of bass, but this bass is enjoyable for average listeners, especially those who like some bass but not whole lot of it. HM2's bass more cushy than forcing hence making it a good companion for longer listening session.
 
Mids:-
 
 For me mid range is the life of a song and HM2 doesn’t really excell here, it just lacks emphasis, kind of in a valley. Vocals are good. Both male and female are equally energetic and sharp, notes are deep and have desired thickness and has enough presence to keep me seated. Details and precision is good, instruments are detailed. When it comes to instrument clarity and precision, HM2 is manageable, it sounds cohesive with nice texture.
 
 My biggest concern resides in HM2's inability to exhibit transparency, hence clarity suffers. Micro detailing is mediocre at best. Equalizing does help but it still not as clear as I was expecting, it feels like there is a barrier somewhere in between. Everything sounds slightly veiled and unclear.
 
 This mid range is not even on the same page with bass, it feels small in front of bass. It's like Bass is flowing from a bigger pipe.
 
 I am not totally but slightly disappointed. It could have been clearer, and should have conveyed better  transparency.
 
Sound stage on the other hand  Is better, width and height is good. depth is okay. Havent heard a $50 closed back headphone with bigger stage.  Samosn SR850 is a different thing.
 
Highs:-
 
 I do want to skip this. I really do, nothing to write about. Lacks extension, lacks energy and spark, are not transparent from any angle. Cymbals sound muted and unnatural, same for other instruments too. Separation layering and placement are really good but it just simply lacks good amount of presence.
 
 This type of sound signature does helps with longer sessions and makes it comfortable for long listening sessions but for $50, HM2 could have been clearer and should have had better top end presence.
 Umm, it is what it is.

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Short comparisons:-
 
VS Philips sho9560:- This headphone is made for heavy duty usage, and its tag of tested on animals reflects it properly. Still its SQ is  not bad. 9560 has deeper bass, with slightly smaller but stronger impact, while moving smaller amount of air, HM2 moves more air, has bigger bass but impact is softer. Overall its bass is smaller in quantity. Thankfully 9560 has clearer and more transparent mid range, but lacks details. Separation is okay but layering is a mess, forget about instrument placement, stage is really narrow too. thankfully highs have some more energy and extension. Overall 9560 has better balance but less details. HM2 is a better headphone for sure.
 Has better transportability and comfort too.
 
VS JBL J55:- J55's bass is the best of the lot. Has better decay and is not cushy. Has nice impact and moves good amount of air. Has better depth and doesn’t have much of a mid bass hump. Has better details and clarity is better too. J55 has good mids transparency and arguably the better one of these 3. At least it doesn't feel like holding much back even when it's just a little bit clearer. Transparency, separation, placement, everything Is good. Has the most amount of top end extension and energy too. Stage is good for an on ear headphone. Well rounded and has good sense of space too but HM2 has taller and wider projection. HM2 does beats it when it comes to overall details, performance and sonicality.
 
VS Samson SR-850:- Winner, flat out winner in every segment, faster bass, better details, better control. Mids are really clear even when in the V. Top end extension is really good, has better energy too. Transparency, separation, instrument placement, everything is better. Stage is not bigger sadly for an half open headphone it’s a shame.
 Beats HM2 easily unless you don’t like highs and want bigger bass.
 

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Samson SR850, all dirty and messed up. Sho9560 on right.
 

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Conclusion:-
 
 Now HM2 is not an headphone for details hogs for sure. Its targeted towards the youth who are not critical about details and prefer musicality over serious listening. From my review one might access that its mid range is really bad but its isn't, it just feels a bit held back and highs are tuned down.
 
 An average consumer or someone who doesn’t enjoy much top end energy or spark will love this headphone. Nicely packed and accessorized, beautiful looking headphone, sounds better than most on the market and sound signature is really enjoyable but could have sounded better.
 
 If you are looking for an inoffensive, bassy, blunt and soft sounding, comfortable headphone for long listening sessions, without making a huge hole in your pocket, go for HM2. It's one of the better $50 headphone for sure.
 
 This is it, Hvae a nice day guys. Cheers.

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I would like to start with saying thank you to Brainwavz and Pandora for letting me checking out the Brainwavz HM2.
 
The Brainwavz HM2 is available from Brainwavz Audio:
http://www.brainwavzaudio.com/products/hm2-headphones
 
I’m not in any way affiliated with Brainwavz.
 
The only full sized headphone from Brainwavz that I own so far is the excellent HM5. It’s one of my favorite closed headphones with its very well balanced sound. I’ve also thoroughly auditioned the HM3 that I liked so needless to say I was very curious about how the HM2 would perform, let’s get down to it.
 

 
About Brainwavz:
Brainwavz is a well know company here on Head-Fi and this is what they say about themselves on their website:
Established in 2008 with a goal to bring real earphones to real users at realistic prices -A SMALL START WITH BIG RETURNS
 
Today the range spans across earphones and headphones, a new accessories line and the addition of inline controls for the booming smartphone markets
 
The future sees the BRAINWAVZ team expanding to more new products, from new designers with fresh ideas - WE ARE HERE TO STAY, so keep listening out for us!
 
At Brainwavz we have a simple mission, to produce innovative, high quality audio products with a dedicated focus on high-end sound at a realistic price. Our strength, success and product range is built on our unique relationship with our customers and users, a relationship that has produced a simple and obvious result. We give real-users real sound quality.
 
About me:

 

 

 
 
Built and accessories:
The Brainwavz HM2’s are a dynamic headphone featuring a 40mm driver.
 
It comes “only” in one flavor: black/grey color scheme with two different cables, one with mic and one without. The answer/call (same as play/pause) button and mic works great with my LG G3 phone.
 
The HM2 has detachable cable with a standard 3,5mm connenction and actually comes with two cables: one flat without microphone and one round with microphone. I personally prefer the round one so that’s the one I’ve been using. The cable has a straight 3.5 mm connector. Although I personally prefer L-shaped (45 or 9 degrees) connectors this one seems well built and should hold up for a long time.
 
The microphone seem to be of good quality and people can hear me loud and clear when using it to make phonecalls.  
 
The build seems solid in the way we’re used to from Brainwavz. Although the material is almost exclusively plastic they still seem well build in general.
 
The retail package is nice as always with Brainwavz and feels very good for a headphone in this price bracket.
 
The accessories pack is decent for the price and includes the following:
1 flat cable without a microphone
1 round cable with a microphone
1 zipped case to store them in when not in use
 
The Brainwavz HM2’s are about average to drive and works fine even with LG G3 phone.
 
 Isolation is less than average for a closed headphone.
 
Please note that Brainwavz has extended their warranty to last for 24 months (earlier it was 12 months) for all their products. Pretty impressive to me, let’s hope that other manufactures learn from this and offer the same in the future.
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
The specs:
 
Fit and ergonomics:
The smallest head size adjustment on the HM2’s is actually too large for me. This combined with the fact that the headband doesn’t sport any padding at all makes them sit loose on the top of my head and wiggling slightly when I’m moving around. I’d also imagine that the lack of headband padding could make the uncomfortable for those with a bigger head than mine where the headband actually rests on the top of the head.
 
As already mentioned the build is mostly plastic and this helps keeping them very light which I find to be an important feature on a portable can.
 
The HM2 can also be folded together to a quite compact size and with the included travel case they're very convenient when travelling. 
 
Sound:
I’ve used these back and forward for the last couple of months and they’ve played for well over 100 hours. I’ve used them both around the house and when out and about and I haven’t really found any significant weaknesses in the way they’re designed.
 
I’ve used them with my LG G3 phone and the CEntrance DACport Slim and they’ve worked very well with both of them.
 
Demo list:
 
The overall sound signature on the HM2 is warm, smooth, intimate and bassy.
 
The bass is the most noticeable part of the sound from the HM2. Unfortunately it’s more mid-bass than sub bass presence. The bass does also bleed into the other frequencies more than I would have preferred. The strong bass presence makes the whole presentation lack some air and overall sound is quite dark and a bit muffled.
 
The midrange is partly overshadowed by the bass and female vocals feel distant while male vocals are a bit more forward (but still recessed) in the mix. The overall full sound gives a nice weight to male voices.
 
The treble is nice and full without any hint of sibilance. Although the top-end sparkle’s not the most noticeable and the treble rolls of a bit earlier than I prefer I still find them to have a nice non-intrusive treble presentation.
 
Clarity and micro details are less than average for a headphone in this price point. There’s also a bit of hollowness to the sound that I really don’t like.
 
In all I find the sound from the HM2 to lack some excitement and be to warm and intimate for my preference.
 
Comparison:
Please note that the comments in the comparison section are not in absolute terms but in comparison between subject A and B. This means (as an example) that if subject A is found to be brighter than subject B it does not necessarily mean that subject A is bright sounding in absolute terms. I hope this makes sense.
 
Takstar Pro80 ($50) vs Brainwavz HM2:
The Takstar Pro80’s are my all time favorite closed headphone and can be had for such a low price as $50 if you get them without the carrying case. Compared to the HM2 the Pro80’s has a much more airy presentation with better detail retrieval but also a brighter signature. The Pro80’s has about the same, or even slightly better, sub-bass extension but way less mid-bass impact and bloom. The overall balance is noticeable better on the Pro80’s.
 
I find the Pro80’s to be more comfortable but its cable length makes it less ideal for portable usage.
 
The Pro80’s are significantly harder to drive.
 
Isolation is better with the Pro80’s.
 
Superlux HD662f ($50) vs Brainwavz HM2:
Compared to the HM2 the HD662f’s has a bigger soundstage in all directions. The overall sound is also much more balanced but also brighter.  The Superlux’s has better treble extension and none of them are prone to sibilance. Superlux has a bit less subbass and noticeable less mid-bass impact, they also have a much cleaner sound.
 
I find the HD662f’s to be more comfortable but its size and cable length makes it less ideal for portable usage.
 
The Superlux’s are significantly easier to drive.
 
Isolation is pretty similar between the two.
 
Summary:
All together I find the Brainwavz HM2 to be a decent offering at its price. It has a nice build quality and the included two cables and the great case feel as a good accessory pack given the low price. Although the sound doesn’t hold up to the competitors in the comparison section and really isn’t my preferred signature I’d still say that they’re a good value as a total package for a portable offering with its leighweight and foldable design.