ljokerl
Portables Reviewerus Prolificus
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2009
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I've received a number of PMs lately asking when the new version of the Meelectronics M9, which I've probably mentioned far too often in recommendation threads, will be available. Well, they went up on the website last week and now they are here in my hands. Sound-wise they are extremely similar to the (excellent) old Ai-M9s so this is just a short pictorial addressing the new build/packaging.
Without further ado here, they are:
The new black and silver M9s:
The new packaging is a clear plastic box with a plastic insert. One of each size of single-flange tips is displayed and the earphones are initially outfitted with biflanges. I remember some people expressing dissatisfaction with old cardboard packaging (shown below) so this may be an improvement.
Old packaging on the left:
Accessories are the same as on the old version - 3 sets of single-flange tips, bi-flanges, cord wrap, airline adapter, shirt clip, and the excellent clamshell hardcase. Just as impressive for $20 as they were before.
The most important difference is the build quality, which features proper strain reliefs and the same (excellent) cabling as the newer M2/M6/M11/R1 models. The silver version has the same black-and-silver striped cabling as the M2, clear M6, and silver M11. The black version shares the darker monotone silver cabling with the black M6, black M11, and R1. The 3.5mm plug is the same 45-degree hockey-stick one as is found on the M11 and is a huge improvement from the old one, which looked like it was made entirely of heatshrink. The housings are a tiny bit different as well, boasting a slightly longer tube that makes it easier to wear the M9 over-the-ear. Microphonics are now completely non-existent when the earphones are worn cable-up and very, very low when worn cable-down.
Close-up of the silver M9:
Close-up of the black M9:
I'm personally very impressed with the update - the build quality was probably my only gripe with the old Ai-M9 for the asking price. With all of the improvements the M9s become my most highly recommended sub-$30 earphone for the moment as I expect far fewer issues with the new build.
Without further ado here, they are:
The new black and silver M9s:
The new packaging is a clear plastic box with a plastic insert. One of each size of single-flange tips is displayed and the earphones are initially outfitted with biflanges. I remember some people expressing dissatisfaction with old cardboard packaging (shown below) so this may be an improvement.
Old packaging on the left:
Accessories are the same as on the old version - 3 sets of single-flange tips, bi-flanges, cord wrap, airline adapter, shirt clip, and the excellent clamshell hardcase. Just as impressive for $20 as they were before.
The most important difference is the build quality, which features proper strain reliefs and the same (excellent) cabling as the newer M2/M6/M11/R1 models. The silver version has the same black-and-silver striped cabling as the M2, clear M6, and silver M11. The black version shares the darker monotone silver cabling with the black M6, black M11, and R1. The 3.5mm plug is the same 45-degree hockey-stick one as is found on the M11 and is a huge improvement from the old one, which looked like it was made entirely of heatshrink. The housings are a tiny bit different as well, boasting a slightly longer tube that makes it easier to wear the M9 over-the-ear. Microphonics are now completely non-existent when the earphones are worn cable-up and very, very low when worn cable-down.
Close-up of the silver M9:
Close-up of the black M9:
I'm personally very impressed with the update - the build quality was probably my only gripe with the old Ai-M9 for the asking price. With all of the improvements the M9s become my most highly recommended sub-$30 earphone for the moment as I expect far fewer issues with the new build.
