What Hi-Fi? Verdict
An upbeat, unfussy pair of headphones that should find many fans
Pros
- +
Clean, lively treble
- +
Energetic sound
Cons
- -
Sound loses composure at high volume
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PSB has already set a high standard with its first pair of headphones – the M4U 2s are simply brilliant.
Can the M4U 1s live up to the expectation?
Sound quality
They certainly can try. While they don’t have their big brother’s noise-cancelling benefits, they perform almost as admirably.
Play David Bowie’s Sound And Vision, and the treble sparkles with clarity and pep.
There’s a touch of hardness to the synthesised instruments, but it doesn’t encroach too much on the overall sound. This is a fast, punchy and energetic performance.
The precise edges to the start and stop of notes are a particular highlight.
These cans are relatively open-sounding as well, with instruments easily picked out in the soundstage. Voices are direct and intimate.
PSB has sensibly steered clear of over-egging the bass. Sure, it could be tauter, but there’s enough weight and impact to underpin any piece of music.
The M4U 1s' downfall is a tendency to get shouty when the volume is cranked up. A touch more subtlety wouldn’t go amiss either.
Build quality
We wouldn’t be too deterred by that blocky build – slip them on and you’re more than likely to find they’re light and comfortable.
They’re built to last, although we can’t help wanting a more refined finish and style.
Verdict
From the brooding tones of The Dead Weather to cheesy ’90s pop tunes, it’s the willingness to get the best out of a recording that makes these PSBs so appealing.
They’re an upbeat, unfussy pair of headphones that should find many fans.
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