Aloha friend and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the PSB M4U Review, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Amp/DAC requirements
- Who these headphones benefit?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
PSB M4U
Ratings/Price
Specifications
- Type: Closed back.
- Fit: Circumaural (Around the Ear).
- Impedance: 32 Ohm. What is Headphone Impedance?
- Sensitivity: 102 dB. What is Sensitivity in Headphones?
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Material: Plastic, Faux leather.
- Accessories: 1/4″ adapter, airplane adapter, cleaning cloth, protective case.
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Color: Red, Black.
Summary
The closed back PSB M4U is a bit of a strange animal. On one hand, the sound is pretty incredible. On the other, durability is questionable. Closed back vs. open back headphones.
Comfort
To start off, comfort is rather good. There is some clamp pressure, but it doesn’t feel overbearing. I was able to wear these for an extended period with very minor adjustments needed. The ear cups sport a protein leather, but it’s a soft supple material that doesn’t seem prone to cracking or peeling over time like a V6. Learn more: Sony MDR V6 Review
Build
As far as build, they are made mostly of a glossy plastic, similar to a Beats Solo/Studio affair. To be honest, they feel a tad flimsy in your hand, but I think they would hold up fine given proper care. The model at my local Audio Advice is showing signs of wear however. There’s a small crack in the plastic, but I’m not sure how rough they were handled. It is something to keep in mind.
While the Grado GS1000e might make you look like ET, the PSB M4U seems like more of a Martian look. Lol. It just reminded me a lot of a headphone you may see on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Super nerdy all around. Learn more: Grado GS1000e Review!
Sound
The sound of these bad boys is what really makes them worthy. I would definitely consider this a bass head type of headphone, but it still works with the majority of music because of that great overall sound signature. I never got the feeling that the bass was out of line, as it sits down in the mix very well but still retains all the thump you could ever desire.
Every track rendered itself crisp, with excellent instrument separation and space. For a closed back, I got a great sense of air, and tracks had plenty of room to breathe without becoming congested or boxed in. I did notice a tad bit of sibilance, but it’s a relatively minor nitpick. What does sibilant mean?
Pros
- Good comfort.
- Exceptional sound.
- Good Soundstage for a closed back. What is Soundstage?
- Excellent instrument separation.
- Phenomenal bass response.
- Portable.
Cons
- Questionable build. I’m not going to say it’s bad, but how rough could a customer be on a demo model? It makes me wonder. Seems like stress fracturing to me.
Video Review!
Coming soon!
Amp/DAC requirements
You’re not going to need an amp with these, but one certainly can’t hurt. How to choose a headphone amp!
My recommendations:
- First: Audioquest Dragonfly Red. Learn more: Audioquest DragonFly Red Review.
- Second: Oppo HA-2. Learn more: Oppo HA 2 Review.
- Third. If you plan on getting into the hobby more seriously, a desktop solution like the Magni/Modi combo provides a perfect starting point. Learn more: Schiit Magni 2 Review.
Who these headphones benefit?
Definitely a bass head type of sound, but I found them good with:
- Hip-Hop
- Rock
- Indie
- Pop
- EDM
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
As I was listening, these were the notes jotted down.
- Comfy.
- Durability in question.
- Pleasant sound with some thump.
- Crisp sound.
- Does well with bass heavier stuff.
- Enjoyment.
- Look like a Martian.
- Bass heavy but controlled.
- A tad Sibilant.
- Good separation.
Consensus/Conclusion
The PSB M4U is a strangely named headphone that delivers an exceptionally crisp overall sound, with plenty of bass slam and lots of sparkle up top. Build is questionable, and comfort is good but your mileage may vary.
Final Word
It’s hard for me to recommend these because of the build issues. Given that the crack I noticed, coupled with other people having the same issue, tells me there’s an apparent problem with the headband not being durable enough to withstand some bending over time. For that reason I can’t give my endorsement in good conscience. That sound is wonderful though.
So what’s my alternative here? The V6 of course. It doesn’t have as much bass slam, but there’s still plenty there, and the overall sound signature is more revealing than the M4U. Interested in learning more about my default entry level recommendation?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL SONY MDR V6 REVIEW!!
What about the best entry level audiophile headphone?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL SENNHEISER HD600 REVIEW!!
Still want to read some reviews of the M4u?
SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
Well that’s about it for today folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed this PSB M4U Review.
What do you think about them?? Are they worth the investment despite build issues? What do you think about the V6 and HD600? Let me know!!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Let me know in the comments below or Contact me!! I would love to hear from you..
Until then, all the best and God bless..
-Stu
