To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
211 requests
·
396 Sold
Product Description
Combining two sought-after features in travel headphones—portability and noise-cancelling capability—the PSB M4U 2 headphones are an excellent option for listening on the go. Using RoomFeel technology to create a more spacious and natural sound, these headphones come equipped with three selectable modes Read More
Have likewise owned these (black) for several years. At the time, and before I got hooked on this personal audio jonesing, I simply wanted to step up from a decent pair of Audio Technica consumer ANC phones for travel and these caught my attention with strong reviews in several top hifi magazines. Paid $250 (down from original $400 list). The ANC inflight disappointed - okay, but better at blocking mid frequencies than low engine rumble, where even the ATs beat them. Plus even though foldable these are bulky without case and the case (albeit top quality) added that much more bulk for travel. (I’ve since been gravitating to better noise isolating iems for flight). That said, these are terrific headphones, and with a dozen pair of phones and another dozen iems in my collection from $50 to $600 range (trad drivers, closed, open, planar, BA), I can say these are indeed a tremendous buy at $100 (the accessories alone are worth that). I’ve found them immensely comfortable and sturdy, but I’ve kept them on a stand and stopped folding them long ago, so wear is minimal in this regard. At home or office, the passive isolation from the well made pads is more than fine, and there’s no sound leakage (says my wife, who’s easily annoyed by such things at night). PSB is a leading CDN speaker manufacturer, and these are tuned (to my ears) to deliver a very full and present live “speaker” experience. The three settings offer a flat/off setting (on board electronics not engaged). Driving with a mobile phone will render anemic sound at this setting, and an amp would be recommended. However, the middle setting brings in a matched on board amp powered by the replaceable AAA batteries (ups volume like a gain switch), and the third ANC setting doesn’t alter this amplified sound signature at all (no hiss). These offer great listening without the ANC, and additional isolation with it, without noticeable audio degradation.. If you are new to this hobby and want to start with $100 in to get something that sounds like $500 off a phone, buy the PSB’s and then pick up the $40 FIIO i1 (lightning to 3.5mm) or similar (USB to 3..5mm/Android) cable dac/amp adapter and get ready to smile. If you already own higher end desk or portable dac/amp gear, grab these to remind yourself what it was like to sit in front of a good stereo system jacked up in your dorm room playing your favorite album (no matter what you used to listen to) once upon a time. If you don’t like them (unlikely), keep the $35 case for another set of cans, and park these under the tree for someone this holiday season. (Cons? Takes 2 AAA batteries. As these have been out since 2012, PSB can be forgiven. Without ANC I’m getting 20+ listening hours with a pair, and I have used rechargeables without a problem thus far. Also note, if not already obvious, these are too big for practical on the go or fitness use.)
Shanks405I'd count the AA batteries as a plus - no built-in obsolescence when the built-in battery dies (as is the case with most other current ANC cans).
Also on the plus side - you can listen to them without any batteries, again not something a Bose is capable of...
Yup. What I like about Steve is that despite being an old-school audiophile with lots of experience in high-end gear, he isn't an elitist snob. If he likes stuff, he'll say he does, regardless of price!
balexandreThose same people on Amazon also say " oh that Focal Elear ( or just insert any headphone model in this space) is the WORST headphone I've ever listened to". Sometimes the reviewer will say the headphone is cr*p because it arrived damaged by the shipping company.
This is a great price (they're full price on Amazon right now). My only hesitation is the fact that you need a cord. I hate that Apple and other mobile manufacturers have been ditching the headphone jack :(
I know an adapter is only $7 so I'm just being petty at this point. LOL
icebobNoise canceling only works for plane engine noise, air conditioning hum, fans, wind etc. Not people talking and especially not dogs. You either have been misinformed or you didn't do your research. Only earbuds with a good seal will block out harsh noises.
Does anyone know if these are "new" or if they fixed the issue with the headband cracking?
I see a lot of people complaining about that, but it's several years ago and the company claims to have fixed the problem (not sure when or if they actually did).
https://drop.com/buy/psb-m4u1-and-m4u2-headphones/talk
Polycarbonate is a brittle plastic which is why it cracks.
I have a bit of an upper hand here as this is a plastic used in my industry so I know of its benefits and weaknesses.
TheNip73I'm a certified optician, no brittle plastic would be used in safety lenses. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material that is not brittle, this is why it's the material that airplane windows , safety lenses and any other application where fracture resistance is mandated are manufactured from. I produce polycarbonate ( safety and non safety) lenses every day, and have actually shot a 22 caliber round at a polycarbonate lens ( plano at non safety thickness) and the bullet only dented the lens without shattering it, so you see, I also use poly in my industry too..
I have a pair of the M4U-1 and the plastic near the hinges on my headband cracked after a 2 - 3 years just using them at my desk at work. This is a common issue. If you Google 'M4U headband' you'll see results about cracking and DIY repairs. I contacted PSB support and I was able to buy a replacement headband for about $20. This is a really good deal, but just be aware of a potential headband issue.
Tom_JrI had the same issue but mine was under a year old so they replaced the entire headphone. The claimed to have fixed the issue and my second pair didn't crack.