Brainwavz M1 Quick Review

Brainwavz M1 Quick Review

Thanks to mp4nation back in the day for the sample.

Full length old review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/499583/brainwavz-m1-review

Brief:  Old but still at the top its field.

Price:  US$44.50 or about £29

Specification:  Transducers/Drivers: Dynamic, 10.7mm,Rated Impedance: 32ohms Closed Dynamic, Sensitivity: 110dB at 1mW, Frequency range: 20 ~ 20000Hz, Distortion: <= 0.3% @ 94dB, Channel balance: =< 3dB (at 1000Hz), Rated input power: 10mW, Maximum input power: 40mW, Plug: 3.5 mm 45-degree gold plated, Cable length: 1.3 meters Y cord (CU/Ag) PUR, 1 year warranty, Dimensions (Packaging): 160 x 135 x 38mm, Net Weight: 10g, Gross Weight: 132g

Accessories:  1 x Comply foam tips, 3 x Pairs of ear tips (S/M/L), 1 x Shirt clip, 1 x Hard carrying case, 1 x Instruction manual, 1 x Warranty card

Build Quality:  Pretty good.  Given its been out for ages I’ve not heard of mass deaths so clearly its got some longevity to it.  In fairness, I’ve hardly use up my set since I wrote my old review so I may not be the best judge.

Isolation:  Fair.  It’s a dynamic and so its fine for normal use, out or on a bus but if your regular flyer, not so much.  Still easily enough to get you run over if you aren’t looking though.

Comfort/Fit:  Excellent.  Shove in and that was that, up or down.

Aesthetics:  Meh.  They aren’t offensive but they aren’t pretty either.

Sound:  Excellent.  My original review was posted in July 2010.  Yes that’s four and a half years ago which is practically forever.  At the time they were just US$40 and so they have ever so slightly gone up, you do get a much better bundle today.  Sound wise they were pretty much as good as could be had for the money and that hasn’t changed.  Sure they are slightly more “neutral” than is common for the price, the bass is pretty tame and the mids too.  The treble is rather forthright.  However unless you are after heaps of bass there just really isn’t and thing as mature, grown up and clean as the M1.  The bass though is outrageously nimble when driven well.  Sophie Ellis-Bextors “China Heart” is so rip-roaringly agile and vigorous.  Its detail levels are killer and it resolves like a mofo.  Its mids are a bit over focused and dry but vastly detailed.  The treble is scintillating for the price, it’s quite abundant too so no bad bit rates or it will scratch your ears out.  It’s not forgiving.

Its only real flaw of any sort is it needs power to be its best.  Out of my weedy Nexus 5 it’s a little reticent and boring.  Bass goes a bit punchy and it lacks the greatest depth, same with upper end extension.  However feed it well and it’s just wonderfully good sounding.  They have stood up to the last 4 and half years incredibly well.  Still this is an IEM squarely aimed at Head-Fi, it pushes every audiophile button it can, normal consumers may find it bass lacking and a bit bright but if you want a bit of sonic purity, its truly first rate.

Value:  Probably the best audio quality US$45 can buy you today.

Pro’s:   Sound quality is wonderful.   Neutral sound signature.

Con’s:  Bass light for some.  Unforgiving treble.  Wants power.