Headphone Review: Brainwavz M5

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Brainwavz | In-Ear Monitor | $ 49.95

Brainwavz has been a company that I have come to trust when it comes to audio. Their offerings include a set of headphones in varying price ranges, that don’t hurt your wallet (that much), but also sound terrific. The new model of the M-line of headphones offers a more balanced sound. This new model is the M5.

Please note that links will be updated and added in when this product is released. Like all Brainwavz products, they will be available through MP4Nation and Amazon

Specifications

Driver: 10 mm Dynamic
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 18 kHz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: 103 dB

In the Box

Brainwavz M5 IEM
Carrying Case
Eartips (Single Flange Hybrid: S/M/L; Single Flange M; Duo-Flange M)
Cable Clip

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Included with the box is a good amount of accessories.

Design

The design of the M5 walks away from all the silver that has been placed upon the M-series up until now. Brainwavz incorporates something this series has never seen, color. Not just any color though, flashy color. The housings back half consists of concentric grooves. The entire housing is made of copper that looks very beautiful in just about any light. The added grooves create a nice texture for the headphones.

Brainwavz adds a dazzle of color to their lineup with the shiny M5s.

Design: ★★★★★

Audio

The signature tries to be as neutral as possible, and it does this well for the most part. The low end does have a slight roll off to it with a tight, fast punch. The highs extend well with a good snap to them while the mids focus mainly on the vocals without forgetting instruments exist.

Bass

I would say that the bass is the weakness of these headphones. And for the most part, it does a wonderful job at them. The bass is on the lighter side; getting lighter the deeper you go. Sub-bass is very delicate with excellent texturing. However, presence may be a problem in this region. The mid-bass is the focus of this signature having a beautiful punch that is both fast and accurate. The impact is not forgotten about, each punch offering a good blow.

Bass: ★★★★½

Mids

The midrange focuses on the vocals and higher mids. That said, the vocals offer a great higher end dynamic to them, but can use a hint of lushness to complete the intimate sound. The mids are easily described as energetic and upbeat. The detailing is leaning towards the aggressive side, but not enough to be analytical while clarity is great thoughout. Timbre is grand with excellent accuracy ranging from distortion guitars to violins.

Mids: ★★★★½

Highs

The high end continues the fun, upbeat sound with a high amount of energy. The sparkle splashes are present with a large force. Treble snaps sound lifelike and strong while the detailing is all there. The main problem is that the treble can be a bit smeared at times. Otherwise, they offer great extension very high into the spectrum with a good crunch to them.

Highs: ★★★★½

Audio: ★★★★½

Build

Included with the M5s is a new case design. While the physical design of the headphones are flashier, the case design contrasts this with less flash. The new case is a little smaller overall. It makes it much better for portability. The case also feels a little stronger than the old Brainwavz case, so that’s also a plus.

Brainwavz new case is still attractive, but does downplay the flashy design a bit.

The housings are beautiful with a hint of elegance to them. They are made of copper. Copper is a metal. Metal is strong. Therefore, the housings are strong. Well, simply put, they won’t be breaking anytime soon. I have yet to scratch them either.

The housings are copper. Copper is metal. Metal is strong.

The cable would have to be the worst part of the build. Although everything below the Y-split feels firm and string with a bit of flexibility to it, everything above the Y-split feels subpar. The main concern is the thickness that takes away from the cable’s solid feel.

The cable is strong on one half, but not on the other.

The headphone jack has the second best build right next to the housings. The headphone jack has a strong rubber outer layer. It has ample thickness to stay firm while also having a good amount of flexibility to it. It is angled at 90 degrees and the gold plating seals the deal.

It’s just about perfect. I don’t have much more to say.

Build: ★★★★½

Comfort

Despite being a denser metal, the housings on the M5 is actually very light. That said they are also very comfortable with a looser seal that isn’t as tight or hard as a normal IEM is. The housings are relatively small and a large selection of tips helps a lot as well using hybrid tips that resemble Sony’s. A clip is also included to reduce microphonics.

Included with the M5 is a nice set of tips.

Comfort: ★★★★★

Value

These headphones are priced right under the 50 dollar price mark. For what you are getting, these are an exceptional value offering a very balanced sound with an energetic signature that is sure to get you going. The design is flashy, but also very natural and hot. The build is very great as well. These are probably one of the highest bang for the buck IEMs that I’ve encountered; right up there with the Dunu Tridents and M4s (when on sale).

Value: ★★★★★

Final Thoughts

Brainwavz remains a strong company capable of selling high quality IEMs at a nice, fair price. The M5s are a testimate to that statement and a welcome addition to the M-series headphones. It provides a fast, engaging signature that is sure to dazzle.

I’d like to thank Raz for the review sample.

Overall Score

Brainwavz M5:

MP4Nation | Amazon

† All prices are in US currency.
This review was written by the iFans.com Review Team. Cumulative scores are rounded to the nearest half or full star.
This accessory, product, or app was received as a sample. Thanks Raz for the product sample.

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