Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Decent sound performance and a clear midrange, with a good soundstage
- Comfortable fit, especially with the gyro-suspended earcups that create a better seal around the ears and are easy to fit on any head
- Includes active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio calibration via an app (iOS and Android) that offers a bespoke sound setting
- Comes with a hard, leather-look carrying case, USB-A to USB-C charging cable, 6.3mm adapter, airplane adapter, and a 3mm headphone cable for wired listening
- 'RoomFeel' technology mimics the sound of high-quality loudspeakers in a room for a more immersive listening experience
Product Considerations
- Noise cancellation isn't class-leading compared to major rivals; it is functional and competent, but not spectacular
- Battery life is shorter compared to competitors, especially with ANC enabled
- On-ear controls can be difficult to operate due to their similar feel and positioning
- Sound calibration app customization options are limited (EQ presets, transparency scale)
- The design isn't as polished or fashionable compared to some competitors, focusing more on performance than aesthetics
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Sony WH-1000XM4/XM5, the Sony models are generally considered better overall in fit, finish, noise-canceling, and sometimes sound quality
- Compared to Bose QuietComfort 45/700, the Bose models offer superior noise cancellation
- Compared to Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, the PSB M4U 8 MKII has better bass
- Compared to Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Sennheiser has slightly better industrial design
Takeaway: The M4U 8 MKII headphones offer a comfortable fit and good sound quality with unique sound personalization features, making them worth considering if sound is a top priority. They come with a lot of accessories and provide a good listening experience.
All
M4U 8 MKII
reviews

Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- PSB's loudspeaker designs, refined at Canada's National Research Council for 50 years, emphasize wide bandwidth, low distortion, and broad, even dispersion.
- The brand offers exceptional value by using lessons learned from flagship Synchrony lines in more affordable speakers, often outperforming competitors at similar price points.
- Unlike many brands, PSB resists the urge to design cost-no-object loudspeakers, remaining committed to creating high-end audio components that people can afford.
- They have developed their own Amplitude Perfect Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossover, featuring high-voltage poly film capacitors and oxygen-free interconnect wire for precise driver control.
Select products
Alpha T20 Tower
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the PSB lineup, offering an affordable yet high-quality audio experience.
- Description: Delivers a rich and full-bodied sound with its dual 5 ¼" woofers and ¾" aluminum dome tweeter, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Unlike the more expensive models, it focuses on providing excellent sound quality at a budget-friendly price, making it perfect for those who want good sound without breaking the bank.
Imagine T65
- Positioning: A mid-range offering in the PSB lineup, providing a balance of performance and price.
- Description: Stands out with its 3-way dual bass reflex design, offering deep bass and clear highs, making it suitable for both music and home theater use. It provides a more refined sound compared to the Alpha series, with better bass response and higher power handling.
Passif 50
- Positioning: A special edition model celebrating PSB's 50th anniversary, positioned as a premium offering with a vintage aesthetic.
- Description: Combines retro design with modern technology, featuring a 1" titanium dome tweeter and a 6.5" woofer with an 8" passive radiator for precise bass. It offers a unique blend of nostalgia and advanced audio performance, setting it apart from the more modern-looking models like the Imagine T65.
Synchrony T800 Tower
- Positioning: The flagship model in the PSB lineup, offering the highest level of performance and craftsmanship.
- Description: The groundbreaking Synchrony T800 Tower is engineered for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience, with its advanced motor structure and sophisticated crossover design for minimal distortion and high sound pressure levels. It surpasses other models in the lineup with its superior build quality and acoustic performance, making it ideal for large rooms and those who desire the best soundstage and clarity. Its premium price reflects its top-tier status, offering features and sound quality that justify the investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
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Used
PSB
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Premium build quality and materials with luxurious Nappa leather detailing and a cast aluminum yoke
- Comfortable for long listening sessions with soft earcups and a headband that provides even pressure distribution
- Excellent sound quality with 40mm carbon cone drivers delivering ultra-fast response, low distortion, and a clean, smooth sound signature
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces low-frequency sounds and midrange chatter, with the Nappa leather providing a tighter seal
- Realistic soundstage scale with tight, well-defined imaging, with the sound feeling more live and in front of the listener
Product Considerations
- Multipoint pairing is not always seamless, and there might be occasional wind noise from the earcup due to software glitches, with wear detection being inconsistent and inaccurate
- Limited app customization with only bass and treble adjustments, lacking a fully customizable EQ
- Microphone pickup is good in quiet environments, but can be affected by heavy noise gating in noisy conditions, causing voice fade-in/out
- Some emphasis on bass response, which may not appeal to everyone
- There is concern about the Nappa leather being easily scratched
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the PX7 S2, the PX8 offers better sound quality with greater instrument separation and realism due to the carbon fiber drivers, and also features more premium materials
- While the PX8 active noise cancelling does well, Sony still has better mic pickup
- The PX8 provides a good alternative to the Airpods Max
- The PX8 stacks up among some of the best wireless headphones along with the Focal Bathys
Takeaway: The Px8 is a premium wireless headphone with outstanding build quality and sound performance, which is perfect for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. It combines comfort, effective noise cancellation, and detailed audio reproduction, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing sound quality and high-end materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lose yourself in your music with the first-ever headphones from Mark Levinson, a pioneer in high-fidelity audio for the past 50 years. Reference-quality sound meets luxurious comfort in a lightweight and durable set of headphones featuring Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that’s perfect for travel. Reveal the hidden details in your music – at home, on the go, or anywhere you find a moment to listen.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and refined signature, detailed mids, and smooth treble
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient aware mode
- Premium build quality with high-quality materials such as leather, anodized aluminum, and metallic paint
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft leather ear cushions and a well-designed headband
- Comprehensive codec support (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC) for high-resolution wireless audio
Product Considerations
- High price point, making them inaccessible for many consumers
- App is lacking in some features, such as fully customizable EQ and customizable ANC modes
- On-cup controls are described as basic and not very intuitive to use
- Some reviewers feel the design does not fully convey a sense of luxury for the price
- Occasional reports of issues with the 'on-head detection' feature—causing connection problems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers a cleaner and more natural tonality with a smoother, more consistent, and detailed treble response than the Focal Bathys
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers better sound quality, particularly in the bass frequencies, and is more comfortable than the AirPods Max
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The Mark Levinson 5909 measures better in audio quality
Takeaway: The Mark Levinson № 5909 headphones offer excellent sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for those seeking a premium listening experience. With their high-end sound quality and comprehensive feature set, these headphones are a great option for audiophiles wanting the best wireless experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very well-balanced EQ delivers superb performance for various music genres
- The Personal Sound feature via the PSB app noticeably enhances the default sound profile, creating a positive difference
- Features graphene-infused 40mm drivers
- Features a connectivity option
Product Considerations
- The build quality is creaky and flimsy, with movement between the earcups and frame producing noise
- The active noise cancellation is underwhelming, not providing strong isolation from ambient sounds, especially compared to competitors
- Some reviewers found that the headphones are extremely microphonic and amplify physical contact or mechanical motion into noticeable sound
- The power/ANC slider button is too stiff and imprecise to use while wearing the headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The M4U 9's soundstage is smaller with less separation between instruments and vocals than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- The M4U 9 has more impact and energy in the low frequencies than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Takeaway: The M4U 9 headphones offer a great listening experience with a well-balanced sound, and the PSB app can make it sound even better to match your own hearing. If sound quality is a top priority, these headphones may be enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-end design with premium materials (cloth and aluminum construction, aluminum accent rings, soft faux leather, stitch-free Nappa leather) gives a luxury vehicle feel and understated style
- Comfortable for longer periods thanks to the redesigned form and shape, upgraded pressure-relieving memory foam, oblong earcups for better pressure distribution, and ample room inside the earcups
- Superior sound quality is due to the revised custom 40mm Bowers & Wilkins driver with lower distortion biocellulose diaphragm and 20mm voice coil, carefully positioned and angled inside the earcups
- Integration with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows customization of noise canceling levels, ambient pass-through, and EQ tone control
- Improved clarity of voice on phone calls is due to the redesigned microphone pattern
- USB-C socket is the sole input option, though adapters are included
Product Considerations
- Some users may find the wear detection feature too sensitive
- The app offers fewer features than some other headphone apps
- The included cables are somewhat short
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the previous PX7, the S2 has a completely different design, is smaller and easier to carry, and has significant technical improvements
- The PX7 S2 offers a more balanced sound than mainstream offerings by Sony or Bose, which tend to exaggerate mid-bass
- The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 stood out with a more distinguished appearance, a next-level build with nicer tactility, and sound quality is a toss-up—dependent on listening preference
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones offer a great listening experience with excellent sound quality, beautiful design, and a comfortable fit. They are a solid choice for anyone who wants an upgrade over basic headphones and cares about both style and sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with clarity and detail
- The charging case doubles as a wireless transmitter, connecting to non-Bluetooth devices via USB or 3.5mm jack
- Improved Bluetooth connectivity and an extended range of up to 25 meters compared to the original PI7
- Premium design and comfortable to wear for longer durations
- Excellent bass response
Product Considerations
- The B&W app lacks EQ customization options
- Transparency mode has noticeable hiss and is not easily accessible via the earbuds, requiring the app to activate
- Noise cancellation is good, but not class-leading compared to some competitors
- Some reviewers find them bulky and not very comfortable for prolonged use
- No multi-point pairing
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 is a great choice for those who prioritize exceptional sound quality and appreciate the unique wireless transmitter feature. It provides an immersive and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superior sound separation compared to older models, noticeable even to non-audiophiles
- The mobile app enhances usability by allowing users to adjust bass, treble, and noise reduction levels
- Comfortable fit with ample cushioning and a design that's comfortable to wear around the neck
- Premium build quality with attention to detail in design, materials, and hinge smoothness
- The sound is balanced, with distinct highs and bass that booms without overpowering the mix
Product Considerations
- Noise cancellation does not quite match up to Sony, with a small gap forming depending on head position
- Volume up and down buttons take time getting used to, with accidental pausing occurring
- The touch-sensitive earcup feature for pass-through audio from Sony is missed
- Lacks an adapter for airplane screens
- Some reviewers found the earcup size a bit awkward
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Px7 S2e offers superior sound separation
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: PX7 S2e is closer to the sound quality of the AirPods Max than the Beats Studio Pro, but the AirPods Max is heavier and less comfortable for long-term use
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Px7 S2e has better sound quality, though the Sony has better ANC
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8: Px7 S2e is very close in sound quality for a much better price
- Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Px7 S2e has better midrange magic for music
- Vs Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra: Px7 S2e balances ANC and music playback better
Takeaway: The Px7 S2e headphones are a premium product that balances sound quality, comfort, and build. Great sound and a luxurious feel could make these headphones a perfect fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Outstanding battery life—offering up to 60 hours with ANC on and 100 hours with ANC off
- Clean, open, reasonably detailed, energetic, informative, and convincing sound quality, with a balanced and neutral tonality
- Classy design, with a pleasing, sturdy build with robust metal elements, and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Features a user-replaceable battery and earpads, promoting longevity
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation (ANC) isn't class-leading and can be bettered, and can have small glitches during use
- Noise-canceling can produce a faint static sound when no audio is playing, and a popping noise with movement
- Some reviews mention limited range in the EQ settings within the Melomania Connect app
- Some reviews mention occasional software bugs and connectivity issues with devices
- Do not fold away, and come with a travel case that may be too large for some users
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones are a solid choice for anyone wanting great sound and very long battery life at a good price. They have a nice design and are built to last, making them a good value overall.
Video review
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