I've been using these for about a week now; I purchased these after spending the better part of a day researching different monitor headphones around the $100 mark and, while I was initially hesitant based on reviews stating that these headphones have a tendency to break, the flat response curve won me over in the end. I was watching a video on YouTube when they arrived and decided to try them out then and there -- the first thing I noticed was that they were FLAT, flat, flat. The second was that they were quite unforgiving. Both of which are specific qualities that I very much appreciate!
I should probably start by addressing the few complaints I have with them before singing more of its praises, since they're so comparatively minor. First off -- these aren't uncomfortable, but neither are they the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. The headband is a bit too tight for my (admittedly larger-than-average) head. Being a long-haired dude, I've found that if I don't take the headphones off very slowly and carefully, I'm bound to inadvertently pull out some strands. It 'hugs' my face a little too tightly for my liking, and while there's room to adjust it for a looser fit, the sound suffers just enough when worn as such to warrant the tighter face-embrace. It's a compromise I'm willing to make, and it's not something that bothers me enough to warrant a lower rating, though I'd understand how this could be more important to others.
Moving on to the important stuff -- the sound!
The bass, in my opinion, could have done with juuust the slightest touch of additional attention. This isn't to say the bass response is lacking, necessarily. Far from it, in fact -- it's close to perfect, in my opinion -- but whereas the gorgeously surgical detail present in the midrange and treble is just about the best I could possibly hope for in desiring headphones capable of accurately recreating the neutrality of studio monitors, the closed-back design would seem to necessitate the faintest bit of extra 'oomph' in the bass department for a more fully accurate reproduction of sound. Mixes with a more subtle low end that nonetheless sound suitably pronounced on monitors -- even less bass-capable monitors such as my D2s -- have a tendency to sometimes sound just a touch too tinny.
That being said, the issue is easy enough to work around, and being aware of said rolloff, the headphones reproduce what I hear on my monitors so closely that within a week I've already found myself finalizing mixes with confidence and only checking the mix on my monitors after the fact. For a couple days I was more actively A/Bing between the phones and my monitors until I realized that every single time I did so, it sounded exactly how I thought it was going to sound coming out of the monitors.
If you're used to working with monitors and are familiar enough with the sound of your own speakers/room, chances are you can slip a pair of these on and start mixing. For closed-back headphones, the soundstage is gorgeous, and there's no sense that you're losing any sense of detail whatsoever or compromising in any way, aside from the slight quibble with the low end. Even then, it's not like anything is lost in translation -- you can still accurately hear/sense everything you would otherwise, which, in the end, is paramount.
And that's what really strikes me about these phones; that dead-on sense of 'truth'. While it's true that those more invested in the more analytical aspects of audio stand to benefit from these headphones, and it's also true that these might not sound 'musical' to anyone who isn't accustomed with listening to uncolored audio, I honestly believe that the manner in which these reproduce sound is something that everyone could benefit from -- if nothing else -- as a listening experience.
If you work with audio professionally in any capacity or simply want to have a pair of headphones that will enable you to listen to audio and really hear it in a remarkably similar manner to the people who created that audio likely heard it -- or as they intended others to hear -- these are almost certainly your best bet for the price. If you're an aspiring composer, producer, voice actor, etcetera and you're looking to invest in some gear but aren't yet ready for studio monitors, buy these.
Honestly, whoever you are, just buy 'em. They're good. Like...really, really good.
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Product Description
Accuracy when you need it most
SPECIFICATIONS
For the home studio enthusiast or high-end content creator the HM5 will be there, helping you get the best you can and create the sweetest sound for your projects.
- Drivers : Closed dynamic, 42 mm
- Rated Impedance : 64 Ω
- Sensitivity : 105 dB at 1 mW
- Frequency range : 10 Hz ~ 26.5KHz
- Rated Input Power : 100 mW
- Cable 1 : 1.3m Detachable
- Cable 2 : 3m Detachable
- Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold plated
HM5 - Studio Monitor Headphones
NEUTRAL SOUND SIGNATURE
The Brainwavz HM5 Studio monitor headphones are designed to deliver precise and accurate sound, replicating audio as it was intended to be heard in with a pure and neutral sound signature.
The HM5 don’t artificially color your music like most other headphones and speakers do. This is the mark of true professional quality audio reproduction. Hear music and speech just as it sounded in the original microphones, uncolored and unchanged.
- Large, comfortable over the ear cups
- Comfy embossed padded headband
- Extendable arms for optimal fit
- Neutral sound signature
- Accuracy & Clarity
- Removable earpads
- Removable cables
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HARD CASESECURE STORAGE: The Brainwavz HM5 comes complete with a high end carry case as standard. Made from robust material it includes dual zips for ease of access, an internal zipped pouch for spares. |
CABLESCABLE CHOICES: The HM5 come complete with a short 1.3mt cable for on-the-go use, and a longer, 3-meter cable for home/studio work. Both use a standard 3.5mm jack, and a ¼” adapter is also included in the accessory bundle. |
EARPADSOVER EAR DESIGN The HM5 comes with 2 sets of large pads as standard. An easy pad replacement system means you can swap and exchange earpads easily. Brainwavz have an extensive after-market range, with styles and materials to suit all tastes and situations. |
Accessories and Specifications
ACCESSORIES: Headphone Hard case | Two Sets of Earpads (PU Leather) | 1.3 Meter Stereo Cable | 3 Meter Stereo Cable | ¼” Adapter | Instruction Manual
SPEC: Drivers : Closed dynamic, 42 mm | Rated Impedance : 64 Ω | Sensitivity : 105 dB at 1 mW | Frequency range : 10 Hz ~ 26.5KHz | Rated Input Power : 100 mW | Cable 1 : 1.3m Detachable | Cable 2 : 3m Detachable | Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold plated
All imagers are for illustration purposes
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This Item  BRAINWAVZ HM5 Studio Monitor Headphones |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -37% $333.33 New Price: $530.70 | $40.99 | -7% $25.99 List: $27.99 | $99.99 | $99.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it May 14 - 16 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Alto Music | CCA Offical Store | NICEHCK Audio | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Powerline | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | In Ear | In Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| noise control | — | — | active noise cancellation | sound isolation | sound isolation | sound isolation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable |
| control type | Media Control | — | Media Control | Media Control | Noise Control | Volume Control |
| material | — | — | Plastic | Aluminum | Copper, Gold, Neodymium | Plastic, Faux Leather, Metal, Aluminum, Copper |
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Brainwavz HM5 Monitor Headphones
Brainwavz Audio
Reviews with images
Being neutral is not a bad thing
I stumbled upon these headphones after numerous hours of research. To be quite honest, I'd never heard of this brand before so I was a bit hesitant before making the jump; especially after owning products from major brands such as Shure, Audio Technica and Beyerdynamic. You know what to expect from those brands, but from Brainwavz? Read on to find out more..#Packaging: they come in a relatively small box (compared to the ATH-M50s), inside you'll find:-A black and red hard shell carrying case that'll hold your headphones and accessories-A carrying strap for your hard shell case-The warranty card and instructions-A spare pair of pleather ear pads-The headphones themselves-¼ audio jack-Two removable cables (1.3m and 3m long)-An airline adapter-A pouch to store all the cables and audio jacks#Design and Build Quality: and I thought my DT770s were big!They're definitely not like any other set of cans you've seen before, as soon as you pick them up you'll notice how light and sturdy they are. Some parts are made out of plastic, but they don't feel cheaply made.The ear pads seem to be of top notch quality, they're made out of pleather. If you do happen to break them, Brainwavz was kind enough to include a second pair; they both appear to be identical.I was actually kind of surprised with the quality of the cables, they appear to be strong and both sets are removable and can be plugged in without any problems.In my opinion the HM5s look super clean and modern, and I love the metal accents on the ear cups. You will like them wether you're 18 or 45.#Sound Quality: after burning them in for 72 hours with lossless music and pink noise. Amped with a Fiio E12 Mont Blanc and iPod Classic w/Fiio LOD L9.I like to buy different headphones because they all offer me different experiences; the ATH-M50s have a particular sound signature, as well as my Beyerdynamic DT770s and my Shure SE215. None of them sound alike, and that was one of the reasons I was in the market for a new set of closed back headphones. I also needed something less colored and more 'EQ friendly'. If you're a music fanatic like I am you will understand what I am saying.Why do I have the Audio Technicas? Because sometimes I wanna feel the bass (and have my head rattle for a couple of hours with techno and industrial music)Why do I have the Beyerdynamics? Because sometimes I wanna get that immersive experience without bothering those around me. Some people may disagree with me, but the soundstage on these puppies are outstanding, and not to mention little to no sound leaking.Why do I have the Shure in ears? Because I also need something more portable and inexpensive but also have the best sound quality for the money.The HM5s do not disappoint in terms of sound quality. Yes, they are flat, uncolored headphones. But that doesn't mean they're boring. It just means that you can pretty much EQ them in any way and direction you want to. If you're not a fan of EQing then leave them as they are, and you'll hear the music the way the artist intended.If you've never heard a flat response headphone before then you're in for a treat. No, the bass will not rattle your head, but you will be able to hear the bass as opposed to feel the bass. The mids aren't overpowering and they give the vocals a nice presence. The highs are perfect and I did not experience any sort of sibilance (unlike the DT770s).The soundstage is phenomenal; all the instruments are well separated.You will not be bothering those around you either, the HM5s have great passive noise isolation, so there's almost no sound leakage.I suggest listening to the following songs before you receive your headphones and then again after you burn them in.Madness - MuseSpeed of Sound - ColdplayDreamers - Savoir AdoreAutumn's Monologue - From Autumn to AshesStrict Machine - GoldfrappHouse of Cards - RadioheadNature Trips - EyedressAlso remember these are 64 Ohm headphones, so having something to power them is recommended.#Final Thoughts: they're keepers!Even if you hate these headphones you have to realize that you paid $129 for them. And not to mention all the great accessories that came with them (the case itself has to be worth at least $20 right?)I, on the other hand, loved them. I couldn't be happier with them and in my opinion these are right 'up there' with the leaders in the hi-fi audio business.They've earned a spot in my headphone collection, and I truly recommend them to you as long as you know what to expect.UPDATE: Check out the pictures I uploaded!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
After reading reviews and specs on both, my intention was to use the OneOdio A70s for every day leisure listening, and use the BRAINWAVZ HM5 Studio Monitor Headphones for music production work which requires a more neutral sonic translation. Price was also a deciding factor. I’ve been using both for a couple of years now and I’m happy to say I made the right call on this one.
Performance
The HM5 is great for music production, delivering clarity and balance as promised. It should be noted that these headphones are intentionally absent of bias toward any part of the frequency spectrum, meaning, if you have a bias for the low end as I do for example, or a bias for the higher frequencies, then these headphones may not be what you’re looking for. I have no idea what something actually sounds like in reality (how can anyone know), but based on my experience, these headphones are about as transparent it gets. I use them for surgical music production, to tweak my levels and isolate artifacts and such. But for my listening pleasure, the OneOdio A70 is my go-to.
Like the HM5, the OneOdio A70 performs as promised in my opinion, delivering warmth, depth, and overall richness. They are definitely more “sensitive” to the lower frequencies than the HM5, without compromising clarity, which is what I was going for. It does justice to the highs as well, but I don’t perceive a bias in that end of the spectrum. I use them for everything from pop, rock, rap, R&B, and classical, to Netflix and CNN. After listening to explosions and Anderson Cooper through these headphones, I don’t think I can use anything else. They are marvelous, especially for the price point.
Comfort
Both products are comfortable enough for longtime wear and do a pretty good job immersing you in whatever you’re listening to. The HM5s are big but very light.
Durability
After endless hours of daily use, I can report that the OneOdio A70 is durable, made with very nice material and craftsmanship and feels luxurious, subjectively speaking. After 2 years mine can still pass for new. I’ve used them wirelessly for hours on end every day for up to a week and only recharged them by choice, never out of necessity. I’m not familiar with whatever magic that makes this possible but I’m perfectly ok not seeing what or who is behind the curtain.
Conclusion
There are many reviews here that go into greater detail, so no shortage of information specific to your needs. I don’t really have any negative criticism of any significance for either product. They suit me just fine and check off all the boxes for me. The OneOdio A70 in particular exceeds expectations and can hold their own against expensive professional alternatives! Satisfied customer!
My review is intended for the average listener and DIY musician/producer. More discerning audiophiles will certainly have a different take. Your mileage may vary.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Performance
The HM5 is great for music production, delivering clarity and balance as promised. It should be noted that these headphones are intentionally absent of bias toward any part of the frequency spectrum, meaning, if you have a bias for the low end as I do for example, or a bias for the higher frequencies, then these headphones may not be what you’re looking for. I have no idea what something actually sounds like in reality (how can anyone know), but based on my experience, these headphones are about as transparent it gets. I use them for surgical music production, to tweak my levels and isolate artifacts and such. But for my listening pleasure, the OneOdio A70 is my go-to.
Like the HM5, the OneOdio A70 performs as promised in my opinion, delivering warmth, depth, and overall richness. They are definitely more “sensitive” to the lower frequencies than the HM5, without compromising clarity, which is what I was going for. It does justice to the highs as well, but I don’t perceive a bias in that end of the spectrum. I use them for everything from pop, rock, rap, R&B, and classical, to Netflix and CNN. After listening to explosions and Anderson Cooper through these headphones, I don’t think I can use anything else. They are marvelous, especially for the price point.
Comfort
Both products are comfortable enough for longtime wear and do a pretty good job immersing you in whatever you’re listening to. The HM5s are big but very light.
Durability
After endless hours of daily use, I can report that the OneOdio A70 is durable, made with very nice material and craftsmanship and feels luxurious, subjectively speaking. After 2 years mine can still pass for new. I’ve used them wirelessly for hours on end every day for up to a week and only recharged them by choice, never out of necessity. I’m not familiar with whatever magic that makes this possible but I’m perfectly ok not seeing what or who is behind the curtain.
Conclusion
There are many reviews here that go into greater detail, so no shortage of information specific to your needs. I don’t really have any negative criticism of any significance for either product. They suit me just fine and check off all the boxes for me. The OneOdio A70 in particular exceeds expectations and can hold their own against expensive professional alternatives! Satisfied customer!
My review is intended for the average listener and DIY musician/producer. More discerning audiophiles will certainly have a different take. Your mileage may vary.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Excellent Casque, comme j'ai toujours souhaité
Reviewed in France on May 3, 2019
Amazon Customer
Reviewed in France on May 3, 2019
Images in this review
Old Darth
... 50 plus hours these headphones really opened and are wonderfully neutral. Which is fantastic as it allows you ...
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2016