Reviewed Nov 2009
Details: New revision of the first Meelec IEM to be recognized on head-fi
Current Price: $15 from Amazon.com (MSRP: $16.99); $17.99 for M2P with microphone
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 16 Ω | Sens: N/A | Freq: 20-20k Hz | Cord: 4′ L-plug
Nozzle Size: 5.5mm | Preferred tips: Soundmagic PL30 bi-flanges
Wear Style: Straight down or over-the-ear
Accessories (1.5/5) – Single-flange (3 sizes) and bi-flange silicone tips
Build Quality (4/5) – The conical housings are metal and feel quite solid. Like all of Meelec’s re-designed IEMs the current M2 has some of the best cabling in the realm of budget-fi. Strain reliefs are replaced with some clear heatshrink but I expect the cabling to hold up
Isolation (2.5/5) – The massive port in the rear of the conical housing prevents these from isolating significantly
Microphonics (4.5/5) – The cable is identical to the one on the the M9/M6/M11. Very slightly microphonic when worn cord-down
Comfort (3.5/5) – Typical straight-barrel IEMs. They are quite light and can easily be worn cord-up or down
Sound (4/10) – While Meelec’s other $10 IEM, the SX-31, sounds good for the bargain bin, the M2 sounds canbe genuinely fun to listen to. They have a medium-sized soundstage, the bass, mids, and treble are all there, and they can put out a good bit of detail. The bass has a fair bit of punch but can be too boomy for my liking. The midrange is fairly forward and quite smooth. Treble is recessed and rolls off a bit at the top but is but also smooth and not at all unpleasant.
Value (7.5/10) – Despite the booming bass and lack of high-end sparkle the M2s are solid IEMs in their own right. The build quality easily makes up for most minor sonic failings at the price point.
Pros: Solid build quality, comfortable, mostly good sonic characteristics
Cons: Boomy bass
