Introduction
The Muse HiFi M4 is a versatile new portable Bluetooth and USB DAC/amp that packs some impressive specs and features into a stylish and thoughtfully designed unit. Priced at $139, the M4 goes up against venerable options like the FiiO BTR5 and Qudelix 5K while bringing its own unique flair. In this in-depth review, I’ll be taking a close look at the build quality, features, sound signature, app integration, and overall usability of the M4 to see how it stacks up to the competition.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
Muse HiFi M4
Specifications
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.1
- Compatibility: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDACBluetooth chip: QCC5125
- Independent chip: ES9038Q2M
- Independent amp: ES9603Q
- USB DAC: SA9137
- Independent play pause button: Yes
- Independent volume key: Yes
- Independent song before and after adjustment: Yes
- Transmission distance: 12M
- Gain setting: L/H
- Volume level: 60
- Output power: 3.5>160mW + 160mW; 2.5/4.4 > 320mW + 320mW(32Ω) SNR:3.5>118dB:25/4.4>115dB(A)
- Noise: 3.5 <3uV: 2.5/4.4 <5.5uV
- THD+N:3.5<0.00048%:25/4.4<0.00032(1KHz/6-dB@32Ω)
- Separation degree: 3.5>75dB,2.5/44 107 db or higher
- Microphone: Support Bluetooth voice call, built-in omnidirectional microphone, support CTIA headset wire control itself microphone
- NFC: Supported
- No-drive mode: Supported
- Mobile decoding: Supported
- In-car mode: Supported
- MQA Render: Supported
- Plug type: 3.5mm+4.4mm+2.5mm
- USB interface: Type-C USB 2.0 (charging) + Type-C USB 2.0 (data transfer)
- Battery capacity: 1100mAh
- Endurance: 3.5mm>8h; 2.5/4.4mm 7h
- Size:41.8mm*84mm*15mm
- Weight:≈73g
Individual ratings
The M4 has an eye-catching transparent glass design and a sturdy aluminum chassis. The buttons feel premium and clicky. Lack of included accessories like a case or USB-C cable is a minor issue.
ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC and ES9603Q amp provide excellent decoding up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. Advanced Bluetooth, like LDAC, and great wireless range.
Engaging, lively sound with a nice low-end body, smooth mids, and airy treble. Good technicalities like staging and separation. Some hiss with sensitive IEMs on Bluetooth.
Up to 320 mW balanced can drive even power-hungry headphones reasonably well. Capable performance.
Lack of app means toggling settings requires button presses. Battery life of 7-8 hours is just average. Easy Bluetooth pairing is a plus.
The quad-DAC architecture provides ample power. Simultaneous charging and data over USB-C are convenient. The standalone USB DAC function works great.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Overall, the Muse HiFi M4 is a versatile and well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers an engaging, musical sound profile. It packs impressive decoding capabilities and wireless technology into a thoughtfully designed unit. While an app for tweaking settings would be nice, the M4's excellent power output, unique features like simultaneous charging and data over USB-C, and lively sound make it a compelling option at its $139 price point. It provides great value for audiophiles looking for a portable wired or wireless DAC upgrade.
Pros
- Slick modern design with a glass aesthetic
- Capable decoding and wireless technology
- bright, engaging sound signature
- tons of power for the size
- Useful wired DAC functionality
Cons
- No carrying case or USB-C cable is included.
- App control would be nice for settings.
- Occasional Bluetooth hiss with sensitive IEMs
1. Packaging
- Muse HiFi M4
- USB C to Type C
- USB Type-C to Lightning
- USB Plug
- Case
- Paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The M4 sports an eye-catching transparent glass design that gives you a peek at the inner circuit board and components. The aluminum chassis feels sturdy, with nice clicky buttons and a premium in-hand feel. I'm a big fan of the versatile I/O options, including separate ports for charging and data transfer over USB-C. On the output side, you get 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm ports to accommodate different gear. My only complaint is the lack of included accessories, like a USB-C to USB-C cable or a carrying case. But overall, the M4 delivers premium build quality that matches its audiophile aspirations.
3. Technology and Decoding Capabilities
Under the hood, the M4 packs ESS's venerable Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip plus a capable ES9603Q amp chip. You get support for high-res PCM files up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as native DSD256 decoding. On the wireless side, the Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip supports LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and all the usual codecs. Seven digital filters allow you to tweak the sound profile to taste. I'm a big fan of the "Smart Switch Circuit" technology that aims to make the wired and wireless modes sound more consistent.
4. Sound Quality Of The Muse HiFi M4
Tonally, the M4 delivers a vibrant, engaging sound profile. The low end provides some added warmth and body without sounding boomy or muddy. Mids sound smooth and natural, with excellent clarity on vocals and guitars. Treble has nice detail and airiness without getting overbearing. Technically, the staging feels expansive, with good separation between instruments. The background is dead silent over USB, but I did notice some minor hiss when using sensitive IEMs on Bluetooth. Overall, the musical, lively tuning should appeal to those looking for an engaging listening experience.
5. App Integration And Usage
My only gripe here is the lack of a mobile app for the M4. You have to toggle settings like gain mode and digital filters using button presses and LED flashes. An app would make that process smoother. On the plus side, it was easy to pair over LDAC on my Android phone. Battery life is rated for 7-8 hours, depending on your headset and settings, which is about average for this type of device.
6. Unique Features Of The Muse HiFi M4
I like that you can use the M4 as a standalone wired DAC/amp thanks to the separate data and charging ports. Being able to juice up the 1100 mAh battery while still listening over USB is super convenient. You also get quad-DAC architecture for impressive power output, driving most headphones with ease on low gain.
8. Power Output and Drivability
With up to 320 mW of power balanced over the 2.5mm and 4.4mm ports, the M4 can capably drive everything from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry over-ear headphones. Most of my test pairs sounded great even on low gain, with plenty of clean headroom left. Only exceptionally demanding cans like the HiFiMan HE400se showed the M4's limits at extreme volumes.
10. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the Muse HiFi M4?
Audiophiles needing a flexible wired or wireless DAC
Smartphone users wanting high-res decoding on the go
Anyone with headphones terminated at 2.5mm,
Those who appreciate vibrant, lively musical tuning
Q. Who should avoid the Muse HiFi M4?
Listeners on a tight budget should check out cheaper Chi-Fi options.
Those needing app control for sound customization
Anyone needing 10+ hours of runtime off of a single charge
Q. Does the M4 have an app?
No, currently there is no app support to control settings on the M4. You have to toggle options like gain mode and digital filters using button presses.
Q. What codecs does the M4 support over Bluetooth?
It supports advanced codecs like LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and also standard SBC and AAC.
Q. How long does the battery last?
Run time is around 7-8 hours, depending on your settings and headphone choice. More demanding headphones draw more power.
Q. Does the M4 work as a USB DAC only?
Yes, you can use it solely as a wired USB DAC/amp thanks to the dedicated data transfer port while charging via the other USB-C port.
Q. Can the M4 drive hard-to-drive audiophile headphones?
With up to 320 mW of balanced power output, the M4 can capably drive most audiophile headphones, except for exceptionally demanding models with loud volumes.
Conclusion
With versatile connectivity options, excellent build quality, and an engaging sound signature, the Muse HiFi M4 makes a compelling case in the portable source market. A few small tweaks, like app support or accessory bundles, could make it even more competitive. But even as is, the M4 should suit those looking for an elegant listening upgrade for their smartphone and headphones with the convenience of wireless and wired functionality.
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