Smabat M0 Review – Modding for the Tool Free
INTRO
Smabat has released a second generation of earbuds designed for the tinkerers and modders but with a closed ecosystem of driver swaps and vent swaps for the Smabat M0 and M2s Pro model.
Smabat sent me the entry level moddable version the Smabat M0. The Smabat M2S Pro offers a thicker cable and a 40 ohm driver with just the dome reinforced with a titanium coating.
The Smabat M0 uses a fully coated titanium diaphragm. I thought the concept of selling tuning mesh and easily swappable drivers was interesting enough to see what it was all about. I love the idea of standardized parts.
GOOD TRAITS
- Cable
- Easy modding
- Soundstaging and openness
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
- Tonality improvements, slight bass lift
PACKAGE CONTENTS
The shell is metal and the driver actually just pops off via a rubber o-ring, it is not threaded so twisting is not the way to remove except when inserting back together to fit the wires back inside. The wires unplug via a connector, the original version of the M2S actually required soldering.
Most users will not have access to a soldering iron so the connector makes this concept more user friendly for sure. Inside the shell there is a replaceable vent but no extra vent mesh is included with the package.
The kit of mesh vents are sold from Smabat here or you can experiment with third party or DIY vents, and the different dynamic drivers can be purchased here.
The mccx cable is perfectly suitable for this Smabat M0, I actually used the same type of cable when I modded my Sony MH755. It is flexible enough that it doesn’t retain memory from coiling, it is fairly non-microphonic, and nimble which is important for earbuds that can easily fall out from excess weight.
There are also two sets of foam to cover the earbud for added comfort. One set has a hole in the center to allow minimal changes to the sound while the other set fully covers the driver. The storage pouch is made like an old style coin purse made of suede like leather.
SOUND
While I usually prefer in-ears over earbuds, I am no stranger to the differences between the styles. The Smabat M0 are bass light and thin sounding, lacking both in lower registers and midbass. Very similar to an in-ear that doesn’t seal properly. If I push them in closer, the bass comes alive but at the expense of clarity in the vocals and treble.
Male vocals, guitars, pianos and percussion instruments are missing note weight and fullness required to make them sound like-life. Female vocals sound dainty as result as well.
The Smabat M0 are clearly destined to accentuate the treble region and provide a light and engaging upper mid treble focus. Horns and stringed instruments are very present, however missing some of the lower grunt making them sound a bit hollow.
The stock Smabat M0 is clearly destined for treble lovers who want the bass to remain in the background and not muddy up the presentation. The good thing about the treble is that it is nicely presented and doesn’t reach piercing levels of pain just some minor sharpness. The upper octave is subdued a bit so it stops short of presenting too much airiness.
TECHNICALITIES
Since the Smabat M0 is so treble focused, everything feels light and airy with a good height lift, and soundstage feels wide as well. The missing bass however causes timbre issues making it hard for things to sound natural due to missing harmonics. Reminds me a lot of those small portable bluetooth boombox speakers but with better clarity.
COMPARISON
Senfer PT15 ($15) vs Smabat M0 ($35)
The Smabat M0 bass is very thin sounding compared to the Senfer PT15, the Senfer PT15 has better note weight as a result but sounds a little boxy and closed in. The upper midrange and treble on the Smabat M0 excel in clarity over the Senfer PT15 allowing the Smabat M0 to sound more spacious with a wider soundstage. The diameter of the driver insert is slightly larger on the Smabat M0. I don’t have much else in my stash to compare unfortunately.
FINAL REMARKS
Smabat has a good concept with the interchangeable parts, however the sound of the Smabat M0 model is missing vital information that could make it a general crowd pleaser. Instead it caters to those allergic to bass such as my wife, or someone who prioritizes wide open soundstaging instead of tonal accuracy.
One final surprise- even with the missing bass information I found it gives EDM music a large wide open music venue feeling. Since electronic music doesn’t rely so much on tonal accuracy, the large venue sound can be enticing.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Drive unit: 15.4mm titanium-plated diaphragm
- Impedance: 20Ω
- Frequency: 10Hz-22kHz
- Sensitivity: 110±3dB
- Plug type: 3.5mm
DISCLAIMER
Smabat sent these to me for a charge that would feed a hungry child for a day. They can be purchased direct from Smabat on their website or Aliexpress.
Our generic standard disclaimer.
You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.
