Macworld - USA (2020-02)

FEBRUARY 2020 MACWORLD 121

noticeable. I also tried the Edifier W860NB
(go.macworld.com/w860) that I recently
reviewed for TechHive, and it definitely
sounded more open with its ANC on.

COMPARISON WITH THE
PSB M4U 8
I recently reviewed the PSB Speakers M4U
8 headphones for TechHive (go.macworld.
com/m48u), and I consider it my reference
for Bluetooth headphones with ANC. So, I
compared its sound with that of the
TT-BH046 by listening to the same
selections on both models.
In terms of comfort, the M4U 8 is quite
a bit heavier than the TT-BH046—nearly 13
ounces versus less than eight ounces.
Also, the opening in the PSB earpads is
smaller than the TaoTronics,
making them slightly more
difficult to seat on the head.
However, the PSB earpads have
more room within the opening,
so they are completely
comfortable once they are
seated properly.
The first thing I noticed about
the sonic difference was that the
M4U 8 is a lot louder at a given
volume setting. Fortunately, the
iPad remembers the volume
setting for different Bluetooth
devices, so I was able to set
roughly equal volumes for the

two headphones (60 percent for the

TT-BH046, 50 percent for the M4U 8) as I

switched between them.

Listening to various tunes, it was

immediately apparent that the M4U 8

sounded much better with ANC off than

the TT-BH046 in the same condition. The

PSB’s sound was rich, full, and much better

balanced without congestion or bass bloat.

This was especially evident on the Dixie

Chicks’ “Voice in My Head” and Clapton’s

“Change the World,” but it was clear during

all my listening.

Turning ANC on, the bass became a bit

boomy, as I had observed in my review of

the M4U 8. By contrast, the sound quality

of the TT-BH046 improved when I

engaged ANC, though it was still slightly

closed in. I prefer the sound the

M4U 8, even with ANC on, but

the PSB costs four times as much

as the TaoTronics, so it’s no

surprise that it performs better.

During my road trip around

the neighborhood, I also listened

to the M4U 8 with ANC on to

compare it with the TT-BH046.

(Of course, I pulled over each

time I switched headphones!)

The PSB was much cleaner,

clearer, and more open. It also

sounded better than the Edifier

W860NB, which sounded better

than the TT-BH046. ■

mmh

TaoTronics TT-BH046

PROS

• Battery charges very
  quickly.


• Very comfortable.


• Low cost.
  CONS


• Veiled, closed-in audio
  performance unless ANC is
  engaged.


• Bloated bass performance
  with ANC disabled.


• Confusing multifunction
  buttons.
  PRICE
  $79.99
  COMPANY
  TaoTronics