By Redactor The Panasonic RB-M700 headphones are not your average listening device; they’re an experience‚ a bold statement‚ and perhaps a slightly eccentric entry into the world of personal audio. These headphones boldly claim to deliver a subwoofer-like bass response directly to your ears‚ promising a level of low-end rumble rarely found in over-ear headphones. Forget subtlety; the RB-M700 are about visceral impact‚ aiming to replicate the feeling of standing in front of a massive sound system. The question is‚ can the Panasonic RB-M700 truly deliver on this promise‚ or are they simply a gimmick wrapped in a bulky design?
Design and Comfort
The first thing you notice about the RB-M700 is their size. They’re undeniably large‚ with thick earcups and a robust headband. The build quality feels solid enough‚ primarily constructed from plastic‚ but the heft suggests a certain durability. However‚ this size comes at a cost.
- Pros: Solid build‚ relatively comfortable earcups.
- Cons: Bulky design‚ can feel heavy after extended use.
While the earcups are well-padded and comfortable for short listening sessions‚ the overall weight of the headphones can become fatiguing after a few hours. The clamping force is also noticeable‚ although not excessively tight. The aesthetics are subjective‚ but the RB-M700 certainly won’t win any awards for sleekness or subtlety.
Sound Quality: Bass and Beyond
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the bass. The Panasonic RB-M700 absolutely delivers on its promise of powerful‚ thumping low-end. The bass response is boosted significantly‚ bordering on overwhelming at times. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for bassheads who crave that visceral feeling‚ but it does come at the expense of balance. The mids and highs are noticeably recessed‚ lacking the clarity and detail found in more balanced headphones.
Sound Profile Breakdown
- Bass: Immense‚ powerful‚ and often overwhelming. Great for bass-heavy genres like EDM‚ hip-hop‚ and trap.
- Mids: Recessed and somewhat muddy. Vocals can get lost in the mix.
- Highs: Lacking in clarity and detail. Can sound harsh at higher volumes.
The RB-M700 are best suited for genres that prioritize bass above all else. If you listen to a lot of acoustic music‚ classical music‚ or anything that demands a balanced sound signature‚ you’ll likely be disappointed. They are definitely not audiophile headphones.
Features and Functionality
Beyond the sonic profile‚ the Panasonic RB-M700 offer a few notable features. They are wireless headphones with Bluetooth connectivity and support for SBC and AAC codecs. The battery life is decent‚ offering around 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. They also feature a “Bass Reactor” which is essentially a vibration system that adds to the sensation of the bass. Whether this is a gimmick or a genuinely enjoyable feature is a matter of personal preference. There’s also a built-in microphone for taking calls‚ although the call quality is average at best.
Who are the Panasonic RB-M700 Headphones For?
Before you rush out and purchase these bass-heavy behemoths‚ consider your listening habits and preferences. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you prioritize bass above all else? If the answer is a resounding “yes‚” then the RB-M700 might be a good fit.
- What genres of music do you primarily listen to? If you’re a fan of EDM‚ hip-hop‚ or bass-heavy electronic music‚ you’ll likely enjoy the RB-M700. If you prefer genres that require more balance and detail‚ these headphones are probably not for you.
- How important is comfort? These headphones are comfortable for short periods‚ but their weight can become an issue during longer listening sessions.
- Are you concerned about aesthetics? The RB-M700 are not the most stylish headphones on the market. If you value a sleek and understated design‚ look elsewhere.
Alternatives to Consider
If the RB-M700 don’t quite fit your needs‚ there are several other options to consider:
| Headphone Model | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Excellent noise cancellation‚ balanced sound‚ comfortable design | Pricey | Travel‚ everyday listening‚ noise-sensitive environments |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Great noise cancellation‚ comfortable‚ easy to use | Sound quality not as detailed as Sony | Travel‚ calls‚ noise-sensitive environments |
| Sennheiser HD 660S | Exceptional sound quality‚ open-back design | No noise cancellation‚ not portable | Critical listening‚ audiophiles |
| JBL Tune 760NC | Affordable‚ decent noise cancellation‚ portable | Sound quality not as refined as premium options | Budget-conscious buyers‚ casual listening |
Final Recommendations
Ultimately‚ the decision of whether or not to purchase the Panasonic RB-M700 headphones depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a basshead looking for a truly immersive and impactful listening experience‚ these headphones are worth considering. However‚ be prepared to sacrifice some clarity and detail in the mids and highs. Consider trying them on (if possible) before making a purchase to ensure that the size and weight are comfortable for you. Remember to carefully evaluate your listening habits and consider the alternatives before committing to these uniquely bass-focused headphones.
