One of our Youtube subscribers recently asked a great question. He asked, “Have you had a chance to compare the Nad HP 70 to [the PSB M4U 8], they should sound very close seen how they are sister companies, I like the design of the nads better, but the battery isn’t user replaceable like it is with the m4u8, 😊”. I hadn’t listened side-by-side, so I was happy to take them both for a run alongside each other to see how they compared. So now I’ll reveal the results with this NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 wireless noise cancelling headphones comparison review.

NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

In the Box – NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

Specifications – NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

Design – NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

Headband

It’s not surprising, but both the NAD Viso HP70 and the PSB M4U 8 headphones have headbands made with the same materials. Their frames are made of spring steel and they both have soft, foam padding coated with a leatherette material. However, their biggest difference is their shape and yolk design. The M4U 8 headband is a bit thicker and bulkier than the HP70. As a result, it feels a bit sturdier, but also is not as aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, the HP70 has a classy sort of look. Its headband comes to a point at a ball joint attached to the earcup, which acts as a yolk for the headphones. From here, the earcups and turn completely inward. In comparison, the M4U 8 has a more traditional yolk style. While its earcups can’t turn inward, the headband is foldable, unlike the HP70.

Earcups

The earcups of both the NAD Viso HP70 and the PSB M4U 8 are just about the same size. And like the headbands, they are made of the same materials. Additionally, both headphones’ earcups house their playback and noise cancellation controls. The design and placement of these buttons and switches are not the most aesthetically pleasing. However, they are practical and easy to find when you’re wearing the headphones.

Additionally, like the headband, the NAD Viso HP70 has a more sophisticated looking earcup than the PSB M4U 8. It has a more classy and minimalistic design with no logos on the earcup and a pure matte black finish. On the other hand, the PSB M4U 8 has a big PSB logo and is a little louder in its design.

Earpads

Both headphones have soft, cushiony earpads. Again, they’re made with the same materials: foam coated in a leatherette material. Both are super comfortable on the ears, although there was one difference I noticed. I have relatively small ears, and I found the NAD Viso HP70 earpads touched my ear a little bit. In other words, I could imagine them being a little uncomfortable for folks with bigger ears. The PSB M4U 8, on the other hand, sat completely and comfortable over my ear. As a result, it seemed to be a little more sound isolating than the HP70.

Bluetooth

Both the NAD Viso HP70 headphones and the PSB M4U 8 headphones connected super easily to my phone. They can connect via NFC, aptX HD, and probably Bluetooth 4.1 or 4.2 (although neither NAD or PSB didn’t specify the Bluetooth codec). I most mostly impressed with their strong connection and long range. Both headphones stayed connected to my phone for over 30 feet, even without line of sight. Impressive! Additionally, both headphones have a battery life of 15 hours.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The PSB M4U 8 had a very strong noise cancellation. Overall it was a bit stronger to my ears than the NAD Viso HP70, however, this might also be a function of it’s better sound isolation.

Sound – NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

Low Frequencies

In a general sense, the low frequencies are emphasized in both headphones, although they are emphasized at different frequencies. The NAD Viso HP70 is emphasized in more of the top range of the low frequencies, whereas the PSB M4U 8 is emphasized in the low sub frequency region. As a result, the M4U 8 is more impactful for transient sort of hits like kick drums, but is a little less round and full sounding for other low information like that bass guitars or bass synths.

Middle Frequencies

The midrange feels a bit scooped on both headphones, although it slightly more scooped in the PSB M4U 8. However, especially in the midrange, the M4U 8 seems to have a greater dynamic range so songs tend to have a bit more emotional impact. On the other hand, the NAD Viso HP70 is a little clearer and more present in the high mids. As a result, acoustic guitars and vocals sound louder and more detailed. For example, when I was listening to Lindsey Lou and the Flatbellys’s song, Everything Changed, the vocal and attack of the guitar and mandolin felt softer with the M4U 8 and more present with the HP70.

High Frequencies

Similar to the low frequencies, the highs of both headphones are emphasized but at different frequencies. For example, the PSB M4U 8 has emphasis at higher frequency so it feels a bit more spacious in the highs, but also a bit brighter. On the other hand, the NAD Viso HP70 has emphasis in the lower part of the high frequency range. Therefore it is a more audible emphasis and brings out cymbals, drum attacks, and vocal details more. It is a smooth sound, but a more present sound.

Soundstage

Because of the subbier lows and emphasized highs, the PSB M4U 8 has more detailed high-to-low imaging. It also has a better dynamic range so it feels like it has better depth and width than the NAD Viso HP70.

Overview – NAD Viso HP70 vs PSB M4U 8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Review

In conclusion, if you’re listening to a singer songwriter and want more clarity for acoustic instruments and vocals, go with the NAD Viso HP70. Otherwise, go with the PSB M4U 8 which is more dynamic and has bigger low end for hip-hop and pop.

Both the NAD Viso HP70 and the PSB M4U 8 wireless, noise cancelling headphones are available for the best price here:

NAD HP70 at Audio46

NAD Viso HP70 on Amazon
PSB M4U8 at Audio 46

PSB M4U 8 on Amazon

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