Introduction
Since the launch of the website, Gamertestdomi has had the opportunity to test numerous audio headsets, including gaming headsets and "basic" headsets for simply listening to music or watching films. While many headsets often cost between €100 and €200 or more, Gamertestdomi has also tested headsets in the €50-€70 range. However, these often required compromises in terms of finish and sound quality. Today, Gamertestdomi will discuss a Bluetooth audio headset from a brand previously unknown: MUSE. Gamertestdomi received one of their products, the MUSE M-278 BT, which is priced at €40. Upon receiving the email announcing the release of the M-278 BT, Gamertestdomi was immediately impressed by the headset. The surprise grew even larger upon seeing the proposed price! Gamertestdomi extends gratitude to the brand for providing a review unit, which made this test possible.
Should you buy the MUSE M-278 BT? The answer will be revealed later in this article.
Unboxing
For such a price, Gamertestdomi did not expect much from the packaging; in fact, a box bordering on the ridiculous and not designed to attract attention was anticipated. This was the first mistake, as the box is classic yet well-designed with eye-catching colors, surpassing the packaging of many more expensive products. Displayed in a store, the MUSE M-278 BT is highly likely to catch the eye.
The headset comes in a square cardboard box, grey, white, with a touch of green. A surprising feature of this box is the transparent plastic section that immediately reveals the headset. This transparent part covers a portion of the front, the right side, and the back of the box. The front left features an illustration of the headset and some characteristics. The left side of the front shows new illustrations of the M-278 BT, and the back displays new characteristics translated into several languages.
The product box for the MUSE M-278 BT Bluetooth Stereo Headphones is shown, featuring the headset prominently on the front, along with the MUSE brand logo, Bluetooth connectivity symbol, and icons indicating various features like foldable design and integrated microphone. The back of the box includes multilingual descriptions of key features such as integrated microphone, rechargeable battery via micro-USB, and the ability to function as wired headphones with the included cable. Accessories listed are a USB charging cable and an Aux-in cable. A warning regarding hearing damage at high volume levels is also present. The box indicates conformity to directive 2014/53/EU by NEW ONE SAS.
What's in the Box:
- MUSE M-278 BT Headset
- 1 USB Charging Cable
- 1 Audio Cable for Wired Connection
- 1 User Manual
Design and Build Quality
On paper, the headset seemed very interesting and magnificent with its appealing colors, and Gamertestdomi was eager to receive it. Upon seeing the M-278 BT in person, the "WOW" effect was undeniable. Aesthetically, there is nothing to fault; MUSE has done an excellent job. Considering the MUSE M-278 BT and its price, some brands should take inspiration, if only for the visual aspect, and stop making only black headsets! The MUSE headset offers something other than black, featuring silver-grey and brown accents that enhance the M-278 BT's appearance.
The headset is primarily made of plastic with a small touch of aluminum and faux leather, which is remarkable for a €40 price point. For instance, the headband is covered with good quality brown faux leather foam. The exterior of the earcups is grey plastic for the contour and brown aluminum for the top (with the brand logo in grey). The interior of the earcups also features brown faux leather foam, and the fabric base remains of good quality. There are truly no complaints regarding the aesthetics, finishes, and materials used. For its price, the MUSE headset is simply impressive!
A brown and silver MUSE M-278 BT Bluetooth headset is displayed, showcasing its over-ear design and metallic accents. The headset is shown in various close-up views, highlighting its foldable mechanism, the soft brown earcups, and the silver metallic accents on the headband and earcups. A detailed view of the right earcup shows the control buttons for Bluetooth activation, volume adjustment (+/-), and the 3.5mm jack port, along with a small LED indicator. The headset is also shown in its folded position, demonstrating its compact design for portability. Views of the adjustable headband mechanism and the outer surface of the earcup, featuring the subtle MUSE logo, are also provided. A top-down view shows the padded headband and the overall compact, foldable design.
On the left earcup, there is a micro-USB port for charging the headset and a small LED indicator next to it. On the right earcup, you'll find the Bluetooth activation button, volume up/down controls, a jack port, and another LED indicating Bluetooth activation. As observed, the headset can be used via Bluetooth or with a cable, which is a great feature, offering users flexibility. MUSE also allows for space-saving with the headset, as its earcups are foldable, making it practical for easy and hassle-free transport.
Connectivity and Audio Performance
The MUSE headset is aesthetically very successful, and its quality is impressive!
Synchronization is very easy: simply activate Bluetooth on your device (smartphone/tablet), make it discoverable, then turn on Bluetooth on the headset. After a few seconds (20-30), the headset is recognized. Just pair it, and you're ready to go. For wired use, simply plug in the cable, and it's immediately operational!
How does the headset perform on the ears? After such a pleasant surprise, is the sound also up to par? The answer is yes! You quickly forget the headset is on your head due to its lightness, and it remains very comfortable thanks to the soft foam earcups. With fairly large ears, Gamertestdomi had no issues with the headset perfectly encompassing them, experiencing no discomfort during long music and video listening sessions.
In terms of sound, the headset is very honest. Tracks with powerful and deep bass perform well. When the volume is pushed to maximum, a slight crackling was noted, but since music is never listened to at "full blast," this was not bothersome. However, there is a negative point: the lack of external noise absorption. Even faint noises can be heard, and the result is the same even with the volume turned up.
Regarding battery life, the headset performs very well. After several sessions of a few hours each (2-3 hours), and combining them, the headset lasted 12-13 hours.
Conclusion
The MUSE M-278 BT is a true gem. Let's not forget that the headset is priced at only €40. Aesthetically, it's simply brilliant, with excellent material quality and finish. Regarding sound, it performs quite well, to Gamertestdomi's great surprise. The only drawback is the lack of external noise absorption. The M-278 BT, in addition to being lightweight, is easily transportable thanks to its foldable earcups, which is an excellent point! You can also count on a very good battery life of 12-13 hours of music without any issues.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Price
- Magnificent Design
- Finish/Material Quality
- Sound Quality
- Bluetooth/Wired Functionality
- Lightweight and Foldable
Cons:
- Lack of External Noise Absorption
