Roger Fingas
Perhaps seizing on the trend towards Bluetooth headphones instigated by Apple's iPhone 7, Master & Dynamic this week launched its MW50 on-ear headphones, which offer a more luxury-oriented alternative to Apple's Beats products.
The MW50s are made primarily of stainless steel, with a cowhide leather headband, and lambskin leather wrapped around memory foam earpads. Despite their metal construction, M&D says the headphones are a third lighter than its top-of-the-line MW60s.
In terms of performance, the MW50s use 40-millimeter beryllium drivers for sound, with a range between 5 and 30,000 Hz. Twin microphones are used for voice input, helping to filter out noise. Battery life is rated at 16 hours, and controls are located on each cup.
Bluetooth range is claimed to be three times the industry average, which is typically 33 feet. M&D hasn't, however, supplied any precise specifications, beyond support for Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX audio.
A bundled 3.5mm stereo cable can be used when Bluetooth isn't an option. The supplied charging cable, notably, is based on USB-C, and can also be used to deliver firmware updates.
The MW50s are available directly from Master & Dynamic for $449, in silver/black or silver/brown color schemes. The company is also a premium, featured headphone vendor in Apple's retail stores and online.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
8 Comments
If they're stating they can get 3 times the distance of typical Bluetooth, they're using a Class 1 bluetooth chipset. Other companies offer similarly. I'm using Plantronics Back Beat Pro's that do indeed offer ~100' of usable connectivity, but only when connected to my rMBP, as iPhone and iPad do not have Class 1 chipsets. It makes sense, given the higher energy needs a Class 1 chip has, would kill the iPhone battery.
These do look really nice and I totally dig the use of real leather.
Certainly look much classier and upscale than the Beats stuff. Wonder how they sound.
Replace the aluminum with faux-patina brass and there's your steampunk.
Gee only $480 bucks for headphones, I'm sure I'll run right out and grab a pair. Cheers!