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.