New York-based audio specialists Master & Dynamic have just released the new MW75 ANC wireless over-ear headphones, so check them out! For aesthetics alone, you're sure to give Apple's AirPods Max a shot (and one of the best over-ear headphones on the market today). – and speaking of money, they also come at a price for Apple pulling off a dramatic double take.
We'll get to that right away: cost of living crisis be damned, Master & Dynamic's new high-end headphones are priced at $599/£549/€599, which is very expensive, and by that we mean just they're about as expensive as the launch price of Apple's premium headphones (which arrived in December 2020, starting at $549 / £549 / AU$899).
On the other hand, the aforementioned AirPods Max and even Sennheiser's recently unveiled new over-ear headphones are proof that there are still plenty of people willing (and able) to buy premium headphones.
Opinion: There's always a market for luxury headphones, as long as they sound good
Master & Dynamic's MW75 wireless on-ear headphones support Bluetooth 5.1 (AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.0) and in-house angled 40mm beryllium drivers, plus adaptive noise cancellation support for four microphones total .
M&D says there are three ANC modes to choose from, including an ambient listening mode that you can implement from the M&D Connect app. This app is also the perfect place to customize the sound of the MW75 using the promised EQ settings.
The battery claim is also up to 32 hours, or 28 with ANC on; remember, you'll only get 20 hours of AirPods Max on a full charge.
A 15-minute quick charge also provides six hours of playback (quick benchmark: five minutes of charging provides around 1,5 hours of listening time with AirPods Max), and there's user detection to pause music when removed. of the head. .
This is Master & Dynamic, so we're expecting high-end accessories and extras across the board, and the company didn't disappoint. You get an extra USB-C to 3,5mm cable, a ¼-inch adapter, a dual-plug airline adapter for listening with in-flight computers/airline services, and a hard travel case.
And luxury is definitely the name of the game here. The earcups are made of durable, lightweight aluminum; The ear pads are a premium combination of soft leather, memory foam, and lambskin.
The Master & Dynamic MW75 is available in Gunmetal with Black Leather, Silver Metal with Gray Leather, Silver Metal with Brown Leather, or Black Metal with Black Leather. They will be available on Master & Dynamic (opens in a new tab) from June 28, 2022, and while we can't guarantee sound yet, we hope to report soon.
Here's the thing: Apple's AirPods Max provide easy access to the Cupertino giant's patented and hugely popular Space Audio, which is remarkable party stuff to stash in your back pocket — and remember, an upgrade. .
Can Master & Dynamic compete with this? Yes. Because some of us listen to Tidal streams or download Qobuz albums on our hi-res MP3 players. But the sound has to be very, very good... we'll find out soon.