The NYC-based Master & Dynamic brand has just announced its newest product, the Master & Dynamic MW50. Notably, these are just the 2nd pair of wireless headphones from the manufacturer, after the MW60 over-ear headphones.
The MW50 headphones are smaller and 30% lighter because they feature smaller ear cups with supra-aural design. Although these are also on-ear headphones, they are not the wireless version of the MH30 that I reviewed last year. They might use the same materials but the designs look totally different. They feature a steel mesh ear cup detailing, and the 2 yokes are no longer put on the outside of the headband.
Despite the changes, the Master & Dynamic MW50 is still among the most beautiful headphones on the market. They are still available in 2 color options with the combination of silver metal with brown leather and black leather. The headband is covered in premium cowhide and lambskin while the earcups use memory foam wrapped in lambskin. On the left earcup, we can spot the USB-C port for charging and 3 control buttons. The 2 earcups can be folded flat, so you can easily put the headphones inside your bag or backpack.
On the left earcup, we can spot the USB-C port for charging and 3 control buttons. On the right earcup, there are a 3.5mm headphone jack, power switch, microphone hole, and 2 LED indicators showing battery and connectivity status.
Master & Dynamic said that they use a microphone array for increased noise-rejection, I’m not sure if this is the active noise-cancelling feature because it isn’t mentioned anywhere else.
Update: Master & Dynamic confirmed that the MW50 features noise-isolation by virtue of sitting on the ears and therefore blocking out a good deal of outside sound. They don’t include active noise-cancellation as injecting sound could distort music.
The battery life of the wireless headphones is impressive, it is rated at 16 hours which is enough to use in a whole long flight. The Bluetooth range is 100 feet which is similar to most other high-end Bluetooth headphones. They use the latest Bluetooth 4.1 technology supporting AptX, AAC, MP3, SBC, and FastStream audio codecs.
In terms of audio quality, I will wait for the review unit for a proper assessment. The MW50 is expected to deliver the Master & Dynamic’s signature rich and warm sound profile.
The Master & Dynamic MW50 Wireless On-ear Headphones is available for $449 and of course, you will get same-day delivery in New York City.
