Master & Dynamic Launch MW50 Wireless Headphone With 100 Foot Range

You’re going to be seeing a lot more wireless headphones and audio gear over the next few years, due in no small part to Apple ditching the 3.5mm audio jack from its latest iPhones. But ask anyone what they think of wireless audio, especially Bluetooth, and you’ll often get the same response. It sucks. Master & Dynamic want to change that with its latest pair of headphones, the MW50.

In order to look at the MW50 more seriously, we have to look at the problems it addresses, before adding premium audio into the mix. Bluetooth has had a number of failings over the years, and try as companies might, it’s a tough nut to crack. Because of the requirement for the wireless chip and integrated DAC and amplifier, battery power is often limited to just a couple of hours. The MW50 supports 16 hours.

The Bluetooth audio codec, SBC, was designed back in the early days of wireless audio, for low-bandwidth headsets and voice only. While it can be pushed to 320kbps, it’s of a much lower quality than say, MP3. The codec was designed to be as efficient on processing as possible (power and CPU load), which often meant lag and stutter. Fortunately now, multiple codecs are supported with the MW50, including aptX, MP3, and AAC.

The last issue is one common to all wireless standards, that’s interference and range (the two are mutually linked). The MW50 and its bigger brother, the MW60, feature external antennas that are built into the headphone frame. Think of the iPhone’s external antenna, but with less “you’re holding it wrong”. This external antenna effectively gives the headphones a 100 foot range, should you need it. Perfect for pairing with a phone on the desk, charging, while you still want to walk around and listen to music.

Beyond those core technical aspects, M&D’s latest headphone is one that oozes quality from all sides. Aluminum and steel frame, cow and lamb leather trimmings, and rather uniquely, a 40mm beryllium driver (normally made from Mylar, aluminum or titanium). It should be safe to assume that these headphones should be able to hold up to a few knocks and bruises.

The MW50s are the on-ear variety, to keep them compact. Like all of M&D’s headphones, these are closed-back, despite the mesh that’s on the side of the ear cups. They are recharged via a USB Type-C connector that’s slowly becoming more common too. In addition to wireless BT, the headphones can use a standard 3.5mm jack (32 Ohms impedance, so even a dainty mobile will have no problem driving these) should you want to listen to music while charging.

Weighing 240g, it’s not the lightest headset going, but for a good chunk of aluminum, it should hold up better than most designs. Full tech specs in the slide above.

Priced at $449, the MW50 is definitely a premium item, but it’ll be interesting to see if the frame holds up to life’s bumps, while still holding a reliable tune over Bluetooth.