After reviewing a few in-ear headphones in a row, it is refreshing to review an over-ear headphones. Master & Dynamic Singapore distributor contacted me to pique my interest in reviewing the headphones. After looking through the catalog, I decided to ask to review the MW60, because based on my feedback from readers in the past, many seems to be keen in wireless portable audio.
Inspecting the headphone build, the MW60 is made from premium materials that rivals the B&O Beoplay H8. In fact, the MW60 is priced higher. The headband exterior and ear cup insets are wrapped with heavy grain premium cowhide, while the headband interior and ear pads are fitted with lambskin for comfort and breathability. Other parts, like the adjustable headband, ear cup frame, foldable hinges, are made of stainless steel for durability.
On the left ear, you have the on-off switch, 2 LED indicators, and 3.5mm audio jack. On the right ear, you have the volume buttons, play-pause-answer button and micro USB charging port. The volume buttons must be pressed slowly to get it to work. Pressing too fast will have no effect in volume controls. Press-and-hold the buttons to change tracks.
Some headphones are meant to be enjoyed in private. The MW60 is such headphones. Firstly, the sound leaks and will disturb people around you. The ear cups also cannot keep out ambient noises effectively. Secondly, the MW60 delivers so much audio details that you will miss them if you listen in noisy environment. The instrument separation is rather distinct which let me once again appreciate some of the reference tracks that I have listened over a hundred times, yet the sound stage is not exaggeratedly wide. The headphone tuning seems to work very well in allowing me to enjoy the musical detail: bass plays warmly like music to my ears instead of heavy booms and beats. Treble does not sound too bright, yet balanced with airiness from overtones.
Overall, the headphones might not deliver the powerful dynamics and energy that some listeners yearn. It doesn’t help when the maximum volume for the headphone is not very loud. For people who doesn’t like energetic tracks to sound excessively loud, the MW60 will play them bearably. Turn the volume lower to allow each instrument to have space to play to your ears.
If battery runs out after 16 hours of use, you can switch to wired listening. The audio quality sounds identical to the wireless connection, but wireless has slightly more spacious sound stage and slightly more airiness. The MW60 is one of the rare headphones that sounds almost identical in both modes.
The headband might be too small for big heads. Mine fits just nice after extending the headband to the max. The ear cups size are also just nice on me, but if your ears are huge, it might be uncomfortable and may deliver less optimal audio balance.
Conclusion
The MW60 exudes quality, inside out. Despite the somewhat dark tuning, I can pick up the instrumental layers that most inexpensive headphones fail to distinguish. This headphones would be perfect for critical listeners who prefer warmer sounds without compromising detail.
The MW60 retails for S$780 in Singapore, available at Lazada, Treoo and selected Apple reseller stores. Official Product Website: http://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw60-wireless-over-ear-headphones
Technical features
- 45mm Neodymium drivers
- 5 – 25,000 Hz
- 32 ohms
- Aluminum antenna, 4x industry average signal range
- Bluetooth 4.1 aptX
- Microphone for voice calls
- 16-hour rechargeable battery
- Passive audio with wired cable
- 345g
- Colour: MW60G1 Gunmetal Black, MW60S2 Silver Brown
