The Master & Dynamic original MW07 is quite a unique true wireless earbuds, but with the fast-paced evolution of TWS, the features of the MW07 are no longer competitive. There is also an increased interest in active noise cancelling technology as Apple announced the AirPods Pro with ANC, so the launch of the new MW07 PLUS couldn’t have been more timely.
The MW07 PLUS is basically a “Mark-2” of the MW07 at a retail price of S$469, at S$10 higher than the original MW07 but with much more features. It retains the flashy reflective, albeit scratch-prone, casing, and the acetate shell in marble pattern. The accessories includes the thick fabric storage bag and more sizes for the ear tips and Fit Wings.
Like the original MW07 and MW07 GO, the right earbuds has a single button to control playback and track changes, while the left earbud controls volume. The buttons are easy to operate compared to the other earbuds where user has to press into the ears. The unique Fit Wings provide excellent support to keep the earbuds secure in your ears. There are 3 sizes for you to choose from. Similarly, there are 5 ear tip sizes to cater to various ear shapes. The charging cable has USB-C on both ends, with a separate USB-A adapter provided.
Often for new earbuds, they are ready to be paired when removed from the case. To re-pair to another device, press and hold the multi-function button on the right earbud until you see the LED blink slowly.
While the MW07 PLUS appears identical to MW07, there are some differences. While the MW07 uses Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) to transmit audio data, the MW07 PLUS uses the conventional Bluetooth 5.0 technology to communicate between the earbuds. To achieve auto-pause feature, the MW07 PLUS uses proximity sensor to detect the removal of earbud from the ear and then triggers the auto-pause. This implementation results in somewhat erratic behaviour, as during the removal of the earbud, there is a tendency for the fingers to get close to the sensor, resulting in playback resumption. This auto-pause feature, sadly, cannot be disabled.
Second, the charging case is slightly heavier, because it now has enough battery to power the earbuds up to 40 hours playtime, up from 16! Even the individual earbuds have improved battery life exponentially, from 3.5 hours to 10 hours!
On the audio quality, the MW07 PLUS delivers the most transparent treble among the MW07 series. The bass response also gives the impression of a slightly wider sound stage, albeit insignificant. The MW07 PLUS easily gives an impression of a much clearer audio expression. If you are looking for details, the MW07 PLUS has them. But personally, I prefer the MW07 GO audio balance, with a little more mid-treble aggression, but for sure the MW07 PLUS sounds clearer. Compared to the WF1000XM3 and AirPods Pro, the MW07 PLUS sounds a little colder, brighter, less midrange bloom.
As for noise cancelling, the MW07 PLUS is not as effective as Sony WF-1000XM3 nor Apple AirPods Pro. At best, it feels like wearing an improved passive-isolating ear tips. Without ANC, soft music is drowned by ambience. ANC reduces the low frequency murmurs but the higher pitch sounds and nearby conversations become more prominent. On a positive side, the MW07 PLUS did not give the uncomfortable sound pressure feel. To enable ANC, press and hold the volume down button.
Turning on the Ambient Listening mode, I get a naturally open sound, but not as open as AirPod Pro. Again, it still feels I am wearing an open-back headphones, where I can still hear things around me but a little muffled. Comparatively, the AirPods Pro Transparency Mode gets the right level of clarity. Nevertheless, having this mode is liberating as I could wear the earbuds all the time and switch to whichever mode depending on situation. When shopping with my family, I turn on Ambient Listening so I can hear them. When I am alone, I activate ANC.
To enable Ambient Listening Mode, press and hold the volume up button.
Verdict
With the MW07 PLUS, there is no reason to get the MW07. Even the MW07 GO offers better overall value. The MW07 PLUS offers impressive audio clarity, while the ANC and Ambient Listening mode provides adequate secondary functionality that adds value to the package, but not something to boast of.
In perspective, the Master & Dynamic MW07 PLUS is without a doubt the most premium-styled true-wireless earbuds in the market, with all the right ticks in design, features, and quality. Pamper yourself this season at S$469 from TANGS, Takashimaya, Robinsons, Analogue+, Challenger, COURTS, Musica Boutique by Challenger, Sprint-cass Stores at Changi Airport, T K Foto, Zeppelin & Co., and online stores such as Lazada, Headphones.sg, Hachi.tech, TREOO.com and Shopee.sg.
Visit the Master & Dynamic official MW07 PLUS page here.
