If there’s one thing Master & Dynamic has always been mindful of, it’s intently listening to their customer’s complaints and promptly releasing upgraded versions of their products, often incorporating their demands. They followed this same approach with their MW07 Plus that superseded the MW07. If there’s anything the latter lacked, it was a long-lasting battery life and a fine Bluetooth range. MW07 Plus not only resolved both issues but added quite a few new features to make sure your $299 doesn’t go to waste.
But aren’t they super clunky?
No, they’re not. You may compare them to AirPods Pro’s polarizing design and hesitate to go for these chunky blocks of marble. But here’s the thing: these ear buds are suffused with such striking aesthetics that their heft takes a back seat. Handcrafted with an acetate finish, the MW07 Plus comes in six stunning styles. Each one gives off a vibe so chic, it’ll leave you with choice paralysis. At least that’s what I experienced when I was torn between their Jade Green and White Marble.
Another fear closely associated with this build is the level of comfort they offer. M&D is exceptionally generous when it comes to providing additional accessories with their product. The MW07 Plus comes with a wide array of five ear tip sizes and three fit-wings. With such an extensive range of sizes, you’re bound to find the perfect fit. I have remarkably small ears and in-ear earbuds have never worked for me; they’d always be popping out and forcing them in meant inflicting unnecessary pain on my ear canal. M&D’s fit-wings not only ensured a great grip but kept pain and irritation at bay too.
How come they don’t come with a companion app?
They don’t need to, that’s how. Unlike most other earphones these days, the MW07 Plus doesn’t come with audio presets giving its user EQ preferences. However, once you experience its incomparable audio quality, it becomes pretty clear that you don’t need them. Hosting 10mm Beryllium drivers, these ANC earphones offer a neutral profile. This default profile suits every frequency and is as well-rounded as it can get and makes no compromises in clarity.
The volume control button that lives on top of the left earbud allows ambient sound and ANC to be turned on and off too. Ear buds can only do so much to enhance noise cancellation. Over-ear headphones obviously provide the best passive sound isolation. But, to my surprise, these all-in-one earphones outdid themselves in this regard as well. Low-frequency thunder was tremendously toned down, while high-frequency rumble was almost non-existent. A side effect that good ANC often brings with itself is slight distortion, but MW07 Plus steered clear of that as well.
It doesn’t provide wireless charging. Isn’t that inconvenient?
Yes and no. Most other earphones have now introduced wireless charging and it would’ve been great if that was the case here. However, with a battery life as strong and long-lasting as that of the MW07 Plus, there is barely any need to complain. With a standalone playtime of around 10 hours, and the option to get three additional charges out of the case, you get enough juice for 40 uninterrupted hours with ANC on.
It really does not get better than this; or maybe it does, because the case supplies you with five additional hours in just 15 minutes of charge and a fully charged unit in 40 minutes only. M&D really won the battery game with this version. The three LED lights on the charging case are indicators of the amount of charge the earbuds and case hold. It’s been days since I’ve been using these earphones for all my calls and nonstop music and I haven’t seen the battery lights turn red yet.
Does it support AAC Bluetooth?
The earphones use Bluetooth 5.0 and do not support AAC, which results in Apple users finding their devices defaulted to SBC. They really should have. This is that one thing I cannot justify. While we’re on things we wish MW07 Plus had, its inability to connect to more than one device at a time bears mentioning. It may not affect everyone the same but if you plan to use them with a device other than your phone, it’ll get frustrating switching and pairing every single time.
The price is pretty steep. Are they worth it?
They are definitely worth it. The MW07 Plus is priced like a luxury item for a reason. Across the board, they provide the premium quality and elite sound that a $299 device should provide. With solid audio, a remarkable battery life and a classy look, the MW07 Plus is certainly a one-time investment that will go a long way. The only flaws I could find were insignificant when compared to what is on offer here. Plus, considering M&D’s customer service history, it’s highly likely both of these shortcomings will be fixed in their next version. It would not be an exaggeration to say that MW07 Plus might just be the ANC earphones of the moment.
Is it Hardcore?
Without a doubt.
Phenomenal audio, breath-taking aesthetics and a battery life better than most of its competitors. What more can you possibly ask for?
