If you are looking for the cream of wireless earbuds then the best bets are Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2, Master & Dynamic MW08 and Technics EAH-AZ80. You can’t go wrong with either of these, but the PI7 S2 and EAH-AZ80 inch just a bit ahead of the ones by Master & Dynamic.
That however could change with the newly launched Master & Dynamic MW08 wireless earbuds. Just like every other brand’s earbuds, these have incremental upgrades that make them better than their predecessor. They’ve got better overall design, comfort, audio quality and ANC to lure audiophiles who are on the lookout for that ultimate package.
Designer: Master & Dynamic
The New York-based luxury audio brand released the MW08 series in 2021 and this new launch was imminent. The new ones have the design DNA of the predecessor but with a more ergonomic shape and reduced weight. This should make them a great fit for a wider range of ears. The acoustic enclosure has been upgraded and the 11mm beryllium drivers promise the “most expansive sound profile ever” for that sublime audio signature offered by the brand.
Talking of the ANC, the TWS earbuds get updated microphones and sensors aided by the noise-canceling algorithm to block out unwanted ambient noises. The call quality also gets a bump up with the AI-powered high-definition speech software for natural-sounding voice. Multipoint connectivity brings seamless connection to two devices simultaneously which has now become a standard with flagship options. The accompanying app fin tunes things to adjust the equalization levels, ANC settings and the transparency mode to hear important things while listening to music.
The buds come with a choice of foam and silicone eartips which should work for every type of audio lover. Battery life of 12 hours with ANC turned on and 16 hours with it turned off is impressive. Top that off with 32 hours of backup in the charging case and this will be a major selling point for these premium earbuds. The design is also something you‘ll absolutely love or hate. The use of anodized aluminum shells covered in sapphire glass gives off that peculiar industrial look but in a very refined form.
Master & Dynamic MW09 ANC True Wireless earbuds can be preordered from November 14, 2023 in very attractive options – black with black aluminum case, white and silver with silver aluminum case, gold with gold aluminum case, green with Kevlar case, blue with Kevlar case, and gunmetal with Kevlar case. The price tag of $349 matches the industry heavyweights and is head-on in competition with the acclaimed options I mentioned at the start of this piece.
