I’ve wondered about that, too, it almost seems like the M50+ would completely cannibalize sales of the M60 as it’s not clear to me now the M60 could be better.
Master & Dynamic MW50+ Convertable On & Over Ear Wireless w/ Beryllium
- Thread starter AlwaysForward
- Start date
AlwaysForward
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2017
- Posts
- 1,549
- Likes
- 1,205
Self disruption is a wonderful business strategy these days. If you don’t do it to yourself, the competition will.
cawthornegd
New Head-Fier
I own these if anyone wants to ask question/PM me.
First off the magnetism of the on hear cups is about half the strength. Not because of the heaviness of the cups the magnets are legit weaker. But more awkward putting the over ear cups on because of it, but once they're on they are on. I wouldn't worry about that.
On ear sound quality is are simply amazing.
Switching to over ear gives a noticeable difference. It's a lot quieter. I have to add about 10-15% on the volume to get a similar feel. Having said that once you get volume right you can get used to the difference over an hour or two.
My novice take is that with the over ear the bass does sound worse. The bass is just lacking a bit of bite, but it is still there with the over ears. The on ears definitely sound warmer. I'm not sure if this is because of the magnetism or what. What I can say is that you ears are actually closer to the speakers with the on ear. Also with the on ears there is some nice foam in the way of the speaker while with the over ear its just a thin peace of fabric in the way. The high and mids sound the same to me across both cup types though. I feel there is a larger sound stage with the over ear ones, I guess that's from the way they cocoon the noise in. Ultimately I think will be listening to use these in over ear mode mainly. The difference is something you could get used to if you had a reason to occasionally use them in over ear mode, but you don't want to have to compromise on a daily basis.
I got these for £250 off ebay, so the over ears are just a nice bonus in case I want a different experience/would be slightly harder to nick off my head in over ear mode.
Ultimately buy these as on ear headphones only/get the mw50s unless you can get a steal, or the option really means a lot to you for a personal reason, or you aren't that anal about having top notch audio all the time.
First off the magnetism of the on hear cups is about half the strength. Not because of the heaviness of the cups the magnets are legit weaker. But more awkward putting the over ear cups on because of it, but once they're on they are on. I wouldn't worry about that.
On ear sound quality is are simply amazing.
Switching to over ear gives a noticeable difference. It's a lot quieter. I have to add about 10-15% on the volume to get a similar feel. Having said that once you get volume right you can get used to the difference over an hour or two.
My novice take is that with the over ear the bass does sound worse. The bass is just lacking a bit of bite, but it is still there with the over ears. The on ears definitely sound warmer. I'm not sure if this is because of the magnetism or what. What I can say is that you ears are actually closer to the speakers with the on ear. Also with the on ears there is some nice foam in the way of the speaker while with the over ear its just a thin peace of fabric in the way. The high and mids sound the same to me across both cup types though. I feel there is a larger sound stage with the over ear ones, I guess that's from the way they cocoon the noise in. Ultimately I think will be listening to use these in over ear mode mainly. The difference is something you could get used to if you had a reason to occasionally use them in over ear mode, but you don't want to have to compromise on a daily basis.
I got these for £250 off ebay, so the over ears are just a nice bonus in case I want a different experience/would be slightly harder to nick off my head in over ear mode.
Ultimately buy these as on ear headphones only/get the mw50s unless you can get a steal, or the option really means a lot to you for a personal reason, or you aren't that anal about having top notch audio all the time.
Last edited:
digitalallstar
New Head-Fier
I just had these delivered today. I was wondering if you're experiencing the same thing I am. When using them wirelessly, do you hear a low hiss when something is playing? When you pause the music and wait about 3 seconds the hiss disappears?
hifi80sman
Headphoneus Supremus
I just picked these up yesterday at Best Buy because I was always curious and they were on sale for $319. I don't agree with The Verge review. As mentioned earlier, it was another reviewer, who I think was around 21 at the time of their review.
On-Ear:
Punchy, club-like sound. Kind of a more refined version of the Bose Soundlink On-Ear, with better extension and detail retrieval. Sounds quite good and the ear pads are comfortable. I'm not an on-ear guy, but I can actually wear these longer than the Bose or Beats Solo3 (I no longer have those, but I was never able to wear for very long). Ear pads attach well.
Over-Ear:
First, let me address the ear pad issue as noted on The Verge. When I first put them on, they did not attach well due to the cut out being a little snug, so the magnet didn't pull the pad all the way to the base. Once you attach & detach the ear pads a few times, it's perfectly fine and holds well. I can easily hold the headphones up by just holding the ear pad. I have to imagine the ear pads were not sufficiently attached, which would obviously affect the attachment itself and, of course, the sound.
Once the ear pads are attached sufficiently, the sound is different, but it's a good kind of different. It's less in-your-face and the soundstage improves. The bass becomes less punchy and is a textured low-bass with subtle sub-bass extension. It's not a huge bass, it's a more detailed bass that is slightly north of neutral. As someone who enjoys bass, I do not find it lacking at all, in fact, it's one of the better bass expressions I've head in a wireless headphone (most others seem to have a monotone bass). Vocals cut thru the mix nicely and highs are detailed with a slight roll off that prevents fatigue (I am treble sensitive). The beryllium drivers provide a very clean, clear sound.
Sound overall is very good, but it doesn't sound as good as the PX, meaning, for what you get, it's a little pricey.
Mic:
The MIC is OK and is not as good as advertised, there is a bit of the "water/garble" effect, but it still works good enough for calls. Conversely, the PX for phone calls is excellent.
Sound Leakage:
Pretty bad. At moderate volume (40%), the over-ear pads leak like crazy. The on-ears do as well, but to a lesser degree, although still more than they should for this price range. Meaningful noise isolation is not realistic with either configuration.
Overall:
Built well with nice materials. Borderline if I'm going to keep or return. I can only realistically use them in a quiet environment with nobody nearby. Due to the sound leakage, they would not be suitable for the library, etc. A little pricey for what they deliver.
On-Ear:
Punchy, club-like sound. Kind of a more refined version of the Bose Soundlink On-Ear, with better extension and detail retrieval. Sounds quite good and the ear pads are comfortable. I'm not an on-ear guy, but I can actually wear these longer than the Bose or Beats Solo3 (I no longer have those, but I was never able to wear for very long). Ear pads attach well.
Over-Ear:
First, let me address the ear pad issue as noted on The Verge. When I first put them on, they did not attach well due to the cut out being a little snug, so the magnet didn't pull the pad all the way to the base. Once you attach & detach the ear pads a few times, it's perfectly fine and holds well. I can easily hold the headphones up by just holding the ear pad. I have to imagine the ear pads were not sufficiently attached, which would obviously affect the attachment itself and, of course, the sound.
Once the ear pads are attached sufficiently, the sound is different, but it's a good kind of different. It's less in-your-face and the soundstage improves. The bass becomes less punchy and is a textured low-bass with subtle sub-bass extension. It's not a huge bass, it's a more detailed bass that is slightly north of neutral. As someone who enjoys bass, I do not find it lacking at all, in fact, it's one of the better bass expressions I've head in a wireless headphone (most others seem to have a monotone bass). Vocals cut thru the mix nicely and highs are detailed with a slight roll off that prevents fatigue (I am treble sensitive). The beryllium drivers provide a very clean, clear sound.
Sound overall is very good, but it doesn't sound as good as the PX, meaning, for what you get, it's a little pricey.
Mic:
The MIC is OK and is not as good as advertised, there is a bit of the "water/garble" effect, but it still works good enough for calls. Conversely, the PX for phone calls is excellent.
Sound Leakage:
Pretty bad. At moderate volume (40%), the over-ear pads leak like crazy. The on-ears do as well, but to a lesser degree, although still more than they should for this price range. Meaningful noise isolation is not realistic with either configuration.
Overall:
Built well with nice materials. Borderline if I'm going to keep or return. I can only realistically use them in a quiet environment with nobody nearby. Due to the sound leakage, they would not be suitable for the library, etc. A little pricey for what they deliver.
Thanks for the impressions, @hifi80sman , I noticed they were on sale but had just purchased the B&O Beoplay H8i so I was kind of tapped out. 
I was also curious about these, so your impressions are very helpful! I have the MH40, which except for lacking wireless, I think given your impressions I like better than I would the MW50+ ....
I was also curious about these, so your impressions are very helpful! I have the MH40, which except for lacking wireless, I think given your impressions I like better than I would the MW50+ ....
hifi80sman
Headphoneus Supremus
Yeah, you're better off with the H8i for around the the same price. I think the H8i sounds marginally better and has ANC to boot. The only issue I had with the H8i, was the inconsistent QC (had some bubbling on the exterior, one ear pad was loose, mushy buttons). I wish they would have kept the touch controls on the H8i. If you got a nice H8i with no build issues, it's a great headphone, better than the H9i IMO.Thanks for the impressions, @hifi80sman , I noticed they were on sale but had just purchased the B&O Beoplay H8i so I was kind of tapped out.
Last edited:
I just got off of a 1 hr 20 minute work call on the H8i, and my ears had been crushed into submission -- so unfortunately, my problem with the H8i seems to be my non-conformist ears can't stand them, which is about par for the course for nearly every on-ear I've used, sadly.
hifi80sman
Headphoneus Supremus
Are you planing on returning? If so, what are you looking at? I've tested the XM3s out over the course of a few days, but that was a while ago, so was pondering going in that direction. My impressions were good, but I wasn't blown away. Other than that, I may just have to pull the trigger again and return if it's not a significant upgrade over my XM2s.I just got off of a 1 hr 20 minute work call on the H8i, and my ears had been crushed into submission -- so unfortunately, my problem with the H8i seems to be my non-conformist ears can't stand them, which is about par for the course for nearly every on-ear I've used, sadly.
I did end up returning them, reluctantly, though I actually did put them up for sale here for a great price but got no replies. I try to keep my returns to a minimum except for reasons of defect, although I admit this is the second pair I've returned in the last 3 years due to serious comfort issues -- and the other pair were an on-ear, too. I should learn my lesson, lol.
I have the first edition MDR-1000X, which are definitely more comfortable than the on-ear H8i, but the H8i have a far better microphone, which is important to me as I need them for calls as well as to enjoy music. I ended up traveling this morning with the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, for that reason -- comfort is oodles better than H8i, about the same as the MDR-1000X, slightly better in fact, and sound is better than the 1000X, and the microphone is definitely better than the 1000X. ANC was better on the H8i and the 1000X than the Backbeat Pro 2, but... just couldn't take the H8i's lack of comfort, sadly.
Hi guys,
Newby here but very interested in buying either the MW60 or MW50+, because they are both offer over-ear options. Up until a few months ago, the choice was very easy, if you wanted wireless and over-ear, it was the MW60. But since the MW50+ is here, I'm struggling with the choice.
I've read on their site that they have different drivers. Is the difference between them big/important?
MW60: 45mm Neodymium
MW50+: 40mm Beryllium Diaphragm
The MW60 is now more than 2,5 years old and I'm wondering if they're gonna come out with a successor, but on the other hand, isn't the MW50+ their successor, since it does the same (+ on-ear) and has usb-c.
Newby here but very interested in buying either the MW60 or MW50+, because they are both offer over-ear options. Up until a few months ago, the choice was very easy, if you wanted wireless and over-ear, it was the MW60. But since the MW50+ is here, I'm struggling with the choice.
I've read on their site that they have different drivers. Is the difference between them big/important?
MW60: 45mm Neodymium
MW50+: 40mm Beryllium Diaphragm
The MW60 is now more than 2,5 years old and I'm wondering if they're gonna come out with a successor, but on the other hand, isn't the MW50+ their successor, since it does the same (+ on-ear) and has usb-c.
hifi80sman
Headphoneus Supremus
The MW50+ sound good (see my above impressions), but they have really bad sound leak. If that's not an issue for you, then I'd recommend if price is not an issue for you. The selling point is the interchangeable ear pads and the materials. I still think they are over-priced for what they are, but if you are into high-end aesthetic, there aren't many other options.
The MW60 sound better and have a better build quality. Even thought the materials are nice on the MW50+, the fabrication is not quite to the level of the MW60.
I've read the whole thread, your posts have been very helpful, thanks.
The sound leakage isn't a big deal for me since I'll be using these at home for 95% of the time. Doing video editing, watching movies, youtube and listening to music.
The aesthetics are also what I like both about them, though I like the looks of the MW50+ a bit more: wider headband at the top and the MH40-like mesh on the sides. But if the MW60 sound better and are built better, than I considering those more.
It's really tricky, since both have pros and cons.
The MW50+ are €399 and the MW60 are €499. I think it a lot of money for headphones, but if I'm already willing to spend €499, I'll add another €100 if they are worth it. ^^
EDIT:
Thinking about what you said about the sound and build quality, I think Master & Dynamic might agree too, because they are still selling them while the MW50+ is here.
The sound leakage isn't a big deal for me since I'll be using these at home for 95% of the time. Doing video editing, watching movies, youtube and listening to music.
The aesthetics are also what I like both about them, though I like the looks of the MW50+ a bit more: wider headband at the top and the MH40-like mesh on the sides. But if the MW60 sound better and are built better, than I considering those more.
It's really tricky, since both have pros and cons.
The MW50+ are €399 and the MW60 are €499. I think it a lot of money for headphones, but if I'm already willing to spend €499, I'll add another €100 if they are worth it. ^^
EDIT:
Thinking about what you said about the sound and build quality, I think Master & Dynamic might agree too, because they are still selling them while the MW50+ is here.
Last edited:
hifi80sman
Headphoneus Supremus
TRUE! Once you get into a certain range, happiness without compromise is the name of the game. The MW60 are at the top of the range and to me, they have a richer, fuller sound. The MW50+ with the over-ear pads I'd say are cleaner & clearer, but it's more on the "lean" side compared to the MW60.
clerkpalmer
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2015
- Posts
- 5,122
- Likes
- 4,205
Bumping this thread. I just grabbed a set of these for an unbelievable price of $100 USD new in box (long story). For those who have these, how do you like the sound. I've been using mobius lately. Any comparisons recognizing different tech etc? I have MW07 for my gym use and I am addicted to the sq and sound profile. Thanks.
Users who are viewing this thread
