Master & Dynamic MW08 Review – Gleam

Comparisons –

1More ANC TWS ($179): 1More’s ANC model represents terrific value for money, delivering a feature-rich package at almost half the cost of M&D’s offering. By comparison, it is much larger and the build quality is not nearly as premium. Battery life is only rated at 5hrs with ANC on. However, its ANC performance is almost as good, there’s a more prominent hiss with it turned on and it doesn’t cover as wide a frequency range, but low-frequency cancellation is equally potent. The 1More also has stabiliser rings that make it more stable for workouts. Sonically, do note that ANC changes the 1More’s sound markedly.

Comparing both with ANC activated, the MW08 has a deeper sub-bass extension and more controlled bass with greater definition. It has slightly more mid-bass with stronger punch and slam. The MW08 has a clearer and more natural midrange with a bit more body where the 1More sounds just as clear but a bit more diminished due to its brighter treble and more recessed lower-mids. The MW08 has a smoother treble and a cleaner background, while the 1More is slightly more energetic and detailed in the foreground. The MW08 has a wider and more organised soundstage.

M&D MW07 Plus ($249): The MW07 Plus has a less premium build and feels generally less refined than its younger sibling. However, it retains very strong 10hr battery life, the same IP rating and has a more stable fit with its silicone fins. It is larger and sits further out from the ear. Neither the ANC nor transparency modes are nearly as effective though do help to some degree. The MW07 is not supported by the M&D connect app either so these features are not adjustable.

The sound is more balanced on the MW07 Plus with a slight bright tilt. Its bass is cleaner with a bit more sub-bass focus, the MW08 is richer with more warmth and body. The MW08 extends deeper and has a lot more power at the cost of separation though both are equally well textured. The MW08 has a richer, warmer and more laidback midrange. Both are open and naturally voiced, the MW07 Plus has more neutral body and tone but is also raspy at times. The MW07 Plus has a much brighter treble with a bit more air. However, it is also more brittle and detail retrieval and timbre are both improved on the MW08. The MW08 also a much cleaner background and similarly strong extension. It has a slightly wider soundstage and better layering but less separation due to its fuller voicing.

Grado GT220 ($259): The GT220 provides a no-frills audio-focused experience. By comparison, it has much higher max volume but also only 6hrs of battery life. The GT220 is slightly more balanced overall with a bit more midrange and treble while the MW08 is warmer and more L-shaped. The GT220 also has a big bass, but is more sub-bass focused. It has a cleaner tone and a bit more separation here, the MW08 is noticeably faster and more controlled but also warmer with more mid-bass.

Both have similar separation, the MW08 has greater punch and fullness, the GT220 is more dynamic and textured. The MW08 has a slightly richer midrange, the GT220 has a slightly more open and balanced presentation.  The Grado is cleaner, the MW08 is more coherent. The Grado has a brighter treble but similar detail retrieval overall. The MW08 has better extension and a cleaner background. Its soundstage is wider though the Grado has better separation and similarly sharp imaging.

Sennheiser Momentum TW2 ($299): A direct competitor in price and feature set, the MTW2 is a large upgrade over the original. Its app is more functional with sound profiles and updates have greatly improved the performance of both its sound and ANC. While the ANC is still not as potent as the MW08, it has a more stable fit and better passive isolation, so voices are better attenuated on the Senn while low-frequencies are less apparent on the MW08. In addition, the MTW2 has a clearer transparency mode though also is more prone to artefacts. The MTW2 only has 7hrs of battery life with ANC on.

Sonically, the MTW2 is more balanced with less bass emphasis. It doesn’t extend as deep, providing a warmer, mid-bass tilt. The MW08 is a more agile and tactile performer with greater bass emphasis and a keener note delivery, the MTW2 being smoother in its texture but also a bit cleaner and more natural. The MTW2 is also laid-back through the midrange with a reduced upper-mid that instigates a smooth, dense voicing though it is also more articulate. The MW08 has a warmer, richer midrange presentation counterbalanced by a more open upper-midrange. The lower-treble is slightly brighter on the MTW2 but also a touch more detailed. However, the MW08 does have markedly better extension and a wider, more layered soundstage.

Verdict –

The difficult in fairly evaluating TWS products comes not in their relative performance to wired competitors but simply the rate of progress we’re seeing in this sector. The MW08 once again represents a generational leap over the MW07 Plus, especially so when it comes to build quality, ANC performance and connectivity. The noise cancellation is hugely improved and performs just below class-leaders, the app integration introduces a vector for ongoing support and the revised design is more premium and comfortable than ever. It’s also a miracle the company has further improved battery life; 12 hrs of runtime in such a compact and feature-rich chassis is no small feat. However, with the name change comes a new direction for M&D’s high-end TWS earphones. The sound signature is completely overhauled and in optimising daily convenience, some versatility has been lost. Chiefly, fit stability for workouts is worse than the MW07 and the lusher, smoother sound does sacrifice some balance and separation if retaining similar detail retrieval overall. However, for daily use and listener’s with a preference for a rich, organic sound, the MW08 performs with the best. The technical performance of its sound and the refinement of its all around feature set feel akin to industry leaders from Apple and Sennheiser while its luxury elevates the package intro truly prestigious territory.

The MW08 is available from Master & Dynamic (International) for $299 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Master & Dynamic and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

Archive – Controlling Crows (Parts I – III)

AKMU – SAILING

Bob Segar – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How Your Really Feel

Eric Clapton – Unplugged

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Fleetwood Mac – Greatest Hits

John Legend – Once Again

MAMAMOO – reality in BLACK

MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

Modest House – Good News For People Who Love Bad News

NIKI – lowkey

Nirvana – Nervermind

Radiohead – OK Computer

Social House – Haunt You

suggi – cheer up!

TOTO – Toto IV

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride

Vaundy – strobo