Product test
Teufel Airy TWS Pro tested: Powerful bass, solid technology, but not without compromises
by Florian Bodoky
MW07: High-quality true wireless earphones with minor flaws
6.12.2018
Translation: machine translated
True wireless earphones are becoming increasingly popular. Master & Dynamic is now also getting in on the act. With the MW07, the manufacturer from New York delivers solid design earphones, but they do have a few weaknesses.
Wow, they're so comfortable, I think as I twist the MW07s into my ears for the first time. They feel really cosy. I wonder what the sound quality is like? I listen to "Stepping Stone" by Eminem. Earphones usually have a tendency to focus on the bass to cover up weaknesses in the mids. And "Stepping Stone" is very bass-heavy.
The listeners really do deliver a powerful punch. I find the sound a bit muffled from the factory. I have to use my equaliser app to take out the bass a little. I quite like the sound this way. I can now hear Eminem's melody and voice better.
New York headphone manufacturer
Master & Dynamic doesn't mean anything to you? Neither did I - until I held the MW07 in my hands. But now the New Yorkers are definitely on my radar. Jonathan Levine founded the company in 2014. He was inspired by his sons' audio equipment and wanted to develop a product that was iconic, durable and timeless. The various earphones from Master & Dynamic are a mix of retro and contemporary design. Just like the MW07.
What's there for the money?
Master & Dynamic relies on Bluetooth 4.2 and aptX for connectivity. Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) is used between the earphones. This transmission technology consumes little power and does not interfere with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Of course, a microphone is also included for communication.
The IPX4-certified - i.e. splash-proof - MW07s are available from digitec in three different colours. In addition to my test earphones in Steel Blue, they are also available in Grey Terrazzo and Tortoiseshell.
Continue with some music
Now that I know that I need an equaliser for my taste, I listen to some more music. Since I noticed the bass was a bit negative right at the beginning, I choose a song that thrives on low frequencies. "Paper Trails" by Darkside puts a lot of strain on the drivers in the low frequencies, while they also have a lot to do in the mids.
With factory settings, the drivers overload and cannot produce a clear sound image. The bass is not nuanced enough for me and the mids don't really come into their own. That's why I try the equaliser. If I reduce the bass a little, the picture suddenly changes. The subtle differences in the bass are now audible and the mids also come into their own.
Efficient buttons
You control the MW07 using buttons on the top of the housing. The left earbud has two buttons for adjusting the volume and the right earbud has a button for play/pause and skip forward/backward.
The operation works very well. I can usually find the buttons straight away and they respond reliably.
Wobbly connection
In contrast to the buttons, the connection did not work properly. Of course, I also tested the earphones during sports. During street workouts, I always leave my smartphone in my sports bag on the edge of the equipment. I never move more than five metres away. However, I already have interruptions in the connection from three metres away. At least the earbuds are bombproof - even when you're sweating.
I also have - albeit few - interruptions in the connection between the left and right earpiece. It only happened about ten times in the two weeks I tested the earbuds, but it was still annoying.
In contrast to the connection, the fit of the earphones is anything but wobbly. Even when running or exercising upside down, the MW07s sit bombproof.
Some Netflix and audiobooks for in between
When watching Netflix, the audio signal is played back with a very short delay. I have to concentrate hard to notice it. But it's not noticeable when watching normally. If you watch synchronised versions, you will notice the delay even less.
Music for the third
The highs are also harmonious. With bad headphones, Radiohead's "The National Anthem" makes my ears hurt. That's not the case at all with the MW07. I can listen to the song without any problems.
Expensive, but good
Hardware components are of high quality. However, Master & Dynamic saves a little on the functions. ACN and a smartphone app are missing. AptX is sufficient as a transmission standard, but I would have preferred aptX HD for the price. The standard would also do more justice to the built-in hardware.
You have to make allowances for the battery life. Only 2.5 hours instead of the promised 3.5 hours is simply not enough. Sure, you rarely wear in-ears for more than two hours at a time and then you can put them in the box to charge. But the difference in reality and on paper is simply too high at just under 30 per cent less.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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