Master & Dynamic’s MW75 headphones pay homage to Leica’s Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 lens in a luxurious way. They don’t cost $20,000 like the lens but have a hefty price tag of $950 for the Leica edition. They are competing with high-end headphones like the AirPods Max. And then, what do the MW75 headphones bring to the table and are they worth the price?
Design and Build Quality
The MW75 headphones come in two versions: the Leica edition and the standard. Internally the same, the Leica version has some unique design features, such as tempered glass on the earcups. This glass looks sleek, but it’s also a fingerprint magnet, fortunately, Master & Dynamic includes a microfiber cloth to keep them clean.
The Leica edition also swaps the M&D logo out for a ‘0.95’ emblem and adds red accents to the earcup’s drivers. These are the only aesthetic touches, as the two versions also have the same lambskin leather headband and earcups, featuring incredibly soft memory foam for maximum comfort. The MW75 headphones feel balanced at 340 grams.
The headband is well padded, and the clamping force is very light at 0.7 pounds. This gives you a comfortable fit for most, but the headphones wobble with movement, which isn’t ideal for active use.
Comfort and Fit
The lux materials on the MW75 may not fit everyone. While the earcups are fairly small, they may be a problem if you have bigger ears. If your ears don’t fit perfectly inside the cups, you won’t always be able to get a good seal and (as a result) poor sound quality and discomfort. In addition, the light clamping force of these makes them less secure for activities such as jogging.
Portability
The Leica-branded, hard shell fabric case with the MW75 is great for organization and protection. There’s space inside for an audio cable, charging cable, and various connectors. But the case itself is, alas, quite bulky, clogging up much of the space in your backpack if that’s something you need.
Battery Life and Charging
I tested for 27 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on and music playing at 70% volume over the AAC codec. I got another six hours of playtime for a quick 15 minute charge.
A standout feature is that you can use the headphones in passive mode with analog cables even when the battery is dead.
Either you can connect the headphones via USB-C to use the internal DAC for 24-bit high-res audio.
Connectivity and Codecs
The MW75 uses Bluetooth 5.1 and has a stable wireless connection up to 100 feet. Popular codecs like AAC, SBC, and aptX are supported, but disappointingly, it doesn’t support LDAC, which will be a disappointment for audiophiles looking for the highest quality wireless sound.
Controls and Usability
The headphones feature physical controls made of anodized aluminum, which feel sturdy and responsive. These allow you to control volume, play/pause music, and manage ANC modes. However, there’s no option to skip tracks, which is a minor inconvenience.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes
The MW75 is a good performer when it comes to noise cancellation, but they don’t match the best performers, like Bose and Sony. The ANC was able to cut ambient noise by about 15 dB, which is good, but not revolutionary.
The downside is that ANC enables a persistent background hiss.
It’s not uncommon in noise-canceling headphones, but it’s more noticeable with the MW75.
The transparency mode works well in “awareness” and “voice” options.
It’s a practical feature for those of us who often switch between immersive listening and interacting with people, because it lets you hear conversations without having to take off the headphones or raise your voice.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s talk about what really matters: sound quality. The MW75 delivers a well balanced sound signature, with warm bass and clear treble. Genres such as rock and hip hop sound immersive with the bass being rich and enveloping. Vocals never drown out the bass and instruments are well defined, especially in the mids.
The sound is excellent, although the treble can occasionally be a bit sharp, especially with cymbals. The MW75 is a better instrument separation and clarity performer than other premium headphones like Sony’s XM5, especially in bass heavy genres.
I highly recommend the USB-C connection for lossless 24bit/96kHz audio for the best listening experience. When powered on, the headphones sound great over analog connection, but only when powered on, as the internal DAC and amp are bypassed.
Call Quality
In noisy environments, the microphone on the MW75 does a good job of cancelling out background noise when you’re on a call. But in extremely noisy conditions there are occasional voice drop offs. Call quality is excellent in more typical environments like an office or café, with clear audio on both ends.
Conclusion
In the key areas of sound quality, ANC and call performance, the Master & Dynamic MW75 headphones deliver. But for some, fit and comfort may be an issue, particularly for those with larger ears or who want a tight fit for active use. The Leica edition at $950 is a luxury purchase, but the build quality and sound are top tier, but you get some tradeoffs in terms of portability and ANC performance.
Pros:
- Rich, balanced sound with excellent bass
- Luxurious design and materials
- Long battery life with quick charging
- USB-C connection for high-res audio
- Good call quality in noisy environments
Cons:
- Loose fit may not suit all users
- Small earcups could affect comfort
- Bulky carrying case
- Noticeable background hiss with ANC
Overall, if sound quality and premium design are your top priorities, the MW75 is a solid choice, though some may find the fit and price point challenging.
