While basic earbuds will get the job done, many eventually choose to upgrade their audio with something that both looks and sounds better. If you happen to have an appreciation for precision-machining and fine material, the latest from Master & Dynamic may catch your fancy. The ME05 earphones feature 8-mm Neodymium drivers encased in a solid brass body with a hand-finished shine.
Given the vast majority of plastic-constructed headphones and earphones available, the ME05 stands out as strikingly unique. Not only does brass look better over time, but the dense metal imparts favorable acoustic properties. Combined with Master & Dynamic's custom tuned drivers, the ME05 is designed to deliver a rich sonic experience.
Weighing in at 23 g, almost twice as much as many plastic- or aluminum-constructed earphones, users will certainly feel some heft in the ME05. Master & Dynamic has taken this into consideration, machining the brass body with a form that is meant to balance and evenly distribute the weight. While the ME05 may feel substantial to hold in hands, users should reportedly find them fitting comfortably in ears without bearing down or falling out.
The Master & Dynamic ME05 earphones sport a flat, tangle-resistant cable that ends in a standard 3.5-mm plug. The 1.2-m (4-ft) cable also features an omni-directional microphone for voice communication and an in-line remote for track control, both of which are separated in order to keep noise at a minimum.
The ME05 earphones are available now for US$199. Each ME05 comes with four sizes of silicone ear tips, extra filters, a cable clip, polishing cloth, canvas case, and a leather storage box to keep everything safe and pristine.
Source: Master & Dynamic
[UPDATE – Feb. 2/16: Consumers who prefer the silver look can now opt for a palladium-plated brass version]