Master & Dynamic has built a reputation for crafting gorgeous, premium audio products that blend audiophile-grade sound with luxurious design, and the new ME05 earphones are no exception. Unlike other M&D headphones I’ve covered, the ME05 is neither wireless nor over-ear headphone. These are wired in-ear monitors, milled from solid brass, promise exceptional clarity, rich bass, and a refined listening experience. But in an era dominated by wireless earbuds, why would anyone spend $199 on wired earphones when they could have the convenience and noise cancelling of wireless buds?
From the moment you unbox the ME05, it’s clear that Master & Dynamic is committed to premium craftsmanship. The earphones come housed in a beautifully designed leather carrying case, accompanied by a microfiber cleaning cloth, a clothing clip, and multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. The solid brass housing gives them a distinctive weight and feel—far from the lightweight plastic builds of most competitors. While the brass construction is visually striking, it also serves a functional purpose, helping to reduce resonance and enhance acoustic performance.
Getting the right ear tip fit is absolutely crucial with these earphones. Because of their solid brass construction, they have a bit of heft, and without a proper seal, they will constantly slide out of your ears, making for an annoying listening experience. Even worse, an improper fit negatively impacts sound quality, robbing you of bass depth and overall clarity. Master & Dynamic provides multiple ear tip sizes, but it might take some trial and error to find the one that locks them in securely.
Once plugged in, the ME05 earphones deliver a sound signature that is both detailed and engaging, but not without some caveats. The 8mm titanium-coated drivers produce crisp highs, intricate mids, and a bass response that is, okay but not particularly deep. If you’re expecting thumping low-end, these won’t satisfy that craving—the bass feels controlled but lacking in raw impact, particularly on bass-heavy genres.
The highs, meanwhile, can be quite sharp and sibilant, making certain treble-heavy tracks sound a bit too aggressive. Vocals are clear and natural, and the soundstage is surprisingly expansive for in-ear monitors, offering a sense of depth that rivals some over-ear headphones. However, noise isolation is not the strongest, meaning external sounds can seep in, especially in noisy environments.
Comfort is another highlight of the ME05. Despite their solid brass construction, they remain comfortable for extended listening sessions—as long as the right ear tip is chosen. The included four sets of silicone ear tips allow users to find the perfect fit, ensuring a snug seal without causing discomfort. M& also includes two sizes of memory foam tips. However, their weight might be noticeable for some users, particularly those accustomed to ultra-light earbuds.
Gaming with the ME05 earphones is a mixed experience, largely dependent on the type of game and the platform. Thanks to their wired connectivity, they offer zero latency, making them a solid choice for competitive gaming where audio delay can be a dealbreaker. The soundstage is relatively wide for in-ear monitors, allowing for decent positional awareness in shooters and immersive soundscapes in RPGs. However, the sharp treble can make certain high-frequency sounds—like gunfire or footsteps—feel overly piercing, which might be fatiguing over long sessions.
Additionally, the bass response is somewhat lacking, meaning explosions and deep atmospheric effects in something like Doom: The Dark Ages don’t carry the same weight as they would on bass-heavy headphones. Comfort-wise, the solid brass construction means they can feel a bit heavy over extended play, and without the right ear tip fit, they will shift a lot during intense gaming moments. While they’re serviceable for casual gaming, those looking for deep bass and extended comfort might prefer over-ear alternatives.
One of the biggest considerations with the ME05 is its wired connectivity. While many users have transitioned to wireless audio, Master & Dynamic has remastered the ME05 for the modern era, offering dual USB-C and 3.5mm connectivity. This ensures compatibility with smartphones, laptops, consoles and high-resolution audio players, making them a solid choice for audiophiles who prefer lossless wired sound over Bluetooth compression. And with a 16Ω impedance, they are so easy to drive without needing an amp.
It also comes with an inline remote for controlling your volume and there’s also a microphone for making calls or game chat. The microphone quality is okay but because the ME05 is completely passive, don’t expect noise-cancelling or voice isolation. This is something you’d very easily get on cheaper wireless earbuds but at least you don’t have to worry about charging the ME05.
While Master & Dynamic doesn’t have an official presence in the Australian market, the ME05 earphones are priced around $199 AUD, placing them in the premium wired earphone category. They compete with brands like Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica, and of course the Apple Earpods that cost just $30.
Ultimately, the Master & Dynamic ME05 earphones are a statement piece—a blend of aesthetic elegance and sonic precision. They certainly won’t be for everyone, especially in a world where wireless convenience reigns supreme, but for those who value premium materials, detailed sound, and timeless design, they could be a worthy investment. That said, i will stick with the freedom and extra noise-cancelling features of wireless earbuds.
Master & Dynamic kindly provided the ME05 to the writer for the purpose of writing this review on PowerUp.
