The 7-mm Beryllium drivers do a standup job right here (frequency 20 Hz to twenty kHz), and Alex Grell has tuned them simply the appropriate aspect of impartial. There’s one thing of the Goldilocks about them, with simply the correct quantity (and by that we imply a good and appreciated wallop of bass) of low finish, and sufficient within the higher registers to make all digital recordings shine. There aren’t any shocks in retailer for the listener, only a richly rewarding supply that’s indulgent and fulfilling.
A few of you would possibly nicely be considering, “$400 for some good headphones … I count on nothing wanting good for that sort of cash.” This can be a honest level. Certainly, there are better headphones for a lot less money, however Obschonka counters that headphones are a life-style merchandise as a lot as a tech merchandise as of late. In different phrases, purchase a Biro if you happen to want a pen, select a Montblanc if you happen to’re making a press release.
Fairly surprisingly once more, given the excessive value level and typical hyperbole surrounding audio product launches, Alex Grell doesn’t contemplate the MTB 03 to be audiophile. “It’s an awesome sounding profile,” he tells WIRED, “however it’s not made for the audiophiles. It’s made for individuals who wish to have one thing to make them really feel good.”
He goes on to make clear that “not everybody’s listening to the very same music, and you can’t produce headphones that everybody enjoys the identical approach. So we constructed headphones that we consider our goal group will get pleasure from.”
He’s proper, in fact, and people of us within the audio recreation are sometimes far too fast to use that audiophile tag to all method of merchandise. The MTB 03 are a really positive pair of headphones, although, and sound attractive no matter whether or not you’re blasting the Beastie Boys or binging on Bach—and they’ll virtually actually put a smile in your face whilst you hear.
Take Management
I dislike companion headphone apps. They’re typically bloated, brand-recognition, price-tag-justifying, data-collection workouts with little advantage past providing firmware updates. That, or possibly I simply don’t like having to get my cellphone out to vary the settings on my headphones.
That stated, the Montblanc Sound App is fairly, straightforward to navigate, and loaded with choices, together with a complete EQ with sound profiles for many genres, plus audiobooks and podcasts. Every profile will also be tweaked to fit your tastes, and you can even create your personal customized profile.
Rumor has it that Montblanc could also be providing customized sound profiles through an app-based listening to check quickly by means of one other firmware replace (hopefully after the one that can make ours work once more), however we’re unable to substantiate this proper now.
The app is complete and user-friendly, however we will’t assist feeling that tweaking Axel Grell’s sound profile selections is like telling 19-time Michelin Star–profitable chef Alain Ducasse which finish of the knife to carry. Sure, it’s good so as to add a bit of further hertz right here and there for that non-public contact, however having tried all of the presets with their respective genres, the default simply sounds higher. Bear in mind, nevertheless, the “audiobook/podcast” possibility ought to be ignored.
Verdict
The Montblanc MTB 03 are high-class, premium-quality headphones. They’re unashamedly costly, and have been designed ground-up to attraction to govt business-class traveler sorts and the core Montblanc buyer base. On this, the corporate has succeeded.
They’re snug to put on for lengthy durations of time, they telegraph their exclusivity in a trendy, understated approach, and, most necessary of all, they make music sound implausible.
But regardless of that premium value, they’re not the perfect. The ANC lacks the real-world muffling of the perfect at school, and it might be useful if our pattern weren’t dogged by dodgy chipsets. The WIRED rating right here would possible have been an 8, if the MTB 03 hadn’t damaged—twice.
Nonetheless, as soon as teething issues have been sorted, if you happen to’re a loyal fan of the model and admire the exclusivity that the tiny white snowcap emblem represents, you gained’t be dissatisfied.
