Master and Dynamic has collaborated with Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape (or BAPE, as founder Nigo’s 1993 streetwear label is commonly referred to), and I believe it is one of the most exciting audio collaborations of 2022.
The M&D headphones in question include the excellent MW08 true wireless earbuds, which we described as “a luxury wireless experience” after rigorous testing, and the talented MG20 wireless gaming headset, which we described as “where hi-fi meets gaming in a high-end headset.” Second, BAPE’s design language is present and distinct.
It is expensive, but not significantly more so than before BAPE
The Master and Dynamic x BAPE collection in blue and pink ‘ABC CAMO’ will be available for purchase exclusively at Master Dynamic beginning Saturday, October 29 as well as BAPE stores.
The MG20 Gaming Headphones and MW08 Active Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds will cost $499 / £479 / €499 and $349 / £329 / €349, respectively (roughly AU$770 for the gaming headset and AU$539 for the earbuds).
OK, they’re not cheap, but this is Master and Dynamic, and considering the MG20 gaming headset regularly retails for $449 (£429, around AU$625), it’s a small price to pay for BAPE’s formidable aesthetic.
Yes, that price is almost unheard of for a gaming headset, but Master Dynamic is a well-known name in hi-fi circles, where prices like that are common.
Master & Dynamic’s June-issue MW75 premium over-ears, which arrived priced at $599 / £549 / €599, aka very expensive however you look at it – and by that we mean equally as expensive as Apple’s Air Pods Max launch price (which arrived in December 2020, with an asking price of $549 / £549 / AU$899).
To read our blog on “Leaked retail packaging confirms Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones,” click here
