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 fitting 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 are not any shocks in retailer for the listener, only a richly rewarding supply that’s indulgent and fulfilling.
A few of you may nicely be considering, “$400 for some good headphones … I count on nothing in need of good for that form of cash.” It is a truthful level. Certainly, there are higher headphones for lots much less cash, however Obschonka counters that headphones are a life-style merchandise as a lot as a tech merchandise today. In different phrases, purchase a Biro for those who want a pen, select a Montblanc for those who’re making a press release.
Fairly surprisingly once more, given the excessive worth level and typical hyperbole surrounding audio product launches, Alex Grell doesn’t think about the MTB 03 to be audiophile. “It’s an ideal sounding profile,” he tells WIRED, “however it isn’t made for the audiophiles. It’s made for individuals who need 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 not produce headphones that everybody enjoys the identical approach. So we constructed headphones that we imagine our goal group will take pleasure in.”
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 nice pair of headphones, although, and sound beautiful no matter whether or not you’re blasting the Beastie Boys or binging on Bach—and they’re going to nearly definitely put a smile in your face when you hear.
Take Management
I dislike companion headphone apps. They’re typically bloated, brand-recognition, price-tag-justifying, data-collection workout routines with little advantage past providing firmware updates. That, or possibly I simply don’t like having to get my telephone out to alter 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 too create your personal customized profile.
Rumor has it that Montblanc could also be providing personalised sound profiles by way of an app-based listening to take a look at quickly by one other firmware replace (hopefully after the one that may make ours work once more), however we’re unable to verify this proper now.
The app is complete and user-friendly, however we are able to’t assist feeling that tweaking Axel Grell’s sound profile decisions is like telling 19-time Michelin Star–successful chef Alain Ducasse which finish of the knife to carry. Sure, it’s good so as to add a bit 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, nonetheless, the “audiobook/podcast” possibility must 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 vital of all, they make music sound unbelievable.
But regardless of that premium worth, they’re not one of the best. The ANC lacks the real-world muffling of one of the best in school, and it might be helpful if our pattern weren’t dogged by dodgy chipsets. The WIRED rating right here would seemingly have been an 8, if the MTB 03 hadn’t damaged—twice.
Nevertheless, as soon as teething issues have been sorted, for those who’re a loyal fan of the model and recognize the exclusivity that the tiny white snowcap emblem represents, you received’t be upset.