Master & Dynamic MH30 Review | 93 Data compared

The PCMag review of the Master & Dynamic MH30 highlights premium, on-ear headphones that deliver a rich, mid-range-focused audio performance capable of handling deep bass without excessive boosting. Designed with high-end materials, the wired headphones offer a stylish, durable build and include versatile, detachable cables. Conversely, the review notes a high price point and a sound profile that lacks sharp, crisp high frequencies. Additionally, the on-ear design is reported to cause discomfort during extended listening sessions.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 headphones feature a premium, meticulously crafted design with a compact, foldable structure, offering a rich sound profile that closely mimics over-ear headphones. Despite these strengths, the review notes the MH30 lacks the warm sound profile of the larger MH40 model, and argues its high price point makes it an expensive option for its on-ear form factor. Ultimately, while suitable for on-ear enthusiasts, the reviewer concludes the product is outmatched by the superior, more immersive performance of the MH40.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 headphones stand out for their excellent build quality, using metal and leather instead of the plastic found in most other pairs. The ear cups are made of forged aluminum. The headband and ear pads are covered in real lambskin leather. These parts are also easy for the user to replace when they wear out. The headphones come with a rugged pouch and two cables, including one with an iPhone mic. They also fold up neatly for travel. These headphones offer a big, warm, and bold sound. They create a very wide and spacious soundstage for an on-ear design. They also block outside noise well and fit comfortably. However, they do not provide a lot of fine, high-resolution detail. The review also notes that the larger, over-the-ear Master & Dynamic MH40 model sounds even better and clearer.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 on-ear headphones feature a premium, heavy design crafted from solid aluminum, stainless steel, and a cowhide headband. They deliver a warm, natural sound profile with a surprisingly wide soundstage for on-ears, along with decent passive noise isolation for lower ambient frequencies. Standout features include dual 3.5mm audio sockets that support daisy-chain sharing, unique separated cable placements for the microphone and inline remote, and magnetically attached, replaceable lambskin ear cups that cushion memory foam. However, the headphones have noticeable drawbacks, starting with a hefty weight of 260g, which makes them heavier than comparable wireless models. The aluminum rivets on the headband offer a limited extension range, resulting in a fit that can borderline on tight for larger heads. Additionally, the ear cups occasionally creak when being adjusted, the lambskin can cause ears to feel uncomfortably warm after an hour of use, and the passive isolation is insufficient to block louder environments like bus engine noise.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 is a premium wired, on-ear pair of headphones designed for users who prioritize luxury aesthetics and high-end materials alongside audio performance. Priced at $300, these exceptionally well-built headphones feature an anodized aluminum body, a steel bridge, and components wrapped in premium cowhide and supple lambskin leather, completely eliminating cheap plastic parts. Designed with portability in mind, the MH30 can fold flat and upward to easily fit into a bag, and they feature dual 3.5mm audio jacks that allow users to daisy-chain multiple headphones together to share a single audio source. In terms of audio performance, the headphones deliver an exciting, warm, and highly energetic house sound signature that caters heavily to mainstream listeners rather than strict audiophiles. A major pro is the class-leading build quality and beautiful retro-modern design, which is paired with an incredibly fun, hard-hitting bass response that excels during hip-hop and electronic tracks. However, a notable con is that the overwhelming bass occasionally bleeds into the midrange, resulting in a slightly smeared musical presentation and a rolled-off, less-than-sparkling treble. Additional drawbacks include...

The Headfonia review characterizes the Master & Dynamic MH30Go as a premium, compact, and highly portable on-ear headphone featuring exceptional retro-modern build quality, including metal construction and magnetic leather pads. Sonically, it delivers an engaging, forward midrange, punchy "bipolar" bass, and non-fatiguing treble suited for diverse genres, accompanied by practical features like dual 3.5mm inputs and an excellent mic. However, the review highlights significant comfort issues, specifically a headband requiring manual bending to reduce intense clamping force, alongside risks of scratching the metal trim during folding. Sonically, the MH30 suffers from a narrow, "stuffy" soundstage with restricted, blured bass in heavy tracks and lacks the air and treble extension required by purists.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 is a stylish, mid-range pair of on-ear headphones that features an exceptionally premium, plastic-free build made of high-quality metals and genuine brown lambskin leather. The unboxing experience feels luxurious, offering a leather-lined box for accessories, a carrying pouch, and dual audio jacks that allow users to plug the cable into either earcup or share music with a friend. Audio-wise, the headphones are easy to drive directly from a smartphone or computer, delivering a warm, rich sound signature with excellent stereo separation, a deep, tight, punchy bass, and well-present mid-ranges that target young music listeners of Pop and EDM. However, the reviewer highlights significant comfort issues as a major drawback, noting that the tight clamp force and thick memory foam earpads cause ears to become hot, red, and painful after just 20 to 30 minutes of use. The headphone yoke lacks the necessary length extension for individuals with larger heads, making them unsuitable for long listening sessions. Additionally, audiophiles may dislike the recessed treble and lack of a spacious soundstage. In conclusion, the pros include an...

The Master & Dynamic MH30 is a luxurious, wired-only pair of on-ear headphones crafted from anodized aluminum, stainless steel, a leather headband, and lambskin ear pads. Priced at £279, they deliver a powerful, bass-forward sound profile with clear stereo separation that successfully isolates ambient noise due to a firm, vacuum-like fit. Notable design highlights include dual 3.5mm headphone jacks—allowing users to attach the included tangle-free woven cable to either earcup—and a durable construction built for long periods of wear without causing excessive pinching. Despite their aesthetic appeal, these headphones entirely omit modern features such as Bluetooth wireless connectivity, active noise-cancelling tech, and on-ear physical controls. Audio drawbacks include a narrower soundstage compared to over-ear rivals and a mid-range that lacks "snap," causing snare drums to lose sharpness and clarity. Additionally, the physical frame occasionally produces distracting clicking or popping sounds from temperature adjustments, which may frustrate listeners despite the high build quality.

The Master & Dynamic MH30 is a stylish pair of on-ear headphones that balances a contemporary look with a classic, vintage aesthetic reminiscent of 1940s radar equipment. They feature an exceptional, high-quality build made of anodised forged aluminium, stainless steel components, a flexible cowhide leather headband, and lambskin-covered memory-foam earpads for a comfortable fit. For user convenience, the package includes two detachable oxygen-free copper cables of different lengths that can be plugged into either the left or right ear cup. Performance-wise, the 40mm neodymium drivers successfully deliver a rich, warm, and sumptuous sound profile that highlights musical details without over-exposing the flaws of poorer audio recordings. Despite their impressive design, these headphones come with a few notable drawbacks. In terms of audio performance, the MH30s strictly lack sonical neutrality, meaning they are tailored more for general music lovers who enjoy a cosy sound profile rather than pure audiophiles or "hi-fi nuts" seeking precise transparency. Furthermore, the manufacturer does not include official frequency-response statistics in the technical specifications. While the lambskin pads and snug leather headband provide an excellent physical shield...