NYC based premium headphone maker, Master & Dynamic has announced the re-introduction of their popular wired ME05 Earphones for $199 USD. Originally released in 2015, this updated version features the same premium materials along with acoustic refinements and improved device compatibility.
From Jonathan Levine, Founder & CEO: “The ME05 Earphones have always been one of our favorite and most sought-after products. The design has stood the test of time and it’s a product I use personally every day. I’m proud to re-introduce this iconic analog product now with improved performance and compatibility.”
What’s New
The latest generation of ME05 Wired Earphones features updated dynamic sound with high-definition bio-cellulose drivers, a USB-C adapter, and an improved microphone for clearer phone calls even in windy street conditions.
The new ME05s deliver improved sound quality from custom high-excursion 8mm bio-cellulose drivers, precision-machined brass acoustic enclosures, a hi-resolution 3.5mm to USB-C digital to analog converter, and an improved microphone for clearer phone conversations.
Additional design changes should also result in greater comfort levels during those long commutes and a better overall seal — we take that to mean that the weight distribution of the earpieces has been adjusted.
The new 3.5mm to USB-C adapter supports up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution, enabling portable hi-res audio listening across all USB-C devices that support hi-res playback. Keep in mind that source music must be encoded in high resolution to take advantage of this feature. Spotify listeners gain no sonic benefit.
Do you own an iPhone 15 or newer, or Android phone with USB-C and subscribe to Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, or Qobuz? If so, the new DAC/Adapter is going to really take your hi-res streaming to another level.
Crafted from solid brass, the ME05 Wired Earphones showcase a distinctive form with ergonomic and elegant details, highlighted by laser etching, hand-polished accents, and intuitive tactile controls.
They come with foam ear tips in two sizes and silicone ear tips in five sizes, which should make it easier for consumers to find the appropriate size and create a better overall seal — which is very important for passive isolation.
Comparison
| ME05 Earphones (2024) | ME05 Earphones (2015) | |
| Price | $199 | $199 (discontinued) |
| Earphone Type | In-ear monitor | In-ear monitor |
| Driver Size | 8mm | 8mm |
| Driver Diaphram | Bio-cellulose | Titanium |
| Driver Motor | Neodymium | Neodymium |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Materials | Brass, TPE rubber cable with oxygen-free copper | Brass, rubber, silicone |
| Cable | 1.2 meters | 1.2 meters |
| Headphone Connection | 3.5mm cable USB-C adapter for Android phones and iPhone 15 or newer | 3.5mm cable |
| Microphone Type | MEMS microphone with proprietary wind reduction acoustic mesh for clear calls | ECM Omni-directional |
| Device Compatibility | Remote controls compatible with Android devices and iPhone 15 or newer | The remote and mic are supported only by iPhone 3GS or later, iPad, iPod touch (2nd generation or later), iPod classic (120GB, 160GB), and iPod nano (4th generation or later). The remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation or later). Audio is supported by all iPad and iPod models. |
| Dimensions | 12 x 26.4 x 16.9mm | 21.5 X 11.8mm |
| Weight | 23 grams | 23 grams |
| In the Box | ME05 Earphones 5 Silicone Ear Tip Sizes 2 Foam Ear Tip Sizes USB-C Adapter Carrying Pouch | ME05 Earphones XS, S, M, L Silicone Ear Tips RP Acoustic Filters Cable Clip Polishing Cloth Canvas Earphone Case Leather Storage Box |
The Bottom Line
Resurrecting vintage products in audio seems to be a growing trend as some of those previous (sometimes legendary) products are still in demand by serious music listeners. Although 2015 is not that long ago, instead of coming up with a completely new design, Master & Dynamic has decided to make an interesting move by improving on an already existing product design and recognizable model name.
For $199 (US), those who already own the original ME05s might consider making an affordable jump to the new 2024 edition. The additional Dongle DAC adapter makes a wired listening experience a little clunkier, but also provides the convenience of a regular 3.5.mm connection in a pinch when needed on plane or with legacy audio equipment.
Price & Availability
The Master & Dynamic ME05 Wired Earphones (2024 model) can be purchased in Gold/Black now for at $199 / €219 / £169. Pre-order colors include Gunmetal/Black, Palladium/Black, and Palladium/White, which are expected to ship by December 23, 2024. All colors are priced the same.
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Asa
December 6, 2024 at 5:50 pm
Thanks for the review. I’ve put them on my ‘wishlist’. I’ve been looking for a high-quality option that includes a mic and are wired. Will you be doing a listening review?
Ian White
December 6, 2024 at 6:54 pm
Asa,
Very likely that Will Jennings is going to get a pair to review in 2025.
Asa
January 7, 2025 at 9:26 pm
Follow up…
_____________
Just received my pair of these and they sound amazing. I’ll be interested to see what you think of them. I have the Palladium / Black versions, which are now back in stock.
I’ve switched to using only wired headphone/earbud listening, and these seem to be best-in-class. The microphone was the kicker as I use these for calls and they have good functionality, while still being audiophile quality.
I first used them alone with my iPhone 12, then with a Helm Bolt DAC, and then finally with the iFi xDSD Gryphon DAC. As expected, they sound the best with the Gryphon, giving a more powerful and detailed sound, but they do sound decent w/o additional amplification. I feel like I have a set of over-the-hear cans using these. They have a surprising amount of grunt down low w/o drowning the highs/mids.
The addition of many ear-tips is a nice bonus that gave me a superior fit after trying a few (foam and silicone).
The only minor drawback is a bit of microphonic effect of the cabling when heavily jostled, but seems to disappear once you’re settled and didn’t come back during that listening session.
YMMV, but I’d recommend them!
Ian White
January 10, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Asa,
Sounds like M&D made the right choice bringing them back. Enjoy.
IW