It was only natural then that The Rake should choose to partner with Master & Dynamic for our first
foray into world of rakish technological headwear. The MH40 model is in many ways the standard bearer for
contemporary, luxury headphones; a design icon that represents the zenith of modern audial technology. Quite apart
from its phenomenal construction and contemporary design, it is high performing too. It militates against the
cheapness of plastic with its aircraft grade aluminium composition andbeneath each butter-soft ear
cup are 45mm Neodymium high-performance drivers for truly epic sound quality, as evinced by glowing reviews from
websites like Engadget, Cnet and T3. It’s
one thing to look good but to sound the part is another matter, and if these rave reviews are anything to go by,
Master & Dynamic have truly succeeded. Neodymium magnets are a precious rare earth metal that have the ability
to hold an exceptionally high magnetic charge, meaning they give a much larger magnetic flux density and can
therefore generate more suppleness and higher reaction times in the voice coil. This essentially means that the
drivers can attain a far greater richness and a more complex sound than brands who commonly use inferior
magnets.
"The MH40 model is in many ways the standard bearer for contemporary, luxury headphones, a modern
technological icon."
Headphones today are essential tools for those on the move, particularly within an urban
environment where personal space is somewhat of a commodity. In such a place, rakish designs like the MH40
headphones offer an escape; a means to conquer and overcome the boredom of urban sprawl. In physically placing them
over your head you are transported. Levine understands this perfectly, “you create your own personal space, I think
you have to. As people live in cities and work in open workspaces, I think people instinctively know they need their
time to decompress on their own, and have their own personal music. Now, memories are often defined by the music we
are listening to at that given time. I think it’s how people tune into themselves, or rejuvenate themselves, or get
themselves ready - it’s how you get yourself ready for work in the morning when you come in on the
tube”.
This is one of the reasons why M&D has been so successful in such a short space of time. The brand creates
headphones that bring with them an almost miraculous transportive quality. Take the MH40 for example, with their
vintage aesthetic you’d be forgiven for thinking they belong on the cranium of a WW2 fighter pilot. Extending their
military appeal are these camouflage editions, hand-painted by artist Logan Real. Whilst usually finished in plain
black, tan or navy, the leather baseplates of each ear cup act as the perfect blank canvas, inviting the talented
hands of Mr Real to go to town with his military designs. Available in green, blue or grey, the camouflage is subtle
and elegant, befitting of Levine’s masterful product.
Without the camouflage paint, the MH40 headphones are at the supreme end of the luxury headphone spectrum, offering
the perfect balance of comfort, great sound and build quality. When specced with camo, they are elevated to
another realm, taking on the mantra of the ultimate sartorial headphone.
