Montblanc, a renowned manufacturer of luxury writing instruments, is making its foray into the audio world with the release of its first wireless earbuds, the MTB 03. This stylish and sleek pair of earbuds boasts active noise cancellation (ANC) and a design that embodies the company’s signature glossy black finish and rounded star motifs. With a price tag of 345 British pounds (approximately $438), the MTB 03 may be the most expensive wireless earbuds to date, eclipsing even Bang & Olufsen’s $399 Beoplay EX.
The MTB 03 has benefited from the expertise of Axel Grell, who has developed many of Sennheiser’s headphones and earbuds, to create the earbuds’ sound signature. According to Montblanc, Grell was responsible for crafting the earbuds’ sound, which features 7mm beryllium drivers, support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive hi-res Bluetooth codec, and the ability to customize the sound using Mimi’s sound personalization software. Grell is a proponent of adaptive audio systems, having partnered with SoundID (a similar technology) for his own line of wireless earbuds.
Montblanc’s director of new technologies, Dr. Felix Obschonka, emphasized the importance of personalization in a press release. “Headphones have become an essential part of our daily endeavors and digital routines, we wanted to create a high-performance solution that used premium materials to ensure a subtle yet elegant statement of quality, with a design that was uniquely Montblanc,” Obschonka said. “Just as everyone’s handwriting is different, so is everyone’s hearing, requiring the level of customization that Montblanc Sound Signature can offer for an optimal experience.”
Montblanc Enters Wireless Earbuds Market with MTB 03
The MTB 03 boasts a number of features, including water resistance rated IPX4 and an included aluminum charging case that can recharge wirelessly or via USB-C. Additionally, the earbuds have wear sensors for music auto-pause and onboard touch controls that can be configured using a companion app available for both iOS and Android.
While the MTB 03 may boast an impressive feature set, its battery life appears to be a letdown. According to Montblanc, the earbuds offer only five to six hours of playtime per charge, with the case containing only two full recharges for a total of 18 hours of use. However, a quick charge of 15 minutes will provide an additional 100 minutes of playtime, which may not be a deal-breaker for some users.
At $438, the MTB 03 is undeniably a luxury product, but whether it justifies its high price remains to be seen. If we receive a review model, we will provide an in-depth assessment of the earbuds’ sound and ANC to determine if they are worth the investment for audiophiles and fans of the Montblanc brand.
