Kawano Master: Flathead Earbuds With Detachable MMCX Cable

The Kawano Master was launched in Brazil yesterday (the 22nd). Kawano Audio’s new flathead earbud features a 3D-printed shell, as does the Kawano Sho, which we reviewed here at Hi-Fi Hub. However, although the Master resembles the Sho in terms of construction, it sits one tier above it and is on par with the Kawano Umi. Read on for details of this release from the Brazilian boutique flathead earbud manufacturer.

The Master builds on the Sho with a detachable MMCX cable and improved sound

Like the Sho, the Kawano Master features a shell manufactured through 3D printing using PA12 nylon. However, whereas the Sho has a fixed (soldered) cable, the Master features a detachable cable with MMCX connectors.

Thanks to its dynamic driver with a beryllium-coated diaphragm and acoustic engineering enabled by 3D printing, the Master offers improved sound. According to its developer, Lucas Kawano, the Master performs at the same level as the Umi, which costs R$750.

Lucas described the main highlight of the Kawano Master’s sound as follows:

“The Master’s main highlight is its ‘more 360-degree’ presentation, even though its soundstage is smaller than the Sho’s.”

What does the Kawano Master sound like?

In addition to offering a more immersive presentation, with greater soundstage height and depth than the Sho, the Kawano Master delivers a “precise” sound. Its level of detail and treble extension have been improved compared with the Sho.

Compared with the Umi, another Kawano Audio model, the Master sounds more accurate and neutral. The Master’s bass is less full-bodied than the Kawano Umi’s.

Its developer describes the Master’s overall sound signature as neutral with a bright tilt.

How does the Master fit in the ears?

Although comfort is subjective, Lucas, the Kawano Master’s developer, stated that the Master may be more comfortable than the Sho.

“The Master has a slightly shallower fit, and the stem, the section where the MMCX connector is installed, is longer, which may make it more comfortable for those who did not get along with the Sho’s short stem [1].”

[1] Stems are the protruding sections from which the cables of flathead earbuds emerge.

Is the Master’s cable easy to disconnect?

Disconnecting the Master’s cable using only your hands may not be particularly easy, especially if you have short fingernails. With this in mind, the flathead earbud’s developer included a tool in the box to assist with MMCX cable removal.

I believe the included accessory is inspired by one offered by the Japanese headphone manufacturer Final Audio. An image is provided below for illustration.

What inspired the Master’s name?

According to Lucas, the Kawano Master’s name was inspired by Japan Victor Company’s (JVC) famous slogan, “His Master’s Voice.”

Kawano Master: Specifications

• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW
• Driver: Dynamic driver with a beryllium-coated diaphragm
• Flathead earbud connector: MMCX
• Cable plug: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE)
• Shell material: PA12 nylon
• Shell manufacturing process: 3D printing

What comes in the Kawano Master’s box?

The following items are included in the Kawano Master’s box:

• Kawano Master flathead earbuds
• Custom storage box with a magnetic closure
• Custom keychain with a lanyard
• 10 pairs of thick, colored foam covers
• 2 pairs of thin foam covers
• 3 pairs of medium-thickness foam covers
• MMCX cable removal tool

Release, pricing, and availability

The Kawano Master is now available for R$650 (approximately US$125.89) from Kawano Audio’s online store. Please note that Kawano Audio is based in Brazil. If you live outside the country, I recommend reading the following section.

Living outside Brazil? How to purchase from Kawano Audio

If you live outside Brazil, email [email protected] to contact Kawano Audio’s developer and owner. Shipping products from Brazil to other countries is expensive, costing approximately US$50. One solution is to organize a group purchase to share the shipping cost.