Kawanoaudio celebrates three years with the new “Master” earbud 

Brazilian boutique earbud maker Kawanoaudio is celebrating its third anniversary with a new flathead earbud — the Master.

Described as a tribute to the “golden era” of flathead earbuds, the Master is also a significant step for the Brazilian boutique maker: it is Kawanoaudio’s first model featuring MMCX connector.

The name Master is not accidental. Kawanoaudio says it was inspired by the famous “His Master’s Voice” tagline associated with JVC and Victor, while also paying tribute to the golden era of flathead earbuds around the 1980s.

Position within the lineup

Kawanoaudio sees two distinct upgrade paths in its current lineup: Horaiko → Sho and Hanabi → Master.The Sho is intended for listeners looking for a more relaxed presentation, the largest possible soundstage and fuller bass that fills the presentation. The Master, on the other hand, is aimed at those who prefer more detail, stronger layering and imaging, and faster, punchier bass rather than sheer thickness.

According to Kawanoaudio, “precision” was the central idea behind the acoustic design. The maker describes the Master as the model in its lineup with the fewest compromises, positioning it as an upgrade to the Hanabi that moves directly into Umi-level territory.

The maker describes the Master as mostly neutral, with leaner and faster bass than the Umi and more natural mids. One of its main strengths is its 360-degree, well-positioned presentation, combining good soundstage, imaging and layering. Kawanoaudio says that, unlike the Sho, the Master does not make concessions in detail retrieval and treble extension.

The Master was also tested extensively for competitive gaming, particularly in Rainbow Six: Siege and Hunt: Showdown. The combination of its imaging, layering and mostly neutral tuning makes it suitable for this type of use.

As with all the flathead earbuds, the choice of foams has a noticeable effect on the sound. With no foams, the Master is described as neutral to slightly bright. Medium or thick foams shift it towards a bass-boosted neutral presentation, while thin or “scrub” foams make it brighter. Donut foams, which are not included, result in a slightly V-shaped signature.This also gives the Master a fair amount of flexibility depending on the listener’s preferences and fit.

The Master does not use standard MX500 shells. Instead, it features proprietary PA12S nylon shells with a different shape and fit.

It sits somewhat shallower in the ear than a typical MX500, while its longer stem, more pronounced resting point and the additional weight of the MMCX connector are intended to provide a more comfortable fit for listeners who find the Sho’s shorter stem less suitable.

Sale begins September 22 at 19:00 Brazil time. The first 10 units will be offered for R$550 (approximately US$108). After those sell out, the regular price will be R$650 (approximately US$127). The expected production time is approximately four weeks.

The package includes the earbuds, cable, a custom magnetic storage case, a custom looped keychain, 10 pairs of thick coloured foams, two pairs of thin/scrub foams, three pairs of medium-density foams, and the MMCX removal tool.

Photo credit: Lucas Kawano.