Master & Dynamic intros MA770 concrete wireless speaker designed by Sir David Adjaye

New York-based Master & Dynamic has landed the MA770, a high-end wireless speaker designed by Sir David Adjaye. The high-performance wireless audio system has Chromecast-built-in, and features a distinct concrete composite cabinet, created from a single mould so no obvious joins. It can be used solo, or paired with a second model for stereo.

The latter configuration was how the speaker was demonstrated to Inside CI at Ideaworks in London (pictured below). Performance is extraordinary. Despite it’s modest size, the MA770 is driven by 100 watts of Class D amplification and is capable of prodigious volume with uncanny punch and snap. You might expect a concrete speaker to sound weighty, but the MA770 doesn’t. The cabinet, which is ported to the rear, is completely inert, and when played at volume, creates no ancillary vibration. So you can plonk it next to your crystal decanter in confidence.

Architect and industrial designer Adjaye said he’s always been interested in loudspeakers, and used to build his own sound systems when a teenager. The use of concrete, he says, really allows the Master & Dynamic drivers “to dance” with low frequencies. The speaker looks as good with its magnetic stainless steel grille on as off. On-body controls for source, volume and power, are diamond-cut anodised aluminium.

The MA770 uses dual 4-inch woven kevlar long-throw woofers, coupled to a 1.5-inch titanium tweeter. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there’s a 3.5mm local input and digital optical input. The MA770 uses a Wolfson DAC, which tops out at 24bit/96kHz. It can be grouped with any other Chromecast-enabled speakers, for multiroom audio duties.

The MA770 weighs a not inconsiderable 16kg, and measures 410 x 510 x 245mm (h/w/d). It retails for £1,600.