German Maestro GMP 8.35 D review

Sonic goodness in a virtually indestructible package Tested at £150

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

No matter where you go or how you mistreat them, the Maestros will continue to deliver the sonic goods

Pros

  • +

    Almost indestructible

  • +

    heavy-duty looks will appeal to some

  • +

    punchy, clear and detailed delivery

Cons

  • -

    Can be pushed to a little brashness in the treble

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Chances are you’ve never heard of German Maestro, which is fair enough as the company is new to the UK.

We can’t help but think the company could have come up with a more enticing name for its first headphones than GMP 8.35 D, though. Not that you should let it put you off – these are rather good cans.

German Maestro GMP 8.35 D: Build quality
These are clearly studio-focused headphones, with durability prioritised over outright style, but to our eyes there’s actually something quite neat about the industrial, heavy-duty looks.

They’re pretty indestructible, too, with a solid, endlessly flexible headband and very chunky cable making them perfectly suited to a life of abuse on the road.

German Maestro GMP 8.35 D: Sound quality
And above all, they sound good. A little splashiness creeps in at the top when you push them with something like Passion Pit’s latest indie-pop album, but overall they’re also clear and detailed enough to deliver focused, engaging tunes with nicely judged, punchy bass and standout vocals.

The tight but comfortable fit and leak-free, closed back design (perfect for long-haul listening - both for you and fellow passengers) provide further wins for these German Maestros. You may never heard of them, but the GMP 8.35 Ds demand an audition if you’re looking to spend £100+ on some headphones for out-and-about use.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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