The new Marshall Major V wireless headphones have a comfy fit and a big sound. They are Bluetooth LE ... [+]
It’s been a year since Zound Industries and Marshall Amplification joined forces and put the headphones and speaker division under the same corporate roof as the world-famous guitar amplifier business. So far things seem to have gone well and this month I have got my hands on a pair of Marshall Major V headphones, the first model to launch since the merger.
The Major V have the size and shape of previous versions of Marshall’s headphones and offer a staggering 100 hours of wireless playtime from a single charge. The headphones may look like their predecessor, but the designers at Marshall have managed to make them more comfortable with an enhanced fit. The design still has a hinge mechanism that enables the Major V to be folded up into a compact size for slipping into a work bag.
The Major V headphones can be charged wirelessly as well as by USB-C cable. The headphones are ready for Bluetooth LE which is the next big revolution in the Bluetooth standard that delivers higher audio quality thanks to support for the LDAC audio codec. Bluetooth LE also offers increased streaming range and improved audio synchronization for better gaming and video use.
The new Marshall major V are robust and fold up into a compact size. Don't let the compact size fool ... [+]
There’s the trademark Marshall joystick knob on the headphones which can control the music and pump up the volume. There is also a special M button that’s programmable and can be customized with a shortcut using the Marshall Bluetooth smartphone app. For example, you could set the button up to turn on a voice assistant or maybe switch between different EQ settings, either your settings or one of the EQ presets made by Marshall.
The Major V have the Marshall Signature Sound. This tuning of the headphones offers the classic Marshall EQ which is the fabulous crunchy sound that Marshall coaxes from its custom-tuned dynamic drivers. The Signature Sound offers reduced distortion for more clarity while managing to inject excitement into the music. It’s an infectious sound and very loud.
Another feature included with the Marshall Major V is an in-app battery preservation feature that lets you reduce how quickly the battery ages. Depending on the setting, you can decide to lengthen the life of the battery by not charging it to full capacity. And with a 100-hour battery life, the Major V needs charging far less often.
The Major V headphones from Marshall have a multifunction joystick for controlling the music and ... [+]
When it comes to sustainability, the Major V headphones are made with recycled plastic reclaimed from old products including used electronic devices and CDs, extending the lifecycle of these discarded items. Marshall claims that 33% of the Major V is plastic which is 86% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Verdict: The new Marshall Major V wireless headphones are incredibly comfortable and light to wear. They feel robust and fold up nicely for stowing away in a work bag. The sound of the Major V is exciting and energetic. These headphones lap up rock music but are equally happy with something more sedate. I tested them with Oscar Peterson and Nelson Riddle’s album and the Marshall Signature Sound worked a charm on the fabulous vintage recording. If you want a stylish and cool pair of wireless headphones with a big sound and an even bigger battery life, the Marshall Major V are well designed, well made and sensibly priced. Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Marshall Major V headphones are available now from Marshall.com and priced at $149 / £129 / €149.
Tech Specs:
- Drivers: 40mm dynamic.
- Driver sensitivity: 106dB SPL (100mV @ 1kHz).
- Driver impedance: 32Ω.
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz.
- Weight: 186g / 6.56oz.
- Playtime: 100+ hours of wireless playtime.
- Charging time: 3 hours with USB-C.
- Wireless charging: Yes.
- Bluetooth LE ready: Yes.
