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Marshall Minor III Earbuds: In-Depth Review of Features, Pricing, Pros, and Cons of These Premium Earbuds

Marshall Minor III review

The Marshall Minor III earbuds, touted for their aptX compatibility, Bluetooth 5.2, and wireless charging, promise an exceptional listening experience reminiscent of rock's golden era. However, beneath the flashy features lies a reality that might not live up to the hype. In this review, we delve deep into the pros and cons of the Marshall Minor III earbuds, focusing on their design, fit, controls, connectivity, battery life, sound quality, and microphone performance.

Pros Cons
1. SBC and aptX codecs 1. Poor fit
2. Easy to pair 2. Rough finish
3. Wireless charging 3. Case lid feels flimsy
4. Hypersensitive controls
5. No AAC
6. Short connection range

Design and Fit:

Marshall Earbuds

The Marshall Minor III earbuds draw inspiration from the legacy of Marshall guitar amplifiers, evident in their textured case and knurled metal earbud stems. While the design carries echoes of the brand's heritage, it lacks the robustness associated with Marshall's reputation. The plastic construction of both the case and earbuds feels rather cheap and unfinished, with noticeable seams and rough edges. This not only impacts the aesthetics but also the comfort and fit of the earbuds.

Unfortunately, the fit of the Minor III earbuds leaves much to be desired. Unlike the glossy finish of Apple's AirPods, the Minor III's loose fit, combined with hypersensitive touch controls around the "M" emblem, can lead to accidental playback disruptions. Additionally, the lack of customizable ear tips or stabilizers contributes to the precarious fit, as the earbuds tend to shift with movement. This inconsistency in fit undermines the overall user experience.

Controls and Connectivity:

Marshall Earbuds

The Minor III's control scheme is minimalistic, relying solely on touch commands. While the simplicity is appreciated by those who prefer a plug-and-play approach, it falls short for those seeking customization. Accidental activation of commands, particularly during adjustments, is a common occurrence due to the sensitive touch controls. The absence of voice assistant capabilities further limits the versatility of these earbuds.

The connectivity of the Minor III is noteworthy for its aptX and SBC codec support, tailored towards Android users. However, the exclusion of AAC compatibility for iPhone users is a notable drawback, leaving them with suboptimal audio quality. Despite boasting Bluetooth 5.2, the earbuds surprisingly exhibit connection issues within a short range, making it necessary to keep the playback device nearby.

Battery Life and Isolation:

Battery life is one area where the Minor III falls short of competitors. With around 4 hours and 18 minutes of playback time at 75dB(SPL), the earbuds provide below-average endurance. The total battery life of 25 hours, including the case, is unimpressive compared to alternatives equipped with active noise cancellation and spatial audio.

Isolation is a trade-off in the Minor III due to its open-seal design, inspired by Apple's AirPods. While this allows ambient sounds to filter in, preserving awareness of surroundings, it compromises sound quality. Users might find themselves increasing the volume to counteract external noise, potentially leading to hearing-related concerns over time.

Sound Quality and Microphone Performance:

Marshall
The Minor III's sound quality hinges significantly on the fit. Loose-fitting earbuds yield treble-focused sound with under-emphasized low frequencies. Holding the earbuds in place enhances sound quality, but it exposes the shortcomings of the default fit. Bass notes lack impact, and midrange elements can be overshadowed by elevated treble frequencies.

Microphone performance is decent in terms of voice clarity but lacks noise rejection, making it susceptible to background noises in outdoor or office settings. While wind rejection is surprisingly effective, the microphone's overall performance is not exceptional.
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Verdict:

In summary, the Marshall Minor III earbuds arrive with a promising list of features, including aptX compatibility, Bluetooth 5.2, and wireless charging. However, these features can't mask the lackluster design, unstable fit, hypersensitive controls, and connectivity issues that plague these earbuds. The compromise in sound quality due to the open-seal design and the mediocre microphone performance further dampen the experience.

Despite these shortcomings, the Minor III might find appeal among users who prioritize aptX compatibility and easy pairing. However, for those seeking superior sound quality, reliable fit, and robust controls, alternatives like the Jabra Elite 3 offer a more compelling package. The Elite 3 boasts superior sound, a better fit, and longer battery life, making it a worthy contender in the true wireless earbuds market.

In conclusion, while the Marshall Minor III offers glimpses of the brand's legacy, its flaws overshadow its potential as a premium listening device. As discerning consumers, it's essential to consider the overall package rather than being swayed solely by a brand's reputation or marketing hype.


FAQs:

Q: What are the key features of the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
The Marshall Minor III earbuds feature aptX compatibility, Bluetooth 5.2, and wireless charging.

Q: How do I pair the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
Simply open the lid, press and hold the button on the case to initiate pairing, and select the earbuds on your device.

Q: Are the Marshall Minor III earbuds comfortable to wear?
The fit of the Minor III earbuds leaves room for improvement, often requiring readjustment.

Q: Can I control playback with touch commands on the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
Yes, touch controls on the earbuds allow for playback control, but they can be hypersensitive and lead to accidental activations.

Q: Is the connectivity stable on the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
Despite Bluetooth 5.2, the Minor III earbuds may experience connection issues within a short range.

Q: How long does the battery last on the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
On a single charge, the Minor III earbuds offer around 4 hours and 18 minutes of playback, with a total of 25 hours including the case.

Q: Do the Marshall Minor III earbuds provide good isolation from external sounds?
The open-seal design of the Minor III earbuds compromises isolation, allowing external sounds to enter.

Q: How is the sound quality of the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
Sound quality varies based on fit, with treble-focused sound and underemphasized low frequencies in default conditions.

Q: Are the Marshall Minor III earbuds suitable for making calls?
The Minor III's microphone offers clear voice reproduction, but lacks noise rejection, making it susceptible to background noise.

Q: What are the alternatives to the Marshall Minor III earbuds?
Consider the Jabra Elite 3 as an alternative, offering better sound quality, fit, and longer battery life.