When it comes to audio gear, few brands carry the same weight and recognition as Marshall. Renowned for their top-of-the-line amplifiers and speakers, Marshall has been a staple in the music industry for decades. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of personal audio, as we review their latest offering: the Marshall Minor 3 headphones. As a technology enthusiast and audiophile, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try out these sleek and stylish earbuds, which promise to deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort. So, without further ado, let’s find out if the Minor 3 lives up to the Marshall legacy.
Table of Contents
Marshall Minor 3 product information
History
The journey to the creation of the Marshall Minor 3 headphones began with the company’s recognition of a rapidly growing market for personal audio devices. With the widespread adoption of smartphones, tablets, and other portable music players, consumers were seeking a reliable, high-quality audio experience that could keep pace with their on-the-go lifestyles.
Marshall, a company with a storied history of creating iconic amplifiers and speakers, saw this as an opportunity to expand its product line and make a mark in the world of personal audio. Drawing from their extensive experience in the music industry and leveraging their expertise in audio engineering, Marshall embarked on a mission to create a set of headphones that would live up to the company’s reputation.
The first iteration of the Minor series was introduced in 2011, as Marshall sought to create a compact yet powerful set of earbuds that would offer the same exceptional sound quality as their larger counterparts. Over the years, the series has gone through several refinements and improvements, with each new version delivering better performance, comfort, and design.
As the personal audio market continued to evolve, Marshall took note of the increasing popularity of wireless headphones, driven by advances in Bluetooth technology and the gradual phasing out of the headphone jack in mobile devices. This marked a turning point in the Minor series, as the company began developing a wireless version that would offer the same exceptional audio experience, without the constraints of cables.
The result of years of research, development, and fine-tuning, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones were born. These wireless earbuds bring together the best of what Marshall has to offer, combining powerful sound, impressive battery life, and a stylish, ergonomic design. The Minor 3 stands as a testament to Marshall’s commitment to innovation and their dedication to delivering a premium audio experience for their customers.
Specification
| Specification | Marshall Minor 3 Headphones |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2023 |
| Company | Marshall Amplification |
| Official Website | www.marshallheadphones.com |
| Fit Type | In-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 1.1 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches (approximate) |
| Item Weight | 0.03 lbs (14 grams) |
| Special Features | Magnetic Earbuds, Quick Charging, Voice Assistant |
| Driver Size | 14.2mm |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Range | 33 ft (10 meters) |
| ANC Modes | None |
| Audio Codec | aptX, SBC |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours |
| Quick Charging | 15 minutes for 2 hours playback |
| Controls | Multi-functional Control Button, Touch Controls |
| Price | $129.99 (subject to change) |
What is included in the delivery set?
- Marshall Minor 3 Wireless Earbuds
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Silicone ear tips (S, M, L sizes)
- User manual and quick start guide
- Warranty and safety information
- Marshall-branded carry pouch
What about design, materials, assembly?
Design:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones showcase a sleek, minimalist design that draws inspiration from the iconic look of Marshall’s amplifiers and speakers. The earbuds feature a compact form factor with an ergonomic shape, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for various ear sizes. The charging case carries the classic Marshall logo and sports a textured, vinyl finish reminiscent of the company’s legendary amps.
Materials:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones are built using high-quality materials that are designed to offer durability, comfort, and premium aesthetics. The earbuds are constructed with a combination of lightweight aluminum and durable ABS plastic, providing a balance between strength and portability. The silicone ear tips come in three sizes, catering to different user preferences and ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
The charging case is made of robust ABS plastic with a vinyl wrap, giving it a luxurious look and feel while providing protection for the earbuds during storage and transport. The USB-C charging cable is reinforced with durable braided nylon, ensuring it can withstand daily wear and tear.
Assembly:
Marshall takes great care in the assembly of the Minor 3 headphones, with each component meticulously crafted to ensure the highest levels of quality and performance. The earbuds are assembled with precision to achieve optimal sound reproduction and maintain the company’s reputation for exceptional audio products. The charging case and other accessories are produced with the same attention to detail, guaranteeing a seamless user experience.
In summary, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones offer a stylish design, high-quality materials, and precise assembly, all working together to provide users with a premium, comfortable, and reliable personal audio experience.
What about ergonomics and usability Marshall Minor 3?
Ergonomics:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones have been designed with user comfort and convenience in mind. The ergonomic shape of the earbuds ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of ear sizes and shapes. The silicone ear tips, available in small, medium, and large sizes, provide a snug and secure fit while minimizing pressure points and offering passive noise isolation.
The earbuds are lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing users to wear them for extended periods without experiencing discomfort. Additionally, the magnetic feature in the earbuds allows them to connect to each other when not in use, reducing the likelihood of tangling and making them easy to store.
Usability:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones offer a user-friendly experience, with intuitive controls and seamless connectivity. The multi-functional control button and touch controls on the earbuds provide easy access to essential functions, such as play/pause, volume adjustment, track skipping, and handling phone calls. The touch controls also allow users to activate their device’s voice assistant for hands-free convenience.
The Bluetooth 5.2 technology ensures a quick and stable connection to a wide range of compatible devices, while the 33 ft (10 meters) Bluetooth range offers users the freedom to move around without losing their connection. The charging case not only protects the earbuds but also provides additional battery life, making it easy to recharge the earbuds on-the-go.
The Minor 3 headphones do not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) but do offer a degree of passive noise isolation due to their snug fit, which helps block out external sounds.
In conclusion, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones deliver a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and seamless connectivity, ensuring a satisfying audio experience for users in various situations.
What about connection, control and software?
Connection:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, providing a fast, stable, and energy-efficient connection to a wide range of compatible devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The headphones offer a Bluetooth range of up to 33 ft (10 meters), allowing users to move freely without losing connection or experiencing audio dropouts.
Control:
The earbuds feature a multi-functional control button and touch controls, providing users with easy access to various functions. These controls allow users to play/pause music, adjust the volume, skip tracks, answer or reject phone calls, and activate their device’s voice assistant. The touch controls are responsive and offer a convenient way to manage audio playback and calls without having to reach for the connected device.
Software:
While the Marshall Minor 3 headphones do not come with a dedicated app, they are designed to work seamlessly with most devices’ built-in Bluetooth settings and music playback apps. The compatibility with aptX and SBC audio codecs ensures high-quality sound reproduction when streaming music from various sources.
Users can also take advantage of their device’s voice assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant, to control music playback, make calls, or access other features using voice commands. This hands-free functionality adds a layer of convenience and usability to the overall experience.
In summary, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones offer a reliable and straightforward connection, intuitive controls, and seamless integration with devices and their native software, providing users with a hassle-free and enjoyable audio experience.
How’s the sound quality?
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones exhibit the exceptional sound quality that one would expect from a brand with such a storied history in the audio industry. The headphones deliver a well-balanced, immersive listening experience that appeals to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
Bass:
The Minor 3 headphones boast a powerful and punchy bass response, thanks to their 14.2mm drivers. The low frequencies are impactful and tight, providing a solid foundation for various music genres without overpowering the rest of the audio spectrum. The bass is well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange, maintaining clarity and separation between different elements of the sound.
Midrange:
The midrange of the Marshall Minor 3 headphones is rich and detailed, offering excellent clarity and presence for vocals and instruments. The headphones reproduce the nuances and textures of voices and instruments with precision, making them suitable for listening to a wide variety of music genres, from rock and pop to classical and jazz. The natural and warm tonality of the midrange ensures a pleasant and engaging listening experience.
Treble:
The treble frequencies in the Minor 3 headphones are crisp and well-defined, providing a good amount of sparkle and airiness without veering into harsh or sibilant territory. The headphones deliver an impressive level of detail and resolution in the higher frequencies, allowing listeners to appreciate the subtleties and intricacies of their favorite tracks. The treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, even at higher volumes.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones offer a reasonably spacious soundstage for in-ear headphones, providing a sense of depth and width in the audio reproduction. The precise imaging allows listeners to pinpoint the position of different instruments and sound sources within the soundstage, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
Overall, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones provide a well-balanced, detailed, and engaging sound quality that caters to a wide range of musical preferences. The headphones deliver a satisfying listening experience that upholds the high standards of the Marshall brand.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones are designed with energy efficiency in mind, utilizing the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology. This advanced version of Bluetooth provides not only a more stable and faster connection but also offers improved energy consumption, ensuring longer battery life for wireless devices.
Battery Life:
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones boast an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge, which allows users to enjoy their music for extended periods without the need to recharge frequently. This battery performance is more than sufficient for day-to-day use, commuting, and even long-haul travel.
Charging Case:
The headphones come with a charging case that not only protects the earbuds when they are not in use but also provides additional battery life. The charging case can extend the total listening time, ensuring users can easily recharge their earbuds while on-the-go.
Charging Time:
The Minor 3 headphones have a relatively short charging time of 1.5 hours, allowing users to quickly recharge the earbuds and get back to enjoying their music. Additionally, the headphones feature a quick charging function that provides 2 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge, ensuring that users are never left without their music for long periods.
In summary, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones demonstrate exceptional energy efficiency and battery life, thanks to the integration of Bluetooth 5.2 technology and an efficient battery management system. The combination of a long-lasting battery, quick charging functionality, and the inclusion of a charging case make the Minor 3 headphones an excellent choice for users who demand extended playtime and convenience.
Comparison & Review
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
Two similar headphones in features and cost to the Marshall Minor 3 are the Jabra Elite 75t and the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro.
- Jabra Elite 75t: The Jabra Elite 75t is a pair of true wireless earbuds that offer a similar feature set and price range as the Marshall Minor 3. They are known for their comfortable fit, reliable connection, and excellent sound quality. Some of the key specifications of the Jabra Elite 75t include:
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Up to 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge (28 hours with the charging case)
- IP55 water and dust resistance rating
- Customizable sound profiles using the Jabra Sound+ app
- 4-microphone call technology for clear voice calls
- Price: Around $129.99 (subject to change)
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro: The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro is another pair of true wireless earbuds that provide features and performance comparable to the Marshall Minor 3. They are praised for their comfortable design, active noise cancellation, and sound quality. Key specifications of the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro include:
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Active Noise Cancellation with multiple modes
- Up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge (26 hours with the charging case)
- Customizable EQ settings using the Soundcore app
- 6-microphone call technology for clear voice calls
- Price: Around $129.99 (subject to change)
Both of these options offer features similar to the Marshall Minor 3 headphones and fall within the same price range, providing users with alternative choices based on their preferences and requirements.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Marshall Minor 3 | Jabra Elite 75t | Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2023 | 2019 | 2021 |
| Company | Marshall Amplification | Jabra | Anker Soundcore |
| Official Website | www.marshallheadphones.com | www.jabra.com | www.soundcore.com |
| Fit Type | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 1.1 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches (approximate) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Item Weight | 0.03 lbs (14 grams) | 0.02 lbs (10 grams) | 0.01 lbs (5.5 grams) |
| Special Features | Magnetic Earbuds, Quick Charging, Voice Assistant | Customizable Sound Profiles, Voice Assistant | Active Noise Cancellation, Customizable EQ, Voice Assistant |
| Driver Size | 14.2mm | 6mm | 11mm |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | Not specified | 16 Ohms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Range | 33 ft (10 meters) | 33 ft (10 meters) | 33 ft (10 meters) |
| ANC Modes | None | None | Multiple modes |
| Audio Codec | aptX, SBC | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 7.5 hours (28 hours with case) | Up to 7 hours (26 hours with case) |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Quick Charging | 15 minutes for 2 hours playback | Not specified | 15 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Controls | Multi-functional Control Button, Touch Controls | Physical buttons, Voice Assistant | Touch Controls, Voice Assistant |
| Price | $129.99 (subject to change) | Around $129.99 (subject to change) | Around $129.99 (subject to change) |
How do Marshall Minor 3 users describe their experience with these headphones?
Marshall Minor 3 users generally describe their experience with these headphones as satisfying and enjoyable, highlighting the following aspects:
- Sound Quality: Users often praise the well-balanced and immersive sound quality, noting the powerful bass, rich midrange, and crisp treble. They appreciate the clear and detailed audio reproduction across various music genres.
- Comfort and Fit: Many users find the ergonomic design of the earbuds and the availability of multiple silicone ear tip sizes to be comfortable for long listening sessions. The snug fit also provides passive noise isolation, which users value.
- Battery Life: Users are impressed with the long-lasting battery life, up to 12 hours on a single charge, and the convenience of the charging case. They appreciate the quick charging feature, allowing them to get 2 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.
- Connectivity: Users report a reliable and stable connection with the Bluetooth 5.2 technology, along with the ease of pairing and a good Bluetooth range.
- Design and Build Quality: The classic Marshall design and high-quality materials are well-received by users, who appreciate the stylish and durable construction of the headphones.
- Controls: Users enjoy the intuitive controls on the earbuds, allowing them to manage music playback, calls, and voice assistant access with ease.
However, some users might mention the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as a downside, especially when comparing the Minor 3 to other headphones in the same price range. Despite this, many users would still consider the overall experience with the Marshall Minor 3 headphones to be positive and fulfilling.
Pros and cons of headphones Marshall Minor 3
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| Well-balanced and immersive sound quality | No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
| Comfortable, ergonomic design | Limited customization options |
| Multiple silicone ear tip sizes | No dedicated mobile app |
| Long-lasting battery life | |
| Quick charging functionality | |
| Bluetooth 5.2 for stable connectivity | |
| Classic Marshall design and build quality | |
| Intuitive earbud controls |
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable audio experience. With their well-balanced sound quality, comfortable and ergonomic design, long-lasting battery life, and stable Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, these headphones cater to various listening preferences. The classic Marshall design and intuitive controls add to the overall appeal.
However, the absence of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and limited customization options may be considered drawbacks by some users, especially when compared to other headphones in the same price range. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Marshall Minor 3 headphones still deliver an impressive performance that upholds the high standards of the Marshall brand.
Our Review
Marshall Minor 3. Basic questions, basic answers
Does Marshall Minor 3 have noise cancellation?
Passive only
Is Marshall Minor 3 waterproof?
The Marshall Minor 3 headphones do not have a specified IP rating for water resistance or waterproofing. While they might be able to handle light moisture or sweat, they are not designed to be fully waterproof. It is recommended to avoid using these headphones in heavy rain or during activities where they might be submerged in water.
Last Updated on October 26, 2023
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3 comments
As the author of this article, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the Marshall Minor 3 headphones. Have you tried them out, or are you considering purchasing a pair? Please share your comments, experiences, and any questions you may have. Let’s have a conversation and learn from each other’s insights!
Nice write-up! However, I still prefer my Jabra Elite 75t because of the customizable sound profiles. For those who like to tweak their audio settings, it’s a big plus.
Great review! I’ve been a Marshall fan for years and recently picked up the Minor 3 headphones. I couldn’t agree more about the sound quality – they’ve exceeded my expectations!