Though the Marshall name conjures mental images of towering stacks of amplifiers and knobs that go to 11, the company hasn’t been only for pros for quite some time. Over the past few years, the company has released headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and even a smartphone in the Marshall London.
Now the company is moving forward with another first: its first wireless headphones. The Marshall Major II Bluetooth headphones were announced by the company today, cutting the cord on the original Major II released last year.
Like their wired cousins, the Major II Bluetooth pack in 40mm drivers that Marshall says are “tuned for excellent bass response, smooth mids and sizzling highs.” A collapsible design makes them easy to toss into a backpack to take with you when you’re on the go.
As evidenced by the name, these headphones connect via Bluetooth and use aptX to offer CD-quality playback and minimal audio/video sync issues when watching video. If you have a high-res music player or would just rather plug in, the headphones also offer a 3.5 mm jack and a removable coiled cable featuring a built-in mic and remote. The 3.5mm jack can also be used to share music with someone else when listening wirelessly.
One advantage these headphones seem to have comes in the area of battery life. While many Bluetooth headphones can struggle to hit the 20-hour mark, Marshall says the Major II Bluetooth offers up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge, more than enough to last through a week of moderate listening.
One of the more unique features of the Major II Bluetooth comes in the “analogue control knob.” This offers the usual control over playback — including shuffle — and volume, as well as phone controls, allowing the user to answer, reject, or end calls without having to touch their phone.
The Marshall Major II Bluetooth will be available starting tomorrow in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa starting tomorrow. A release in the U.S. is planned for the spring, with the Major II Bluetooth selling for $150. For more information, see the Marshall Headphones website.
