Marshall, known for its high-quality audio products, continues to impress with the Marshall Minor IV, the latest addition to their wireless earbud lineup. Priced at PHP 6,690 in the Philippines, these True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds combine Marshall’s iconic sound signature with modern design and premium features.
Marshall has created a distinctive design for the Minor IV, blending their signature sound with a vintage aesthetic. The rubberized matte finish with a textured grain pattern enhances grip, preventing slips and elevating the premium feel. But beyond the aesthetics, these earbuds offer superior call quality, ensuring conversations remain clear with minimal interruptions. Thanks to IPX4 water resistance, you can wear them in light rain or during a workout without worry.
The Minor IV promises up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 30+ hours of total playback. A quick charge feature provides 3 hours of playtime after just 15 minutes of charging, making it perfect for users on the go. But is the Marshall Minor IV worth the price? Let’s dive into the design, audio quality, and overall performance to find out.
Unboxing
Straight out of the box, you’ll find the Marshall Minor IV charging case with the earbuds inside, along with a USB-C charging cable and a quick start guide. The charging case has a leather-like exterior and a Marshall logo embossed across the front, exuding a premium feel. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry. The case also offers wireless charging, adding convenience to your daily routine.
Design and Comfort
The Marshall Minor IV earbud design is a nod to the brand’s iconic vintage aesthetic. The earbuds and case feature a rubberized matte finish with a textured grain pattern, adding to the premium look and feel. The gold accents on the stem give the earbuds an added sense of elegance and attention to detail. The Marshall logo is prominently displayed on the case, maintaining the classic, sleek appearance Marshall fans know and love.
Each earbud weighs just 7.39 grams, making them easy to wear for extended periods. However, the lack of silicone ear tips and the hard plastic design may not work for everyone. These earbuds have a one-size-fits-all design, and while they fit snugly for many users, they may not be ideal for those with smaller ear canals or who prefer adjustable tips.
The Minor IV is IPX4-rated for water resistance, meaning they are built to withstand sweat and light rain. This makes them perfect for workouts and outdoor activities, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the Minor IV’s design. Comprising 42% plastic, with 90% of that material derived from post-consumer recycled products like CDs and washing machines, these earbuds focus on eco-conscious manufacturing. This is a commendable effort, and it’s hoped that more brands will follow in Marshall’s footsteps, prioritizing sustainability without compromising on quality.
Audio Quality
The Marshall Minor IV delivers the brand’s signature sound with expertly balanced audio designed to captivate listeners. Thanks to 12mm dynamic drivers, the earbuds feature impressive instrument separation and depth, making them perfect for acoustically complex genres with many layers. The sound is warm and immersive, ensuring you enjoy both music and calls with superior clarity. However, if you’re accustomed to the noise isolation provided by silicone tips, the open-ear design of the Minor IV may not offer the same level of sound isolation.
In terms of call quality, the Minor IV stands out. It delivers superior call clarity with minimal interruptions, ensuring your conversations are clear and distraction-free. The earbuds’ touch-sensitive controls let you easily manage music and calls, and the auto-pause and play feature adds convenience when removing or reinserting the earbuds.
The soundstage is generous, offering solid bass and treble. However, the bass can sometimes overpower the mids, making vocals sound muffled on certain tracks. The fit of the earbuds plays a significant role in achieving the best sound quality, so ensuring a proper fit is key to getting the most out of these earbuds.
Battery
The Marshall Minor IV stands out with impressive battery performance. These earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is suitable for long listening sessions. The charging case provides an additional 30+ hours of playback time, ensuring you can enjoy non-stop music for days without needing to recharge frequently.
For those in a hurry, the quick charging feature is a standout, offering 3 hours of playtime after just 15 minutes of charging. When you need a full recharge, the earbuds take about 1.1 hours to charge, and the case requires approximately 2 hours to fully recharge. The wireless charging capability adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing you to recharge the case without needing a physical connection.
Performance and Features
The Marshall Minor IV offers up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. With the charging case providing an additional 30+ hours, you have plenty of listening time. The earbuds also feature wireless charging, ensuring you never need to worry about plugging them in. If you’re in a rush, the quick charge feature provides 3 hours of playtime after just 15 minutes of charging. Full recharging takes about 1.1 hours for the earbuds and 2 hours for the case.
In terms of usability, the touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds allow you to manage music and calls effortlessly, without physical buttons. The auto-pause and play feature works seamlessly when you remove or insert an earbud, ensuring a smooth experience.
Should You Buy the Marshall Minor IV?
The Marshall Minor IV brings together excellent design, reliable performance, and Marshall’s signature sound in a compact, eco-friendly package. The earbuds offer good audio quality, up to 7 hours of playtime, and water resistance for workouts and outdoor use.
However, the lack of silicone ear tips and the open-ear design may not suit everyone, especially those seeking a more secure fit or better noise isolation. Despite these drawbacks, the Minor IV excels in style, sound quality, and sustainability, making it a solid option for those who value aesthetics and eco-consciousness.
Verdict
Overall, the Marshall Minor IV combines style, comfort, and impressive sound quality in a well-designed package. Its classic Marshall look, with a matte finish and gold accents, stands out while providing a lightweight and comfortable fit for extended listening. The audio is well-balanced, offering clear sound and excellent call quality, though the open-ear design may not provide the best isolation for some.
With up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 30+ hours from the case, the Minor IV ensures long-lasting performance. The quick charge feature is a bonus, providing 3 hours of playtime in just 15 minutes. Wireless charging adds further convenience for users.
Though the fit may not suit everyone, especially those with smaller ear canals, the Minor IV is a solid choice for everyday use and workouts. It delivers both reliable performance and a stylish design, making it a great option for those looking for durable, high-quality earbuds.
Marshall Minor IV Specifications
- Drivers: 12mm dynamic drivers
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Weight: 7.39 grams per earbud
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Battery life: Up to 7 hours on a single charge; 30+ hours with charging case
- Charging time: 1.1 hours for earbuds, 2 hours for case
- Quick charge: 15 minutes for 3 hours of playtime
- Controls: Mirrored touch-sensitive controls, auto-pause/play
- Material: 42% plastic (90% from post-consumer recycled products)
Price and Availability
The Marshall Minor IV is available for PHP 6,690 at Digital Walker and Beyond the Box branches nationwide. For added convenience, these True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds can also be purchased online through Lazada.
