While there's no such thing as perfection, Samsung came extremely close to designing the flawless phone after Galaxy S5's poor box-office results. The S6 and S6 Edge only have a couple of striking vulnerabilities, with water resistance inexplicably omitted and future owners limited to internal storage and the cloud for their digital hoarding needs.
There's almost no shortage of on-ear headphones between the $100 and $150 price bracket. But what's common with so many is the amount of plastic you get in bowing headbands. While I don't have anything against plastic construction, I greatly appreciate flexible and stylish designs. If a headband is going to circle over my head like a helmet, it better look real good doing it.
Once in awhile, you come across a pair that totally nails it on appearance, comfort, and performance for the price. Such as the Major II headphones.
Design & Connectivity
You have to hand it to Marshall for creating an inexpensive set of headphones that does not come off as 'cheap-looking' plastic. I've certainly experienced my fair share of shiny plastic be it good or not-so-good audio. Now don't get me wrong – the Major II headphones certainly have plastic parts. But it's the overall design and attention to detail that completely subdues it.
Such beautiful simplicity
While there isn't anything particularly flashy about the appearance of the Major II, it embodies an era of sound with look and feel. My inner minimalist delights in both the form and function that provide without undue surplus.
Ear cups attach to metal prongs, connected to a simple hinge, which then connects to the headband itself. The contact points are separate and visible. This construction will will surely last through normal wear and tear.
I've seen photos of how the original Major headphones work. Marshall has done a great job to tweak the design yet retain similar style for the Major II. The cups can fold in without exerting any physical stress on the band, and vice versa. If anything is going to break first, it would be a hinge. But you're going to have to do something drastic to make that happen. Even then, a couple of tools and a bit of ingenuity could fix it.
Listening to music with the Major II headphones has reinforced my love for cups that vertically adjust by sliding instead of clicking into place. The metal rails move smoothly and maintain appropriate tension to stay put. Although plastic, the hinge locks, yet has enough give for easy motion. The stitched headband is capped with gold metal bands at the ends, labeling right and left sides. There is nothing excess about these headphones, and I absolutely love it.
Folds up quite nicely in the hand
Simple, classy, detailed. That's why the Marshall Major II looks more expensive than it is. The headband, sides of the hinges, and sides of the ear cups are textured. There's white and gold script, gold metal on the bands, and gold plugs where audio cables go in and out.
Even the inside of the ear cups feature a mesh that matches the overall flat-black appearance. In my mind, the Major II's style speaks to the physical aspect being good, yet taking a backseat to the audio experience.
The included 3.5mm audio cable is equally designed and constructed. Let me mention that this is one of the least-kinky, non-clothing-catching cables I've had the pleasure to use in quite some time. While it might coil a bit, it won't tangle (you'll have to work at it to do that). Gold-colored, textured metal grips for the plugs – one having an L-shape with extra reinforcement – are solidly-built. They plug in with a satisfying 'click'. A coiled section of cable stretches springy, yet snaps back to its original shape when relaxed. Most excellent.
This cable is definitely a keeper, one that's certainly likely to outlast any headphones you end up owning. I just wish that it had in-line volume control. The single button with mic are for taking and ending calls only.
Each of the Major II's ear cups have…
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