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Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.

$320

The Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. headphones combine iconic Marshall design with active noise cancellation and high-quality sound. They are perfect for listeners who want a blend of style and performance.

Our take

Classic Marshall style with modern noise cancelling features.

Alright, so the Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. headphones are pretty solid if you dig that classic look with a modern twist. They’ve got this vintage vibe, which is cool if you’re into aesthetics that nod to the past while still being totally functional today. The build quality feels sturdy, like they can handle being tossed in a bag without falling apart, and that’s a big plus for anyone on the go. But, you know, if you're super picky about materials, they’re not exactly made from anything mind-blowingly premium, just good ol’ reliable construction.

The sound quality is where these headphones start to shine. It’s got that warm, rich sound that makes your music feel like it’s hugging your ears. There’s a pretty nice balance between the lows, mids, and highs, which makes them versatile for different genres. However, if you’re a bass-head, you might find them not as thumpy as you’d like. The bass is there, just not overbearing, which could be a letdown if you want your head to rattle with every beat.

Active noise cancellation (A.N.C.) is the big selling point here, and it does a decent job. It’s not the absolute best on the market, but it’s effective enough to drown out the usual background noise, like the hum of a bus or chatter in a coffee shop. Don’t expect it to completely silence the world, though. If you need to block out a baby crying on a plane, you might still hear some of that. So, it’s good, just not magic.

Battery life is pretty impressive, and that’s something you’ll appreciate if you hate constantly recharging your gadgets. You’re looking at around 30 hours with A.N.C. on, which is plenty for most commutes or a couple of long workdays without plugging in. Just remember, your mileage may vary depending on volume and other settings. Having quick charge is a lifesaver too—15 minutes gets you a few more hours, which is great for those “oh no, I forgot to charge them” moments.

Comfort-wise, they’re decent but not perfect. The ear cups are soft, which is nice, but after a few hours, they might start feeling a bit snug, especially if you’ve got a bigger head. Adjustable? Yes, but they could stand to be a little more cushy for those marathon listening sessions. All in all, if you want headphones that look cool, sound great, and have decent noise canceling, these are worth considering. Just go in knowing they’ve got a few quirks, like anything else.

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