Overview

Marshall Major V is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone released in April 2024. It pairs the brand’s retro styling with practical touches: Bluetooth 5.3 with LC3 (LE Audio–ready), multipoint, wired listening via 3.5 mm, wireless charging, and a headline 100+ hour playtime (third-party battery test ~92 h 52 m). Drivers are 40 mm, nominal 32 Ω, 106 dB/mW. There is no active noise cancelling (ANC). [1][2][3]

Scientific Validity

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Transparent reproduction hinges on frequency response and effective noise control. Third-party testing reports a treble-heavy stock tuning that benefits from app EQ, and passive isolation is limited by the on-ear design; ANC is not provided. While basic electrical specs (32 Ω, 106 dB/mW) are adequate and battery life is excellent, the out-of-box tonal balance and lack of ANC reduce fidelity at the eardrum in typical use. Comprehensive public FR/THD datasets were not found; therefore, starting from a neutral 0.5 baseline and adjusting based on available evidence, we set 0.3. [2]

Technology Level

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Major V implements current mainstream tech: Bluetooth 5.3 with LC3 (LE Audio–ready), multipoint, app EQ, and rare-for-class wireless charging. Battery management is strong (measured ~92 h 52 m). Marshall also adds a repair program with replaceable batteries. These are thoughtful but incremental advances; driver and codec choices remain conventional. [1][2][3]

Cost-Performance

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Current price is 149 USD. The cheapest equivalent-or-better option we identified is JBL Live 670NC at 99.95 USD, which is also on-ear and adds ANC (objectively better isolation) while offering long battery life (tested up to ~88 h). CP calculation: 99.95 USD ÷ 149 USD = 0.67 → rounded to 0.7. Selection rationale: on-ear form, wireless + wired, app EQ, and ANC with measured long endurance; ANC addresses isolation where Major V has none. [4][5]

Reliability & Support

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Standard one-year warranty and established retail/service presence. Inclusion in Marshall’s repair program with replaceable batteries is a positive for longevity. No widespread reliability issues are reported in early coverage. Overall, average for the category. [2][6]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Prioritizing aesthetic identity and extreme battery life while shipping a treble-heavy stock tuning and omitting ANC in 2024–2025 is not a rational path toward transparent, real-world fidelity. The design choices favor styling and endurance over measured acoustic outcomes at the ear. [2]

Advice

Choose Major V if you value retro styling, very long battery life, wireless charging convenience, and simple controls, and you’re willing to use EQ. If you need isolation for commuting or flights, an on-ear with ANC such as JBL Live 670NC is more practical and cheaper. Budget-first buyers who don’t need ANC can also consider Sony WH-CH520 for long battery life and app EQ at a much lower price, noting its on-ear passive isolation limits. [2][4][7]

References

[1] Marshall, Major V product page — features (BT 5.3, 100+ h), design, FAQ; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.marshall.com/us/en/product/major-v?pid=1006832
[2] SoundGuys, Marshall Major V review — notes on treble-heavy stock sound, codecs (SBC/AAC/LC3), multipoint, measured battery ~92 h 52 m, repair program; Aug 30 2024; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.soundguys.com/marshall-major-v-review-116141/
[3] Marshall Support, How to charge / device layout — confirms wireless charging on right ear cup; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.marshall.com/us/en/support/headphones/support-for-major-v/how-to-charge
[4] RTINGS, JBL Live 670NC Wireless Review — on-ear with ANC, “outstanding 88 h” battery; May 24 2024; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/jbl/live-670nc-wireless
[5] Best Buy, JBL Live 670NC product listing — US price 99.95 USD; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/jbl-live-670nc-wireless-on-ear-headphones-with-true-adaptive-noise-cancelling-black/6572448.p
[6] Crutchfield, Marshall Major V — basic specs and warranty reference; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_972MAJOR5/Marshall-Major-V-Black.html
[7] RTINGS, Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Review — budget on-ear with long battery and app EQ; Apr 9 2024; accessed Aug 2025. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-ch520-wireless

(2025.8.21)