JVC Marshmallow headphones (black)
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: HA-FX34-B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The JVC Marshmallow headphones are an exceptional value thanks to an ultralow price tag combined with solid audio quality, noise isolation capability, and a secure fit.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Savings, Selection & Service since 1971 | ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | ![]() | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
JVC Marshmallow headphones (black) price range: $11.97 - $17.99
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 08/20/2009
The good: The JVC Marshmallow headphones are very inexpensive. They offer a secure, comfortable fit and good audio quality. They come in a wide variety of colors to match any recent iPod Nano.
The bad: The top part of the cable seems fragile, and the shallow earpiece design may not work for all users.
The bottom line: The JVC Marshmallow headphones are an exceptional value thanks to an ultralow price tag combined with solid audio quality, noise isolation capability, and a secure fit.
The first thing you're likely to do upon obtaining a new MP3 player is load it up with all your favorite music. Once that's done, the next best step is to replace the shoddy earbuds that came packaged with it. Of course, not everyone wants to drop a wad of cash on a new pair of headphones, which is where sets like the JVC Marshmallow come in. These comfy and colorful earphones have an MSRP of just $20 and often list for much less than that, and in addition to providing a more secure fit than stock 'buds, the Marshmallows offer a significant improvement in sound quality.
The JVC Marshmallow headphones are typical of in-ear models in design. A small earbud features a protruding aperture onto which you attach an eartip. In the case of the Marshmallows, the included sleeves (two sets) are the compressible foam variety, which tend to offer better passive sound isolation and a more comfortable fit for most users. We were able to wear the set for a couple hours without discomfort, and they stayed put with some light tugging on the cable, making them a good choice for gym-goers. (However, because of the sound isolation, these are probably not optimal for runners.)
For Nano owners who are interested in earphones with a hint of style, the JVC Marshmallows should be a good fit. They come in 13 colors that are shaded to match the third- and fourth-generation iPod Nanos, which themselves vary slightly in tint from one generation to the next. For example, there are two shades of green, two shades of blue, and two shades of red. The color coat extends from the earbuds, which have a shiny clear coat, all the way down the 40-inch cord, which terminates in a gold-plated straight-plug. Although the cable is quite thin at the Y, it includes a slider for preventing cables and the bottom section seems pretty durable--certainly more so than most earbuds that list for about $10.
The real shock with the JVC Marshmallow headphones is the sound quality--it's actually decent. In fact, it's downright impressive given the price point. Although the audio isn't as clear and sparkly as what you'd get from a $100 set, bass is thumpy and the midrange is warm and enveloping. Sounds do tend to get muddled together somewhat, but on the whole, we found that every genre of music was more than tolerable during playback. Certainly, the Marshmallow earphones are a huge step up from stock for a very small investment. They're definitely worth checking out.
User reviews
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Best value ear canalphones for under $50
by Ashkenazi on March 3, 2008
Pros: Excellent sound quality after modding, decent sound quality before modding, best value in its class, very durable and thick cord, slider to prevent headphone tangle, decent sound isolation
Cons: Foam tips that some may not like - it's preference though
Summary: These are hands down the BEST ear canal phones you can get for under $50. They are more durable than the cheap quality Creative EP-630 with its flimsy cord. Also, ...
Summary: These are hands down the BEST ear canal phones you can get for under $50. They are more durable than the cheap quality Creative EP-630 with its flimsy cord. Also, this actually has a slider to prevent headphone tangle! Very useful. The cord is about as long as the EP-630s. I find the foam tips that they provide more comfortable than the silicon tips that some other companies use, though both are comfortable by itself.
In terms of sound quality, they are somewhat worse than the EP-630 if you do not mod them. The bass is very strong but bloomy, and the mids/highs are very recessed so that they are in the background. Google for Kramer Mod JVC Marshmallows to get easy, quick instructions on how to mod your Marshmallows in less than 5 minutes. It just involves remove the paper filter and stuffing foam inside, or using a needle to make the hole in the paper filter larger. The difference is really night and day because the bass is no longer bloomy and the mids/highs are perfect. After the mod, the sound quality is comparable to ear canalphones that cost $100! It's simply amazing.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very impressive earbuds for a cheapskate like me
by kfushigi on September 23, 2009
Pros: The sound quality is impressive. It is engaging with the active "feel" of thumping bass and, detailed sound. It's not the "cleanest" set (I'm used to SONY), but given the price, it's superb. I've never experienced such excellent sound isolation.
Cons: It takes a while to squeeze and put into your ears. You have to hold it in (like earplugs). It's worth it, though, as they work as well as earplugs for noise isolation. Also, it's hard to share these with friends, as they may have smaller/bigger ears
Summary: I like the product very much. I had sonys, and then I bought Koss earbuds because they said they isolated sound (they didn't) so I returned the Kosses. Then, ...
Summary: I like the product very much. I had sonys, and then I bought Koss earbuds because they said they isolated sound (they didn't) so I returned the Kosses. Then, I bought a noise canceling headset (the salesperson exaggerated its ability to cancel noise) but I wasn't satisfied. Finally, I turned to JVC and I wasn't disappointed. I was impressed by its good sound quality and comfort (I heard it may be uncomfortable, but I'm used to it) as well as incredible noise isolation. I wouldn't wear these in public, though, as every time some one wants to talk to you, you have to take them out of your ears so you can hear them; you can't just turn the music off--that's how well they cancel sound.
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Bose Triport Replacement
by johnsbrother on September 6, 2009
Pros: Sound Quality is Awesome. I used an 1/8" splitter and plugged both my Triports and these into my iPhone. I put these on then the triports on top. I started a song and about half way thru I pulled these out and listened to the Triports... Same Sound!
Cons: Usually after about 6-8 months of daily pocket carrying with my iPhone the connection of the wire to the bud itself cuts out. Irritating but at $20 not too painful to replace. And don't try to wash them in your jeans :(
Summary: Bottomline. $20.00 Walmart. Try em out. Keep the receipt. Don't like them, return them.
Summary: Bottomline. $20.00 Walmart. Try em out. Keep the receipt. Don't like them, return them.
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Good product for the money
by DMJeff243 on August 27, 2009
Pros: Sound quality
Cons: Ear pieces
Summary: I bought these headphones after i got fed up with my Creative Labs EP-630's. For what you are paying for them, they have great sound quality. Good Highs and ...
Summary: I bought these headphones after i got fed up with my Creative Labs EP-630's. For what you are paying for them, they have great sound quality. Good Highs and mids, doesn't sound muddy, and there was more bass than i expected. The only problem i found is the ear pieces. After a while (for me a couple months) they started falling off, and then i couldn't find them. Luckily these headphones are cheap enough, that once you lose all the ear pieces you can go buy a brand new pair of buds!
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Love these ear buds!
by Gretpass on August 24, 2009
Pros: The sound is good and they don't hurt my ears.
Cons: Ear wax may need to be cleaned out of them, but a pin does a fine job if used gently.
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Check out the JVC Air Cushions also
by Rodgman on August 22, 2009
Pros: Great fit (they stay in your ears) and very good sound. Imressive noise isolation.
Cons: The sound could be a little better balanced. They tend to emphasize the lows more than the highs, llike many less expensive ear phones do. Nothing the EQ can't resolve.
Summary: They cost a little more than the Marshmellows, but the extra money is worth it. I've had mine for over a year now and they still work great. The ...
Summary: They cost a little more than the Marshmellows, but the extra money is worth it. I've had mine for over a year now and they still work great. The cords are strong and have never caused me any problems even though they've been put to test many times.
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Great sound, cables need to be secured better
by spatulate on July 13, 2009
Pros: The sound quality is better than that of my Senheisers that I paid double for and the marshmallow bits are comfy
Cons: They broke because the cable connecting to one of the speakers came loose, they need to be better secured.
Another problem was that the foam perished over time in the cold.Summary: Good if you want great sound for a short time but don't expect them to last.
Summary: Good if you want great sound for a short time but don't expect them to last.
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Good sound but terrible construction
by EltonSmith on June 30, 2009
Pros: The sound is good and the marshmellow feature blocks out other sounds very well.
Cons: Product breaks with normal use. Took the first pair back after one week. The replacement pair lasted two weeks and they stopped working. Did they test this product?
Summary: Avoid this product.
Summary: Avoid this product.
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its good,comfortable and cheap
by 4agze on June 2, 2009
Pros: Coming from a sony big headphone set, i always think bigger is better & haven't had a earphones since high school (don't mind the age), earphones came a long way from my first walkman its a bang for your buck earbud w/ a very good sound quality.
Cons: If you have a small ear holes this may be hard to fit you, my wife was having problem fitting them.You only have 2 ear fitments a large and looks like medium but they fit same as the large one.
Summary: If your looking for a cheap yet o.k sound quality this is the earphones for you, comfortable for people that has a larger ear holes. Other than that good ...
Summary: If your looking for a cheap yet o.k sound quality this is the earphones for you, comfortable for people that has a larger ear holes. Other than that good for working out and good for traveling.
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BEST HEADPHONES ON TH MARKET
by chcrampage41 on April 26, 2009
Pros: Block out sound, form to fit ear, awesome bass and sound overall
Cons: no cons. everything about these headphones are perfect
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: HA-FX34-B
- Description: The HA-FX34 Marshmallow has been designed with wearer comfort as a top priority. Super-soft earpieces in two sizes are supplied as standard, providing a snug fit for a wide range of users. While the earpieces provide a perfect fit for the ears, the range of seven body and cord colors complements perfectly Apple?s third-generation iPod nano and iPod shuffle models. Furthermore, the gold-plated connection plug is fully compatible with Apple?s iPhone, making the HA-FX34 an ideal choice for music on the go.
General
- Product Type Headphones
- Color Black
- Additional Features Gold-plated plug
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-bud
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Headphones Ear Pads Included
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Headphones cable - Integrated - 3.3 ft
- Included Accessories 2 ear cushions
Power
- Power Device None
- Battery None
Product series
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (silver)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Silver, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (pink)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Pink, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (black)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Black, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (sky blue)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Blue, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (violet)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Violet, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (green)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Green, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (dark red)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, Ear-bud, Red, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (red)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Red, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (purple)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Violet, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (lime green)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Green, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (orange)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Orange, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (gold)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Yellow, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
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JVC Marshmallow headphones (blue)
Manufacturer: JVC
Specs: Headphones, In-ear ear-bud, Blue, 0.1 oz, Stereo, Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, Gold-plated plug
Manufacturer info
- JVC
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse JVC products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jvc.com/
- Address:
1700 Valley Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470 - Phone: 800-526-5308



