Entered CNET Catalog: 02/23/2008
SKU: 046838042645
Manufacturer: JVC America
Manufacturer 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.Product summary
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.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35out of 35 user reviews
Not just for price, these are some quality headphones!
Pros: They have an incredible sound, if you like the softer sides of music, and very distinct. The bass is very amazing, and the headphones lasted me for about a year before one split on a manufactured line, and it could have been fixed easily with super glue h
Cons: They do reproduce sounds through their wires, but you'll be hardpressed to find headphones that don't. and if you're listening to music through them while you're wearing them, you don't really hear anything at all anyway.
out of 35 user reviews
superior qulaity at a low price
Pros: loud, comfortable, great sound - doesn't muffle you can hear all the tracks in the mix, not too bassy like a lot of the newer hearphones out there with the bass overpowering the music .... the sound is comparable to 100 dollar headphones
Cons: like a lot of headphones the plugin is weak and breaks fairly easily if you use your headphones a lot, the cord itself could be longer but other than that they are perfect
out of 35 user reviews
GREAT product at an EXCELLENT price!
Pros: Exception audio quality, with deep bass, comfortable highs and lows, and amazing noise cancelation.
Cons: None! A solid product!
out of 35 user reviews
Beware avid mp3 users!
Pros: Great sound and bass until it starts to short.
Cons: The insulation around the adapter(plug) is VERY WEAK. If you are listening while active over 1 hour a day it will short and tear after 1 month. This has happened to me 2 times back to back!
out of 35 user reviews
great bang for your buck
Pros: Comfortable- Definitely the most comfortable in-ear phones I've ever tried.
Cheap- I got 'em for 12$ from amazon, you can get them for less, depending on the color
Decent sound quality for the price
Cons: The earbuds seem to get dirty quite easily, no biggy
Sometimes there's a little bit of microphonics when the cable rubs against you
Not quite enough bass
I've always had a problem getting earphones to fit me, both stock and high-quality silicone-tipped ones - the kind of bud that nearly all noise-isolating ear-phones have. the marshmallows sit well, and don't bug me at all. I've got small ears and most buds are too big, but these fit perfectly.
Other than the microphonics the cable is quite decent. Although the top part seems a little thin and fragile (I've had them only for a few weeks, so I guess time will tell), the main part is nice and thick, which helps it's durability and stops it from tangling too much.
As for the sound quality, it's quite rich and clear, definitely in comparison to it's price. It is lacking bass (and I'm no bass-addict) but I guess I don't mind considering all it's pros
Bottom line, if you're looking for a proffessional quality pair of earphones, these ain't them, but if you're looking for comfort, or are on a budget, these are the perfect upgrade from those awful stock earbuds.
out of 35 user reviews
Inexpensive, but there are much better options.
Pros: The price of these buds are usually pretty good (i've seen as low as $10).
Reliable sound for mids and highs.
Some noise isolation.
Cons: Lacks bass capablilities that other buds in the same price range have.
Personally (and have heard similar) they won't fit comfortably in my ears. kinda awkward.
Short Cord length, not a flexible one either.
Buds are almost impossible to keep clean
First, the comfortablility: I can't feel like these fit. I always notice that they are in my ears, which is a bad sign. They are supposed to be squishy (like a marshmallow?!) and i pictured them having a memory foam function; being able to compress, then expand to fill the canal, blocking sound. This was not the case.
They also are hard to use in cold weather; if temperatures drop, they become rock hard and take a while to thaw.
Sound Quality: they aren't necessarily bad sounding, but not great either. They hold up well to high volumes, without losing too much quality. These buds have good sound in mid-high ranges. The bass however, is lacking. Actually, its pretty hard to get any bass from them. Most buds can at least either get punchy bass hits or the low deep ones, but these seem to have trouble pulling off either type.
OVERALL: they aren't horrible, but definitely nothing worth outright praise. I know that many buds in the same price range can deliver the same(if not better) sound, but are far more comfortable.
Updated on Jan 4, 2011FORGOT TO ADD: These buds offer little sound isolation, which can be a major problem. Using these in an airport can lead to frustration and having to up your volume.
These buds seem to make my ears hurt after consistent use, and if you use them a lot they can get dirty. Unlike those with rubber buds, they are a b**ch to clean. so you end up with buds that your friends will never stick in their ear for a quick listen.
out of 35 user reviews
Returning to the store next day
Pros: They are comfortable
Cons: Neither size fits well in my ear. They do not block out outside noise what so ever.
out of 35 user reviews
Good if you've never had good headphones
Pros: Pretty comfortable.
Good for below $20.
Short cable (it's a pro for be because I'm pretty short)
Cons: Pretty much no base, their's hardly any thump.
out of 35 user reviews
a great buy
Pros: the sound quality is very good considering what you pay for them, they do a good job with blocking out outside noise, strong bass, and cool color choices
Cons: they might make your ears hurt if you wear them a lot and the eartips seem to get dirty quickly
out of 35 user reviews
A major disappointment
Pros: Color choice -- that's about all
Cons: Tinny and distant sound quality
To my ear the JVC marshmallows sound tinny and distant -- almost no bass and little mid-range. I usually listen to classical music and use Sennheiser over-the-ear headphones (or Vandersteen speakers) when I am at home, so maybe my expectations are too high. But the marshmallows are by far the worst non-disposable ear phones I have encountered at any price.
The generic ear phones that came with my Sansa Clip+ are far superior in sound quality (and efficiency) to the JVC marshmallows.
Based on reviews, folks who like the JVC marshmallows recommend the Kramer modification on them. What a nuisance -- a product should work well right out of the box.
I had such high hopes for the JVC marshmallows. I will leave them playing for a few days on my desk and perhaps they will ?wear-in?. If not, they will be for audio books only, and then only if I cannot find my other (any other) ear phones.
Updated on Oct 19, 2010I got them at Amazon for $13 with free shipping (piggy-backed with other items) -- not worth half that, I am afraid.
Updated on Oct 21, 2010Marshamallows are great for some but not for all.
out of 35 user reviews
Quality has gone down severely
Pros: Cheap
Great noise canceling
Ok sound for the price
Cons: Very poorly designed input plug
If your a bass addict you may be disapointed
Updated on Oct 17, 2010The cord literally pops of its casing right at the input into your device exposing bare wire which will inevitably fray. Even brand new products have nothing holding the wire in place.
out of 35 user reviews
Good for the price
Pros: Decent sound quality, good life-span, blocks out background noise, bright
Cons: Earbud caps don't fit on the speaker too well, quiet unless jammed in the ear
out of 35 user reviews
I liked the headphones, good for my price range
Pros: Nice bass, no fuzz or crackle, nice highs and alot of colors to chose from
Cons: the cord is sorta short, but im tall for my age
out of 35 user reviews
Great for the price!!!
Pros: It blocks out all the screaming and yelling on my bus! Has a nice crisp sound, and has good highs and OK bass.
Cons: There is literally no bass, unless you push them in so far,it starts to bother your ears.
out of 35 user reviews
Terrible sound.
Pros: Comfortable.
Fit well.
Cons: Terrible sound.
No storage case
$19 is way to much for these earphones.
I would recommend looking at other budget earphones for less money that sound better then the marshmellows.
out of 35 user reviews
TERRIBLE! Even for the money!
Pros: OK for the money
Cons: Poor sound quality NO BASS
out of 35 user reviews
For less than 20 dollars, these are AMAZING earphones!
Pros: Great sound quality in my opinion, even without doing the Kramer Mod.
Replacement ear-tips are included in case they get lost.
The ear-tips won't get loose inside your ear.
Sturdy sound cable/wire.
Nice marshmallow design.
Cons: If your ears are too big, the noise-isolation and the good sound won't work.
If your ears are too small, they will be uncomfortable.
out of 35 user reviews
Good sound and cheap, but hurts my ears.
Pros: Good sound quality, especially compared to cheap buds.
Cons: Painfull for extended periods.
out of 35 user reviews
Good value, with a few caveats.
Pros: Cheap. Decent sound, including low-range. Dampens most outside sounds.
Cons: Foam somewhat stiff, not quite form fitting. Design is shallow.
I was excited to see a cheap pair of buds with foam tips, but was disappointed at how stiff the foam was in question. I suppose I was expecting something like what you get in earplugs. As a result, they aren't as form-fitting as I had hoped. This makes them get a little uncomfortable after a while (I started noticing them after 40 minutes or so). I also had to insert them couple of times to get a good fit-- the design doesn't lend itself well to getting very far into the ear canal.
Overall, though, for the price, I don't see much reason to complain. It'll do me good until I reason my way into purchasing Image S4s.
out of 35 user reviews
Excellent inexpensive stock earbud replacements
Pros: Sound quality, Fit/Comfort, Inexpensive, Colors, Durable cord
Cons: earbud/wire connections seems primed to break due to poor design, Jack not right-angle (why not all jacks are right angle baffles me)
My only complaint is that they block out the noise too well for my wife who is a runner, so I am might have to continue searching for a pair of inexpensive buds for her, although, she is using the smallest tips now, and not inserting them fully, which she says works for her. I find this to be where I assume most people are getting the "tinny" sound from.
out of 35 user reviews
Very impressive earbuds for a cheapskate like me
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
out of 35 user reviews
Bose Triport Replacement
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 :(
out of 35 user reviews
Good product for the money
Pros: Sound quality
Cons: Ear pieces
out of 35 user reviews
Love these ear buds!
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.
out of 35 user reviews
Check out the JVC Air Cushions also
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.
out of 35 user reviews
Great sound, cables need to be secured better
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.
out of 35 user reviews
Good sound but terrible construction
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?
out of 35 user reviews
its good,comfortable and cheap
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.
out of 35 user reviews
BEST HEADPHONES ON TH MARKET
Pros: Block out sound, form to fit ear, awesome bass and sound overall
Cons: no cons. everything about these headphones are perfect
out of 35 user reviews
ok after karmer mod
Pros: great bass and after karmer mod you can hear the words to the song
Cons: not great out of the plastic you must mod them to use them
out of 35 user reviews
Best Headphones I have ever owned
Pros: Excellent sound quality, especially in the base range. Superb sound isolation. Small and compact. Nice styling. Excellent price ($20).
Cons: The isolating foam has a tendency to come off, but if you are aware of it you should be fine, and at this price it is not a tragedy to lose one. No over earclips to hold them in.
Other than having to reseat them in my ears every fifteen minutes or so, they are very comfortable.
out of 35 user reviews
A good add-on.
Pros: Nice deep bass on my San Disk Sansa Clip. Very good all around sound from low to high volume. Passive sound insulation is pretty very good .
Cons: Comes with 2 sizes of cushions, both of which I found hard to fit in my ears but can make do with the smaller size. Although slightly uncomfortable I'm hoping with repeated use they will conform to my earsize and both fit and feel better.
out of 35 user reviews
Good choice for a cheap, fair upgrade in sound quality.
Pros: Very comfy. For people who sleep with buds, these dont feel uncomfortable when you sleep on your side. You can clean the filters with q-tips. Audio is fairly better than stock buds. No noise from cord rubbing. Durable. And the name assumes edibility!
Cons: Not too many. The manufacturer's instructions for inserting buds can be annoying every time you put them on. (sqeeze then insert.) Full octave range can only be heard when played on high volume. That means lots of wax. They are not real marshmallows.
There are not many things to complain about after you buy these earphones. One thing would most probably be the insertion method. JVC tells you to smush the mallow-like earpiece, then quickly insert it into your ear before it forms up again. This can get bothersome every time you listen to music.
The last issue is the audio quality. Although it is sound-isolating ,or ear-plug like, in design, these little guys just don't have the hardware to get those "sizzling highs" or "encompassing bass" sounds. As a result, in order to listen to the full spectrum of sound offered by these buds, you'd have to turn up the volume pretty high. This is of course inherent in many earphones in the $20 price range, so it's all good. Otherwise, you'd be getting the Shure SE310s. Now I'll try to talk about how good the sound can get.
As I said above, these are sound isolating earphones, so a fair amount of the ambient noise is reduced when inserted properly. Actually listening to music through them right now, I would say about 70% of outside noise is blocked. With that in mind, the sound coming from them can sound decent on a flat EQ setting. So that means that in a quiet room, you're allowed to hear the full range of instuments, sounds and those barely noticeable backround noises that occasionaly pop up when listening to music. The sound can also be enhanced through changing the EQ settings. I personally prefer to mess with the custom settings until I get a clear, balanced sound that highlights the voice of a singer. These earphones make it sound acceptable.
These also are a good alternative to some similarly priced noise-cancelling earphones which can feel uncomfortable because of the "pressure in your ear" feeling.
Overall, these are a good option for shoppers who want a satisfying listening experience for a relatively small price.
cambodianbacon
out of 35 user reviews
better then my sure E2s', very comfotable!
Pros: i love them, i'm a sound fanatic, and i love to run, and they never fall out of my ears unlike any other ear buds i have used before. And i have no complaints about the souns either.
Cons: semi-cheap look.
out of 35 user reviews
Best value ear canalphones for under $50
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
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.
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