Headphones, oh where do I begin? The market is filled with so many different options, Beats by Dre, Vmoda, Bose. I need relief from the ridicules marketing of ordinary over priced and boring headphones. Last year I reviewed a pair of Beats by Dre only to have them completely crumble leaving me without a pair of headphones on an overseas flight. When I was approached by House of Marley to review their Marley Headphones, I went into research overload. I promised myself that if I was to ever review another pair of headphones the manufacture has got to be exclusive, producing a high end product and involved in something that separates them from the competition. Before I go into detail of Marley headphones its important to understand who they are, and what they stand for.
Responsible products, with an unselfish reason for existence!
Unlike traditional headphone companies, Marley headphones are going above and beyond. Every produced and sold headphone comes with glowing support to 1love.org. A charitable organization run by the Marley family, all eleven children and Rita Marley work hand in hand with partners like Save the Children, UNEP, Little Kids Rock and many others. They continue to spread the love and vibes always emulated from Bob Marley and are on an awesome path of spreading a more peaceful, clean and hopeful future. 1love.org is currently raising $25,000 to provide musical instruments for students in disadvantaged schools. Please visit them, and support this awesome cause!
After learning about the generous foundation of Marley headphone, I could not pass up on the offer to review their products. I personally would like to thank them for there effort to improve so many areas that are often times over looked. Thank you!
Marley Headphones – The Full Review
Marley headphones have four specific areas of available products, In-ear, over-ear, and on-ear headphones. They also produce a line of portable and home systems in their audio systems products. My review will focus on there in-ear and over-ear headphones.
Zion In-Ear Headphones
Design
First impressions of the Zion headphones were greater then I imagined. I have never owned a pair of such well-crafted quality, built with FSC certified sapele, maple wood and recyclable aluminum. The 52″ fabric cord in black, yellow, green, and red will let all your gawking friends know that you are jamming out to your music in no ordinary pair of headphones. Finally a company has successfully produced a cord that overcomes the magical frustration of tangled headphones, and delivers a cleaner sound with reduced static. Attached to the fabric cord is a compatible remote that works perfectly with all Apple products, and is built of quality recyclable parts designed to take a beating and last for a long time. The 3.5-millimeter connecter is right-angled and plated in gold; making it friendly with a variety of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch accessories as well as pant pockets. Marley headphones even went the extra mile and include a heavy fabric, well-padded carrying pouch.
Performance and Sound Quality
The included variety of five comfortable earpieces gave me a true custom feel, with no music leaking out, and cancelling out annoying outside noise making for nothing more then crystal clear enjoyment. Each headphone has 9mm moving coil drivers, a frequency range of 10Hz-22kHz, 16 ohms impedance and a dynamic micro magnet for sound reinforcement.
I tested the Zion in-ear headphones in various locations around the campus at South Alabama. In the library I received nothing more then questions on where they can be purchased, and zero complaints of leaking music. I played a variety of music from jazz tunes, hip-hop, reggae and techno. Every note, beat and tone was pure enjoyment. Even after a six-hour final exam study crunch the headphones remained comfortable in my ears. I was especially impressed with how well the microphone performed, I successfully whispered a pizza order without distracting anyone around me.
Zion in-ear headphones are great value; priced at $99 you can’t go wrong, they are available in black midnight and silver mist. There are six available in ear options, I am sure all of them offer parallel great performance.
Redemption Song On-Ear Headphones
Design
One word can sum up the look of these, Stunning! There is not a better pair of looking headphones on the planet earth! As in the Zion in-ear headphones, these include the exact same 52″ fabric cord, and earth friendly products. The main difference in design is that these are over the ear, and feature a super lightweight comfortable headband, and ultra soft ear cushions. Both are made from high quality leather, making for an awesome visible appearance and exceptional comfort. The visible outside of the earphones are made with FSC certified beech wood, recyclable aluminum, tanned leather and durable canvas. The attention to detail and perfection is side by side with any Vincent Van Gogh painting; your friends will drool with jealousy. Redemption Song on-ear headphones also come with a well-constructed canvas carrying pouch.
Performance and Sound Quality
As expected there was no disappointment. Performance is driven by a custom 40mm moving coiled driver, and a frequency range of 15hz-22Khz. Deep rich bass, crystal clear notes with zero leaking can be a rare find with on-ear headphones. Redemption Song headphones remained comfortable after extensive use, even after three months of daily use the leather looks brand new. One feature I really enjoy is the ability to move a headphone back and off one ear, a reinforced headband styled in traditional Jamaican colors passed that test perfectly. The included three-button microphone worked flawlessly. These are truly well designed, high performance over ear headphones, a great value for under $200.
Final Thoughts
Both of these headphones are well built, it satisfies all areas of touch, feel and sound. The included three-button microphone is currently only compatible with Apple products; I would like to see them make this option work with all smart devices. I am sure that if Bob Marley were still rocking out he would agree to spread the love to Android devices.
