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The Marshall Mode in-ear headphones sport white brass lettering on the speaker backs.

The Marshall Mode in-ear headphones sport white brass lettering on the speaker backs.

Although Marshall hasn't spent much time in headphone production, we like what we've seen from the storied company so far. Bustling reporters therefore crowded around to get a closer look at the sleek newcomers.

The Mode in-ears house a handy inline one-button remote and microphone, and the classic "M" logo scrawls along each speaker back in white-brass lettering. Marshall provides four sizes of silicone speaker sleeves with the Mode (s-xl), and an integrated shirt clip helps reduce unwanted pulling as you listen on the go. Marshall will sell the Mode in-ears later this season for $69 MSRP.

The Mode EQ headphones offer two distinct sound profiles to choose from.

The Mode EQ in-ears are a bit more interesting. Like the regular Mode in-ears, the Mode EQ wears the attractive "M" logos along its speaker backs and houses the same inline one-button remote and mic. But unlike its simpler counterpart, the EQ also offers two distinct sound profiles to choose from. With the flip of a switch on the Mode EQ's remote, the headphones shift from a more bass-heavy sound profile to an alternative that showcases middle and high notes. Since everyone has different musical preferences, we like the idea of headphones that put choices right at your fingertips. We've seen it work successfully before and hope that Marshall's attempt is also effective.

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Aside from its customizable sound settings, the EQ headphones also dazzle the eye with dashing good looks: Gold lettering decorates the speaker backs and remote control, and matching metal hardware stands guard at the cable's bass. The EQ should be available to buy some time in the fall for $99 MSRP. Reviewed.com doesn't endorse "golden-ears" testing methodology, and crowded show floors are no place to asses sound quality anyway. Thus, we look forward to getting the Marshall Mode EQ and its little brother into the audio lab very soon.

The Acton is small, but it sounds pretty big.

As to the shiny new speakers, Marshall introduced a small model and a large model. The diminutive version is called the Marshall Acton, and it was one of the best-looking objects in its very-crowded vicinity. A black iteration impresses the eye with leather casing and a vintage-styled speaker front. The word "Marshall" gleams over the front in gold and white lettering, and twinkling switches and knobs dot the top: three knobs for volume, treble, and bass; a 3.5mm input; two buttons for source selection and Bluetooth pairing; and a golden old-school on/off switch. The other version is the same, but with a striking cream leather as opposed to black.

The Marshall Acton speaker works with personal devices via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.

The Marshall Acton speaker works with personal devices via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.

Although the Acton is small, it sounds pretty big even on a busy show floor. Marshall outfits this product with two 8-watt dome tweeters, a 25-watt woofer, and a double-ended, coiled cable with 3.5mm plugs for use with personal devices. Users may also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth if they so desire. The Acton measures 10.4 x 6.3 x 5.9 inches and will go on sale in September for MSRP $300.

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If you need something bigger, Marshall also offers a look-alike big brother, the Woburn loudspeaker. The Woburn measures 15.75 x 12.1 x 7.9 inches, and sports Bluetooth, optical, RCA, and 3.5mm connections. Inside are two 25-watt woofers and two 20-watt tweeters. Like the smaller Acton, the Woburn also includes a handy coiled cable with two 3.5mm jacks on either end to pair with personal devices. Like the Acton, the Woburn will ship some time in September, but with a higher MSRP of $550.

Meet the tester

Virginia Barry

Virginia Barry

Former Managing Editor

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Virginia is a former Managing Editor at Reviewed.com. She has a background in English and journalism. Away from the office, Virginia passes time with dusty books & house cats.

See all of Virginia Barry's reviews

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