Buzz
The packaging of Marshall Motif 2 remains consistent with the previous version, featuring technical specifications and highlighted features on the exterior. Inside the box, Marshall provides a USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
The charging case of Marshall Motif 2 retains the familiar design. However, compared to the previous version, Motif 2's case has some subtle and elegant changes, from unique patterns to a new logo on the cover.
An interesting note is that 70% of the materials used in these headphones are recycled, including used electronic devices, glass bottles, and car light casings. Overall, Marshall has cleverly made minor design adjustments to create a user experience that is satisfying.
The outer layer of the charging case is designed with a leather-like texture, reminiscent of Marshall's iconic speakers and amplifiers. This not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides impressive scratch resistance and a better grip.
On the front of the charging case, there's a button and a small LED light. Pressing the button causes a small LED light to flash, allowing easy checking of the remaining battery. Simultaneously, holding this button activates the pairing mode, making it quick and convenient to connect the headphones.
The most striking feature aside from the main charging case is the uniquely designed earbud, which has its own distinctive highlights. The housing is crafted from a matte plastic material, with a faux leather layer on the lower part of the body. Finally, at the earbud's tail, there's a prominent gold stainless steel layer.One aspect I find less satisfying in these headphones is the noise-canceling feature. In the under 6 million VND price range, the ANC feature of Marshall Motif 2 doesn't perform as well as expected. When compared to a competitor like Apple Airpods Pro 2, Motif 2 seems somewhat weak, despite adjusting the noise canceling to the highest level. I still sense people's voices and some car horn sounds while walking.Additionally, the transparency mode feels quite good, with clear sound, effective microphone pickup, and no uncomfortable or muffled sensations during use.
Regarding audio codecs, Marshall Motif 2 only supports basic SBC and AAC codecs and integrates Bluetooth LE. The higher-quality LC3 codec will be available in future updates. However, there's no support for LDAC or aptX codecs for enjoying high-quality audio. On the flip side, the headphones do support simultaneous connection to two devices.
Adjusting settings like noise cancellation, EQ, and touch controls is done through the Marshall Bluetooth app. You can control everything, from toggling ANC, transparency mode, adjusting noise cancelation levels, to fine-tuning the EQ. The app also displays battery life for each earbud and the charging case.
Furthermore, the app provides customizable touch control features, enabling easy and quick operations. With Spotify Tap, continue your recent music playlist without pulling your phone out of your pocket. Additionally, you can conveniently update firmware right within the app.
With a precisely tuned midrange, Marshall Motif II delivers the ability to reproduce vocals and instruments with considerable detail. The high-frequency range is delicately processed, avoiding harshness and ensuring a buoyant quality. This particularly suits music enthusiasts who enjoy dynamic genres like Pop and Rock.However, the bass section didn't leave a strong impression on me. The sub-bass lacks depth to provide the resonant thump needed for certain energetic songs. It sounds somewhat lackluster and lacks power.
Another noteworthy aspect is Motif II's broad soundstage. When enjoying orchestral music, you'll distinctly feel the well-reproduced spatial representation. However, when compared to some other headphones like Sennheiser MTW 3, I still find it equally good.The battery life on Marshall Motif II is a truly significant and appreciated upgrade. The first Motif version lasted around 4.5 hours with ANC on and 6 hours in normal mode. In contrast, Motif II brings substantial enhancements, providing up to 6 hours with ANC and up to 9 hours without ANC. It's an upgrade that I find extremely appealing.
When combined with the charging case, you get a total usage time of up to 30 hours—an impressive and ideal figure for frequent travelers or all-day headphone users without worrying about constant recharging.
Additionally, fast charging is a significant advantage of Motif II. This saves you a lot of time—just about 15 minutes of charging gives you an extra hour of music playback, and it takes only around 1.5 hours to fully charge.
Marshall Motif 2 is truly a valuable upgrade compared to the first version, offering better battery life, broader connectivity, and improved sound quality. However, Marshall still needs to enhance features such as ANC noise cancellation, which remains a weak point in both the first version and Motif 2 that the company has yet to address.Additional images of Marshall Motif 2:
Overall, priced at 5,490,000 VND available at Mytour, I believe Marshall Motif 2 will appeal to those who love fashion, the Marshall brand, and excellent sound quality.
