JVC Marshmallow headphone--photos

The JVC Marshmallow headphones are an exceptional value thanks to its ultralow price tag combined with solid audio quality, noise isolation capability, and a secure fit.

Jasmine France

Aug. 26, 2009 1:53 p.m. PT

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Josh Miller/CNET

These comfy and colorful earphones have an MSRP of just $20 and often are sold for much less than that, In addition to providing a more secure fit than stock 'buds, the JVC Marshmallows offer a significant improvement in sound quality.

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Josh Miller/CNET

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.

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Josh Miller/CNET

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 gymgoers. (However, because of the sound isolation, these are probably not optimal for runners.)

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Josh Miller/CNET

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.

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Josh Miller/CNET

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.

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Josh Miller/CNET

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.