JVC HA-FX34S Marshmallow In-Ear Headphones (Silver)

by JVC

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches ; 2.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0012UCYVU
• Item model number: HAFX34S
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2008

Product Description

The HA-FX34 Marshmallow Headphone is an in-ear style headphone that provides a comfortable fit with soft, one-size-fits-all earpieces made of memory foam material. This design offers isolation from ambient noise and ensures low sound leakage. The stylish HA-FX33 is available in five fun color variations, allowing you to personalize your MP3 player listening style. JVC Marshmallow Headphones offer the joy of powerful sound, fun and maximum comfort with a colorful and stylish design.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice sound. Comfortable. Pleasantly surprised., June 18, 2008

By 

fl0722 (Clearwater, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JVC HA-FX34S Marshmallow In-Ear Headphones (Silver) (Electronics)

I just purchased these headphones as a replacement for the junky basic set that came with my Ipod Nano (3G). If all you take from this review is that these are *way* better than what you received with your Ipod, you can stop reading now. If you want more detail, please continue...

On with the details ---

I read several reviews of many more and less expensive sets of in-ear (canal) headphones. In every case I found that there was both good and bad. I saw hundreds of reviews for headphones that cost triple (or more) what these cost. I was tempted to buy a more expensive set, but am now very glad I didn't.

If you're like me, you just want a decent set of headphones that sound pretty good, fit comfortably, and be sturdy enough to be used on a daily basis. Likewise, they need to be inexpensive enough to not make you cringe if you accidentally break or lose them. Again, I'd recommend this set of headphones if you fit those requirements.

Tonight I bought two sets of headphones and tried them both. There was this set, which was at Walmart for about $16, and then a set of Koss KE29S canal earphones. The Koss set cost about $26 at Walmart.

The Koss set had a frequency response of 15-20,000 Hz. This set is marked as being 8Hz - 23,000Hz. The Koss set had an built in volume slider, which is always nice. Both sets had the "squishy" ear inserts. The sensitivity and impedance were the same on both. You'll find all sorts of opinions online about whether or not these numbers matter. The frequency response, in my opinion, makes a difference.

I tried the Koss set first, and they definitely sounded good. After about 10-15 minutes with those, I plugged in the JVC marshmellow set. It wasn't like night and day, but the JVC set sounded brighter, and more "in your face" than the Koss set. Both fit my ears comfortably and tightly, so I doubt the fit would have made any difference.

At this point, I'd decided that the sound was enough of a reason to ditch the Koss set and do more testing with the JVC set.

On the JVC - I heard no distortion at 80% of the Ipod Nano's maximum volume while playing everything from Young Jeezy, Jack Johnson, and the Dropkick Murphys, to groups such as OAR and K's Choice. I also tried a few "talk radio" style podcasts.

As for how they fit and feel, I'd say they're very comfortable. I used the standard ear piece that came on them, although it comes with a larger set. The seal is tight, and I can "feel" the bass comfortably enough. I used them while driving and didn't hear anything else. These definitely keep outside noise at bay well enough for most users. Oh, you don't look like "Shrek" when you wear these either
(look at Shrek's pictures and you'll see what I mean). The JVCs seemed to have a lower profile than some of the others that were available.

The length of the cord seems appropriate. Both sides are equal length, and the Ipod Nano fit comfortably in my pants pocket with a few inches in length to spare. There's not a ton of excess cord that you have to fumble with. Between the comfort in my ears and the length of the cord, I think these would be ideal for exercising (running, rowing or lifting in my case).

Are these the best sounding headphones out there? I'm sure they aren't. The guy that spent $100 on headphones will never admit he spent too much on a similar sounding set and will always be hyper critical and a perfectionist about what they (or others) buy.

For my money, these JVC's meet all my criteria and offer both the sound and cost that I can live with and be happy.

Thanks!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comfortable and an Escape from the Outside World, March 7, 2009

By 

Nicholas Bell (Louisville, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: JVC HA-FX34S Marshmallow In-Ear Headphones (Silver) (Electronics)

I don't currently use these earbuds portably; I instead use them at my desk so as not to disturb those around me. In that, these earbuds succeed perfectly. Even if you turn up the music very loud, the people on the outside will not hear your music at all, unlike with earbuds that only rest in your ears. With the way these things expand in your ears, you're not about to be disturbed by those around you either. When music is playing, I was unable to even hear my cell phone ring. In short, they provide a great buffer between you and the outside world if you want that.

Another great thing is that these earbuds remain comfortable even after wearing for hours. My biggest fear was that this would not be the case.

They, of course, take more time to insert and remove than earbuds that just rest. You have to squeeze the material to insert into your ear, and then you have to hold it in place while the memory foam expands. But the cost-benefit ratio of this time spent VS comfort and a buffer against reality falls in favor of these earbuds.

I've not owned extremely high sound quality devices in the past, so I'll admit I don't have the best frame of reference to judge these earbuds. Look to other reviews for that. I think the sound quality is good, personally.

For the price, this is a great buy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super sound and comfort earbuds, November 13, 2008

By 

Cely "aqua babe" (Greenville, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JVC HA-FX34S Marshmallow In-Ear Headphones (Silver) (Electronics)

This is the 4th pair I have purchased. I bought the marshmallow earbuds for several members of my family. We primarily wear them at the gym and mowing grass. ( I have also used them jogging and have never had a problem with them falling out or being uncomfortable. ) They really help drown out other noises and I find that I don't have to turn the volume up like other ones I use to have. They come with an extra set of earbuds. You can even order extra earbud cushions from JVC, but it is actually cheaper to buy a new set of the earbuds even with shipping from Amazon. If you don't like earphones IN YOUR EAR, but rather just resting ON YOUR EAR then you will NOT like them. I have to wear earplugs when I swim and snorkel, so these buds in the ear are no bother.