Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Marshall Major V

P1 Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
P2 Marshall Major V

Comparison Takeaways

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones

Where It Has the Edge

  • Frequency response accuracy is 4.4 vs 2.1. Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.
  • Clamping force comfort is 4.8 vs 3.1. Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can...
  • Carry case quality is 3.2 vs 1.7. The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another...
  • Included accessories is 4.3 vs 2.8. Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in...

Marshall Major V

Where It Has the Edge

  • Portability/foldability is 4.6 vs 1.5. Portability was a clear strength because the headphones fold down very small and are easy to store or...
  • Travel friendliness is 3.7 vs 1.3. Travel friendliness was helped by compact folding and battery life, but hurt by no ANC and mixed suitability...
  • Ear cup swivel/rotation range is 4.4 vs 2.0. Ear cup rotation was specifically supported by a review noting 90-degree tilt.
  • Durability over time is 4.2 vs 2.0. Durability over time looked promising in one review that stressed ruggedness and the ability to take a beating.
Average score
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8
3.5mm analog input availability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

The 3.5mm input was repeatedly confirmed, including wired listening and audio sharing through AUX.

Active noise cancellation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
1.0

Reviewers consistently confirmed there is no active noise cancellation, making the Major V weaker for planes, trains, and noisy commutes.

Advanced software features
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.9

Advanced software features include firmware updates, battery preservation, app controls, and M-button customization, but the feature set is not deep.

Aesthetics / discreet profile
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

The aesthetic profile was distinctive rather than discreet, with repeated praise for vintage rock styling.

Android compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.7

Android compatibility was supported through Google Fast Pair and Android codec discussion, though high-quality Android codec support was weaker.

App
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8

The app added useful EQ, M-button, firmware, and battery tools, but some reviewers found it basic, laggy, or connection-prone.

aptX
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
1.0

aptX support was a clear weakness, with reviewers explicitly noting no aptX Adaptive or aptX.

Audio-video sync accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Audio-video sync was viewed positively where discussed, especially with Bluetooth LE Audio and no noticeable delay in one test.

Auto on/off reliability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

Auto power-off was available through app settings, with standby behavior mentioned in one review.

Award recognition
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

PCMag recognized the product as a stylish on-ear option.

Bass performance
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.7

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8

Bass drew split but mostly positive notes: reviewers heard punch, weight, and warmth, while a few wanted more low-end authority.

Battery
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.8

Battery life was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly praising 100-hour-class endurance and multi-week use.

Bluetooth
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

Bluetooth connectivity is a core feature and was cited with Bluetooth 5.3 support.

Bluetooth version
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

Bluetooth version support was strong, with Bluetooth 5.3 cited in multiple reviews.

Build quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Build quality was generally positive, with reviewers describing the headphones as hardy, rugged, and damage-resistant.

Button control usability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

Physical button controls were a major strength, especially the joystick-style brass knob for playback, volume, calls, and power.

Cable quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.6

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.6

The included coiled cable reinforced the retro feel, though one review found it prone to tangling.

Carry case quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.2

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
1.7

Carry case quality scored poorly because many reviews noted there is no pouch, tote, or carrying case included.

Charging
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.4

Charging was a strength thanks to USB-C, quick charging, and wireless charging, though placement on wireless pads could be fiddly.

Clamping force comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.1

Clamp comfort varied sharply, from gentle or moderate to too loose, too tight, or painful with glasses.

Codec support
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.6

Codec support includes mainstream SBC, AAC, and LC3, but reviewers criticized missing higher-end options such as aptX or lossless support.

Comfort during long use
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.7

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.9

Comfort was mixed: many praised soft padding and long wear, while others reported soreness, sweating, or discomfort with glasses.

Connectivity options
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.0

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.6

Connectivity options were broad for the category, including Bluetooth, wired listening, wireless charging, multipoint, and audio sharing.

Design and Aesthetics
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

Design and aesthetics were widely praised for Marshall’s retro, rock-inspired identity and recognizable styling.

Detachable cable convenience
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.9

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Wired use was a practical convenience, with passive and active wired listening mentioned.

Durability over time
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Durability over time looked promising in one review that stressed ruggedness and the ability to take a beating.

Ear cup padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Ear cup padding was repeatedly praised as thick, soft, plush, and helpful for on-ear comfort.

Ear cup swivel/rotation range
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.4

Ear cup rotation was specifically supported by a review noting 90-degree tilt.

Equalizer customization
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

EQ customization was a common positive, with five-band custom EQ and presets mentioned across reviews.

Features at launch
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.0

Feature coverage was mixed: battery, app, wireless charging, LE Audio, and controls helped, but ANC and richer smart features were missing.

Firmware update roadmap
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

Firmware roadmap evidence centered on promised future Auracast support through a firmware update.

Frequency response accuracy
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
2.1

Measured frequency response was criticized for deviating notably from the reviewer’s preference curve.

Headband adjustability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Headband adjustment was described as smooth, flexible, and suitable for different head sizes.

Headband padding quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.8

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.5

Headband padding was mixed, with one review praising soft wraparound padding and another calling the band thinly padded.

Hinge durability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

The folding hinge design was described as a metal hinge holding the cups apart from the headband.

Immersive audio quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.1

Immersive audio was limited by the on-ear format, with one reviewer describing the presentation as compact rather than spacious.

Included accessories
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
2.8

Included accessories were basic: reviewers saw charging and audio cables, but no protective case.

Instrument separation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Instrument separation was a strength in several reviews, especially for stereo placement, detail visibility, and picking out layers.

Integrated microphone
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8

The integrated microphone was referenced through talk-time and call-related use, though detailed mic hardware discussion was limited.

LE Audio readiness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

LE Audio readiness was a notable forward-looking feature, with LC3 and Auracast support or readiness mentioned often.

Maximum volume clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Maximum-volume clarity was viewed positively, with reviewers noting hard-rocking output and low-end control without distortion.

Microphone noise reduction
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Microphone noise reduction received positive remarks for reducing coworker, ambient, or background noise during calls.

Microphone quality for calls
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.1

Call quality was generally good to strong, with clear voice pickup in ideal and some noisy conditions.

Midrange clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8

Midrange comments were mixed, with some reviewers praising vocal clarity and fullness while others heard recessed or weaker mids.

Multi-platform compatibility
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.8

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Multi-platform use was supported by one reviewer using the headphones with an Android phone and MacBook Pro.

Multipoint connectivity reliability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

Multipoint was supported and usually described as useful, though one review noted playback needs to be paused on one device before switching.

Noise isolation (passive)
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.0

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.0

Passive isolation was context-dependent: pads helped muffle office noise, but the on-ear design still let outside sound in.

Overall recommendation
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.9

Overall recommendation was mixed-positive: many liked them for design, battery, and controls, but caveated no ANC and uneven sound or comfort.

Portability/foldability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.5

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.6

Portability was a clear strength because the headphones fold down very small and are easy to store or carry.

Premium feel
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.3

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
2.8

Premium feel was not universal; one reviewer felt the design looked less premium than Sony’s flagship headphones.

Preset EQ profile quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.7

Preset EQ quality was mixed: some presets were useful and balanced, while PCMag found the layout and response less polished.

Replaceable earpads
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.4

Replaceable earpads were a positive durability point, with reviews noting replaceable ear pads or orderable cups.

Replaceable pads/headband
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Replaceable pad support was directly noted via removable and replaceable ear pads.

Smart listening features
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.0

Smart listening features center on customizable on-ear controls rather than richer adaptive listening tools.

Software/setup simplicity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
5.0

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

Setup was described as simple, with one review saying little setup was required out of the box.

Sound leakage
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
2.9

Sound leakage was mixed, with some reviewers hearing little bleed and others warning of more leakage at higher volumes.

Sound quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.9

Sound quality was broadly liked for punch and energy, but several reviewers found tuning uneven, treble-heavy, or merely average.

Soundstage width
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.5

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.6

Soundstage impressions ranged from wide and spacious for an on-ear to compact, intimate, or distant depending on the reviewer.

Stability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
3.5

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.1

Fit stability was mixed, with some reviews praising secure fit while others reported slipping or flying off with movement.

Streaming service integration
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.1

Spotify Tap and M-button shortcuts were common positives for streaming-service integration.

Sustainability and repairability
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

Repairability and battery-preservation features were meaningful positives, including repair-program battery replacement and app battery-saving options.

Sustainability materials
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.6

Sustainability materials were specifically supported by recycled plastics, recycled-paper packaging, and water-based artificial leather claims.

Transparency mode quality
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
1.0

Transparency mode was effectively absent, with one review explicitly noting no transparency modes.

Travel friendliness
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
1.3

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.7

Travel friendliness was helped by compact folding and battery life, but hurt by no ANC and mixed suitability for flights.

Treble clarity
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.4

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.5

Treble often came through clear and lively, but some reviewers flagged sharpness, sibilance, or treble-heavy stock tuning.

USB-C
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.2

USB-C charging was supported and mentioned as part of the included cable or charging setup.

Value for money
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.3

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.3

Value was mixed: some reviewers liked the price for style and battery, while others preferred cheaper ANC-equipped alternatives.

Voice assistant integration
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.1

Voice assistant access was supported through the M button and worked well for Google Assistant and Siri in one review.

Voice prompts/feedback
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
3.8

Voice feedback leaned on Marshall-style guitar riff prompts rather than spoken prompts.

Volume output
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
2.5

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.3

One review found the headphones had plenty of remaining volume headroom beyond a comfortable listening level.

Water/sweat resistance rating
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
No score yet
Product 2: Marshall Major V
1.0

Water and sweat resistance was a repeated weakness, with reviews noting no IP rating or no dust/water resistance.

Weight comfort
Product 1: Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones
4.9

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

Product 2: Marshall Major V
4.5

Low weight was a consistent advantage and helped make the on-ear design easier to wear and travel with.