At CES 2016 we met with Maroo Audio. The company, which makes mobile device accessories, is breaking into the crowded audio market and decided to do so in a big way. It is so crowded that they are initially going after a specific and often underserved market: women. Their ICE and GEM Collections are, in fact, specifically designed for women.
The two collections Maroo Audio are initially offering are both sized and designed for the female ear and, they hope, aesthetic. In order to accommodate smaller ears, the piece that goes into the ear canal is smaller than you will usually find with in-ear earbuds. In addition, the two lines are both blinged-out in different ways with one being the blingier of the two. As they explain,
Taking cues from the latest fashion trends, ICE features polished metallic earphones, encircled with studs and high-quality cut glass crystals for a chic jewelry look. The GEM line is modern yet classic with sleek metallic elements and stunning cut glass gemstones that add some bold bling to your wardrobe accessories.
Engineered to fit woman’s ears: Most women’s earphones are labeled merely because of color or eartip size, but Maroo Audio has gone beyond color and specifically designed these noise-isolating earphones to look like timeless jewelry fitted for women’s smaller ears. This results in far more comfort, a better sound experience at lower, healthier listening levels.
There are two collections.
In the ICE Collection you will find that, “each set of earphones are inset with beautifully cut name-brand glass stones, offset by a coordinated electroplated housing, for an uncommon stunning look.” The ICE Collection comes in four styles.
On the other hand, when you look at the GEM Collection you find that “each ear piece features a stunning glass diamond gem, offset by a coordinated electroplated housing, for an uncommon stunning look.”
It too comes in four styles.
As you can see, the GEM Collection is clearly the more pronounced and noticeable of the two. The ICE Collection, on the other hand, has some bling but, when worn, it is far less noticeable. In both cases the company explains that:
Our new earphones are created to radiate brilliance and impart a chic style you’ll want to wear and listen to. Each ear piece features a stunning glass diamond gem, engineered to comfortably for a woman’s ear while delivering true audio performance. Music never sounded so right, felt so comfortable, or looked so fashionable.
Features in both collections include:
- Five tips that are optimized for women’s ears. There are a variety of sizes with single and double flange tip options – designed to suppress external noises while channeling pure audio clarity
- Convenient in-line mic and button control for:
– Call/answer/end conversation
– Pause/play/skip forward/skip back
– Voice activation for Siri, Cortana, and Google Now - Inspiring full range sound with rich bass performance and crisp clear highs
- Full 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response
- 6mm tuned and ported drivers
- 1.2 meter soft-touch tangle free cable
- 45º safety angle 3.5mm plug
- Quick capture protective carrying pouch
- Works with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and all portable music players
Since I’m not the target audience I decided to bring in a ringer as my co-reviewer. Here’s what Raina has to say about them…
We have a look at the Maroo Audio Pro monitors coming soon. In the meantime you can pre-order the $79.99 ICE and GEM Collection earphones. Check them out here!
Source: Manufacturer supplied review samples
What Raina Likes: Comfortable: Excellent noise isolation; Unique look; Good sound; In-line mic and control; ICE Collection is “kinda cute”.
What Raina Thinks Needs Improvement: The GEM Collection is pretty noticeable, perhaps too much so; The ICE Collection earphones sound better to her than the GEM Collection.