House of Marley Nesta

With their oval shape, ergonomic angled holder and silicone earbuds, these in-ears offer a snug and reliable fit for the wearer without the worry of contact pressure problems. The lightweight construction comes in at just 17 grams, while the filigree design adds another element to the overall comfort level and ensures these headphones can be worn discreetly under a cap. A material mix of ceramic, recycled aluminium and bio-plastic makes these a more sustainable choice, while the overall processing is of an incredibly high standard. Things also look surprisingly robust and durable, which perfectly underlines the manufacturer’s philosophy of sustainable production that doesn’t compromise when it comes to exceptional product standards. Although these headphones make an initially positive impression, things are subsequently marred by cable noise. The braided cable insulation is designed to minimise the amount of entanglement you might normally experience and has a pleasant feel, but the flip-side is that it all too easily transmits contact noise when touched. In order to reduce this, it’s best to use a cable clip whenever possible.

Device Control

The central remote button provides you with a start/stop function with just one press. You can also use it to accept and terminate phone calls. Furthermore, you can use it for track selection by double-clicking on it, with two clicks taking you to the next track and three clicks allowing you to jump back. Plus and minus volume buttons give you control over volume, however this is only true of iOS devices and not Android ones. This is the only distinct issue you’ll find with Android/iOS compatibility, however. Beyond this, operation remains much the same. An integrated microphone can also be found along with the remote control element, with positioning close to the mouth to ensure good quality communications and a voice that’s presented clearly to those on the other end of the line. What’s more, frequent callers will benefit from the impressive levels of speech intelligibility on both sides of the conversation.

Sound

The output and sound quality of these Nesa in-ears is rather remarkable. In fact, volume can be adjusted without distortion becoming a problem. Well-balanced tuning delivers full, powerful bass with plenty of depth and clarity. Mids are rich in detail, while balanced trebles cover a wide swath of the musical spectrum. Expect an earthy, warm sound character that boasts good levels of resolution and spatial sound that brings out the best when enjoying rock and pop productions. Electro, hip-hop, country and jazz genres are also well served here. Contemporary productions benefit from a bass foundation that’s very defined without being domineering. Powerful, clear sound is the standard here and convinces when you consider the price and competitors in this segment of the market.