When comparing Klipsch Image S4i Rugged vs Marshall Mode, the Slant community recommends Marshall Mode for most people. In the question“What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?” Marshall Mode is ranked 3rd while Klipsch Image S4i Rugged is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Marshall Mode is:
While the Marshall Mode does not offer a lot of features or top-notch build quality, it makes up for it with great sound quality. The bass has a slight emphasis which gives the sound good power and punch. The mids sound natural and slightly forward, while the highs are able to deliver a good level of detail without getting harsh. These earphones sound best for rock music, but can also deliver great low-end performance for hip-hop music and similar genres, and crisp highs for those who love classical music.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Crisp treble and solid bass
Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound.
Pro Clear call quality
The built in mic provides a good experience when talking on the phone.
Pro Numerous controls accessed with 3 buttons
The S4i's buttons recognize combination presses, tap patterns and held buttons, allowing access to many features: call answering, voice control, song titles, etc. These controls are intended for use with iPhones.
Pro Very secure fit
These headphones come with four different sets of silicone plug tips, allowing a snug fit for nearly any size or shape of ear.
Pro Built for outdoor and sports use
Klipsch S4i Rugged earphones are designed to withstand extreme conditions in both activity and environment.
Pro Great sound for the price
While the Marshall Mode does not offer a lot of features or top-notch build quality, it makes up for it with great sound quality. The bass has a slight emphasis which gives the sound good power and punch. The mids sound natural and slightly forward, while the highs are able to deliver a good level of detail without getting harsh. These earphones sound best for rock music, but can also deliver great low-end performance for hip-hop music and similar genres, and crisp highs for those who love classical music.
Pro Lightweight and comfortable
These earphones won’t cause comfort issues, even when worn for for several hours straight.. The earpieces are light so they don’t put a lot of weight in the ears.
Pro Many ear tips to choose from
With the Marshall Mode, you’ll be able to get a good fit and seal in your ears. You get 4 pairs of ear tips in different sizes to choose from. The ear tips are also of decent quality, as they are not too squishy, so they should sit well in the ears and last a reasonable period of time as well.
Cons
Con Controls are designed for Apple products
The built in controls are only guaranteed to work with iPhone 3GS and onward. (The Klipsch S4a, designed for Android devices, does not have a rugged version.)
Con Single button remote
Controlling smartphone and music functions is limited with the Mode’s inline remote. Only a single button is present, so you can only answer or end calls, play and pause music as well as skip tracks. You can’t control volume nor can you go to previous track.