Marshall would not muck round. The British audio model has a status to reside as much as and followers to please. Often related to audiophiles and rockstars, Marshall’s gear has been round for many years and is so broadly used as a result of it is simply that good. Should you’ve ever owned a Marshall guitar, amp, or some type of musical tools, you may know that the model’s merchandise are heavy-duty, constructed to final perpetually, and, most significantly, adequate to knock your socks off with some critically good sound.
The authentic Marshall Emberton speaker was extraordinarily well-known, reaching a cult basic state. The Emberton sits on a pedestal proper subsequent to the unbelievable Final Ears Growth 3. Following up on such an enormous act requires quite a lot of spunk, so when Marshall introduced the Emberton II in late 2022, I used to be equal components terrified and thrilled.
Fortunately, Marshall proved to be the reward that retains on giving.
Value and availability
Marshall launched the Emberton II in Might 2022. The speaker was priced at $170 at launch, however you’ll be able to simply rating a unit for round $10 to $15 cheaper as of late. The Emberton II is accessible in two beautiful colorways, Black & Brass and Cream. Marshall despatched me the Black & Brass variant for the needs of this assessment.
The stuff of legends
The Marshall Emberton II is critically compact for a 20W Bluetooth speaker. The oblong form makes it simple to hold and even simpler to slide right into a bag or pocket. It weighs 700 grams, which is fairly gentle, and the leather-based physique provides a ton of grip total.
You will not tire of the basic Marshall design, with the stable metallic grill and quantity/energy knob on prime. There is a battery gentle indicator in addition to a smaller Bluetooth button as nicely. Marshall went all the way in which with sturdiness, bumping up the IP score to IP67 this time round.
There is a single USB-C port on the proper aspect of the speaker, and it helps fast charging. Impressively, 20 minutes of charging offers you 4 whopping hours of playtime. The light-weight Marshall speaker goes from lifeless to max charging capability in three stable hours.
Marshall additionally bumped up the battery life and Bluetooth specs within the Emberton II. You now get 30 hours of uptime, 10 hours greater than the Emberton’s 20, and Bluetooth 5.1 as a substitute of Bluetooth 5.0. The speaker additionally helps Google Quick Pair and a 30-foot Bluetooth vary, so it takes no time in any respect to arrange, and the connection is seamless.
So, it seems wonderful and feels high-end. All’s nicely in that division, however let’s transfer on to the sound. Marshall decked out the Emberton II with two 2-inch 10W full-range drivers in addition to two passive radiators. The metallic and leather-based development additionally nurtures two 10W Class D amplifiers inside.
Which will or might not imply something to you, however for individuals who do not know or do not care, the specs work fantastically nicely and produce unbelievable sound. The scale of the moveable Marshall speaker is deceiving as a result of the Emberton II will get surprisingly loud. There is a good quantity of bass, with stunningly well-balanced highs and lows. Not like cheaper audio system, the audio by no means cracks on the Emberton II.
This can be a spunky gadget that lives to Marshall’s good title. It embodies every thing concerning the model that made it so legendary. It is a practically good little Bluetooth speaker, and I discover it really easy to suggest to anybody and everybody.
Minor room for enchancment
To not nitpick, however I really feel like a model with as many assets and as a lot expertise as Marshall might’ve finished so higher with the companion app. Whereas I just like the UI, the shortage of a customizable EQ bugs me.
The presets are nice, however three measly EQ presets usually are not going to please everybody. Apart from, audio fanatics wish to mess around and fine-tune their gear to swimsuit themselves.
So as to add to that, there is no built-in microphone on the Emberton II, so you may must depend on your cellphone or laptop computer’s onboard mic when taking calls.
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Additionally, regardless of its small dimension, I’d’ve favored a strap or at a lanyard or carabiner attachment for the Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth speaker.
Lastly, the Emberton II’s leather-based pores and skin will get pretty soiled and it is actually onerous to scrub up. I’ve received two cats and cleansing up fur off of the Marshall speaker drove me up the wall. For such an costly accent, it is not loopy to count on a number of extras, equivalent to a microfiber fabric or strap.
Competitors
The variety of epic sound programs and audio gear obtainable as of late is psychological. In terms of Bluetooth audio system that price round $200 to $150, you’ll be able to simply afford one of the best of one of the best.
Final Ears takes the lead with the superior Megaboom 3 and Growth 3 audio system. If you need one thing sturdy that has a customizable design, sounds glorious, and lasts for a very long time, these outside audio system examine all of the packing containers.
If you need one thing jazzy priced beneath $100, the Tribit XSound Mega is an RGB-equipped moveable speaker with straps and every thing. It is received an amazing battery life and produces scrumptious audio that is a delight in your ears.
After all, for those who do not thoughts the value, you’ll be able to play it protected with the basic JBL Cost 5 speaker. JBL’s signature sound high quality by no means disappoints and the Cost 5 has an endearing battery life too. You may get one for round $180, and it comes with a carrying case. The Cost 5 additionally doubles as an influence financial institution, which is a cool perform.
Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase this if…
- You are a sound snob
- You need one thing compact and light-weight
- You want nice battery and charging specs
- You intend on taking our speaker outside
You should not purchase this if…
- You want a mic built-in
- You are caught with a $150 finances or much less
The Marshall Emberton II is a spectacular Bluetooth speaker. It is a winner from each perspective, be it sturdiness, portability, or sound high quality. The one factor that’ll maintain you again is the value.
Even so, I extremely suggest the Emberton II as a result of it is definitely going to final you a very long time. Marshall gear would not break simply, and after utilizing this moveable Bluetooth speaker for a month, I really consider it will not both.
Should you can reside with out an onboard microphone, the Marshall Emberton II is simply the proper speaker for nearly anyone.
Rock on!
Headbang to the tune of your personal banger with the small however mighty Marshall Emberton II. This luxurious speaker sounds epic, is constructed nicely, and has a sturdy IP67 water and dustproof score. The battery would not allow you to down both, paired with fast charging for much more juice on the go.