You hear the name Marshall and you just know that whatever comes next will be worth it.
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| Marshall Emberton II review: legendary craftsmanship, outstanding sound |
Marshall is renowned for its uncompromising commitment to quality and its faithful fanbase. Recognized among audiophiles and rockstars, Marshall's equipment has maintained its exceptional reputation over decades. Those who have experienced Marshall guitars, amplifiers, or other musical gear know that they are not only robust and built to withstand the test of time but also deliver remarkable sound quality.
The original Marshall Emberton speaker achieved classic cult status, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the impressive Ultimate Ears Boom 3. When Marshall introduced the Emberton II in late 2022, it was a daunting task to follow in such illustrious footsteps, and I was both anxious and excited to see how it would fare.
Fortunately, Marshall didn't disappoint.
In May 2022, Marshall unveiled the Emberton II with an initial price tag of $170, although it can now be found for $10 to $15 less. The Emberton II comes in two captivating color options: Black & Brass and Cream. For this review, Marshall provided the Black & Brass variant.
The Marshall Emberton II is impressively compact for a 20W Bluetooth speaker, making it easy to carry and slip into a bag or pocket. Weighing only 700 grams, it offers a secure grip thanks to its leather-clad body.
The classic Marshall design is instantly recognizable, featuring a sturdy metal grille and a volume/power knob on top. It includes a battery status indicator and a smaller Bluetooth button. Marshall has gone the extra mile for durability by elevating the IP rating to IP67.
On the right side of the speaker, there's a single USB-C port with support for quick charging. Notably, just 20 minutes of charging provides a substantial four hours of playback time, while a complete charge from empty to full takes only three hours.
Marshall has also upgraded the battery life and Bluetooth capabilities of the Emberton II. It now boasts an impressive 30 hours of playback time, a 10-hour improvement over the original Emberton, and utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 instead of Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, it supports Google Fast Pair and offers a seamless connection within a 30-foot Bluetooth range.
Now, let's talk about the sound quality. The Emberton II is equipped with two 2-inch 10W full-range drivers and two passive radiators, along with two 10W Class D amplifiers, all encased in metal and leather. While these technical details may not mean much to some, they translate into outstanding sound performance. Despite its small size, the portable Marshall speaker can produce surprisingly loud audio with a well-balanced range, including impressive bass and clear highs and lows. Unlike cheaper alternatives, the Emberton II never compromises on audio quality.
The Emberton II truly lives up to Marshall's esteemed reputation, embodying everything that has made the legendary brand. It's an almost perfect Bluetooth speaker that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.
However, it's worth noting some areas where improvement could be made. Marshall could enhance the companion app, particularly by adding customizable EQ settings, catering to audiophiles who like to fine-tune their sound preferences. Additionally, the absence of a built-in microphone means you'll have to rely on your device's microphone for calls.
Despite its compact size, the inclusion of a strap or lanyard attachment would be a welcome addition for added convenience. Lastly, the Emberton II's leather exterior tends to accumulate dirt and is challenging to clean, so including a microfiber cloth or strap as extras would be a reasonable expectation for its price.
In a market filled with numerous high-quality audio products, choosing the right Bluetooth speaker in the $200 to $150 price range can be a daunting task.
For those seeking the best of the best, Ultimate Ears offers the Megaboom 3 and Boom 3 speakers, known for their durability, customizable designs, excellent sound, and longevity.
If you're on a tighter budget, the Tribit XSound Mega, priced under $100, stands out with its RGB lighting, portable design, and impressive battery life, all while delivering delightful audio.
For those willing to spend a bit more, the JBL Charge 5 is a solid choice at around $180. It delivers JBL's signature sound quality, remarkable battery life, and even doubles as a power bank, making it a versatile option.
In conclusion, the Marshall Emberton II is an exceptional Bluetooth speaker that excels in durability, portability, and sound quality. Its only drawback may be its price tag. However, given Marshall's track record for longevity, the Emberton II is an investment that will likely provide lasting enjoyment. If you can overlook the lack of a built-in microphone, this speaker is a solid choice for nearly anyone.
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