If there’s one thing the iconic Marshall brand name is synonymous with, it's power. Their updated range of Bluetooth speakers is a fine example of this concept in practice.
Bringing over six decades of guitar amplifier design prowess into their bespoke family of Bluetooth speakers, Marshall have three updated models in their already popular Home Line, all packed full of exciting improvements over their predecessors.
The three updated models (from largest to smallest) include the Woburn III, Stanmore III and Acton III, each packing that signature Marshall punch, with pristine top end and gutsy lows. The Acton III is a particular standout in this updated lineup with its upfront and commanding sound profile – impressive given its humble size. But given that iconic Marshall script badge strapped across the front grille, one shouldn’t be all that surprised at the mighty power the Acton III has available on tap.
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A two-way design, the 4” woofer and two 3/4” tweeters are behind the Acton III’s full range sound, with some significant improvements made from the previous model, giving the Acton III an impressive overall sound, particularly as it pertains to dispersion and projection. Some clever design refinements such as the two tweeters being angled slightly outwards as well as an improved waveguide give a wider soundstage and very immersive sound experience from a small footprint Bluetooth speaker. It just goes to show that seemingly small tweaks can go a long way to making very real improvements in a speaker of this size. Pumping out 60 watts of power with a max SPL of 95dB @ 1m and broad frequency range of 45Hz – 20kHz (another improvement from the previous model), the Acton III has no trouble with filling a room at home with a full sound stage, delivering classic Marshall quality tone in a compact speaker format.
In terms of DSP, some brilliant refinement has taken place under-the-hood of this updated line, which further enhances the overall listening experience. In-built dynamic loudness produces the most detailed and accurate playback possible at any given volume with subtle adjustments made to the tonal balance – an absolute dream for anyone who’s experienced an underwhelming listening experience across the frequency spectrum from a speaker at lower volumes. In addition to this, the all new placement compensation feature helps correct for any nearby reflective surfaces that may hinder the listening experience. The combination of these two new features ensure Acton III produces its signature sound consistently, wherever it is set up in the home.
Striking the perfect balance of pair and play convenience and tactile control, each speaker in the range makes for a seamless experience when connecting devices remotely via Bluetooth 5.2LE and/or wanting to make on the fly adjustments on the unit itself. Alleviating the need to constantly dive for a connected device for basic control, the conveniently located tone controls for treble and bass as well as volume are located on the top of the speaker with iconic brass knobs which ooze that Marshall amp style class. Selecting between aux 3.5mm or Bluetooth connectivity is as simple as a single button, as is the three-way switch for controlling play/pause plus backward and forward skip. Both the Stanmore III and Woburn III offer RCA connectivity and the latter model also spouts HDMI input. Just for the tactility available on the top panel alone is a refreshing level of control made available directly from the unit itself, which a lot of other Bluetooth speakers don’t offer and many users may not fully appreciate until having it at their disposal.
Connectivity to the Marshall Bluetooth app and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates made possible to the line ensure all the latest software and features are available – a delightful reassurance that Marshall are committed to the exciting future Bluetooth, which for this range of speakers includes the soon to come Multi-Stream feature for connectivity to multiple speakers from one device and well as Auracast TM broadcast audio.
Keeping in line with other recent Marshalls releases like the Motif II ANC headphones, Marshall’s new look home line is also environmentally/sustainability conscious, with each model being PVC free, and with 70% recycled plastic being used as well as all vegan materials.
Classy, iconic looks and signature Marshall sound, the updated Home Line of Bluetooth speakers from Marshall are an impressive update of an already solid product line – providing some truly impressive sound quality from a speaker of this size, as well as a bevy of intelligent and practical digital features, and of course, a tasteful nod to the brands rock and roll past in the aesthetics department.
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This article was made in partnership with Aqipa.
