Portable speakers have become an essential accessory for music lovers, offering high-quality sound in a compact and convenient package. Two prominent players in the portable speaker market are Bose and Marshall, both known for their legacy of audio excellence. In this comprehensive article, we will compare the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition and the Marshall Emberton, two popular portable speakers, to help you decide which one is the better fit for your audio needs. We’ll examine various aspects including design, sound quality, portability, battery life, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: The Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition carries a sleek and minimalistic design with a metal grille that wraps around the speaker. It has a premium feel with a compact rectangular shape. The top panel features rubberized buttons for playback control and volume adjustment, while the speaker’s bottom houses a built-in stand. It measures 5.1 x 18 x 5.8 cm (2 x 7.1 x 2.3 inches) and weighs around 0.68 kg (1.5 pounds).
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton, on the other hand, showcases the iconic Marshall aesthetic with its textured vinyl finish, classic logo, and brass-finished control knobs. It has a more rugged appearance and a cylindrical shape. The top panel features tactile control knobs for volume, playback, and power. Measuring 6.24 x 16.3 x 7.62 cm (2.45 x 6.41 x 3 inches) and weighing approximately 0.7 kg (1.5 pounds), the Emberton is compact and easy to carry.
Both speakers are built to withstand the rigors of daily use and come with a robust, durable feel.
Sound Quality
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: Bose is renowned for its commitment to exceptional sound quality, and the SoundLink Mini II Special Edition lives up to that reputation. It offers clear and detailed audio with a focus on balance. The speaker’s bass response is impressive for its size, providing a rich and full sound experience.
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton also delivers remarkable sound quality, boasting a well-balanced sound signature. Despite its compact size, the Emberton produces dynamic and powerful audio with clear mids and highs. The bass response is punchy and satisfying, making it suitable for various music genres.
Both speakers provide excellent sound quality, making them suitable for music enthusiasts who demand premium audio experiences.
Portability
Portability is a key consideration for portable speakers, as they are designed to be taken on the go.
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: The Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to slip into a bag or backpack. Its compact design and sleek profile add to its portability.
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton excels in portability, featuring a strap that allows for convenient carrying. Its cylindrical shape and compact size ensure it fits into a variety of bags or even large coat pockets. The Emberton is also IPX7-rated, making it waterproof and ideal for outdoor adventures.
The Emberton’s strap and water-resistant design give it an edge in terms of portability.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor to consider for portable speakers, as it determines how long you can enjoy your music on a single charge.
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: The Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition offers approximately 10 hours of playtime on a full charge, which is suitable for most casual listening situations.
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton impresses with up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it an attractive choice for those who require long listening sessions or extended outdoor activities.
The Emberton’s longer battery life provides a clear advantage in this category.
Connectivity and Features
Both speakers offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing wireless pairing with your devices. They also come with aux-in ports for wired connections, adding flexibility to their use. In terms of additional features, here are the differences:
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: The Bose speaker supports voice prompts, making it easy to navigate functions and settings. It offers multi-point pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously, and it includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton offers multi-host functionality, enabling you to connect and switch between two Bluetooth devices with ease. It also features tactile control knobs for adjusting volume, playback, and power. While it lacks voice prompts, it offers a quick and straightforward pairing experience.
Value
The value of each speaker depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick summary of their advantages:
- Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition: The Bose speaker is known for its reputation for sound quality and ease of use. It’s an excellent choice if you prioritize clear audio and voice prompts for simple navigation.
- Marshall Emberton: The Marshall Emberton shines in portability, battery life, and water resistance. If you’re looking for a durable and stylish speaker with extended playtime, the Emberton is an attractive option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition and the Marshall Emberton depends on your specific priorities and preferences. Both speakers offer impressive sound quality, but they excel in different areas.
If you value clear audio, voice prompts, and multi-point pairing, the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition is an excellent choice. It’s a great all-around portable speaker that is easy to use and delivers balanced sound.
On the other hand, if you prioritize portability, extended battery life, and water resistance, the Marshall Emberton is the ideal option. Its rugged design, strap for easy carrying, and impressive 20-hour battery life make it a standout choice for those who are always on the move and want to enjoy music wherever they go.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your lifestyle and specific requirements, but both the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition and the Marshall Emberton are solid portable speaker options from reputable brands.
