When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Marshall brand is synonymous with iconic design and high-quality sound. In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore two popular offerings from Marshall: the Marshall Middleton and the Marshall Emberton II. Both speakers aim to deliver impressive audio experiences while maintaining the brand’s signature aesthetic. We’ll evaluate various aspects of these speakers, including design, sound quality, portability, battery life, connectivity, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision about which Marshall speaker suits your needs best.
Design and Build Quality
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton features the classic Marshall design language with textured vinyl, the iconic Marshall logo, and brass-finished control knobs. It has a rectangular shape with a fabric grille covering the front. The Middleton’s design exudes a vintage-inspired aesthetic, and it feels solid and well-constructed.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II continues the brand’s design tradition with textured vinyl, the iconic logo, and tactile control knobs on the top. It sports a cylindrical shape and a carrying strap, adding a touch of style to its overall design. The Emberton II is also designed to be water and dust-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Both speakers are built with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand daily use.
Sound Quality
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton offers robust sound with an emphasis on clarity. It provides well-defined mids and crisp highs, ensuring that vocals and instruments come through with precision. While it may not have an overpowering bass, it offers a balanced sound that complements various music genres.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II, despite its compact size, delivers impressive sound with a strong focus on balanced audio. It offers clear mids and highs, while its bass response is notable, providing a punchy and impactful low-end. The sound signature of the Emberton II is well-suited for a wide range of music genres.
Both speakers provide high-quality sound, catering to those who appreciate clarity and balanced audio experiences.
Portability
Portability is a critical factor for portable speakers, as they are designed for use on the go.
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton is relatively compact and easy to carry in a bag or backpack. It is designed to be portable and convenient, making it a suitable choice for users who want to take their music with them wherever they go.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II excels in portability with its cylindrical shape and carrying strap. The strap makes it effortless to carry, whether you choose to hold it in your hand, sling it over your shoulder, or attach it to your backpack. Its waterproof design also ensures that it can handle outdoor adventures.
The Emberton II’s strap and water-resistant feature provide an advantage in terms of portability.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for portable speakers, as it determines how long you can enjoy your music on a single charge.
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton offers approximately 20 hours of playtime on a full charge, ensuring that you can enjoy your music for an extended period before needing to recharge.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II impresses with an exceptional 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. Its extended playtime is a significant advantage for users who require long listening sessions or plan to use it throughout the day.
The Emberton II’s longer battery life provides a notable edge in this category.
Connectivity and Features
Both speakers offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless pairing with your devices and include aux-in ports for wired connections. Here are the differences in terms of additional features:
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton includes a single multi-directional button for playback control and hands-free calling. It offers a streamlined user experience, although it lacks additional features like voice prompts or tactile knobs for precise control.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II features tactile control knobs on the top panel, allowing you to adjust volume, playback, and power with precision. It provides a more intuitive and tactile experience. While it doesn’t have voice prompts, its control knobs enhance usability.
Value
The value of each speaker depends on your specific requirements and priorities. Here’s a quick summary of their advantages:
- Marshall Middleton: The Marshall Middleton offers a classic Marshall design, balanced sound quality, and a respectable battery life. It is a solid choice for those who appreciate the iconic Marshall aesthetic and clear audio experiences.
- Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II excels in portability, battery life, and water resistance. If you’re looking for a stylish and durable speaker with extended playtime, the Emberton II is an attractive option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Marshall Middleton and the Marshall Emberton II will depend on your unique preferences and requirements. Both speakers deliver impressive sound quality but cater to different priorities.
The Marshall Middleton is an excellent choice if you value a classic Marshall design, balanced sound, and a battery life that can comfortably accompany you throughout the day. Its timeless aesthetics and clear audio make it a reliable option for various listening scenarios.
On the other hand, if you prioritize portability, extended battery life, and water resistance, the Marshall Emberton II is the ideal choice. Its cylindrical design, carrying strap, remarkable 30-hour battery life, and water-resistant feature make it an outstanding selection for those who are frequently on the move and want to enjoy music wherever they go.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your lifestyle and specific needs, but both the Marshall Middleton and the Marshall Emberton II are reliable portable speakers from the esteemed Marshall brand, offering high-quality audio experiences with a touch of iconic design.
