Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review Compact Design and Powerful Sound

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker is a stunning piece of gear. Its compact size and iconic Marshall design make it a head-turner. The solid metal grille paired with the silicone exterior not only screams durability but also exudes a stylish, rock ‘n’ roll vibe. It feels incredibly sturdy in hand, and weighing just 1.54 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around without any hassle. The IPX7 water-resistance rating is a game-changer, allowing you to use the speaker near water without a second thought. I’ve even tested it under a quick splash, and it worked perfectly afterward. The multi-directional control knob is intuitive, letting me control volume, skip tracks, and even power it on or off without needing to fiddle with buttons scattered all over.

Performance and Sound Quality

This is where the Emberton truly shines. The True Stereophonic sound technology delivers a rich, vibrant, and loud audio experience that feels much larger than what you’d expect from a speaker of this size. It creates a 360° soundstage, meaning I can place it anywhere, and every spot becomes the sweet spot. The dynamic drivers coupled with a signal-to-noise ratio of 87 dB ensure that the sound remains clear and crisp, even at high volumes. I’ve used it for everything from mellow acoustic tracks to bass-heavy EDM, and it didn’t disappoint. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are equally well-balanced.

Key Benefits

• Compact and lightweight design makes it travel-friendly.
• True Stereophonic sound provides an immersive 360° listening experience.
• Durable build with IPX7 water resistance ensures longevity.
• Intuitive control knob for seamless navigation.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The 20+ hours of playtime is fantastic for a portable speaker. I’ve used it for long listening sessions, and the battery barely budged. It also supports quick charging, providing 5 hours of playtime with just 20 minutes of charging. On the connectivity side, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology offers a stable and seamless pairing experience. I’ve tested it with both my smartphone and tablet, and the connection remained rock-solid within the claimed 30 ft range. It’s perfect for wireless music streaming, and I didn’t encounter any lag or dropouts.

Favorable Aspects

• Long battery life eliminates constant recharging.
• Quick-charge feature is convenient for on-the-go use.
• Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable connectivity with minimal latency.

Areas of Concern

While I love the Emberton, there are a few things to keep in mind. The lack of an equalizer or app support means you’re stuck with the default sound profile. Although the sound is fantastic, some users might prefer the ability to tweak it. Additionally, the USB-C charging cable included in the box is quite short, which can be inconvenient if your power outlet isn’t close to where you place the speaker.

• No equalizer or app support for sound customization.
• Short charging cable limits placement options during charging.

Competing Products

When compared to other portable Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Flip 6 or the Sony XB13, the Emberton stands out with its 360° sound and iconic design. The JBL Flip 6 offers a more rugged build and deeper bass, but it lacks the compact size and lightweight portability of the Emberton. On the other hand, the Sony XB13 is more budget-friendly and delivers good sound quality, but its audio clarity and volume don’t quite match up to the Emberton’s True Stereophonic sound. If your priority is all-around performance with a touch of style, the Emberton easily takes the cake.

Value Proposition

In terms of price-to-quality ratio, the Emberton delivers exceptional value. Its premium build, stellar sound quality, and long battery life justify the investment for anyone looking for a high-quality portable speaker. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of performance and design makes it worth every penny. If you’re someone who values both aesthetics and functionality, this speaker checks all the boxes.

Whether it’s for casual listening, a poolside hangout, or a small gathering, this compact speaker punches well above its weight.

Additional information