Marshall Emberton II Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Marshall Emberton II portable speaker combines classic style with modern technology, promising durability and impressive sound quality. Its rugged design, featuring a textured silicone exterior and the iconic Marshall script, is both stylish and robust, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The multi-directional control knob is a handy feature, though it can be a bit stiff. While compact and relatively lightweight, the lack of a built-in handle or strap is a minor drawback.

Sound performance is a strong point, with True Stereophonic sound delivering balanced and detailed audio. The bass is impressive for its size, though it might not satisfy those seeking extremely punchy bass. The 360-degree sound capability ensures a consistent audio experience from any position.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1 and multi-host functionality, but the absence of a built-in microphone for calls is a downside. The dedicated app for EQ settings is a plus. The battery life is notable, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge, with a quick charge feature providing 4 hours of playtime from a 20-minute charge.

Portability is enhanced by its compact size and rugged build, though it is slightly heavier than ultra-light speakers. The box includes the speaker, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide, but lacks extras like a carrying case or wall adapter.

The user experience is highly positive, with intuitive controls and seamless Bluetooth pairing. The IP67 rating adds peace of mind for outdoor use. The premium price reflects its build quality and sound performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing these aspects.

In conclusion, the Marshall Emberton II offers a blend of style, performance, and convenience, making it a strong contender in the portable speaker market despite a few minor drawbacks.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Marshall Acton III or Marshall Kilburn II.

Introduction

Looking for a new portable speaker that combines classic style with modern tech? The Marshall Emberton II might just be what you've been searching for. This little powerhouse packs a punch with its iconic design and impressive sound quality. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Marshall is a brand that's been synonymous with rock 'n’ roll for decades, but their venture into the realm of portable speakers brings a whole new vibe. With the Emberton II, they promise a rugged, stylish speaker that's as ready for the beach as it is for your living room. But can it deliver the same quality and reliability as their famous guitar amps?

In this review, we'll break down every aspect of the Marshall Emberton II, from its design and build quality to its connectivity and features. We’ll also touch on its sound performance, see how it fares in terms of battery life, and evaluate its portability. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of whether this speaker is the right choice for your needs.

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Design and Build Quality

The Marshall Emberton II has a rugged design that screams both durability and style. This speaker sports a classic Marshall look with its textured silicone exterior and the iconic Marshall script on the front. It's like carrying a piece of rock 'n' roll history with you, but with a modern twist.

Build Quality

Let's talk about how it's put together. The build feels solid and robust, which makes it a great companion for outdoor adventures. Thanks to its IP67 rating, it's both dust and water-resistant. So, you don't have to worry if you accidentally drop it in the sand or spill a drink on it. It can handle a few bumps and knocks without breaking a sweat.

Design Features

One neat feature is the multi-directional control knob. This nifty little addition lets you play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume all with a simple twist or press—pretty handy, right? However, the knob can sometimes be a bit stiff, especially if you have larger fingers.

In terms of size, it's compact and fits easily into a backpack, but it's not the lightest speaker out there. While not a deal-breaker, you might notice the weight if you're planning to carry it around all day.

Another small gripe is the lack of a built-in handle or strap. Given its slightly bulky nature, a handle would’ve made it easier to carry around. But, you can always grab a third-party strap if that’s a dealbreaker for you.

Overall, the design and build quality of this speaker are top-notch. It blends classic aesthetics with modern durability, though it could be improved with a few minor tweaks. Would I take it to a beach party? Absolutely. Would I wish it had a handle? Probably.

Sound Performance

If you’re in the market for a solid mobile speaker, the sound performance of the Marshall Emberton II is something you don’t want to overlook. This little beast packs a punch with its True Stereophonic sound, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Unlike some other speakers that just blast out noise, this one gives you a more balanced and detailed output.

The bass is quite impressive for a speaker of its size. You get a deep, rumbling low end that doesn’t distort even at higher volumes. The mids and highs are also clear and precise, making it perfect for different genres, from rock to classical.

However, if you’re an audiophile who craves punchy, window-shaking bass, you might find it a bit lacking. It’s great for casual listening, but it won’t satisfy someone looking for a party-level audio experience. But hey, it’s a mobile speaker, not a full-blown sound system.

Another thing to note is the 360-degree sound capability. This feature ensures that no matter where you are in the room, you’ll get a consistent audio experience. It’s like the music follows you around, which is pretty cool.

Overall, the Marshall Emberton II offers a well-rounded sound performance that excels in clarity and richness. Just don’t expect it to replace a high-end home audio system. But for its size, it definitely delivers more than you’d expect.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity and Features

Alright, let’s talk about how this little powerhouse connects and what extra goodies it packs under the hood. First off, pairing up with your devices couldn’t be simpler. Thanks to its Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, it hooks up super fast and maintains a stable connection. You won't experience those annoying dropouts or glitches; it's pretty reliable.

But that’s not all. The speaker supports multi-host functionality, which means you can connect two devices simultaneously. Feel like switching from your phone to your tablet to keep the music going? Easy-peasy.

One of the standout features has to be the IP67 rating. This means it’s both dustproof and waterproof. You don't have to worry about it getting soaked by the pool or catching some sand at the beach. It’s built to withstand a bit of rough and tumble.

Now, let’s touch on a slightly less dazzling part. There’s no built-in microphone for hands-free calls. This could be a bit of a letdown if you like using your speaker for conference calls or quick chats.

On the bright side, you get a dedicated app that allows you to tweak the EQ settings to your liking. It's not super advanced but gives enough control to really dial in your preferred sound.

So, in a nutshell, this speaker is packed with connectivity options and features that make it versatile and user-friendly, although the lack of a built-in mic might be a downside for some folks.

Battery Life

Battery Life The battery life of the Marshall Emberton II is pretty impressive. It boasts up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, which means you can enjoy your tunes all day and into the night without worrying about hunting for an outlet. Whether you're going for a day trip, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just chilling at home, this speaker's got you covered. Charging it is also a breeze. With the USB-C charging port, it takes around 3 hours to get it back to full juice. Not too bad, right?

But here's the cherry on top: you get a quick charge feature. Just 20 minutes of charging gives you around 4 hours of playtime. Perfect for those last-minute plans. However, if you're someone who likes to blast the volume at max all the time, you might notice the battery life dropping a bit faster. Also, frequent use of Bluetooth and other connectivity features can slightly reduce the overall playtime. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind. All in all, the battery life on this little beast is quite solid. It keeps up with the best of them, ensuring you’re not left in silence when the party is just getting started.

Portability

Portability The Marshall Emberton II really nails it on the portability front. Weighing in at just a little over 1.5 pounds, it's lightweight enough to toss into your backpack without a second thought. Its compact dimensions make it super easy to carry around, whether you're heading to a picnic, a beach day, or just lounging in your backyard. One thing I love is the rugged design. It’s built to withstand some bumps and splashes, thanks to its IPX7 water-resistance rating. This means you can accidentally drop it in the pool, and it’ll still pump out your tunes without missing a beat! However, let's be real for a second.

If you're used to feather-light, ultra-tiny speakers, this one might feel slightly heftier. But, the extra weight actually adds to its durability, making it feel solid and well-constructed. The controls are conveniently placed and user-friendly, so you won't be fumbling around to adjust the volume or skip a track. Plus, the battery life is impressive enough that you won’t need to carry around a charger for a day out. It's basically grab-and-go simplicity. So, in terms of portability, the Marshall Emberton II strikes a great balance between size, weight, and durability, making it an ideal companion for your on-the-go adventures.

What's in the Box

Alright, let's talk about what's in the box! When you crack open the packaging, you'll find the Marshall Emberton II speaker neatly nestled inside. It's not packed with a bunch of extra stuff, which can be a good thing if you like to keep things simple. Here's what you'll get:

• Marshall Emberton II Speaker - The main star of the show.
• USB-C Charging Cable - For juicing up your speaker. It's nice to see they went with USB-C, which is pretty much the standard these days.
• Quick Start Guide - A handy little booklet to get you up and running in no time. It’s straightforward, but honestly, you might not even need it.

And that’s about it! You won’t find any fancy extras like a carrying case or an AUX cable, but that’s not a huge deal. The essentials are all there, and considering the speaker's portability, you probably won’t miss the extra accessories. One minor gripe could be the lack of a wall adapter, so you'll need to use your own or juice it up via your laptop.

User Experience

Using the Marshall Emberton II is a breeze. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to get the hang of it quickly. The multi-directional control knob is a fantastic touch, letting you play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume with just a few clicks. It feels kinda like having an old-school radio dial but with modern functionalities. Pairing the speaker with your devices is as easy as pie, thanks to its seamless Bluetooth connectivity. You won't find yourself pulling your hair out over complicated setup processes. Just turn it on, find it on your device, and boom, you're connected.

The sound quality is where this speaker really shines. You'll be impressed by how rich and clear everything sounds. Whether you're blasting rock anthems or chilling to some mellow jazz, the sound remains crisp and well-balanced. Of course, if you're a basshead, you might find the bass a tad underwhelming compared to larger speakers, but it's impressive given the size. On the flip side, the lack of an auxiliary input might be a letdown for those who prefer wired connections. But honestly, with such solid Bluetooth performance, you might not even miss it. One standout feature is its IP67 rating, making it dust and waterproof. This means you can take it to the beach or the pool without worrying about it getting damaged. Talk about peace of mind! The speaker also remembers the last paired device, which is a nice little convenience. No need to re-pair every time you turn it on. Just power it up, and it automatically reconnects.

Overall, the user experience with this speaker is stellar. It's like having a tiny concert in your pocket. Sure, it has a couple of minor drawbacks, but they hardly overshadow the fantastic overall experience.

Video by: Marshall Headphones

Price and Value

The Marshall Emberton II comes with a premium price tag, but is it worth the investment? Let's break it down. At first glance, the price might seem a bit steep compared to other portable speakers out there. However, you're not just paying for the brand name. You're investing in rock-solid build quality and stellar sound performance.

This speaker isn’t just another pretty face. With its rugged design and IP67 water and dust resistance, it feels like it can survive an apocalypse. Not to mention, its classic Marshall aesthetic makes it a stylish addition to any space. But does that justify the cost?

In terms of sound quality, the Emberton II delivers a rich and immersive audio experience that is hard to match. The clarity, bass, and overall balance are exceptional for a speaker of this size. So, if you're an audiophile or someone who enjoys high-quality sound, this aspect alone might convince you it's worth the splurge.

What about features? Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable and quick connection, and the straightforward controls make it easy to use. However, it doesn't come with some advanced features like voice assistants or app support, which some might find limiting given the price point.

On the battery front, the Marshall Emberton II offers about 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is pretty impressive and means fewer interruptions for recharging. Yet, it does lack fast charging capabilities, which can be a slight downside for those always on the go.

In summary, the Marshall Emberton II offers a lot of value, especially if you prioritize sound quality and durability. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the combination of its premium build, fantastic sound, and long battery life makes it a solid investment for those seeking a high-quality portable speaker.

Conclusion

Conclusion So, is this speaker worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! It ticks a lot of boxes: it's got a sleek design, solid build, and fantastic sound for its size. Add in the superb battery life and ease of portability, and you’ve got a solid contender in the portable speaker market. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The absence of an aux input might be a bummer for some folks who prefer a wired connection, and it is a bit pricey compared to other options. But, if you’re after a durable speaker with killer sound quality and don’t mind spending a bit extra, this little powerhouse is a no-brainer.

Overall, it brilliantly balances style, performance, and convenience. Whether you’re chilling at home or heading out for an adventure, this speaker brings your music to life.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications