Marshall Brings Its Classic Design to More Portable Speakers

Over the past few years, classic guitar amplifier company Marshall has been leveraging its experience in the world of audio for more consumer-focused products. Many of those recent speaker models have been met with high praise by reviewers, who argue that the speakers deliver stunning audio quality and a sleek, unique design all-in-one. Now, Marshall is back with two new models in the form of the Willen II and Emberton III speakers.

“It’s been a pleasure to see this generational update come to life. As always, with our iconic design and Marshall sound in focus, we’ve created something unique in the portable speaker category. On the outside of the speaker, the focus has been on improved material choices and usability, but the biggest update is on the inside. Both these products come ready for the next Bluetooth technology LE Audio, enabling Auracast. They also continue to deliver surprisingly heavy sound for the size, especially Willen II,” says Hanna Wallner, Product Manager.

The new speakers are built to offer high-end specifications and modern features while retaining the Marshall design that the company has become known for.

The larger of the two speakers is the Marshall Emberton III, and it’s built as a do-it-all wireless speaker that can be used in a range of different settings. The Emberton III delivers an impressive 32 hours of battery life, so most users will only need to charge it every few weeks. Not only that, but it has IP67 dust and water resistance, and while you should avoid submerging it in water, if it does fall in the pool, it can last up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. The speaker supports Bluetooth LE along with Auracast, which is a new Bluetooth technology that allows it to integrate with other Auracast-compatible speakers.

Emberton III

But it’s no traditional wireless speaker. The Emberton III offers Marshall’s new True Stereophonic multi-directional tech, which essentially converts stereo audio into a spatial format. Marshall doesn’t disclose this format, and it’s likely the company’s own. We’re a little skeptical about the effect of this, as applying spatial technology to stereo music has traditionally produced middling results, but it’s still a neat idea nonetheless.

Emberton III

I actually quite like the design of Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers. They are largely built from plastic, but I appreciate that they’re reminiscent of classic Marshall amplifiers. The Emberton III is available in either black or a cream color, and both come accented with a nice gold.

Emberton III

Willen II

The smaller of the two speakers is the Marshall Willen II. It actually offers many of the same features as the Emberton III, including the same water resistance and support for Auracast. Given the smaller size, it has a smaller battery that can still deliver 17 hours of playback time, which isn’t bad. On the back, it has a built-in strap, allowing it to be fastened or hung on objects like a backpack or bicycle handlebar.

Willen II

The Willen II offers mostly the same build quality as the Emberton III, in a smaller and more portable package. It also features the black or cream design with gold highlights.

Willen II

Willen II

The Emberton III is available for pre-order now for $169 here, while the Willen II is available for pre-order at $119 here. Both will go on sale August 26th via marshall.com.

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Christian de Looper is a consumer tech reporter based in sunny Santa Cruz, California. Christian has reported on tech for over 10 years, with bylines in many of the largest tech publications, including Digital Trends, Forbes, CNN Underscored, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag. Christian has an obsession with how tech companies balance great design with great functionality, and lives at home with his wife, daughter, and cat.