Summer may be coming to an end, but that hasn’t stopped Marshall from keeping the party going. The audio brand recently introduced two new wireless speakers: the Emberton III and the Willen II. At first glance, the former looks identical to the 2022 Emberton II and still resembles a mini guitar amp. But don’t worry: this isn’t a new addition, as the next-gen model features several improvements.
Like its predecessor, the Emberton III features the company’s “True Stereophonic” sound to deliver high-quality, multi-directional sound. The technology has spatial qualities, making it seem like the audio is following you as you listen.
The difference is that it now has more bass and 'Dynamic Loudness' to “activate”[adjust] tonal balance as the volume changes.” The result is a consistently optimized experience that promises to sound great, no matter the volume level.
Marshall claims that the Emberton III supports Bluetooth LE, a unique version of the Bluetooth standard that focuses more on better “audio quality, lower power consumption and improved interoperability.” This, in turn, allows the Auracastowhich allows the speakers to act as a source for external devices such as headphones. This feature puts the model far above the previous generation.
However, Auracast won’t be available at launch, but is promised to arrive as an over-the-air update in the Marshall Bluetooth app. Other notable features include a microphone for phone calls, a battery life of over 32 hours, and an IP67 ruggedness rating, allowing it to survive a brief submersion underwater.
Compact and easy to transport.
The second model is the smaller Willen II, and it has some similarities to the larger device, such as Bluetooth LE support and a built-in microphone, with a few key differences. Marshall gave its speaker a strap attachment on the back so you can place it anywhere it will fit.
Probably due to its size, the Willen II doesn’t have True Stereophonic, meaning the audio output won’t be as powerful or as immersive as the Emberton III. It also has a shorter battery life, maxing out at around 17 hours of playback. Still, this is the ideal device for you if you want something that will fit in a bag.
Pre-orders are now open. The Marshall Emberton III retails for $170, £150 or €179, while the Willen costs $120, £100 or €120. You can choose from two colour combinations: black and brass and cream. International shipping is set for 26 August.
If you're interested in other options, be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Bluetooth speakers for 2024. We've got plenty of recommendations for every budget.
