When it comes to premium portable audio, two standout options are the Marshall Emberton II ($169) and Bose SoundLink Max ($299). Let's dive into how these speakers compare and which might be right for your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in recent years. What used to be tinny, battery-hungry devices are now sophisticated audio systems that can rival home speakers. The key improvements have been in battery technology, water resistance, and most importantly, sound quality through advanced digital signal processing (DSP) - technology that helps optimize audio output in real-time.
The Marshall Emberton II and Bose SoundLink Max represent different philosophies in portable audio. Marshall, with its 2022 release, focused on creating an ultra-portable speaker with impressive battery life. Bose, on the other hand, prioritized raw power and sound quality in a larger form factor.
Both speakers utilize different technical approaches to deliver their sound. The Marshall employs True Stereophonic, a unique multi-directional sound technology that creates an immersive soundstage regardless of speaker placement. This means you get consistent stereo separation whether you're in front of or behind the speaker - particularly useful for outdoor settings.
The Bose takes a more traditional approach but with considerably more power. Its larger drivers and cabinet size allow for deeper bass response and higher maximum volume without distortion. The speaker uses Bose's proprietary digital signal processing to maintain clarity at high volumes, something that's particularly noticeable when using it outdoors or in larger spaces.
In practical use, these differences manifest in interesting ways:
Battery technology has seen significant improvements since these speakers' predecessors. The Marshall Emberton II leads with an impressive 30+ hours of playback, while the Bose manages 20 hours. Both include quick-charging features:
Both speakers include modern Bluetooth 5+ implementations, but with different feature sets:
Marshall Emberton II:
Bose SoundLink Max:
Both speakers feature IP67 water resistance ratings, meaning they can handle submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. However, their approaches to durability differ:
The Marshall uses:
The Bose features:
When considering value, it's important to look beyond just the price difference:
Marshall Emberton II at $169:
Bose SoundLink Max at $299:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Bose's SimpleSync technology makes it an interesting option for extending your home theater audio to other rooms when paired with Bose soundbars. The Marshall lacks this specific functionality but can still serve as a capable auxiliary speaker.
Both speakers handle outdoor scenarios well, but differently:
The Marshall's compact size (1.5 lbs) makes it significantly more travel-friendly than the Bose (4.9 lbs). This weight difference becomes particularly noticeable when packing for trips or moving the speaker frequently.
Consider choosing the Marshall Emberton II if:
Opt for the Bose SoundLink Max if:
It's worth noting how both speakers have evolved from their predecessors. The Marshall Emberton II added Stack Mode and improved battery life over the original Emberton, while maintaining its compact form factor. Bose has focused on improving codec support and integration features, making the SoundLink Max more capable in modern smart home setups.
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective niches. The Marshall Emberton II offers exceptional value for those prioritizing portability and battery life, while the Bose SoundLink Max delivers superior sound power for those willing to sacrifice some portability and pay a premium.
The decision ultimately comes down to your primary use case: If you're looking for a versatile, portable speaker for personal use and small gatherings, the Marshall is an excellent choice. If you need something that can handle larger spaces and groups, and sound quality is your top priority, the Bose is worth the extra investment.
| Marshall Emberton II | Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|
| Price - Overall Value Proposition | |
| $169 - More affordable, excellent value | $299 - Premium pricing, higher build quality |
| Weight & Size - Critical for true portability | |
| 1.5 lbs, compact form factor - Highly portable | 4.9 lbs, larger size - Less travel-friendly |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use | |
| 30+ hours, 20-min quick charge = 4 hours | 20 hours, standard USB-C charging |
| Sound Technology - Affects listening experience | |
| True Stereophonic with dual 2" drivers - 360° sound | Traditional stereo with larger drivers - More powerful, directional sound |
| Maximum Volume - Important for outdoor/group use | |
| 87 dB SPL @1m - Good for personal/small group | Higher max volume (unspecified) - Better for larger spaces |
| Water Resistance - Crucial for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated - Full water/dust protection | IP67 rated - Equal protection level |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.1 - Good stability and range | 5.4 - Latest version, better connectivity |
| Additional Features - Ecosystem benefits | |
| Stack Mode, Basic EQ presets | SimpleSync, Google Fast Pair, aptX Adaptive support |
| Build Materials - Durability consideration | |
| Silicone exterior, metal grille, recycled plastic | Powder-coated steel, silicone wrap, UV-resistant |
| Use Case Optimization - Primary purpose | |
| Personal listening, travel, everyday use | Parties, larger spaces, home audio integration |
The Bose SoundLink Max is better suited for home theater use thanks to its SimpleSync technology that allows integration with Bose soundbars. The Marshall Emberton II lacks specific home theater features, though both can serve as auxiliary speakers.
The Marshall Emberton II offers superior battery life with 30+ hours compared to the Bose SoundLink Max's 20 hours. Marshall also includes quick charging, providing 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Both the Marshall Emberton II and Bose SoundLink Max feature IP67 water resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use. They can withstand rain and brief submersion in water up to 1 meter deep.
The Bose SoundLink Max performs better in large rooms due to its higher maximum volume and more powerful drivers compared to the Marshall Emberton II, which is optimized for personal and small group listening.
The Marshall Emberton II is priced at $169, while the Bose SoundLink Max costs $299. The $130 difference reflects Bose's premium positioning and additional features.
Both speakers support multiple device pairing. The Bose SoundLink Max offers more advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Adaptive support, while the Marshall Emberton II uses Bluetooth 5.1.
The Marshall Emberton II is significantly more portable at 1.5 lbs compared to the Bose SoundLink Max at 4.9 lbs. The Marshall's compact size makes it ideal for travel and everyday carry.
The Bose SoundLink Max supports voice assistants through your smartphone, while the Marshall Emberton II doesn't include voice assistant features.
Neither speaker is designed for traditional surround sound, but the Bose SoundLink Max can integrate with Bose soundbars through SimpleSync for expanded audio coverage. The Marshall Emberton II offers Stack Mode for multi-speaker stereo.
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers more powerful sound with stronger bass, while the Marshall Emberton II offers more balanced audio with True Stereophonic sound technology. Choice depends on listening preferences.
While both can be used for movies, the Bose SoundLink Max is better suited due to its higher volume capability and integration with Bose home theater products. The Marshall Emberton II works better as a secondary audio source.
The Marshall Emberton II offers better value at $169 with excellent portability and battery life. The Bose SoundLink Max at $299 justifies its premium price with superior sound power and additional features for those who need them.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - dreamwaveus.com - crutchfield.com - soundguys.com - gadgets360.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - shop.ash-asia.com - crutchfield.com - gadgetstyler.com - youtube.com - avstore.in - staples.com - 365wholesale.com - bose.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - staples.com - techforless.com - bestbuy.com - assets.bose.com
