When Marshall launched the Stockwell II in late 2020 at $129.99, it represented their vision for a powerful yet portable speaker. Less than two years later, the Emberton II arrived in May 2022 at $169.99, taking a different approach with its ultra-compact design. Let's dive into how these speakers compare and which might be right for you.
Today's portable speakers need to strike a delicate balance between sound quality, durability, and convenience. Unlike home speakers that prioritize pure audio performance, portable units must consider factors like battery life, water resistance, and ease of transport while still delivering satisfying sound.
The technology has evolved significantly since these speakers' releases. While both use Bluetooth 5.0+ (5.0 in Stockwell, 5.1 in Emberton), they've implemented it differently in ways that affect real-world use. More on that shortly.
The Stockwell II takes a more traditional approach with dedicated amplifiers - one 10W for the woofer (handles low frequencies) and two 5W for the tweeters (handles high frequencies). This separation allows for better control over different frequency ranges, much like a home audio setup.
What really sets it apart are the analog control knobs for bass and treble. As someone who's tested many portable speakers, I can't overstate how valuable this direct control is - especially outdoors where acoustic conditions vary widely.
The Emberton II uses two 2-inch full-range drivers (each handling all frequencies) powered by 10W total. While this might seem less powerful on paper, Marshall's True Stereophonic technology helps create an impressive soundstage - the perceived space where sound appears to come from.
I've found the Emberton II's sound more consistent across different listening positions, though it can't match the Stockwell II's bass response or maximum volume.
Here's where the designers' different priorities become apparent:
The Emberton II's superior durability comes from newer manufacturing techniques and materials, including 50% post-consumer recycled plastic - a feature absent in the older Stockwell II.
Battery technology has improved significantly between these releases:
Both use USB-C charging, but the Stockwell II offers more flexibility with its power bank feature, while the Emberton II focuses on efficiency and faster charging times.
Both speakers support:
The lack of an auxiliary input on the Emberton II reflects the industry's shift toward wireless connectivity, though some users might miss this option.
Let's break down the value equation:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
In practical use, these differences manifest in interesting ways. The Stockwell II excels at home or in controlled environments where its superior sound quality and adjustability shine. Its extra power becomes apparent at outdoor gatherings where you need to fill more space with sound.
The Emberton II proves more versatile for active lifestyles. Its durability means you won't think twice about taking it to the beach or pool, and its lighter weight makes it more likely to be brought along on adventures.
Both speakers represent different philosophies in portable audio. The Stockwell II favors sound quality and control, while the Emberton II prioritizes durability and portability. Neither approach is inherently better - it's about matching your specific needs.
For most users seeking the best value and sound quality, the Stockwell II remains the better choice despite its age. However, if durability and portability are your primary concerns, the Emberton II's modern features and robust construction make it worth the premium price.
Remember: the best speaker is the one that fits your lifestyle and actually gets used. Consider where and how you'll most often use the speaker when making your decision.
| Marshall Stockwell II | Marshall Emberton II |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $129.99 (better value for features) | $169.99 (premium for portability) |
| Sound Output - Impacts volume and clarity | |
| 20W total (10W woofer + two 5W tweeters) | 10W total (two 2" full-range drivers) |
| Weight - Affects portability | |
| 3.04 lbs (less portable) | 1.5 lbs (highly portable) |
| Water Resistance - Determines outdoor usability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 20 hours (solid but not exceptional) | 30+ hours (class-leading) |
| Quick Charge Capability - Convenience for sudden use | |
| 20 min = 6 hours playback | 20 min = 4 hours playback |
| Sound Customization - Control over audio | |
| Physical bass/treble knobs on device | App-only EQ presets |
| Additional Inputs - Flexibility | |
| 3.5mm aux input included | No auxiliary input |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection stability | |
| 5.0 (30ft range) | 5.1 (30ft range, slightly more stable) |
| Extra Features - Added value | |
| Power bank functionality, multi-host pairing | Stack mode, multi-host pairing |
| Size - Physical footprint | |
| 7.09 x 6.34 x 2.76 inches (larger) | 6.3 x 2.68 x 2.99 inches (compact) |
| Frequency Response - Sound range | |
| 60-20,000 Hz (better bass response) | 60-20,000 Hz (similar range, less bass impact) |
The Marshall Stockwell II is better suited for home theater use due to its superior 20W power output and manual EQ controls. While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater, the Stockwell II's auxiliary input also allows direct connection to TV systems, unlike the Emberton II.
The Marshall Stockwell II is priced at $129.99, while the Emberton II costs $169.99, a $40 difference. The price premium for the Emberton II reflects its newer technology and better weatherproofing.
The Marshall Stockwell II delivers better overall sound quality with its 20W total power (versus 10W in the Emberton II) and dedicated woofer/tweeter configuration. It provides stronger bass response and more precise control over sound settings.
The Emberton II offers superior battery life with 30+ hours of playback compared to 20 hours on the Stockwell II. However, the Stockwell II's quick-charge feature provides 6 hours from a 20-minute charge versus 4 hours for the Emberton II.
Both can be used outdoors, but the Emberton II is better suited with its IP67 waterproof rating. The Stockwell II only has IPX4 splash resistance, making it less ideal for outdoor environments.
The Emberton II is significantly more portable at 1.5 lbs compared to the Stockwell II's 3.04 lbs. Its smaller size also makes it easier to pack and carry.
The Stockwell II can connect directly to a TV using its 3.5mm auxiliary input. The Emberton II only offers Bluetooth connectivity, which may introduce audio lag in TV applications.
Both the Stockwell II and Emberton II support multi-host functionality, allowing connection to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously for easy switching between sources.
The Marshall Stockwell II is better for movie watching due to its stronger bass response and auxiliary input for direct TV connection, reducing potential audio sync issues compared to the Emberton II.
Both the Stockwell II and Emberton II support Stack Mode, allowing multiple speakers to be paired together for increased sound coverage.
The Stockwell II offers more precise control with physical bass and treble knobs, while the Emberton II relies on app-based EQ presets, making the Stockwell II more practical for real-time adjustments.
The Stockwell II at $129.99 offers better value for home use with its superior sound quality and controls. The Emberton II at $169.99 justifies its higher price if you need maximum portability and weather resistance.
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: bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - idownloadblog.com - stereoguide.com - kendallgiles.com - termagoods.com - aplaze.com - manua.ls - youtube.com - sg.tcacoustic.asia - marshall.com - youtube.com - 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
