When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, Marshall has earned a solid reputation for delivering both style and substance. Today, we're comparing two popular models: the Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) and the newer Marshall Emberton III ($169.99). Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one better fits your needs.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly in recent years. The key features buyers should consider include sound quality, battery life, durability, and connectivity options. Modern speakers are expected to deliver room-filling sound while being tough enough to handle outdoor use.
What's changed most recently is the introduction of advanced audio processing, better water resistance, and improved Bluetooth technology. These improvements directly impact how and where you can use your speaker.
The Stockwell II and Emberton III take notably different approaches to sound delivery. The Stockwell II, released in 2019, uses a traditional stereo setup with dedicated drivers for different frequencies. It features a 2.1 channel configuration with one 10W woofer and two 5W tweeters. This traditional approach delivers clear stereo separation when you're positioned directly in front of the speaker.
The Emberton III, released in late 2023, introduces Marshall's True Stereophonic technology - a 360-degree sound approach that creates an immersive listening experience regardless of where you're positioned. It uses two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators, powered by a more powerful 38W Class D amplifier.
In real-world use, the difference is noticeable. The Stockwell II excels in traditional stereo playback, particularly when you're sitting in front of it. The Emberton III, however, fills a room more effectively thanks to its 360-degree sound dispersion. This makes it more versatile for parties or outdoor gatherings where people are moving around.
Weather resistance has become increasingly important for portable speakers, and here's where we see a major difference between these models:
This difference is significant. The Stockwell II can handle light rain or splashes, but you'll need to be careful around pools or beaches. The Emberton III, however, can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. It's also completely protected against dust ingress.
Battery technology has improved significantly since the Stockwell II's release:
Both speakers feature USB-C charging, but the Emberton III's significantly longer battery life reflects advances in battery efficiency and management. For weekend trips or extended outdoor use, this difference could be crucial.
The newer Emberton III has several technical advantages:
The Stockwell II offers:
One notable difference is the Stockwell II's physical bass and treble controls versus the Emberton III's app-based EQ. Some users prefer the tactile control of physical knobs, while others appreciate the precision of digital adjustment.
At $129.99, the Stockwell II represents the more budget-friendly option. The Emberton III's $169.99 price tag reflects its newer technology and enhanced features. The $40 difference might seem significant, but considering the improvements in sound technology, battery life, and waterproofing, it's justifiable for users who need these features.
In practical use, each speaker has its strengths:
The Stockwell II excels in:
The Emberton III shines in:
Choose the Stockwell II if:
Go for the Emberton III if:
Both speakers are solid choices, but they serve different needs. The Stockwell II remains a capable performer, especially for traditional indoor use. Its physical controls and lower price point make it an attractive option for users who prioritize straightforward operation and value.
The Emberton III represents Marshall's latest technology and is more versatile overall. Its superior waterproofing, longer battery life, and advanced sound processing make it more suitable for varied use cases, particularly outdoors.
Consider your primary use case when making your decision. If you're mainly using the speaker at home and don't need extensive waterproofing, save some money with the Stockwell II. If you want the latest features and plan to use the speaker in various environments, the Emberton III's additional features justify its higher price tag.
Remember that sound quality is subjective, and while the Emberton III has newer technology, both speakers deliver the signature Marshall sound that has made the brand popular among music enthusiasts.
| Marshall Stockwell II | Marshall Emberton III |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $129.99 (Better value for indoor use) | $169.99 (Premium for latest features) |
| Sound Technology - Impacts listening experience | |
| Traditional 2.1 stereo with manual EQ controls | True Stereophonic 360° sound with app EQ |
| Water Resistance - Determines where you can use it | |
| IPX4 (Splash resistant only) | IP67 (Fully waterproof, dustproof) |
| Battery Life - Affects portable usage duration | |
| 20 hours playback | 32+ hours playback |
| Charging Speed - Convenience for quick top-ups | |
| 20 min charge = 6 hours playback | 20 min charge = 6 hours playback |
| Sound Output - Power and clarity | |
| 20W (1x10W woofer, 2x5W tweeters) | 38W Class D amplifier (2x2" drivers) |
| Connectivity - Flexibility in connections | |
| Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm aux input | Bluetooth 5.3 LE with Auracast support |
| Controls - How you adjust settings | |
| Physical knobs for volume, bass, treble | Digital controls via app + multi-function knob |
| Size and Weight - Portability factor | |
| 7.09 x 6.34 x 2.76 in, 3.04 lbs | 6.31 x 2.75 x 3 in, 1.5 lbs |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Multi-host functionality, wired input option | Built-in mic, app integration, future Auracast |
The Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) is better overall with superior waterproofing, longer battery life, and 360-degree sound. However, the Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) offers better value if you primarily use it indoors and prefer physical EQ controls.
The Emberton III has more advanced sound technology with True Stereophonic 360° audio and a more powerful 38W amplifier. The Stockwell II offers good traditional stereo separation but doesn't fill rooms as effectively.
While both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, neither is ideal for home theater use. They're designed for music and portable use rather than movie audio. For home theater, consider dedicated soundbars or powered speakers instead.
The Emberton III is significantly more durable with IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. The Stockwell II only offers IPX4 splash resistance, making it less suitable for outdoor use.
The Emberton III offers 32+ hours of playback, while the Stockwell II provides 20 hours. Both feature quick-charging capabilities, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
The Marshall Emberton III is definitely better for outdoor use with its IP67 rating, 360-degree sound, and longer battery life. The Stockwell II is more suited for indoor environments.
The $40 premium for the Emberton III is worth it if you need waterproofing, longer battery life, or 360-degree sound. If these aren't priorities, the Stockwell II offers better value.
Both speakers can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but may experience audio lag. The Stockwell II has an advantage with its 3.5mm input for wired connection, potentially reducing lag.
The Emberton III is more portable at 1.5 lbs compared to the Stockwell II at 3.04 lbs. It's also more compact and easier to carry.
Neither speaker has built-in voice assistant capabilities. The Emberton III does include a built-in microphone for calls, while the Stockwell II doesn't have any microphone features.
The Stockwell II offers physical knobs for bass and treble adjustment. The Emberton III uses app-based EQ controls through the Marshall Bluetooth app.
The Marshall Emberton III is better for parties due to its 360-degree sound coverage, waterproof design, and longer battery life. The Stockwell II works better for smaller indoor gatherings where directional sound is preferred.
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 - bgr.com - androidcentral.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - bestbuy.com - group.marshall.com
