When it comes to high-end portable audio, the $299 Morel BIGGIE and $169 Marshall Emberton III represent two distinct approaches to delivering quality sound on the go. Released in late 2023 and mid-2024 respectively, these speakers target different segments of the premium portable market. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. While early models struggled with battery life and sound quality, modern premium speakers deliver impressive audio performance that can rival some home systems. The key differentiators today aren't just about volume or battery life - they're about sound quality, versatility, and specific use cases.
Today's premium portable speakers generally fall into two camps: those optimized for absolute sound quality, and those balancing sound with maximum portability and durability. The Morel BIGGIE and Marshall Emberton III perfectly exemplify these different philosophies.
The BIGGIE takes a traditional hi-fi approach, using a two-way speaker design that separates high frequencies (treble) and mid/low frequencies (bass) between specialized drivers. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the delicate high frequencies, while a 4-inch woofer manages everything else. This separation allows each driver to focus on what it does best, typically resulting in clearer, more detailed sound.
The Emberton III takes a different route with two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators. While this design is more space-efficient and durable, it requires each driver to handle the entire frequency range, which can lead to some compromises in audio clarity at the extremes.
In practice, these design differences are immediately apparent. The BIGGIE produces more refined, spacious sound with better separation between instruments and vocals. Its frequency response extends down to 40Hz (deep bass territory), letting you hear the full range of bass guitars and kick drums. The Emberton III, starting at 65Hz, misses some of that lowest octave but compensates with its 360-degree sound distribution.
Volume capability also differs significantly. The BIGGIE's 60-watt amplification system (split between tweeter and woofer) can fill larger spaces without strain. The Emberton III, while plenty loud for personal listening or small gatherings, starts to show its limitations in larger spaces or outdoor settings.
The BIGGIE's superior sound comes with a trade-off: at 5.7 pounds, it's more of a "transportable" than truly portable speaker. Think of it as something you'll move between rooms or take to a beach house, rather than tossing in a backpack.
The Emberton III shines in mobility - at just 1.5 pounds, it's genuinely portable. Its IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures where the BIGGIE would be at risk.
Battery technology has improved dramatically in recent years, and both speakers showcase this. The Emberton III leads with 32 hours of playback time, while the BIGGIE manages a still-impressive 20 hours. Both feature fast charging capabilities - the BIGGIE offers 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge, while the Emberton III provides 6 hours from the same charging time.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved range and stability over older versions. The BIGGIE provides slightly better range at 165 feet versus the Emberton III's standard 30-foot range. Both are Auracast-ready, though this feature (which allows broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers) isn't yet activated on either model.
The Emberton III includes some practical features the BIGGIE lacks, such as a built-in microphone for calls and voice assistant access. However, the BIGGIE offers more sophisticated audio processing through its custom DSP (Digital Signal Processing) system, which actively adjusts the sound based on volume levels.
When considering value, it's crucial to think about your specific needs. The BIGGIE at $299 represents excellent value if audio quality is your primary concern and you don't need extreme portability. Its component quality and audio performance rival some home speakers costing significantly more.
The $169 Emberton III offers tremendous value for those needing a more versatile speaker. Its combination of durability, battery life, and good (if not audiophile-level) sound quality makes it a compelling package at this price point.
Choose the BIGGIE if:
Choose the Emberton III if:
Remember that both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The BIGGIE is essentially a premium bookshelf speaker made portable, while the Emberton III is a go-anywhere speaker that doesn't compromise too much on sound quality. Your choice should align with how you'll actually use the speaker rather than just specs alone.
| Morel BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
|---|---|
| Price - Key consideration for value assessment | |
| $299 (premium pricing) | $169 (mid-range pricing) |
| Sound Architecture - Impacts audio quality and clarity | |
| Two-way design: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Dual 2" full-range drivers with passive radiators |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality at high levels | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | Not specified, but notably less powerful |
| Frequency Response - Defines bass depth and overall range | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (deeper bass extension) | 65-20,000 Hz (less low-end capability) |
| Weight - Critical for true portability | |
| 5.7 lbs (limited portability) | 1.5 lbs (highly portable) |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use | |
| 20 hours playback | 32 hours playback |
| Fast Charging - Convenience feature for quick power | |
| 4 hours from 20-min charge | 6 hours from 20-min charge |
| Water/Dust Protection - Essential for outdoor use | |
| No IP rating (indoor focused) | IP67 (fully waterproof) |
| Sound Distribution - Affects speaker placement flexibility | |
| Traditional directional stereo | 360° True Stereophonic sound |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond basic audio | |
| USB-C power output for phones, TWS pairing | Built-in mic for calls, Auracast ready, Marshall app support |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended application | |
| High-quality indoor audio, semi-portable system | Versatile outdoor/indoor portable audio companion |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker design and 60W amplification. While the $169 Marshall Emberton III sounds good, it can't match the BIGGIE's audio detail and bass response.
The Marshall Emberton III is significantly more portable at 1.5 lbs compared to the BIGGIE's 5.7 lbs. The Emberton III is designed for easy carrying and travel use.
The Emberton III offers superior battery life with 32 hours of playback, while the BIGGIE provides 20 hours.
The Emberton III is better suited for outdoor use with its IP67 waterproof rating. The BIGGIE is primarily designed for indoor use and lacks water resistance.
The BIGGIE is significantly louder with its 60W amplification system, making it better for larger spaces than the Emberton III.
The Emberton III offers better value at $169 with its versatility and features, though the BIGGIE justifies its $299 price if sound quality is your priority.
Both speakers support pairing - the BIGGIE offers True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, while the Emberton III will support Auracast multi-speaker connectivity with a future update.
The BIGGIE delivers superior bass response, reaching down to 40Hz compared to the Emberton III's 65Hz lower limit.
The BIGGIE is better for parties with its higher power output and stronger bass, though the Emberton III is more practical for outdoor gatherings due to its waterproofing.
The Emberton III includes a built-in microphone for voice calls, while the BIGGIE does not support this feature.
Both charge quickly, but the Emberton III provides 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge, while the BIGGIE provides 4 hours from the same charging time.
The Emberton III offers 360° sound distribution through its True Stereophonic technology, while the BIGGIE uses traditional directional stereo output.
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: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - techradar.com - bgr.com - androidcentral.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - bestbuy.com - group.marshall.com
