In the ever-evolving world of portable audio, choosing between the Sony XE300 ($199) and Marshall Stockwell II ($129) comes down to more than just sound. Let's explore how these speakers stack up in 2024, considering both have matured in the market since their releases in 2022 and 2019 respectively.
Portable speakers have come a long way from simple battery-powered boxes. Today's devices pack sophisticated features like advanced digital signal processing (DSP) - technology that fine-tunes audio in real-time - and weather resistance that lets you take your music anywhere. The key is finding the right balance of features for your needs.
The Sony XE300 and Marshall Stockwell II represent distinct approaches to portable audio. Sony employs their "Line Shape Diffuser" technology, which spreads sound more evenly across a wider area - think of it like a sprinkler system for audio instead of a focused garden hose. This modern approach works particularly well for outdoor gatherings where people are spread out.
Marshall takes a more traditional route with the Stockwell II, using conventional stereo speakers and a rear-facing passive radiator (a special type of speaker that enhances bass without using power). This creates a more focused soundstage - the perceived spatial location of different sounds - which can be preferable for personal listening or small indoor spaces.
Sony's X-Balanced Speaker Unit (their non-circular speaker design) delivers punchier bass, especially noticeable in modern music genres. The Marshall offers a more neutral, perhaps more natural bass response that some audiophiles prefer. In terms of raw volume:
Here's where we see a significant difference in design philosophy:
Both speakers have evolved their feature sets since release through firmware updates, but their core capabilities remain distinct:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Sony XE300 clearly leads here. Its weatherproofing and Line Shape Diffuser technology make it ideal for beach trips or backyard parties. The sound carries well across open spaces, and you don't have to worry about rain or splashes.
The Marshall Stockwell II shines in indoor settings. Its more focused soundstage and traditional stereo separation create an intimate listening experience that works well in living rooms or bedrooms. The physical EQ controls make it easy to adjust sound on the fly without reaching for your phone.
Neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, but both can serve as temporary solutions:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Since their respective releases, both speakers have seen the portable audio landscape change:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
The Sony XE300 and Marshall Stockwell II represent different generations and philosophies in portable audio. Sony's modern approach offers more features and better durability, while Marshall's classic design delivers a more traditional and straightforward experience at a lower price point.
For most users in 2024, the Sony XE300's superior weather resistance and modern features make it the more versatile choice, despite the higher price. However, if you primarily use your speaker indoors and prefer a more classic approach to audio, the Marshall Stockwell II remains a compelling option at a lower price point.
Remember that both speakers receive regular firmware updates, so check the manufacturers' websites for the latest features and improvements before making your final decision.
| Sony XE300 | Marshall Stockwell II |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value | |
| $199.99 (higher but more features) | $129.99 (better value if durability not critical) |
| Durability Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 24 hours (with quick charge: 70min from 10min) | 20 hours (with quick charge: 6hrs from 20min) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability | |
| 5.2 with LDAC support (better range/quality) | 5.0 (standard quality, good stability) |
| Sound Technology - Impacts listening experience | |
| Line Shape Diffuser + X-Balanced Speaker (wider dispersion) | Dual 5W drivers + passive radiator (traditional stereo) |
| Controls & EQ - Affects ease of use | |
| App-based EQ + digital controls | Physical knobs for bass/treble (more intuitive) |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 1.3kg, 238 x 105 x 119mm (larger) | 1.38kg, 180 x 161 x 70mm (more compact) |
| Additional Features - Expands use cases | |
| Party Connect, multi-device pairing, LDAC codec | Aux input, multi-host function, classic design |
| Sound Profile - Matches different preferences | |
| Bass-forward, modern sound signature | Balanced, natural sound reproduction |
| Build Quality - Affects longevity | |
| Rubberized exterior, modern design | Metal grille, premium materials, vintage aesthetic |
The Sony XE300 ($199) is better for outdoor use and modern features, while the Marshall Stockwell II ($129) excels in indoor settings with more natural sound. The Sony offers better weatherproofing and advanced features, but the Marshall provides better value if you don't need those capabilities.
While neither is designed primarily for home theater, both can serve as temporary solutions. The Sony XE300 performs better for movies due to stronger bass response and wider sound dispersion, making it more suitable for casual TV and movie viewing.
Both offer good sound quality but with different approaches. The Sony XE300 provides more bass and wider sound dispersion, while the Marshall Stockwell II delivers more balanced, natural audio with better stereo separation. For critical listening, the Marshall often edges ahead.
The Sony XE300 is significantly more durable with IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, while the Marshall Stockwell II only offers IPX4 splash resistance. For outdoor use, the Sony is clearly more resilient.
The Sony XE300 offers 24 hours of playback compared to the Marshall Stockwell II's 20 hours. Both feature quick charging, but Sony's implementation is more efficient, providing 70 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.
The $70 price difference between the Sony XE300 and Marshall Stockwell II is justified if you need weatherproofing, modern features, or plan to use it outdoors frequently. For indoor use, the Marshall's lower price offers better value.
The Sony XE300 is better for parties due to its Party Connect feature (linking multiple speakers), higher volume capability, and weather resistance. The Marshall Stockwell II is more suited for intimate gatherings.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Sony XE300 offers lower latency and better codec support, making it more suitable for TV audio. However, neither is ideal as a permanent TV speaker solution.
The Marshall Stockwell II is more compact and easier to carry, though slightly heavier. The Sony XE300 is larger but features a more durable design for transport.
The Marshall Stockwell II doesn't require an app and features physical controls. The Sony XE300 works without an app but requires it for advanced features like EQ adjustment and Party Connect.
The Sony XE300 offers more advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 and LDAC codec support. The Marshall Stockwell II features Bluetooth 5.0 and includes an auxiliary input, which Sony lacks.
The Sony XE300 is better for multi-room use due to its Party Connect feature and wider sound dispersion. The Marshall Stockwell II works better as a single-room solution with its more focused sound signature.
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 - sony.co.uk - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - cgmagonline.com - sony.com - sony.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - electronics.sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - 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
