Marshall Emberton III: A Retro Bluetooth Speaker That’s as Stylish as It Is Powerful

In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, finding a speaker that seamlessly blends aesthetics with performance can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the Marshall Emberton III, a Bluetooth speaker that not only delivers impressive sound quality but also doubles as a statement piece for your home or office. Released in August 2024, this latest iteration from the iconic Marshall brand is turning heads and filling rooms with rich, immersive audio. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Design: A Vintage Vibe That Steals the Show

From the moment you unbox the Emberton III, it’s clear that Marshall has nailed the design. The speaker’s iconic vintage aesthetic is a nod to the brand’s rock-and-roll roots, featuring a sleek, compact body with a textured vinyl finish, brass accents, and the unmistakable Marshall logo. Whether placed on a desk, coffee table, bookshelf, or kitchen counter, the Emberton III instantly elevates the vibe of any space. It’s the kind of speaker that makes you want to show it off, even when it’s not playing music.

But here’s the thing: while we’re all for a speaker that looks good, we were initially skeptical about whether the Emberton III could back up its pretty face with solid performance. Spoiler alert: it absolutely does.

Sound Quality: Clear, Well-Rounded, and Surprisingly Versatile

Right out of the box, the Emberton III impressed us with its clear and well-rounded sound. The speaker delivers a slightly heavier bass mix, which works beautifully for a wide range of genres. Whether you’re vibing to Still Woozy’s upbeat “Get Down” or immersing yourself in the soulful tones of Billie Holiday’s “Solitude,” the Emberton III handles it all with ease.

One minor drawback is the lack of a custom equalizer. However, Marshall has included a companion app that offers three presets: the Marshall preset (the default sound), the Push preset (which boosts bass and treble), and the Voice preset (designed to enhance mid-range frequencies for voice-focused content). While the presets sound markedly different—a rarity in the world of audio devices—we found the Voice preset to be less than ideal. Similar to the podcast mode on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, it made voices sound compressed and less clear. That said, the Marshall and Push presets are more than sufficient for most listeners.

User-Friendly Features: Simplicity Meets Functionality

The Emberton III is designed with user convenience in mind. A battery life indicator light keeps you informed about how much juice is left, while the power and Bluetooth buttons make pairing and switching between devices a breeze. In fact, we never spent more than 10 seconds connecting or switching devices, which is a huge plus for anyone who values efficiency.

One standout feature is the unique knob in the center of the speaker, which allows you to toggle volume and song selection. While this worked fine for us, it’s worth noting that the dial control might not be for everyone. Some users may prefer traditional buttons, but we found the knob to be a fun and intuitive addition.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Reliable

Marshall promises an impressive 32-hour battery life with the Emberton III, and after several days of medium to heavy use, the speaker still retained about 60% battery life. This is a testament to the speaker’s efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the companion app offers battery preservation features to help extend the charge even further, making it a great option for those who are always on the go.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

Priced at $169.99, the Emberton III is a solid investment for anyone looking for a high-quality Bluetooth speaker. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its combination of design, sound quality, and features makes it a worthwhile purchase. That said, if you’re looking to save some money, you might want to consider the Emberton II, which offers similar performance at a discounted price. The Emberton III’s feature set and design aren’t drastically different from its predecessor, so the II could be a great alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

Final Verdict: A Speaker That Delivers on All Fronts

The Marshall Emberton III is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and style. It’s a speaker that doesn’t just sound good—it looks good, too. While it’s not without its minor drawbacks (like the lack of a custom equalizer and the slightly underwhelming Voice preset), these are easily outweighed by its strengths. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a design lover, or someone who simply wants a reliable Bluetooth speaker, the Emberton III is a fantastic choice.

Tags

Marshall Emberton III, Bluetooth speaker, vintage design, premium audio, Marshall brand, portable speaker, retro aesthetics, high-quality sound, 32-hour battery life, companion app, audio technology, stylish speaker, music lover, home decor, tech review

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