28 Apr
Blog

Marshall Monitor II ANC Review: Stylish, Comfy Cans

Marshall Monitor II ANC

"These headphones offer high-energy sound and tremendous battery life, Marshall-style."

  • Signature Marshall style

  • Very convenient

  • Good ANC and transparency

  • Very intuitive controls

  • Excellent battery life

  • Expensive for what you get

  • No wear sensor or multiple device pairing

  • Narrow sound stage

Are you thinking of buying active noise canceling (ANC) headphones? In addition to the many great models you'll find on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones, we now also recommend the Marshall Monitor II ANC for $ 320.

These ANC cans capture the iconic Marshall design language and add some cool features to create a stylish alternative to the headphones made by Sony, Bose, Apple, and others.

But the competition is tough – does the Marshall Monitor II ANC have what it takes to justify its high price? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Props go to Marshall to make packaging that at least tries to be sustainable. Most of it is recyclable cardboard, with the exception of a few pieces of foam that may need to be disposed of in a landfill. Inside, you'll find the Monitor II ANC, a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm coil-style analog cable, a quick start guide, and a soft fabric carrying case.

design

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Whether you love Marshall's guitar amp-inspired design language or not (I think it looks awesome), you have to admit, the Monitor II is ANC Peak Marshall.

From the textured black plastic on the ear cups to the coil of the supplied analog cable and of course the distinctive Marshall logo, these headphones exude a rock music atmosphere that you won't find in any other can.

And Marshall's dedication to this look didn't detract from some extremely practical features. By combining the three sets of hinge and pivot pins, the Monitor II ANC can deform into an incredibly compact shape. I find it hard to think of full size headphones that are more travel-friendly.

While most headphones at this price point (and many that are considerably cheaper) come with a zippered hard shell, the way the Monitor II articulates them makes them beg to be thrown in a pocket. Speaking of the included tote bag, it's hard not to notice how Marshall channeled the Herschel backpack look for his black denim bag. Very cool.

The ear cups are super flat, even with the generous padding of the ear pads, which gives the Monitor II a clean, head-hugging look. And when you peel them off your head and hang around your neck, they fold slightly flat against your collarbones.

The construction is mostly plastic, but Marshall used metal for the auricle forks and headband sliders, which helps make these cans feel sturdy and durable.

Convenience, control and connections

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

At 11.29 ounces, the Monitor II ANC can't be considered light when compared to other over-ear headphones, especially the feather-light Sony WH-1000XM4 (8.8 ounces), but they don't feel particularly heavy to wear . I appreciate the combination of clamping force, ear pad fit, and balance for how well they fit.

I'm a huge fan of the Monitor II controls. They're simple and effective.

Given my Dumbo-like ears, I'd prefer slightly deeper cavities in the ear cups, but overall these headphones are more than comfortable enough for hours of continuous use.

I'm a huge fan of the Monitor II controls. They're simple and effective. The gold colored button protruding from the bottom of the right ear cup is actually a tiny joystick that you can click to activate power, bluetooth pairing, answer / end calls, and play / pause. You move it up, down, front, or back to perform actions like volume and track controls.

There are two other controls that you would totally miss if you didn't look carefully. Each is inserted into the hinge point of the auricle forks where they blend seamlessly with the design and are easy to access. The left button is used to switch between ANC and transparency mode, which happens very quickly. The right "M" button, which is user configurable and allows you to choose between EQ mode, activates Siri (iPhone only) or Google Assistant.

You make these and other selections in the Marshall Bluetooth app.

Instead of spreading out and creating a warm thrum that you can feel, the bass stays a little two-dimensional.

The Monitor II's Bluetooth range is approximately 20 to 30 feet, which should be sufficient for most situations.

Unfortunately, unlike many Bluetooth headphones, you can't pair these sockets with more than one device at a time, making them less suitable for people who want to switch between their phones and laptops on a regular basis.

There's also no wear sensor, so removing the headphones from your ears won't automatically pause your music.

Sound quality

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Overall, the Monitor II ANC sounds very good. In the factory EQ setting (known as a “Marshall” sound), the sound shifts to higher frequencies. However, the Marshall app lets you choose from six more EQ presets and create your own custom balance.

These adjustments help the Monitor II deliver more bass when you want it, and I've been able to find settings that work with a variety of genres from rock to classical.

Throw in a track like Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz 'On To The Next One, and the intensity hits you like an electric shock.

The soundstage isn't as wide or as detailed as the Sony WH-1000XM4, but what the Monitor II lacks in openness it makes up for in energy.

The acoustics are precise, bright and powerful, with a sharp focus on snare drums, cymbals, vocals and higher-frequency woodwinds such as the clarinet.

Throw in a track like Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz 'On To The Next One, and the intensity hits you like an electric shock.

Deeper, more resonant sounds like jazz bass that rely on the mid-to-low frequencies don't do quite as well. Instead of spreading out and creating a warm thrum that you can feel, they stay a little two-dimensional.

All of this results in headphones that are clearly tuned for energetic rock, pop, and hip-hop music.

Noise cancellation and transparency

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Some headphones with active noise cancellation try to block out as much background noise as possible. The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are the flagship for this approach. Marshall's Monitor II ANC isn't as aggressive – you don't quite get that silent cone effect – but they do reduce the low to mid frequencies significantly when ANC is on.

I found it worked best when listening to podcasts, which were very effective in muting sounds that would otherwise make it difficult to hear spoken words. As an aid to silencing a noisy environment, they were not that helpful due to a small noticeable hiss that I found annoying after a while.

The transparency mode, on the other hand, is excellent. One press of the special ANC button and the world was suddenly very audible.

You can tweak both ANC and transparency modes in the Marshall app, but I found that the 100% levels are best in both modes.

Battery life

The Monitor II ANC's battery life is among the best for premium ANC headphones. Marshall claims 30 hours with bluetooth and ANC on and up to 45 hours with bluetooth only. That beats the $ 400 Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 (up to 20 hours), Apple's $ 549 AirPods Max (up to 20 hours), and even the $ 280 Sony WH-1000XM4 ( 30 hours with the ANC switched on, 38 hours with the device switched off).

They also have a respectable quick charge feature that gives you five hours of playtime after 15 minutes of charging.

As far as I can tell, these numbers are correct. Unlike some wireless sockets, you can also use the Monitor II ANC while charging with the analog cable, so you can never go without music.

Call quality

Marshall Monitor II ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Calls on Monitor II ANC are generally good. You can block out most of the background noise when talking on the phone outdoors while keeping your voice reasonably clear. It's not the high fidelity you get from the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700, but it's perfectly fine for most calls and they work very well indoors.

For some reason, you can't choose how much sidetone you get during a call (this is equivalent to calling transparency mode). The headphones switch to about 50% transparency – enough to hear your own voice a little more clearly, but not quite as clearly as if the transparency were at 100%.

Our opinion

As with most Marshall products, the Monitor II ANC offers a price premium that is difficult to justify based on performance alone. But if you like the retro-cool guitar amp style only Marshall can offer, then these cans make a fun set of full-featured wireless companions.

Is there a better alternative?

If you don't mind the relatively conservative appearance, that's $ 280 Sony WH-1000XM4 are an excellent alternative. They're cheaper (around $ 40), lighter, more comfortable, have better sound quality and ANC, and have more features like wear sensors and Bluetooth multipoint.

But there's no denying that the Marshalls really are in a class of their own when it comes to style.

How long will they last?

The Marshall Monitor II ANC appears to be very well built from high quality materials. The ear pads are easy to remove and replace when worn. Marshall grants a one-year guarantee on these headphones. I suspect that if properly cared for, they will last for many years, although the lack of a hard case means you should be careful about how they are packaged.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you want a set of high quality ANC wireless headphones with a unique style and sound signature that favors high energy music, this is the Monitor II ANC will make you very happy.

Editor's recommendations




05 Mar
Blog

Marshall Mode II Review: Light As A Feather, Loud As Hell

Marshall mode II

"If you like it loud, Mode II puts out a huge amount of sound."

  • Cool design

  • Very convenient

  • Big, bold sound

  • Good call quality

  • Wireless charging

  • Average battery life

  • No quick charge

  • No custom controls

  • No noise cancellation

Marshall's Personal Audio division has made some great headphones and wireless speakers over the past few years, but until now they've been waiting to venture into the insanely competitive category of true wireless earbuds with their $ 179 Mode II. Was it worth the wait for Marshall fans? Let's take a look at it.

What's in the box?

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The small cardboard box contains the Mode II earbuds in the charging case, four sizes of silicone earbuds (media is installed by default), a USB-C charging cable, and some quick start documentation.

design

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Zound Industries, the company that licenses the Marshall branded personal audio products, has always done an excellent job incorporating design elements from Marshall's iconic guitar amps. Mode II maintains this tradition without going overboard.

The charging case features the same amp-inspired textured black plastic as the Marshall Emberton speaker with the Marshall script logo, while the earbuds simply get the stylized "M". In a sea of ​​inconspicuous black plastic earphones, the Mode II is characterized by a retro cool that only the Marshall brand can offer.

That dedication to style even picks up on the USB-C charging cable, which is much longer than a set of wireless earbuds and looks like an electric guitar patch cord – very cool.

I was able to leave Modus II in my ears for hours without getting tired.

Both the earbuds and the wireless charging case are remarkably small and light. At just 44.5 grams in total, they're lighter than the AirPods Pro and AirPods with wireless charging.

The earbuds themselves have a very low profile so they sit almost flush with your outer ear and won't interfere with hats or helmets.

But don't let the small dimensions worry you. The Mode II are solidly built and their case easily protects them from minor mishaps or encounters with other objects when you carry them in your handbag. Thanks to an IPX4 rating, they can survive even your most strenuous workouts.

Comfort and control

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Mode II's small size makes it a very comfortable, yet secure fit. More than most real wireless earbuds I've tried, I've been able to leave Mode II in my ears for hours without getting tired.

Marshall did a great job with the touch controls. If you've read my other earbud reviews, you know that I'm generally not a fan of this type of control and instead prefer the accuracy of a physical button. But Mode II struck the perfect balance of just being sensitive enough that you don't have to tap them repeatedly, but not so hair-triggered that accidental touches become a problem.

Even better, successful touches are confirmed by a subtle but audible feedback tone, which I believe should be the standard practice for all touch-controlled earbuds.

The Marshall Bluetooth app allows you to view the remaining battery life, adjust the EQ and transparency mode (more on that later). However, you cannot customize the controls. The included gestures let you manage play / pause, skip back and forth tracks, answer / end calls, access voice assistants, and turn transparency on and off. However, there is no way to control the volume that you need to use your phone at.

Marshall is sticking to his promise that the Mode II are "in-ear headphones designed for loud devices".

The Mode II are equipped with wear sensors, but strangely enough Marshall limits their functionality to the automatic pause. In other words, if you remove an earbud, your music will automatically pause. However, when you put it back in, you'll need to manually resume your music using the appropriate touch gesture. I really want Marshall to fix this shortcoming with a firmware update and give us the option to completely disable it in the app.

You can either use your own earbud for phone calls or music. Using only the right earbud gives you control of the track while using the left earbud you can talk to your phone's built-in assistant.

Sound quality

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Mode II is factory-tuned with the “Marshall Signature” EQ, a bold and punchy mix that favors the bass. It works with a variety of music genres, from the acoustic sounds of jazz ensembles to the full-fledged electrical studio work of Beck or Daft Punk. Stereo imaging is alive and creates good width and depth for the soundstage.

This signature sound is comparable to both the AirPods Pro and the Jabra Elite 75t, but Mode II offers slightly better clarity, with the upper registers being more noticeable.

If the signature sound isn't for you, the Marshall app lets you create two of your own custom 5-band EQ presets. While playing with these, I found that I was able to significantly cut the bass that some listeners may prefer. You may also want to try turning down the highest frequencies. The standard EQ tends to be sharp and sibilant, which can be a bit annoying, especially when listening at higher volumes.

Marshall speaks of higher volumes and keeps his promise that the Mode II are "in-ear headphones that are designed for loud devices". They get very, very loud indeed – dangerous indeed. I found that even at around 40% volume, I had reached my personal limit for comfort.

If your phone has a built-in ability to reduce loud noise (as most iOS and Android devices do), I highly recommend leaving it on, with a threshold of 85dB or less. Noise-induced hearing loss is no joke and you should take precautions to keep Mode II from maxing out.

Transparency mode

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The silicone earplugs help the Mode II achieve a very good seal in your ear, effectively keeping out external noise. A single tap on the left earbud activates transparency mode so you can hear more of your surroundings.

There is no quick charge option. So if you run out of juice, it will take two hours to fully charge the juice.

You can set the transparency in the Marshall app, but even at the maximum setting, the feature will prefer sounds that are further away rather than those that are close together. This is good for being more aware of your surroundings during times when you are near traffic or other hazards. Having your own voice sound natural for phone calls or conversations is less effective. You will still be aware of a certain subdued quality of these interactions.

Battery life

Marshall mode IISimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The battery life for the earphones is five hours per charge, in the case of an additional four charges for a total of 25 hours. These specifications are almost identical to Apple's AirPods. That's more than enough battery life for a full day, but unfortunately Marshall didn't include a quick charge option. When your earbuds run out of juice it will take two hours to fully charge. This could be frustrating for travelers who suddenly run out of power on a long flight.

You can see the remaining charge on the earbuds in the app, but you'll have to rely on the case's front LED to find out where the juice is – although with a green / orange / red color scheme, that isn't quite as accurate .

Call quality

Marshall Mode II "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-mode-ii-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Mode II "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-mode-ii-00008-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Mode II "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-mode-ii-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Since Mode II has no active noise cancellation (ANC) and therefore fewer microphones than the ANC models, I wasn't expecting a particularly good call quality, but Mode II is great for making calls. Wind noise can still overwhelm your voice, but when conditions are reasonably calm these earbuds do a very good job of ensuring that your voice is heard clearly with a minimum of compression.

They automatically switch to transparency mode when the microphones are activated. This comes in handy, but as mentioned above, it doesn't completely remove the muffled sound of your voice in your own ears. Even so, I think Mode II will be decent for most types of calls.

Our opinion

While not as comprehensive as true wireless earbuds at similar prices, the Marshall Mode II offers big, beefy (and loud) sound in a tiny and stylish package that fans of the Marshall brand are sure to enjoy.

Is there a better alternative?

Marshall's iconic style is totally one of a kind, but for the same price or less than Mode II, you can find plenty of excellent alternatives including:

  • $ 180 Jabra Elite 75t: Longer battery life, ANC, better transparency mode, customizable controls and a warmer overall sound, but no wireless charging.
  • $ 130 Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro: Longer battery life, ANC, better transparency mode, customizable controls, but bigger and possibly less comfortable.
  • $ 199 Klipsch T5 II: Longer battery life, better protection from water and dust, and better sound.

How long will they last?

Marshall grants a one-year guarantee on Mode II. They appear to be very well built and their IPX4 rating should help them withstand years of use. If you charge them regularly, you can expect the battery capacity to decrease over time.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Mode II comes with a premium price tag for the Marshall name, but they're stylish, they sound great, and they're very portable.

Editor's recommendations




11 Sep
Blog

Marshall Emberton Review: Tiny, Stylish Stereo Powerhouse

Marshall Emberton

"Iconic design meets superior sound in a highly portable Bluetooth speaker."

  • 20 hour battery

  • Warm and rich stereo sound

  • Iconic design

  • 360 degree sound pattern

  • IPX7 waterproof

  • Expensive

  • No aux line-in

  • No speakerphone

  • Stereo or multi-speaker pair not possible

There are so many Bluetooth speakers out there now that one speaker can hardly be distinguished from another. Digital Trends had to take a step back to review each new model. There is simply not enough time to complete this gigantic task.

However, we always keep our eyes peeled for Bluetooth speakers that manage to stand out from the crowd.

Marshall's new $ 150 Emberton is certainly apt, if perhaps not a good one: It's much more expensive than similarly featured portable speakers.

Can Marshall Justify the Price of the Emberton? Let's take a look.

What's in the box?

Marshall EmbertonSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Marshall Emberton comes in a simple cardboard box. With the exception of a tiny piece of polyethylene film to protect the speaker, the packaging (and the paper documentation included) can be easily recycled.

Inside is the speaker and a four-foot USB-C charging cable – which is longer than most.

design

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00003-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall designs all Bluetooth speakers to look like miniature versions of the famous British guitar amplifiers that bear the distinctive Marshall logo, and the Emberton is no exception.

Despite the fact that the Emberton Marshalls is the smallest speaker to date, the company managed his proportions perfectly.

Whether on a dormitory bookshelf, a kitchen counter, or a patio table, this speaker offers miles of authentic rock & # 39; n & # 39; roll style.

With its silver diamond grille speaker grille and heavy, black rubberized housing, the Emberton looks like it has a guitar input jack somewhere (unfortunately not).

What it has is a single gold colored control panel, an LED power meter, and a bluetooth pairing button. A USB-C charging port on the right is the only input. It is used exclusively for power supply and not for playback.

The back isn't a cladding at all – it's another speaker grille. This is your first clue that the Emberton doesn't quite match most of the other bluetooth speakers you can find on Amazon.

At 24.6 ounces, it has quite a bit of weight despite its small size. That's probably a result of the battery Marshall used, but it also gives the Emberton a feel of real substance.

I like this, although you can comfortably carry it in one hand, it doesn't look or feel like a toy either.

The Emberton focuses effortlessly on its mission and is effortless to set up and use.

One small criticism: like many other ultraportable speakers, the Emberton could have benefited from a carry handle or strap. I realize this would have taken some of the amp-inspired look away from it, but sometimes function has to take shape.

Controls, connections and ease of use

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00009-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Marshall Emberton "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/marshall-emberton-00011-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Emberton, much like its massive big brother, the Tufton, does one thing and only one thing: you can connect a single Bluetooth source like a phone or tablet and play your favorite music.

Your other devices won't charge, it won't work as a speakerphone, you can't talk to Siri or Google Assistant, and you can't connect a non-Bluetooth device like an older iPod through an AUX input.

Yes, these would all be useful things, but once you focus on your mission, the Emberton is effortless to set up and use.

A long press on the large control panel turns on the speaker. If the bluetooth pairing mode doesn't go into immediately (which you can tell by the flashing red light above the bluetooth button), a long press on the bluetooth button will get you there.

Simply select the Emberton from the available Bluetooth devices on the control panel of your phone and off you go.

From there, open the music app of your choice (or a video app) and start playing.

The Emberton control panel takes on all important functions: play / pause, skip tracks forwards / backwards and increase / decrease volume. Like a well-designed game controller, the pad's action is smooth, effortless, and tactile, with a quiet but noticeable click for each command.

I wish it had two functions: multi-speaker pairing for stereo through two speakers … and bluetooth multipoint.

The 10-segment LED power meter gives a quick and yet very precise overview of how much juice is left. This is very important to me over other systems that use voice feedback or force you to consult your phone.

As much as I don't mind that Emberton focuses on just being a great bluetooth speaker, I wish it had two functions: multi-speaker pairing for stereo through two speakers (or just multiple speakers) and bluetooth Multipoint You can pair two Bluetooth sources at the same time.

JBL has been offering its products with multiple speakers for some time. This is a great way to upgrade the capabilities of such a portable speaker at low cost.

robustness

The Marshall Emberton is IPX7 rated, which means you can do pretty much anything you want to do with water exposure, including full immersion, as long as you don't push it too deep below the surface.

But the X in IPX7 means it's not designed for dust and dirt. As much as the Emberton may be an ideal poolside buddy, I don't recommend it for the beach or anywhere else where it could be exposed to a lot of small particles.

Marshall doesn't claim the Emberton's ability to survive a drop, but judging by its thick rubber skin and protected corners, I appreciate that it can handle minor mishaps with ease – and maybe even some major ones.

Battery life

Marshall EmbertonJBL Flip 5 (above) and Marshall Emberton Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Most portable Bluetooth speakers have a battery life of between 10 and 12 hours. To achieve significantly more, you'll need to spend at least $ 150 – which is no coincidence that the Emberton is paid for.

How can I suggest that the tiny, battery-powered Marshall Emberton deliver room-filling sound? Because it is so.

It can run for 20 hours on a full charge, and get another five hours on a 20 minute quick charge.

To put that in perspective, the popular $ 120 JBL Flip 5, which is similar in size, shape and features to the Emberton, can only last 12 hours – also with The $ 100 SRS-XB23 from Sony and the $ 150 Ultimate Ears Boom 3.

Sound quality

Marshall EmbertonSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

We use the term “room-filling sound” fairly liberally when we talk about speakers. When it comes to a product like the Sonos One, the Bose Smart Speaker 500 or the Pantheone I, this term applies in spades. So how can I suggest that the relatively small, battery-operated Marshall Emberton should provide room-filling sound?

Because it is so.

Thanks to its stereo drivers, each driven by a special 10 watt amplifier for a total of 20 watts of power, the Emberton can produce a really surprising amount of sound.

But it's not just loud – it's big. Place the Emberton in the front of your listening room and it creates an admirable balance between lows, mids and highs. This is something that other portable bluetooth speakers struggle with, especially at higher volume levels.

The JBL Flip 5 can get louder than the Emberton, but when it approaches its maximum setting, bass and treble march away from each other, leaving the midrange in a barren desert.

In contrast, the Emberton can maintain sound quality much better without distorting or becoming painfully sharp. At the same time, this little black box gets a real feeling of warmth – another area where portable speakers usually fall short.

The stereo separation isn't perfect – there's about four inches or less between the drivers, after all – but it's pretty decent. Much more notable is the ability to distribute sound evenly in a room.

The best way to appreciate this is to sit the Emberton in the middle of a room, or better yet, in the middle of a patio. With its double grille openings, it delivers almost a 360-degree sound field and practically guarantees that there isn't a bad seat in the room (or in the backyard).

Our opinion

While $ 150 is the most expensive for a highly compact Bluetooth speaker like the Emberton, it delivers the goods when it comes to sound quality and battery life, and it's difficult to evaluate Marshall's iconic guitar amp style.

Is there a better alternative?

I haven't found a $ 150 portable speaker that matches the Emberton's unique combination of style and sound, but for the same price Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is definitely worth a look. It doesn't work in stereo and its battery only lasts 15 hours, but its 360 speaker design sounds great, it's beach-grade with dust resistance, and it can be put into party mode to play with the other Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers synchronize.

How long it will take?

Zounds Industries – the company that licenses the Marshall name for consumer audio products – gives the Emberton a one-year warranty, which is standard on this type of device. Given the good construction of the Emberton, you will likely benefit from it for many years, even if the built-in battery gradually loses its full 20 hour life.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Despite some limitations, the Marshall Emberton is a great sounding and good looking portable bluetooth speaker with exceptional battery life.

Editor's recommendations




29 Mar
Blog

Marshall Tufton Bluetooth Speaker Review: Bold Block Rocker

Marshall Tufton

Marshall Tufton Bluetooth Speaker Review: Large, bold rocker

"The Marshall Tufton is an accomplished party speaker and belongs to your next meeting."

  • Beautiful authentic design

  • Very solid construction

  • Sounds great at high volumes

  • Very good battery life

If you want a really good bluetooth speaker, there are many good options – and even more if you're not that picky. Most of these speakers are rather small and emphasize the personal but portable sound. If you want something with a little more power – a Bluetooth speaker that powers an entire terrace party as easily as mood music at home, your choices are much more limited.

One of these options is the Marshall Tufton, a $ 400 Bluetooth speaker that doesn't apologize for its main job: it's a serious party machine that strikes a fine line between performance and portability. Given the high price and some very capable competitors, is it the right Bluetooth speaker for your next meeting? We put it to the test to find out.

Classic design

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Marshall brand is of course best known for its legendary guitar amps and speaker stacks that have shaped the stages and garages of the music world for decades. When the British brand entered the personal audio sector, it naturally retained this appearance and gave its products an authenticity that few other companies can claim. I've always liked the look, but smaller products like headphones lack the same presence of live music equipment.

That's why I love the tufton. As a large Bluetooth speaker (over a meter tall), it can use the Marshall design legacy in a way that few other personal Marshall audio products can. From its crisscross metal grille with the italic Marshall logo to the textured body surfaces and top-mounted knobs, it's the best you can get from a real Marshall amplifier. Some people who saw me with it asked if it was a small guitar amp.

I am also a big fan of the internal power supply. You shouldn't have to carry a large power stone around with you when you drive off, and the tufton doesn't make you. A simple and easily replaceable 2-pin power cord is all you need.

Built like a brick …

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These classic Marshall design features are not just cosmetic. The tufton is big, heavy and very solid. At just over 10 pounds, you don't want to carry this beast long distances, although the leather-like detachable strap is ideal for that.

One has the impression that one could take the tufton almost anywhere and it would survive well.

This weight is the result of four separate amplifiers that power four separate drivers, a battery, a built-in power supply, and some apparently very robust materials in the cabinet walls.

With corners that are protected by rounded plastic end caps and a set of solid rubber feet, you get the impression that you could take the tufton almost anywhere and it would survive well. It even has low water protection: An IPX2 rating means that you don't have to fear the occasional encounter with rain – just don't make it a habit and definitely try not to spill your beer on it everywhere.

Do one thing and do it well

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Everything about the Marshall Tufton indicates that he is primarily and exclusively a speaker. You can choose between Bluetooth (with aptX if your device supports it) or a 3.5mm line-in connection on the back, but that's all for you. You will not find a USB port to play music from a USB stick or to charge your phone. There is no microphone that could turn the tufton into a large speakerphone.

For those who yearn for an easier time without sacrificing today's amenities, the Marshall Tufton is a dream come true.

You won't even find the play / pause button, which has become almost universal in the world of Bluetooth speakers. What you will find are three old school controls for power / volume, bass and treble. They turn with perfect resistance. I don't know if something really analog is going on beneath the surface, but Marshall has mimicked the feel of a real analog speaker so well that I just don't care.

Pairing the Tufton with your device couldn't be easier. If the speaker doesn't switch to Bluetooth pairing mode the first time you turn it on, just press and hold the corresponding Bluetooth button for 3 seconds and the speaker will appear in your list of Bluetooth devices. Tap on it and you're done. You can use the same button to switch to using the line-in input.

Marshall claims only 30 feet of radio operation for the Tufton, but I was able to walk over 100 feet from the speaker outdoors and the music continued to play on my iPhone 11.

The rechargeable battery of the Tufton is suitable for an alleged operating time of 20 hours. As far as I can see, this is about right. However, expect to get less of it if you use the full volume.

For those who yearn for an easier time without sacrificing today's amenities, the Marshall Tufton is a dream come true.

More power than precision

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Given the visual similarity of the Tufton to Marshall's live music devices, its audio chops are best appreciated in spacious rooms. It can get remarkably loud. Loud enough to make neighbors you haven't invited aware of what a good time you are having. This is done without any signs of distortion or unwanted vibrations in the housing up to the maximum setting.

With a total output of 80 watts, it just gets louder and sounds better at higher volumes than with the Sonos Move.

With the bass and treble controls set to the midpoints, the tufton creates a good balance between lows, mids and highs. The bass is as full and sovereign as you would expect from a cabinet of this size, which is equipped with a generous reflex connection for air movements. But this bass never overwhelms and can be easily adjusted to your liking with the bass button. The vocals are crisp and clear, and the tufa prevents them from getting hard at higher volumes, which is often the case with fewer speakers.

Thanks to the dedicated rear-end full-range driver, the Tufton has an admirable 360-degree coverage. The front certainly sounds better, but not as much as you'd think if you just looked at it. Unfortunately, this arrangement does not add much to the stereo separation. Not that a single speaker would ever make excellent stereo – especially a speaker with a high rectangle – but it is something to be aware of.

I compared the Marshall Tufton to the similarly expensive and similarly equipped Sonos Move for $ 399. Both are designed for use on the street and provide large, open spaces with plenty of full-range sound, but the tufa completely outperforms the move outdoors. With a total output of 80 watts, it just gets louder and sounds better at higher volumes than the Sonos.

If you take these two wireless speakers with you, the script will be flipped. The Sonos Move with its integrated AutoTrueplay EQ system has a deeper and wider sound stage than the Tufton. This is noticeable when both speakers use Bluetooth. Switching the Move to Wi-Fi and adding a lossless audio source like HiFi streaming music from Tidal will make it even clearer.

Jazz standards by artists like John Coltrane and Miles Davis are allowed to breathe through the move in a way that the tufton with its trend-setting and more closed design simply cannot cope with.

Is that a deal breaker? Barely. However, potential Marshall Tufton buyers should know that they are getting an accomplished block rocker, not a precision instrument for critical listening.

Our opinion

With tons of portable energy and a no-frills design that exudes Rock & # 39; roll authenticity, the Marshall Tufton is a great Bluetooth party speaker that you can take anywhere. As long as you don't expect this classic muscle car of a speaker to sound like a hi-fi home system, it will impress those who want to inspire a lot.

Is there a better alternative?

There are several great alternatives to the $ 400 Marshall Tufton, including the $ 399 Sonos move and the $ 400 Ultimate Ears hyperboom. Each has its strengths: The Move is a chameleon that effortlessly switches between wireless home hi-fi speakers and party mode, while the Hyperboom is a bass-heavy beach and pool companion with many connections. But neither have the raw power of Tufton nor its retro charm, which in our opinion makes it a class of its own. To get a more capable crowd-puller, you have to watch heavyweights like the $ 900 Soundboks 2.

How long it will take?

The Marshall Tufton looks very good and I expect it to last a long time if you don't abuse it. The manufacturer's warranty is only one year, which is less than a few (Logitech gives a two-year warranty on the Hyperboom). However, the biggest limitation to the longevity of Bluetooth speakers is the battery. The tuft is not user replaceable. When he's done, he's done. It is worth noting that the Sonos Move battery can be replaced by the user.

Should you buy it

If you are proud to be the person who always brings the music, the Marshall Tufton is your Bluetooth speaker. It sounds great and looks great. If you agree with the almost spartan lack of features and the relatively expensive price, you will indeed be very happy.

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