This tiny Bluetooth speaker delivers loud, distortion-free sound – and it is on sale

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker is now obtainable to buy from the official Marshall website.
• This tiny speaker can produce a lot louder sound than you would possibly anticipate (with out distortion), and the sound is sort of detailed and correct.
• The Marshall app would not embody a customized EQ, which might tremendously profit the Emberton III.

On Amazon, the Marshall Emberton III has dropped down $150, a 12% low cost. Act quick as a result of it is a limited-time deal.

Ah, the Marshall sound. I can not let you know what number of live shows I’ve attended the place a stack of Marshall amps stood sentinel behind the musicians, cranking the sound properly previous 11. Each time I see that sight, I do know one thing particular is about to occur.

For sure, when Marshall desires me to evaluation one thing for them, I am very happy to take action. Such is the case with the Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker. This tiny (approx 6″ X 3″ X 2.5″) speaker produces extra sound than you’d anticipate (with out distorting). While you mix the sound with the look (it resembles a small Marshall amp head), you get a small speaker that packs a sonic and aesthetic punch.

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Merely put, this factor rocks.

The specs

• 2″ 10 W full vary and two passive radiators
• Max sound stress stage – 90 dB SPL @ 1 M
• Frequency vary – 65 – 20,000 Hz
• Amps – 2 X 38 W class D
• 360-degree sound
• 32 hours of playtime on full cost (20-minute cost offers 6 hours of playtime)
• IP67 mud and waterproof ranking
• Constructed-in mic for taking calls
• Bluetooth 5.3 LE with a 100 M vary (in free discipline)
• Value – $169 on the Marshall website

My expertise

Due to my Pixel 8 Professional, organising the Emberton III was extremely easy. I set the speaker in pairing mode, and the Pixel robotically acknowledged it. It’s a must to love the Pixel cellphone’s means to hook up with Bluetooth units.

As quickly because it was arrange, I did my ordinary run-through of “Indicators” by Rush. I take advantage of that album as my litmus check as a result of 1) I am extremely aware of each measure of the album (and the way it ought to sound), and a pair of) Geddy Lee’s bass strains are simply so lively that they’ll actually spotlight a speaker’s means to provide low-end sounds precisely.

I will not say the Emberton III provides essentially the most low-end to your buck, however it’s actually good for a speaker of its measurement. It’s a must to think about the frequency response of this gadget, which solely goes all the way down to 65 HZ. This is the factor: the bass guitar has a frequency vary of 41.2Hz to 329.63Hz, so a speaker that dips down within the 20 Hz vary is not essential for this explicit instrument. Alternatively, a kick drum can attain that 20 Hz vary. This implies the Emberton III is completely able to reproducing correct bass, however it does miss out on a few of the punch from a kick drum. 

However actually, what do you anticipate from a speaker this measurement?

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Each monitor from Indicators sounded fairly good, even at excessive volumes. That was one of many nice surprises from this speaker… its means to deal with quantity ranges that will usually exceed what you would possibly deem applicable. However if you wish to bang your head critically to your favourite tracks, crank this child up — it will not complain.

One other tune I take advantage of to check a speaker’s low finish is “Row Boat” by Coal Chamber. This monitor actually digs deep into the decrease finish, and with the best audio system, it could possibly rattle the home windows. The Marshall took each little bit of the tune and did not blink. Certain, it misses a bit in the actual depths, however it nonetheless does the tune justice.

The Marshall app has three EQ presets: Marshall, Push, and Voice. Sadly, there is no such thing as a customized choice. For me, the Push was the best choice, because the Marshall and Voice presets provided a bit an excessive amount of within the mids. Push gave the very best presence within the low finish, toned down the mids a bit, and supplied pretty good highs.

Nonetheless, once I shifted to the likes of Kate Bush, the Emberton III shined. While you’re listening to Bush, you actually wish to give attention to her voice, and this speaker produced her sound so properly that I may shut my eyes and really feel as if she was within the room singing to me.

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After which got here “Heaven Or Las Vegas” by the Cocteau Twins. Every time I can take heed to Elisabeth Frasier sing, I am in my completely happy place, and the Emberton showcases her distinctive voice on show to perfection.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Okay, critically… I am not saying this speaker is the very best factor I’ve heard. However so far as audio system of this measurement, you wager it tops the listing. Though it won’t supply a basement-dwelling low finish, it offers you simply sufficient to know it is critical about sound. If Marshall added a customized EQ to the app, it might shortly turn out to be my go-to for music once I do not feel like packing a bigger speaker or sporting headphones. And the 32 hours of playtime would not damage.

It might not fee as excessive as an audiophile-grade speaker, however the Marshall Emberton III is about nearly as good as you will get at such a small footprint.