One of the British manufacturer’s iconic portable speakers, the Marshall Emberton III perfects the formula of the past two generations, the second version of which is currently priced at €119. Both compact and robust, it boasts an amplification power of over 38 watts, a longer battery life, a Bluetooth module that consumes less energy, and Auracast compatibility. With its timeless vintage Marshall design, is the Emberton III’s €179 price tag justified?
Included accessories
The Marshall Emberton III portable speaker comes with an 80cm USB-C to USB-C charging cable (5V/3A). A user guide and safety information leaflet are also included.
Presentation
Vintage design
The Marshall Emberton III portable Bluetooth speaker features the brand’s iconic vintage design. Its appearance is identical to that of the first two generations, drawing on the unique aesthetic of the guitar amplifiers developed by Marshall in the 60s. The chassis features a textured leather-like finish, while a plastic grille protects the drivers.
The gold finish of the logo and control knob provide visual contrast and underline the build quality of this compact speaker. On the right-hand side of the Marshall Emberton III is a hole to add a strap, like the Middleton model. It’s a shame that a strap isn’t included, given that the speaker is designed to be portable.
Compact size and robust design
With its striking vintage design, the Marshall Emberton III portable speaker looks great placed on a living room cabinet or in a bedroom. However, the British brand has given this model portable features. Measuring just 16 cm long, 8cm high and 7cm deep, it can be easily slipped into a backpack for an outing.
What’s more, the Marshall Emberton III is IP67 certified. In other words, it offers total protection against dust or microscopic residues, and can withstand temporary immersion in water at a depth of up to 1m for 30 minutes. As a result, the Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker can safely play music by the pool, in the bathroom or on the patio.
Audio design
The internal architecture of the Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker is the same as that of its predecessor, with two 1.9″ drivers. However, the amplification power has been increased from 20 to 38 watts. This is a welcome change, designed to bring out the full potential of the brand’s True Stereophonic technology, which ensures 360° sound diffusion.
This speaker also features two passive radiators to maximize efficiency despite a limited load volume, and limit distortion. This acoustic design is designed to preserve the brand’s signature sound, characterized by punchy bass without saturation, even at high volume.
Battery life
One of the main strengths of this portable speaker is its generous 32-hour battery life at medium volume. In this price range, it outperforms all similarly sized competitors. The Marshall Emberton III is capable of providing music at sustained volume for an entire party without faltering. The battery can be recharged via the USB-C port on the right-hand side of thes peaker using the included cable. The British brand has also improved the charging time, as the battery now takes just two hours to fully charge, one hour less than the previous version. In an emergency, just 20 minutes are enough to enjoy 6 hours of autonomy. Ideal for impromptu parties.
Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast
The release of this new generation Marshall Emberton speaker is also justified by the integration of a more powerful Bluetooth module. This 5.3 version supports Low Energy technology, which partially explains the portable speaker’s longer battery life. Bluetooth LE Audio also incorporates Auracast technology, making it possible to set up an unlimited wireless chaining system with compatible devices, a multi-room system, or a stereo sound installation with two speakers, each receiving a specific stream to enhance spatial imaging.
Marshall Bluetooth app
The Emberton III speaker is compatible with the Marshall Bluetooth app. The latter provides access to three equalization settings: Marshall, Push and Voice. The first is the brand’s standard, a rather balanced sound that favors a slightly bassier tone. The second mode accentuates both ends of the spectrum, while the Voice DSP emphasizes the midrange. This mode is ideal for podcasts in particular. The app also promises continual updates and a battery-saving mode to prolong the speaker’s lifespan.
Key specifications
- 38 watts of amplification
- 2 x 1.9″ full-range drivers
- IP67 certification
- 360° sound
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Auracast wireless chaining
- 32-hour autonomy
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 160 x 76.9 x 68mm
- Weight: 0.67kg
Listening conditions
Like all Bluetooth devices, setting up the Marshall Emberton III is simple and intuitive. Once the speaker is switched on, simply press the Bluetooth button to trigger the receiver. The speaker then appears in the list of devices on your smartphone. Pairing is just as effective via the app, which automatically detects the speaker.
Listening impressions
Rock, rap, pop and electro: the Marshall Emberton III portable speaker was tested with every musical style. Every time, it displayed the same ease, especially in the lows. This was hardly surprising, given the British manufacturer’s signature sound.
During our review of the first-generation Emberton, we were disappointed by the lack of equalization. So this time around, the speaker’s compatibility with the Marshall Bluetooth app made for a more comprehensive experience. Those who enjoy soundtracks or classical music can activate the Push mode via the app to bring out the bass and highs, ideal for enjoying instruments to the full.
The True Stereophonic technology, which ensures 360° sound diffusion, proved to be very impressive. The music was diffused evenly throughout the room, so that every listener was treated to the same precise sound. Therefore, the Marshall Emberton III can be placed on a coffee table to provide music in a space of up to 30-35m². Whether you’re enjoying dinner with friends, a game night or a moment of relaxation, the Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker is extremely versatile.
Marshall Emberton III compared to…
Marshall Emberton II: in terms of sound, the two speakers are almost identical. However, the Emberton III provides greater accuracy at high volume, thanks to a more powerful amplifier module and higher sensitivity (90 dB vs. 87 dB). Autonomy and wireless daisy-chaining are also two assets that make this new generation model superior, fully justifying its €179 price tag. The Emberton III is also more versatile, thanks to the equalizer accessible from the app.
Klipsch Nashville: in many respects, the Klipsch and Marshall speakers are in the same league, sharing an IP67 certification, a Bluetooth 5.3 module, a similar format and an almost identical price tag (€179 for the Nashville). However, in terms of autonomy, the Emberton III outclasses its American competitor with 32 hours compared to 20. The Marshall’s built-in Auracast wireless daisy-chaining system also proves more efficient than the Klipsch, despite the latter’s ability to be combined with 9 other speakers. Finally, the British company’s amplifier module develops up to 38 watts, compared to just 20 watts for the Nashville portable speaker.
Who is it for?
The Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker is designed for fans of modern, high-octane music. It comes into its own with tracks featuring deep bass. A nomad at heart, as illustrated by its XXL battery life, it’s the ideal ally for music lovers at home and on the move. Thanks to its iconic vintage design, compactness and lightness, it can be taken anywhere. This stylish speaker stands out as a must-have accessory for retro enthusiasts.
Our opinion on the Marshall Emberton III
It was a measured risk, given how convincing the first two generations of the Emberton were. However, this new model manages to bring real improvements, starting with a quantum leap in autonomy. This portable speaker finds the right balance between vintage design and sonic singularity. In true Marshall style, the Emberton III’s bass takes center stage, while its ruggedness invites you to take it with you on your adventures.
We liked
- The XXL autonomy
- The vintage Marshall design
- The controlled bass
- The compatibility with the Marshall Bluetooth app
We would have liked
- An included strap
