After more than six years without any major updates, the Marshall Stockwell portable Bluetooth speaker is back in a thoroughly revamped third generation. While its miniature guitar amp design remains instantly recognizable, the new Marshall Stockwell III has improved in nearly every other aspect: significantly more powerful amplification, battery life extended to over 40 hours, 360° sound projection, Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast, and a design that’s more focused on durability. All of this comes in a format compact enough to easily take with you wherever you go.
A Marshall design that evolves in small ways
Marshall retains its now-iconic style. As a result, the Stockwell III keepq its signature vertical design, its metal grille stamped with the famous white logo, and its finish reminiscent of the Tolex used on the brand’s guitar amplifiers. A wide strap continues to make it easy to carry and reinforces the miniature amp look that Marshall has cultivated since its first Bluetooth speakers.
The dimensions remain compact, at 180 mm tall, 162 mm wide, and just 74 mm deep, with a weight of 1.3 kg. This makes it easy to slip the speaker into a bag or carry it by hand, without quite falling into the ultra-compact category. The top control panel has been further refined. The three iconic knobs for volume, bass, and treble are still there, but Marshall has added controls for power, source selection, and Bluetooth, as well as a customizable “M” button. This ensures that everyday use remains possible without having to constantly rely on a smartphone.
360° stereo sound
It’s especially on the inside that the Marshall Stockwell III takes on a whole new dimension. The speaker retains a stereo configuration based on a 76 mm woofer paired with two 44 mm full-range drivers, supplemented by a passive radiator. However, each driver has its own Class D amplifier: 65 W for the woofer and 2 x 31 W for the full-range drivers, for a total power output of 127 W.
This increase in power is one of the key improvements over the Stockwell II, which had a total output of approximately 75 W. The new model now extends down to 54 Hz, while Marshall reports a frequency response up to 20 kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 86 dB SPL at one meter. These specs suggest a richer sound and, above all, greater headroom to maintain solid bass as the volume increases. Dynamic Loudness technology also comes into play to automatically adjust the tonal balance based on the listening level. At low volume, it maintains greater presence in the bass and treble so that the music retains its depth and detail.
Like many of the brand’s recent speakers, the Marshall Stockwell III features True Stereophonic technology. The latter aims to push the limits of a traditional compact stereo speaker by projecting sound in multiple directions. The benefit is particularly evident in a social setting. Placed in the center of a table, on a patio, or in a living room, the Stockwell III doesn’t require you to sit directly in front of it to enjoy a balanced sound reproduction. Marshall therefore promises a more consistent 360° soundstage, better suited for group listening.
Over 40 hours of battery life
Battery life is undoubtedly the other major improvement in this third generation. While the Stockwell II offered just over 20 hours of playback, Marshall now promises more than 40 hours of battery life on a single charge. Battery life has therefore nearly doubled without any noticeable increase in the speaker’s weight.
Charging is done via USB-C. With a compatible 30 W charger, a full charge takes less than three hours. Best of all, just 20 minutes of charging provides up to seven hours of playback, which can come in very handy before an impromptu outing. The USB-C port also works in reverse. The Marshall Stockwell III can serve as a power bank to charge a smartphone or tablet. This is a handy feature during extended outdoor use, since the phone being used to play music can draw power directly from the speaker’s large battery.
Bluetooth 5.3, Multipoint, and Auracast
The connectivity has also received a significant upgrade. The Marshall Stockwell III portable speaker features a Bluetooth 5.3 controller compatible with the SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. Multipoint connectivity allows you to pair multiple devices with the speaker and switch between them more easily.
Even more exciting for the years ahead, the new Marshall speaker is compatible with Auracast, a technology based on Bluetooth LE Audio. In particular, this technology allows a single Bluetooth stream to be broadcast to multiple compatible receivers, paving the way for new multi-room setups with devices that support this standard.
Wired devices haven’t been left out, as Marshall has retained a 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input. This means a DAP, a computer, or any other analog source can be connected directly to the speaker.
More durable for outdoor listening
The Marshall Stockwell III is also more durable. The previous generation had only an IPX4 rating, while the new model boasts an IP55 rating. This rating provides protection against dust and water splashes. While it isn’t designed to be submerged, the Stockwell III should therefore be more reliable by the pool, on a patio, or during an outing when a few raindrops start to fall. Its relatively flat design and carrying strap also make it easy to move quickly between indoor and outdoor settings.
While the Marshall Stockwell III speaker may not seem to have changed much at first glance, it actually boasts significant improvements beneath its retro exterior. The amplifier now delivers a total of 127 W, battery life exceeds 40 hours, the 360° True Stereophonic sound is even more versatile, and Bluetooth 5.3 adds multipoint connectivity and Auracast. The IP55 rating and replaceable battery also reinforce its ability to serve its owner for many years to come.
Weighing in at 1.3 kg, it strikes a balance between truly portable small speakers and more powerful, portable models. This versatility allows it to fill a room with sound at home or be taken on the road for a weekend getaway. It is now available on Son-Vidéo.com for €229.
