Marshall Emberton III and Willen II: Bluetooth LE, improved battery life, and more
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Following the introduction of the Willen and Emberton models in 2020 and 2022, respectively, the manufacturer is now launching the Marshall Emberton III and the Marshall Willen II. Compared to the larger home hi-fi models, these products are designed with mobility in mind. The update incorporates enhancements to audio quality and an extended battery lifespan.
Marshall Emberton III brings Dynamic Loudness and (soon) Auracast
Marshall Emberton III is a 670-gram Bluetooth speaker with just about the same look as its predecessor. As in generations I and II, the speaker also features the “True Stereophonic” technology. This technology supposedly makes the sound coming from a single speaker sound as three-dimensional as from a stereo pair.
One of the most exciting new features in the third generation is a function called “Dynamic Loudness”. This is intended to adapt the speaker’s frequency response to the set volume. It remains to be seen how it will perform in practice, but, in theory, it sounds like a reasonable addition.
The highlight of this update is the addition of Bluetooth LE. This connection protocol is becoming increasingly widespread among mobile speakers and headphones and offers a whole range of advantages. The protocol offers improved sound quality, lower power consumption, and Auracast functionality. Auracast turns the Emberton III into a transmitter that can be connected directly to compatible headphones. However, Auracast will only be added to the Bluetooth speaker later via a firmware update through the in-house app.
Willen II: Marshall’s ultra compact speaker receives an update as well
The Marshall Emberton III now comes with a built-in microphone. So you can also make phone calls and send voice messages directly from your garden party. Furthermore, the Bluetooth speaker is still waterproof according to IP67, so it can drop into your pool for up to 30 minutes and remain intact.
A single charge provides a whopping 32 hours of battery life, and the speaker fully charged again after just two hours. The quick-charge function means the speaker can run for another six hours after just 20 minutes of charging.
The Marshall Willen II now has a runtime of 17 hours instead of the previous 15 hours, and with the fast charge function, it can run for another 5.5 hours after just 20 minutes of charging. Bluetooth LE will also be integrated into the very compact mini speaker, and a microphone is also integrated directly into the speaker.
“True stereophonic” is missing here, but the handbag-sized speaker is also water and dust-resistant according to IP67. The Willen II will also be upgraded with Auracast functionality via a forthcoming firmware update using the in-house app.
Prices and availability
Both Bluetooth speakers will be available on August 26, 2024. However, you can pre-order them now on Marshall’s website. Marshall Emberton III costs $169.99 / £149.99 / €179.00 and is available in Cream or Black And Brass.
The Marshall Willen II is available in the same color options and costs $ 119.99 / £99.99 / €119.00.
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