Marshall. The name alone conjures images of roaring guitar amps, legendary rock concerts, and a legacy of sonic excellence that spans decades. From the iconic stacks that powered Jimi Hendrix’s fiery riffs to the cutting-edge audio technology of today, Marshall has consistently delivered products that resonate with music lovers of all stripes.

In this comprehensive comparison, we delve deep into two of Marshall’s most compelling portable Bluetooth speakers: the Willen II and the Emberton III. Both speakers embody the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, but they cater to different needs and preferences. We’ll dissect their design, scrutinize their sound quality, and analyze their features to help you decide which speaker is the perfect sonic companion for your adventures.

Unboxing the Contenders: First Impressions

The unboxing experience itself is a testament to Marshall’s attention to detail. Both the Willen II and Emberton III arrive in sleek, minimalist packaging that exudes sophistication. Upon opening the boxes, you’re greeted by the speakers themselves, nestled securely in protective foam. The first thing that strikes you is the iconic Marshall design language, evident in both models.

• Willen II: This compact speaker is all about portability. Its rectangular shape, reminiscent of a miniature guitar amp, is both stylish and functional. The cream-colored, faux-leather enclosure, accented by the signature gold grille, instantly evokes the brand’s rock and roll heritage.
• Emberton III: The Emberton III presents a slightly larger and more robust form factor. Its rounded edges and textured grille give it a classic look, while the combination of metal and silicone adds a touch of sophistication. The Emberton III is available in two classic Marshall color schemes: Black and Brass, and Cream.

Both speakers feel reassuringly solid in hand, with a heft that speaks to their quality construction. This isn’t some flimsy plastic toy; these are serious pieces of audio equipment built to last.

A Symphony in Motion: Dissecting the Sound

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the sound. Both the Willen II and Emberton III deliver impressive audio performance for their size, but there are subtle differences that cater to different listening preferences.

Willen II: Compact Powerhouse

The Willen II boasts a larger, more powerful driver than its predecessor, the Willen. This translates to a richer, more dynamic sound that can fill a room with ease. But it’s not just about volume; the Willen II delivers a remarkably balanced audio experience.

• Bass: The bass is punchy and well-defined, providing a solid foundation for the music without overwhelming the other frequencies. It’s perfect for genres that rely on a strong low-end presence, such as electronic music and hip-hop.
• Midrange: The midrange is clear and detailed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with clarity. This is crucial for genres like acoustic music and vocal-centric pop, where the nuances of the human voice are essential.
• Treble: The treble is crisp and sparkling, adding a touch of airiness to the overall sound. This ensures that cymbal crashes, high-pitched vocals, and other high-frequency elements are reproduced with accuracy and detail.

The Willen II’s soundstage is surprisingly wide for such a small speaker, creating an immersive listening experience that draws you into the music. It’s like having a miniature concert hall in the palm of your hand.

Emberton III: Loud and Clear

The Emberton III takes things up a notch with even louder and clearer audio. Its True Stereophonic technology creates a wider soundstage, and the 360-degree sound projection ensures everyone can enjoy the music, no matter where they’re standing.

• Loudness: The Emberton III can effortlessly fill a room with sound, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying music at home. Despite its increased volume, the speaker maintains remarkable clarity across the frequency spectrum.
• Clarity: The highs are crisp and detailed, the mids are well-defined, and the lows are surprisingly punchy for a speaker of this size. This ensures that every nuance of the music is reproduced with accuracy and fidelity.
• True Stereophonic Sound: Marshall’s proprietary True Stereophonic technology plays a crucial role in creating an immersive listening experience. This technology utilizes advanced signal processing to create a wider soundstage, giving the impression that the music is emanating from multiple sources. The result is a more spacious and enveloping sound that draws you into the music.
• 360-Degree Multi-Directional Audio: The Emberton III is designed to deliver sound in all directions, ensuring that everyone in the vicinity can enjoy the same high-quality audio experience. This 360-degree sound projection makes it ideal for social gatherings, where listeners may be positioned around the speaker.

EQ Presets:

While the Willen II relies on its inherent sound signature, the Emberton III offers a selection of preset EQ options accessible through the Marshall Bluetooth app. These presets allow you to tailor the sound to your preferences, whether you prefer a bass-heavy profile for electronic music or a more balanced sound for acoustic genres.

GEEK RECOMMENDS:

For pure sonic performance, the Emberton III edges out the Willen II. Its louder volume, wider soundstage, and EQ presets make it a more versatile and immersive listening experience. However, the Willen II still delivers impressive sound for its size and price, making it a great option for those who prioritize portability and affordability.

Design and Build: Roadworthy and Ready for Anything

Both the Willen II and Emberton III are designed for life on the go. Their rugged construction and water resistance ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor adventures.

Willen II: Ultra-Portable and Durable

The Willen II’s compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable. It easily fits in a backpack, purse, or even a large pocket, making it the perfect companion for everyday carry. The integrated rubber strap adds to its versatility, allowing you to attach it to your bag, bike, or anything else you can find.

But don’t let its small size fool you; the Willen II is built to last. The IP67-rated enclosure is dustproof and waterproof, meaning you can take it to the beach, the pool, or even on a rainy hike without worrying about damage. This speaker is built to withstand the elements, just like a true rock star.

Emberton III: Rugged and Refined

The Emberton III also boasts an IP67 rating, ensuring that it’s equally adept at handling the elements. Its slightly larger size translates to a more robust feel, and the combination of metal and silicone in its construction adds to its durability.

A new addition to the Emberton III’s design is an integrated bracket on the side of the speaker. This bracket allows you to easily attach a lanyard or carabiner, providing convenient carrying options. Whether you’re hanging it from a backpack, belt loop, or tree branch, the bracket adds a level of versatility that enhances the speaker’s portability.

GEEK RECOMMENDS:

Both speakers offer excellent durability and portability, but the Willen II takes the edge for its ultra-compact size and convenient strap. However, the Emberton III’s added bracket and slightly more robust build make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize ruggedness.

Connectivity and Controls: Seamless and Intuitive

Both the Willen II and Emberton III offer seamless connectivity and intuitive controls, making it easy to enjoy your music without any hassle.

Willen II: Simple and Effective

Pairing the Willen II with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device is a breeze. The speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.3, the latest version of the wireless technology, ensuring a stable, low-latency connection. Once paired, you can control playback and volume directly from the speaker’s intuitive controls.

The control panel is located on the top of the speaker and features a multi-directional control knob that allows you to adjust volume, play/pause music, and skip tracks with ease. There’s also a dedicated power button and a battery indicator, so you can always keep track of how much juice you have left.

Emberton III: Feature-Rich and Future-Proof

The Emberton III also utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable connection, but it adds a few extra tricks up its sleeve. For Android users, the Emberton III supports Google Fast Pair, making the pairing process even simpler. Simply bring the speaker near your Android device, and a notification will prompt you to connect with a single tap. This eliminates the need to fumble through Bluetooth settings, streamlining the setup process.

But the real game-changer is the Emberton III’s support for Bluetooth Auracast. This cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize how we experience audio. Auracast allows for public and private Bluetooth broadcasts, opening up a world of possibilities for sharing audio with multiple devices.

GEEK RECOMMENDS:

The Emberton III takes the lead in this round with its Google Fast Pair and Auracast support. While the Willen II offers solid connectivity, the Emberton III’s added features enhance convenience and future-proof your investment.

Battery Life: Keeping the Music Going

Both speakers offer impressive battery life, ensuring that the music keeps playing for extended periods.

Willen II: All-Day Endurance

The Willen II boasts an impressive battery life of over 17 hours. That’s enough to keep the music going all day long, from your morning commute to your evening campfire sing-along. And when it’s time to recharge, the USB-C port makes it quick and easy.

Emberton III: Extended Playtime and Fast Charging

With up to 32 hours of playtime on a single charge, the Emberton III can keep the music going even longer than the Willen II. This extended battery life makes it ideal for road trips, camping excursions, or simply enjoying music at home without worrying about running out of power.

But the Emberton III doesn’t just last longer; it also charges faster. With just 20 minutes of charging, you can gain up to 4 hours of playtime. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours, ensuring that you’re never far from your music.

GEEK RECOMMENDS:

The Emberton III takes the crown in this category with its longer battery life and fast charging capabilities. While the Willen II offers respectable battery life, the Emberton III’s endurance and quick charging make it a more convenient option for extended use.

Software and App Integration: Enhancing the Experience

Both speakers can be further enhanced through the Marshall Bluetooth app, providing access to additional features and customization options.

Willen II: Basic Control and Customization

The Marshall Bluetooth app allows you to control various aspects of the Willen II, including volume, playback, and EQ settings. You can also check the battery status and update the speaker’s firmware to ensure optimal performance.

Emberton III: Advanced Features and Stack Mode

The Emberton III offers similar app integration, but with a few extra perks. The app allows you to access the speaker’s EQ presets, providing more control over the sound signature. You can also utilize Stack Mode, a feature that allows you to wirelessly connect multiple Emberton III speakers together, creating a synchronized audio system.

By stacking multiple speakers, you can significantly expand the soundstage, creating a more expansive and enveloping listening experience. This is particularly effective in larger spaces or outdoor environments, where a single speaker may not be sufficient to fill the area with sound.

GEEK RECOMMENDS:

The Emberton III offers a slightly more comprehensive app experience with its EQ presets and Stack Mode. While the Willen II’s app integration is sufficient for basic control and customization, the Emberton III provides more advanced features for those who want to fine-tune their audio experience.

Willen II vs. Willen: A Generational Leap

The Willen II represents a significant evolution from the original Willen, introducing several key improvements that enhance the overall experience. The improved sound quality, increased battery life, and enhanced durability make it a compelling upgrade for those seeking the latest technology and enhanced performance.

Emberton III vs. Emberton II: Refining Excellence

The Emberton III builds upon the success of the Emberton II, introducing subtle yet significant refinements that elevate the listening experience. The increased loudness, extended battery life, and Auracast support are the most notable upgrades. The addition of an integrated bracket and Google Fast Pair further enhances convenience and usability.

GEEK’S FINAL VERDICT: Choosing Your Sonic Companion

Both the Marshall Willen II and Emberton III are excellent portable speakers that deliver on the brand’s promise of quality audio. They each have their own strengths and cater to different needs and preferences.

Choose the Willen II if:

• You prioritize ultra-portability and affordability.
• You need a speaker that can easily be attached to your bag or bike.
• You’re looking for a great all-around speaker for casual listening.

Choose the Emberton III if:

• You demand the loudest and clearest audio possible.
• You want a speaker with a wider soundstage and EQ customization.
• You’re looking for the latest technology, including Auracast support.
• You need a speaker with extended battery life and fast charging.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your budget, desired features, and how you plan to use the speaker to make an informed decision. No matter which you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a top-tier portable speaker that embodies the Marshall legacy of sonic excellence.