Bluetooth speakers With a particularly striking design, the Acton, Stanmore and Woburn are typical products of the Marshall consumer universe. Broadly reminiscent of the manufacturer’s legendary guitar amps, they are, like what Klipsch does in a more retro-chic genre, among the few premium models of the genre.
Without revolutionizing the DNA of this sedentary range, Marshall announces a new update of the trio, after a version II a few years ago. So welcome the Acton III, Stanmore III and Woburn III.
Pure Marshall style
On the design side, no major changes. The three models adopt the same parallelepipedic shape with rounded edges as their elders, and are still supported by a polymer frame, mainly covered with a typical vinyl surface. For the occasion, the manufacturer specifies that 70% of the plastic used is recycled. On the front, the three devices have a mesh protective grille.
The premium retro touch is particularly visible on the control interface, represented by a metal area and brass buttons. It is possible both to adjust the volume (as well as the bass and treble) via a potentiometer, very “Marshall” in its design, or even navigate the tracks via a small clickable stick.
The three models will be available in colors (color of the vinyl coating) black, white and brown (except the Woburn III for the latter).
For all powers
These new versions have a rather modern Bluetooth 5.2 chip, and are compatible with the brand’s dedicated application. This allows some controls, including sound equalization. On the other hand, Marshall does not specify which codecs are supported. It is possible that only the SBC is in the game, a usual strangeness coming from the brand. For troubleshooting, an RCA input and a 3.5 mm jack input allow you to connect an analog audio source. The manufacturer does not specify, for the moment, whether the devices will have Google Assistant and Alexa versions.
In terms of novelties, Marshall has slightly reworked the sound architecture of its three products. New tweeters are appearing, supported by reworked waveguides. New sound correction treatments make it possible to better correct the effect of reflective surfaces (speaker placed near a wall for example). Finally, the Dynamic Loudness function constantly adjusts the sound balance.
On this basis, the three devices differ in their size, and of course in their sound power.
The smallest of the lot, the Acton III measures 260 x 170 x 150 m for 2.85 kg. It has a central woofer (bass and midrange) and two tweeters (treble) on the sides. Everything is powered by a 30 W class D amplifier for the woofer, and two 15 W class D amplifiers for the tweeters.
The Stanmore III is a little more ambitious and imposing: 350 x 203 x 188 mm for 4.25 kg. Its architecture includes a slightly larger woofer, and still two tweeters. Everything is this time powered by a 50 W class D amplifier, and again by two 15 W class D amplifiers.
The spearhead model of the range, the Woburn III is a 400 x 317 x 203 mm and 7.45 kg model. If the sound topology remains the same, the central woofer is even more imposing. The Woburn III incorporates a 90 W class D amplifier for the latter, and two 15 W class D amplifiers for the tweeters. The Woburn has another little extra, the presence of an HDMI input, to be connected to a TV. Of course, the format does not make it the most practical of soundbars.
The Marshall Acton III, Stanmore III, and Woburn III will be available very soon for respective prices of 269 euros, 369 euros and 569 euros.
On the same subject :
Marshall Willen: the portable speaker at a mini price that you will want to take with you everywhere
Source: Marshall press release
0