Marshall Bluetooth Speaker Review: Unexpected Triumph of Stereo Sound

Experience the Marshall Middleton II’s impressive stereo sound and premium build in a compact Bluetooth speaker that’s redefining portable audio.

Meet the Marshall Middleton II: Compact Powerhouse with Vintage Vibes

If you’re a fan of that classic Marshall amp look, the Middleton II will catch your eye immediately. It’s not too small, not too big – just that perfect size that feels solid in your hands. This portable Bluetooth speaker brings a stereo soundstage that punches way above its weight, wrapped in a sturdy, vintage-inspired design. But, and here’s the million-dollar question: is it really worth the premium price tag?

Sound Quality That Surprises Like a Classic Rock Anthem

Let’s get straight to the good stuff — the sound. For a speaker of this size, the Marshall Middleton II Bluetooth Speaker delivers seriously impressive stereo separation. I mean, it’s downright wild how many layers and details you can hear, especially when comparing it to other speakers in its class. The bass digs deep enough to satisfy most listeners, though it does get a little “squishy” when cranked to the max – a common quirk for compact speakers.

The mids are balanced and vocals come through clean, while the highs remain clear without harshness. Plus, the equalizer lets you tweak the sound to your liking — a nice touch for audiophiles who want control without fuss. It might not rival the highest-res Bluetooth streaming codecs or the sheer power of larger models like the Marshall Kilburn III Bluetooth Speaker, but overall, the sound quality here is top-notch.

Features That Keep the Music Going and Conversations Clear

Marshall knows what their audience wants, and the Middleton II packs in some thoughtful extras. There’s a built-in mic for hands-free calls, battery-saving modes, and even Auracast support for streaming to multiple listeners. While I did miss a couple of features like position compensation or multi-speaker pairing — found in other Marshall models — the essentials are all here.

One standout feature? The battery life. Middleton II boasts a staggering 30 hours of playback, leaving many competitors in the dust.

Signature Style Meets Rugged Durability

Design-wise, Middleton II nails that premium Marshall aesthetic. The faux leather casing, iconic logo, and gold control knob scream classic rock cool. It’s also IP67-rated — waterproof and dustproof, meaning you can take this speaker to the poolside, the shower, or muddy trails without worry.

However, it’s no featherweight at 3.9 pounds (1.8 kg). While the heft speaks to quality materials and solid build, the lack of a proper handle—just a small strap—makes it a bit less convenient for on-the-go use compared to the lighter Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth Speaker or the larger Kilburn III which has a sturdy handle.

Price and Release Date: Positioning Between Compact and Powerful

• Price: $329.99
• Release Date: July 2025

Marshall Middleton II was launched in July 2025, slotting itself right between the compact Emberton III and the bulkier Kilburn III. Available in sleek black with brass accents or creamy tones, Middleton II aims to offer a middle ground in size and performance, although its price leans closer to the top-tier Kilburn III.

Marshall Middleton II Specs at a Glance

Rich Sound Details: A Fan’s Deep Dive

Let me share some listening highlights. Max Dean’s Fascinator powered through with dynamic, tight bass that didn’t overwhelm. Vocals were crystal clear, and the synths sparkled with precision. While drums with higher pitches felt a bit muted at first, a quick EQ boost brought them alive, adding that extra sparkle.

The Middleton II handles bass frequencies impressively well, managing down to 50Hz. On Colter’s 15 Seconds of Fame, those rich lows were deeply engaging. Crank it up to max volume though, and you might notice some bass compression, which is understandable for a speaker this size. Outdoor partygoers looking for thunderous bass might lean toward the Kilburn III for more oomph.

What truly sets this speaker apart is its stereo soundstage. Listening to Jimi Hendrix’s Foxey Lady, the clear separation of vocals and percussion placed on opposite sides created a captivating immersive experience. Middleton II’s 360-degree true stereo means sweet sound wherever you stand — no hiding from the music.

For jazz lovers, the speaker unravels delicate percussion and husky vocals with nuanced clarity, revealing subtle details often lost in smaller speakers. It supports SBC and AAC codecs, so high-res Bluetooth streaming like LDAC or aptX isn’t on the menu, but the audio quality remains impressive for everyday use.

In comparison, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) Bluetooth Speaker delivers slightly more spacious instrument separation but collapses stereo into mono unless you pair two units — losing some stereo magic. Middleton II’s rich stereo sound really distinguishes it in a crowded market.

Sound Quality Rating: 4.5/5

Design: Rugged Elegance with a Side of Heft

True to Marshall’s reputation, this speaker looks and feels premium. The gold multi-directional control knob and subtle battery LEDs give it a vintage flair, while the faux leather wrap and iconic logo elevate its style.

But let’s talk size — at nearly 4 pounds, it’s chunky for a portable, which might be a downside for some. The lack of a robust carry handle means lugging it around isn’t as effortless as lighter rivals. It’s too big to palm easily like the Emberton III, yet it doesn’t match the powerful presence of the Kilburn III.

On the bright side, controls sit neatly on top, and ports on the back include USB-C charging and an aux input for wired listening. The IP67 rating means you can dunk it in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes — perfect for worry-free outdoor adventures.

Design Rating: 4/5

Value: Middle Child Syndrome?

• While Middleton II sits size-wise between Emberton III and Kilburn III, its price aligns closely with the latter at $329.99, which may make it a tougher sell.
• It offers excellent stereo sound, premium build, and marathon battery life but faces stiff competition.
• For just about $50 more, the Kilburn III delivers louder volume, richer bass, a sleeker design, and a handy carry handle — making it feel like a better overall deal.
• Meanwhile, the Emberton III is more portable and affordable.
• That said, if you snag the Middleton II at a discount — say around $250 — it absolutely justifies the investment for those prioritizing stereo sound and style.

Value Rating: 3.5/5

Should You Buy the Marshall Middleton II?

Comparing the Competition

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen

This premium Bluetooth speaker offers phenomenal sound quality, fantastic features, and one of the most luxurious designs available. It converts stereo signal to mono, so some might prefer the Middleton II’s sound, but it still delivers punchy bass, well-detailed mids, and clear highs with excellent instrument separation and high-res Bluetooth streaming. Priced similarly to Middleton II, it’s worth considering for those seeking top-tier audio.

JBL Charge 6

A much more affordable and less powerful option, the JBL Charge 6 remains a strong competitor. It boasts top-class dust and water resistance, fantastic sound quality, excellent portability, and a nice array of color options.

Testing Experience: Putting Middleton II Through Its Paces

1. Tested over several weeks
2. Used in a controlled music testing lab
3. Mainly evaluated using Tidal streaming

I spent several weeks testing the Middleton II, diving deep into its features, sound, and usability. Most of my sessions took place in a controlled lab environment, using Tidal for high-quality streaming, with occasional Spotify and wired testing.

As an audio gear veteran who’s evaluated everything from flagship headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones to home theater setups and over 30 Bluetooth speakers, I can confidently say the Middleton II holds its own in a competitive field.

“Marshall, which changed everything: why I no longer listen to music in headphones.”

— Marshall Middleton II Review Insight

What do you think? Does the Marshall Middleton II fit your portable audio needs, or are you leaning towards its siblings in the lineup? Share your thoughts!

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Marshall Middleton II?
  It offers an impressive 30 hours of playback on a single charge.
• Does the Middleton II support waterproofing?
  Yes, it is rated IP67, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Can I use multiple Middleton II speakers together for stereo sound?
  Unfortunately, no multi-speaker pairing is supported, but the single unit itself provides true 360-degree stereo sound.
• Is there a carry handle on the Middleton II?
  It lacks a full handle but includes a small strap for carrying.
• How does the Middleton II compare to the Kilburn III?
  Kilburn III offers more power, better bass, a premium feel, and a carry handle, but Middleton II excels in stereo sound and battery life.

Looking to bring a bit of that Marshall magic into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints and celebrate the music that moves you with style.