Marshall Kilburn III Review: A Bluetooth Speaker That Charms Beyond Perfect Sound

The Marshall Kilburn III Bluetooth speaker captivates with its unique style and powerful sound, even if the audio isn’t flawless.

A Bluetooth Speaker That Stands Apart

I used to think that the Bluetooth speaker craze had peaked. These days, everyone seems to own some sort of cylinder-shaped speaker — often waterproof — usually from giants like JBL or Ultimate Ears. These brands dominate the “best speaker” lists with their familiar, reliable designs. But then, something caught my ear: the Marshall Kilburn III Bluetooth speaker.

I finally got my hands on this updated version of a speaker we hadn’t seen since 2018. And let me tell you, the wait was worth it. The Kilburn III ushers in serious performance improvements that remind us why Marshall is a standout name in the audio game.

Big and Bold: More Than Just a Portable Speaker

Let’s be clear: the Kilburn III isn’t a tiny pocket-friendly gadget. It’s a larger unit, designed more for home use or social gatherings than for hiking or beach trips. If you want something discreet, maybe the Sonos Move is your pick. But when was the last time anyone complimented the Move’s design or even noticed it at all?

That’s where Marshall scores major points. The Kilburn III has a personality all its own. The $380 price tag (roughly 300 USD) feels justified when you consider the charm and raw power under the hood.

Sound That Packs Punch and Personality

Marshall’s third-gen Kilburn rocks a stereo setup with two 2-inch drivers and a 4-inch woofer paired with a rear-facing bass reflex port. This combo crafts a wider soundstage than your average single-driver speaker. The sound leans slightly forward, making it ideal for facing your crowd, but don’t worry—there are no major dips in audio quality behind the speaker.

Feeling the urge to crank it? Go for it. The speaker can blast at full volume without sounding tinny or distorted. Plus, the controls on top let you tweak bass and treble on the fly. For those who love precision, a five-band equalizer is available via the companion app, and you can save your custom settings to the “M” button for instant switching.

Simplicity Meets Style – But Smart Tech is Limited

Here’s where the Kilburn III keeps things straightforward. It’s a Bluetooth speaker—not a smart speaker. No Wi-Fi, no voice assistant, no NFC (though Google Fast Pair is a neat bonus). It’s pure wireless audio, done with Marshall’s flair.

Portability with Power: Not for the Faint of Arm

Sure, it’s a bit hefty for tossing in a backpack for your next hike. But it does come with a handy strap and a massive battery. You’re looking at about 50 hours of playback—enough to power weekend-long jams without hunting for an outlet. Plus, the speaker doubles as a power bank. When your phone battery runs low, just plug it into the Kilburn III to recharge.

Why the Kilburn III Stands Out

Bringing this all together, the Kilburn III is more than just a speaker—it’s a statement piece. It looks fantastic, delivers solid, powerful sound, and has undeniable character. In a sea of lookalike Bluetooth speakers, it’s refreshing to find one that truly stands out and earns your attention.

“The Kilburn III has its own unique character. That’s exactly why, in my opinion, it’s worth its price.”

FAQ

• What makes the Kilburn III different from other Bluetooth speakers?
  Its retro-inspired design combined with a powerful stereo sound setup sets it apart from more generic, cylindrical Bluetooth speakers.
• Is the Kilburn III portable enough for travel?
  While it has a strap and a long-lasting battery, it’s larger and heavier than most travel speakers, best suited for home or outdoor gatherings rather than backpacking.
• Does the Kilburn III support smart features like voice assistants?
  No, it focuses on pure Bluetooth connectivity without Wi-Fi or voice assistant integration, though it does have Google Fast Pair for easy Bluetooth setup.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  About 50 hours, making it reliable for extended use during weekends or longer events.
• Can the Kilburn III charge other devices?
  Yes! It can act as a power bank, so you can recharge your phone directly from the speaker.

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