Marshall Middleton II Review: Bass Power That Feels Like a Concert Hall

Experience the Marshall Middleton II’s booming bass and long battery life in this detailed review of the premium Bluetooth speaker.

You know, I’ve gotten pretty cozy with dynamic speakers flaunting that edgy, alternative vibe. But honestly? I don’t think I’ve ever come across a gadget as charming and adorable as the Marshall Middleton II. You get what I’m saying, right?

This isn’t just a new color or a minor tweak—it’s the second generation, a serious upgrade. Marshall has seriously amped up this model, especially with a beefed-up battery life that lets you jam out for hours on end. Plus, connectivity options now play nicely with basically anything you throw at it. Pretty sweet, huh?

Looking for something bigger than the compact Marshall Emberton but not as massive as the Kilburn? And got around three hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket? Middleton II might just be your perfect Bluetooth speaker match.

Specs to Make Your Head Spin

Worth the Price Tag? Let’s Talk Value

Like many Marshall products, the Middleton II doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely not sky-high either. When you consider the premium build, stylish design, and solid performance, it feels like the BMW of audio gear—luxury that’s still within reach.

At $329, it's pricier than some competitors, such as the Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross priced around $199, which is the closest aesthetically. But Marshall’s edge in quality and sound justifies the extra cash—though I personally wouldn’t want to pay an additional $130 more than the original Middleton for some upgrades.

Speaking of, the original Middleton still sells for about $319, so that extra $10 for the Middleton II’s enhanced features is a steal.

Want something cheaper still? The Marshall Emberton III at $149 or the Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 at $129 are great alternatives that earned high praise in testing.

Just a heads up though: the older brother, Marshall Kilburn III, at $379 offers more thunderous sound with a subwoofer, longer battery life, and only a slightly larger size. I’d personally shell out the extra $50 for those perks.

Design & Controls: A Rock Star’s Look and Feel

The Middleton II looks almost identical to its predecessor, and frankly, I have no complaints there. For once, I was genuinely proud to bring a Bluetooth speaker to a party. Sure, my Rockster Cross looked cool, but next to Middleton, it barely scores a 7 out of 10.

Put this beauty smack in the middle of a table, and watch people go wild. Ever been to a bar with a stunning friend who steals all the attention? That's Middleton II’s effect. I caught friends admiring it, even petting it like a prized guitar. One buddy struggled not to pocket it!

Speaking of build, the Middleton II screams quality. It’s not as rugged as the Rockster Cross with its rubber armor, but it still looks durable and well-made.

Weighing 1.8 kg (about 4 pounds) and measuring approximately 9 x 4 x 3.8 inches, it’s neither too bulky nor too light. Marshall even includes a wrist strap for carrying ease—though I wouldn’t want this dangling from my arm on a lengthy hike.

With an IP67 rating, the Middleton II is dust-tight and water-resistant, perfect for beach days or poolside jams—just don’t dive in headfirst.

Controls are delightfully simple but effective. On top, you get a four-position rotary knob for playback, separate power and pairing buttons, plus dedicated bass and treble controls. No need to pull out your phone every time you crave a quick sound tweak.

For deeper sound customization, the Marshall app offers a sleek interface with firmware updates, battery status, and a 5-band equalizer.

Connectivity Upgrades: Distance and Sound Quality

While the outward look stayed steady, the Middleton II got some serious internals love—especially in connectivity.

Bluetooth soared from 5.1 to 5.3, enhancing power efficiency and connection stability. The range extended massively from 30 feet (10 meters) to an impressive 200 feet (60 meters). That’s a game changer; I couldn’t break connection even moving around the house or garden.

Support for AAC codec joined the original SBC, bumping sound quality up a notch, and the addition of LC3 codec means better audio with less energy drain.

A 3.5mm input keeps wired listening an option, and a USB-C port handles charging both the speaker and your phone—great for days when outlets are scarce.

Sound Quality: Bass That Hits Like a Live Show

Don’t be fooled by the sleek looks—this speaker packs a serious punch.

Middleton II features two ⅗-inch tweeters and two 3-inch woofers, plus dual passive radiators. The upgrade? Neodymium magnets replacing the standard ones, promising fuller, richer bass.

Amp power jumped from 20W to 30W for the woofers, pushing deeper lows and louder volume.

In a medium-sized room, it easily fills the space for small gatherings or chill hangouts. While it won’t shake a stadium, it’s a perfect fit for backyards or two-room parties. For larger venues, the Kilburn III is a better bet. And for true party kings, the massive Marshall Bromley 750 awaits.

Soundstage separation is decent—nothing mind-blowing, but respectable for a Bluetooth speaker. Tracks with intricate stereo elements like The Cars’ "Moving in Stereo" show subtle channel distinctions, though slight and cozy rather than expansive.

Marshall claims 360-degree sound, meaning no matter where you plop yourself around the speaker, the experience remains immersive. Side angles soften the volume a bit, but at a party, who’s going to complain?

The default equalizer is neutral, which means you might want to brighten some cymbals or tweak vocals to taste. Rock tracks shine with forward mids—perfect for guitar riffs and drums. Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” roars with that signature growl, and Melvins’ “Honey Bucket” feels thick and heavy.

Bass lovers, you’ll swoon at how the Middleton II handles electronic tracks. Dusky’s ‘Stick By This’ feels like a warm bass bath, and Burn Water’s ‘Ikigai’ carries deep, lush low end without distortion.

My ultimate bass test, Skream’s ‘Sub Island,’ wrecks most small speakers, but here, Middleton II held its ground, delivering all frequencies, though not earth-shattering. For that extra rumble, you’ll want Kilburn III or the Brane X, which boasts a hefty 9-inch sub.

Microphone Performance: Clear Calls with a Twist

Unlike the original, Middleton II sports a microphone for hands-free calls. It’s pretty good, especially within a meter of the speaker. My wife said I sounded clear and rich, even when whispering.

Move beyond that meter, though, and the voice echoes, sounding like a speakerphone. Still, it’s perfect for casual group calls or impromptu meetings—quite the contrast to its rockstar looks.

Battery Life That Keeps the Party Going

Battery life is Middleton II’s showstopper. Marshall claims 30 hours, and I can vouch for that. After 20 hours spread across parties and tests, it still had 32% juice left.

That’s a huge leap from the original’s 20 hours, and nearly double the 16 hours I got from my Rockster Cross. If you want the ultimate endurance champ, Kilburn III costs $50 more.

USB-C charging also lets you juice up your phone—huge win for outdoor adventures when power outlets are rare.

Verdict: The Middle Child That Shines Bright

Ah, the middle child syndrome. The Marshall Middleton II is a solid speaker that fits neatly between Emberton III and Kilburn III.

It’s loud enough for small groups, sounds impressive, boasts excellent battery life, and looks downright stunning.

The biggest competitor? Its older brother, Kilburn III, which outperforms in volume and bass for just a bit more money. But Middleton II beats it in waterproofing and wireless range.

In the end, it’s all about what you need most.

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Marshall Middleton II?
  It offers a solid 30 hours of playback on a single charge—a major upgrade from the original model.
• Can I connect the Middleton II to devices without Bluetooth?
  Yes! It features a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections.
• Is the Middleton II waterproof?
  Absolutely, it carries an IP67 rating, making it dust-tight and water-resistant.
• Does the speaker support stereo sound?
  Yes, it provides stereo playback with decent separation for its size.
• Can I use the Middleton II for phone calls?
  Yes, it has a built-in microphone that works well for calls within about a meter’s range.

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