Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review: Is the Black & Brass Edition Your Ultimate Music Companion?

Are you searching for a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers both style and substance—something that commands both your playlist and your attention? The Marshall Emberton II, especially in its striking Black & Brass finish, has generated quite the buzz. But does this palm-sized powerhouse really live up to the legendary Marshall name, or is it just another pretty box in a crowded market?

In this deep-dive review, I’ll share real-world insights, highlight what sets the Emberton II apart, and help you decide if this speaker deserves a spot on your next adventure—or your living room shelf. Whether you’re a music purist, a picnic enthusiast, or just tired of tinny sound from bargain speakers, you’ll find answers here. Let’s turn up the volume and see what this Marshall can really do.

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First Impressions: Unboxing the Iconic Black & Brass Emberton II

Let’s face it: first impressions matter. Right out of the box, the Emberton II feels like a nod to Marshall’s legendary amplifiers, exuding rock ‘n’ roll vibes with its textured Black & Brass finish and signature script logo. But it’s not just about looks.

Here’s what you notice immediately:

Solid build—The metal grille and silicone exterior feel rugged, not flimsy.
Compact size—At just under 700g and about the length of a sunglasses case, it’s ready to toss in your bag.
Tactile controls—A brass multi-directional knob replaces fiddly buttons, making volume and track changes intuitive and fun.

If you love gear that looks as good as it sounds, the Emberton II doesn’t disappoint. But as we know, appearances only get you so far. So, how does it actually perform?

Sound Quality: Marshall’s Signature “True Stereophonic” in the Palm of Your Hand

Let’s cut to the chase—sound is everything. The Emberton II promises Marshall’s “True Stereophonic” technology, which claims to deliver immersive, 360-degree audio. But is that just marketing lingo or the real deal?

The Reality of 360° Sound

Unlike most portable speakers, which blast music in one direction, the Emberton II disperses sound evenly in every direction. That means you don’t have to angle it toward you—the entire room (or park bench, or picnic blanket) is the sweet spot.

What does this mean for your music?

Rich, balanced audio whether you’re sitting behind or beside the speaker.
Distinct bass and crisp highs—You’ll notice the details in acoustic tracks and feel the punch in your favorite EDM drops.
No distortion at high volumes—It gets loud (really loud) without turning muddy, a feat many competitors fail to achieve.

If you close your eyes, you might forget you’re listening to a speaker small enough to fit in your jacket pocket. That’s impressive.

Pro Tip: Place the Emberton II on a flat surface to maximize its 360° effect. Coffee tables, blanket-covered grass, or even a bathroom countertop during your shower singalongs—each surface adds its own subtle resonance.

Battery Life: 30+ Hours to Keep the Party Going

You know that sinking feeling when your speaker dies halfway through the day? With the Emberton II, that’s unlikely. Marshall promises over 30 hours of playtime on a single charge—a claim I put to the test with some marathon listening sessions.

Real-World Battery Experience

Consistent stamina: Even at moderate to high volumes, the Emberton II powered through an entire weekend without breaking a sweat.
Quick recharge: From empty to full in about 3 hours, using USB-C—which means no hunting for proprietary cables.

Here’s why that matters: You get peace of mind. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a campsite, or a backyard BBQ, you can trust the Emberton II to keep up with your plans.

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Built for the Road: Durability and the IP67 Advantage

If you’ve ever had a speaker ruined by rain or sand, you’ll appreciate this: the Emberton II is IP67-rated. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s both dust-tight and waterproof.

Tested Toughness

Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes—Drop it in the pool by accident? No panic.
Dust-proof—Perfect for sandy beaches or dusty hiking trails.
Shock-resistant exterior—The silicone wrap absorbs bumps and knocks.

It’s clear that Marshall built the Emberton II for real-world adventures, not just coffee table bragging rights. For more info on what IP67 actually means, check out this detailed guide on IP ratings from TechRadar.

Effortless Pairing and Intuitive Controls

Nobody likes fiddling with Bluetooth settings, right? Pairing the Emberton II is refreshingly simple:

Turn it on.
Hit the Bluetooth button.
Select “Marshall Emberton II” on your device.
Done.

Once paired, you can control play/pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume—all with that single brass knob. No app required, unless you’re a customization geek (more on that next).

The Marshall App: Customization, Updates, and Equalizer Presets

While the Emberton II works beautifully out of the box, Marshall’s free app adds extra polish for those who want more control.

What You Get with the App

Equalizer presets—Tweak bass, mid, and treble settings to suit your taste.
Firmware updates—Keep your speaker fresh with over-the-air improvements.
Stack Mode control—Set up and manage multi-speaker sessions (covered below).

It’s optional, but handy—especially if you want your sound signature to match your mood.

Stack Mode: Amplify Your Sound with Multi-Speaker Sessions

This is where things get fun. Stack Mode lets you wirelessly link multiple Emberton II speakers for a bigger, richer soundstage. Imagine a wall of sound at your next picnic, all controlled from your phone.

Easy syncing: A few taps and you’re broadcasting to every Emberton II in the area.
Flexible placement: Spread them out for true, room-filling surround sound.

Of course, Stack Mode really shines if you (or your friends) invest in more than one speaker. If you’re a solo listener, the Emberton II is still plenty powerful on its own.

Pros and Cons: The Verdict So Far

Let’s zoom out and take stock. The Emberton II nails the basics and adds a few unique twists—but no product is perfect.

What We Love

Rich, immersive sound that belies its size.
Iconic Marshall design—head-turning looks, classic vibes.
Superb battery life for all-day (and night) play.
Built to survive—IP67 means ready for rain, mud, or poolside mishaps.
Easy multi-speaker pairing with Stack Mode.

What Could Be Better

No built-in microphone—You can’t use it for calls or voice assistants.
No aux input—Strictly Bluetooth, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Premium price—You’re paying for both sound and style, so budget shoppers may need to look elsewhere.

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How Does the Emberton II Compare to the Competition?

Great question. The portable speaker market is crowded, with heavyweights like JBL, Bose, and Sony vying for your attention. So, how does the Emberton II stack up?

Bottom line: If you want iconic looks, long battery, and immersive sound, the Emberton II takes the lead. For raw bass or budget buys, JBL might have an edge. And Bose offers signature clarity, but without the multi-directional magic.

For more detailed speaker comparisons, check out CNET’s portable speaker guide.

Everyday Scenarios: Where the Emberton II Shines

Still wondering if this is the right speaker for you? Here are a few scenarios where the Emberton II truly excels:

Road trips and camping—Rugged enough for the outdoors, with battery life to match your adventures.
Home office or kitchen tunes—Small footprint, big sound, and style that complements your décor.
Pool parties and picnics—No stress about splashes or sand.
Music lovers who value design—If aesthetics matter as much as audio, it’s hard to beat.

On the flip side, if you need a speaker with built-in voice assistance or wired connectivity, you may want to explore alternatives.

FAQs: Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black & Brass)

Q: Is the Marshall Emberton II waterproof?
A: Yes, it’s IP67 rated—meaning it’s both waterproof (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) and dustproof. It’s perfect for outdoor use, rain or shine.

Q: Can I take calls with the Emberton II?
A: No, the Emberton II does not have a built-in microphone. It’s strictly for music playback.

Q: How do I connect multiple Emberton II speakers?
A: Use the Stack Mode feature via the Marshall Bluetooth app to wirelessly link multiple speakers for amplified sound.

Q: Does it work with iOS and Android?
A: Absolutely! The Emberton II is compatible with both iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth 5.1.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge the Emberton II?
A: About 3 hours via USB-C. You’ll get over 30 hours of playtime from a full charge.

Q: Can I use the speaker while it’s charging?
A: Yes, you can listen to music while plugged in and charging.

Q: Does it support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?
A: No, this speaker doesn’t have built-in voice assistant support.

For more user questions and community insights, you can also visit Marshall’s official FAQs.

Conclusion: Is the Marshall Emberton II (Black & Brass) Worth It?

Here’s the bottom line: The Marshall Emberton II combines show-stopping sound, classic design, and true go-anywhere toughness. If you want a portable Bluetooth speaker that stands out—both sonically and visually—it’s a top contender.

Yes, it’s an investment. But for those who crave immersive sound, iconic style, and peace of mind on the go, the Emberton II delivers where it counts. If you’re ready to elevate your listening experience, this speaker won’t let you down.

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Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review: Is the Black & Brass Edition Your Ultimate Music Companion?

First Impressions: Unboxing the Iconic Black & Brass Emberton II