When Marshall launched Killburn III in late May this year, I was flooded with messages from friends hoping for a free unit, as if Marshall’s marketing team would eagerly send me one. Now, with the unveiling of the Middleton II portable speaker, those same friends are reaching out again. This highlights Marshall’s enduring status as a premium brand, with the British hi-fi manufacturer steadfastly refusing to shift its focus toward mass-market appeal.
The company’s recent release, Middleton II, is a testament to the fact that Marshall will not compromise on premium build quality and design, even if it means sharing a chunk of the market share with the likes of Anker, VQ, and IKEA. And with Middleton II, Marshall continues to cement its legacy, delivering high-end speakers that blend vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
Middleton II comes as an upgraded version of its 2023 predecessor, boasting enhanced sound, extended battery life, and thoughtful new features that make it a standout in the crowded portable audio market. Just by looking at the pictures, one can tell that Middleton II is unmistakably Marshall. The speaker boasts a rugged, rubberized exterior with a bold brass-toned logo and retro-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to the brand’s legendary guitar amplifiers.
The speaker’s compact form factor, measuring 9.05 x 3.86 x 4.33-inches, and weighing under four pounds, strikes a balance between portability and presence, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The speaker comes in Black & Brass and Cream colorways. However, as PCMag pointed out in their review of the original Middleton, the speaker’s surface can attract dust and fingerprints, so the Black & Brass option might be a practical choice for those prioritizing low maintenance.
Akin to its predecessor, Middleton II retains the IP67 dust and water resistance rating of its predecessor, ensuring it can withstand submersion in water for a minute or so. “Dust, sand, dirt in the park and poolside splashes, Middleton II can handle it all. It’s even been tested under 1m of water for 30 minutes,” the company claims. The speaker comes with a detachable carry strap, secured with a screw, adds to its portability, allowing you to sling it over your shoulder or attach it to a backpack for hands-free travel.
On the technical front, the Middleton II is engineered to deliver Marshall’s signature True Stereophonic 360-degree sound, a feature that ensures immersive audio no matter where you’re standing in a closed space. Powered by two 30W Class D amplifiers for its 7.6cm woofers and two 10W amplifiers for its 15mm tweeters, the speaker produces a total of 60 watts of room-filling sound. According to What Hi-Fi?, Marshall has fine-tuned the Middleton II to offer “even deeper bass and more refined performance at maximum volume” compared to the original, making it a compelling rival to competitors like JBL’s Charge 6.
Taking cues from Kilburn III, Marshall’s Middleton boasts an extended battery life. The portable speaker offers over 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, a significant leap from the original’s 20 hours. This makes the speaker ideal for long weekend trips. The best part: a quick 20-minute charge delivers several hours of playback, ensuring minimal downtime. Just like other modern-day portable speakers like Bose Soundlink Plus, or ones on crowdfunding platforms, the Middleton doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your smartphone or other devices via its USB-C port.
Other important features include a built-in microphone that enables hands-free calling, making it a versatile companion for both music and communication. The speaker also supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, offering improved efficiency and enhanced audio quality for compatible devices. For those who prefer wired listening, a 3.5mm AUX port is included, though no cable is provided in the box. The multi-directional control knob simplifies operation, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and even answer calls without reaching for their phone.
Priced at $330 (current market rate), Middleton II portable speaker will be available for purchase through retailers from July 15th, while it’s available for preorder on Marshall’s official website. Will it be able to compete with heavyweights like the JBL Charge 6 and Sonos Roam? Only time will tell! For now, Middleton II stands out with its unique blend of retro style, robust build, and immersive sound.
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