The Marshall Acton II Bluetooth Speaker is a compact and powerful audio device that provides exceptional sound quality and a classic Marshall aesthetic. In this review, we will discuss the speaker’s key features, performance, and overall value, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your audio needs.
Release Date
It was officially launched in 2019.
It followed the successful release of its predecessor, the Marshall Acton portable, and quickly gained popularity among music lovers seeking a premium audio experience.
Unboxing
The Marshall Acton II comes packaged in a stylish and sturdy box that reflects the brand’s iconic design. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The speaker itself
- A power cable
- A 3.5mm auxiliary cable
- And a user manual.
The unboxing experience is a pleasure, with the speaker’s distinctive appearance immediately capturing your attention.
Key Specifications
Marshall Acton II Design, Display, and Controls
Design and Build Quality: Classic Marshall Aesthetic
One of the standout features of the Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker is its design. With a look that immediately recalls the brand’s iconic amplifiers, the speaker is available in black, white, and brown finishes, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your home decor. Its compact size—10.24 x 6.30 x 5.91 inches—makes it perfect for placement on a bookshelf or countertop without taking up too much space.
Premium Materials:
- Wooden Frame: The use of wood in the speaker’s construction helps minimize distortion and improves overall sound quality.
- Vinyl Finish: The front grille is covered in a durable fabric with Marshall’s signature logo displayed in cursive, which adds to the speaker’s vintage charm.
- Knob Controls: Three control knobs for volume, bass, and treble give the speaker an old-school feel, offering a tactile experience that many audio enthusiasts love.
However, the rear panel is less impressive, featuring an abundance of legal text and logos, which can be distracting if the speaker is placed in an open space. Overall, the Marshall Acton II portable speaker is a stunning piece of audio gear that can enhance the aesthetic of any room.
The iconic Marshall logo is prominently displayed on the front, while the controls are located on top, consisting of volume buttons, a power button, and a source selector.
There’s no display on the speaker, but the simple and intuitive controls make it easy to navigate and use. The speaker’s compact size makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Sound Quality: Powerful Yet Imperfect
When it comes to sound, the Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker delivers a rich and dynamic listening experience. It’s not the most powerful speaker in its class, but it produces clear and balanced audio for its size. The sound signature is warm and natural, with excellent midrange presence and detailed highs. Whether you’re listening to rock, jazz, or electronic music, the Acton II offers an engaging soundstage.
Bass
- The bass is full and robust, though it doesn’t deliver subwoofer-level depth. The bass knob allows for customization, but at higher volumes, the speaker starts to struggle with distortion, especially on tracks with intense sub-bass frequencies. This can be a downside for bass-heavy music genres like electronic or hip-hop.
Treble and Mids
- Treble: The treble is bright and crisp, though it can become a bit harsh at higher volumes.
- Mids: The Acton II excels in the midrange, with vocals and instruments sounding rich and clear.
At moderate volumes, the Acton II performs well, with no significant distortion. But at maximum volumes, the distortion becomes apparent, especially on tracks that feature deep bass or orchestral arrangements. Overall, the sound is impressive but falls short when pushed to extreme levels.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
The Acton II is part of a family of Bluetooth speakers that includes the Marshall Stanmore II and Marshall Kilburn II. The main difference between these models lies in their size and power output. The Acton II is the smallest of the three, offering a balanced sound profile suitable for various listening environments.
Available Colors
It is available in a range of colors, including:
- Black
- Brown
- White
These options allow you to choose a speaker that complements your personal style and decor.
Features: Marshall Acton II Bluetooth Speaker
1. Bluetooth 5.0:
The Bluetooth 5.0 support ensures strong, stable connections up to 30 feet. Pairing with devices is simple, and once connected, the signal remains strong throughout the range.
2. Multi-Host Functionality:
A standout feature of the Acton II is its multi-host functionality, allowing you to connect the speaker to multiple Bluetooth devices and easily switch between them. This is especially useful if you want to share the speaker with friends or family.
3. Sound Quality
It delivers impressive sound quality thanks to its dual drivers and a dedicated subwoofer. The speaker produces rich, detailed audio with powerful bass, clear mid-tones, and crisp highs. It can fill a medium-sized room with sound, making it ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying your favorite music.
4. Connectivity
The smart speaker offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless pairing with your devices. It also has a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting wired audio sources.
5. Battery Life
This Bluetooth speaker has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 5 hours of playtime on a full charge. This is sufficient for most listening sessions, but it’s worth noting that the battery life may vary depending on your listening volume and audio content.
6. Control via Marshall Bluetooth App:
The Marshall app allows you to adjust the EQ presets, change the intensity of the LED lights, and manage playback. While the app offers additional customization, the bass and treble knobs on the speaker itself are sufficient for most users.
Downsides
1. Not Waterproof
The Marshall Acton II Bluetooth Speaker is not waterproof or dustproof. It’s designed for indoor use and should be protected from moisture and excessive dust.
2. No Portable Battery:
One notable downside is the lack of a built-in battery. While many Bluetooth speakers in this price range offer portability, the Acton II is designed to stay stationary. You’ll need to keep it plugged in at all times, which limits its usability outside the home.
3. No Accessories
The speaker doesn’t include a 3.5mm cable or other accessories, making the price feel less justified.
Price and Availability
It is available for $249 in the online market (amazon).
It’s generally available for purchase through authorized retailers and online marketplaces.
Marshall Acton II Bluetooth Speaker Comparison
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Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Acton III
The Marshall Acton III portable is a newer model that offers improved features and sound quality compared to the Acton II. It has a larger cabinet, enhanced bass response, and additional connectivity options. However, the Acton II is still a great choice for those seeking a compact and powerful speaker with a classic Marshall design.
See Full Comparison
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Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Emberton
The Marshall Emberton is a smaller and more portable Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent sound quality for its size. Its waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Emberton is a great option for those who prioritize portability; the Acton II provides a more powerful and immersive audio experience.
See Full Comparison
Conclusion: Is the Marshall Acton II Worth It?
The Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker is a strong contender in the mid-range Bluetooth speaker market. It delivers rich, balanced sound, stylish design, and convenient features like multi-host Bluetooth connectivity. While it struggles with distortion on deep bass tracks at high volumes, it remains a solid choice for those who want a stylish, high-performance speaker for everyday listening.
Who Should Buy the Marshall Acton II?
- Design Enthusiasts: If you love the retro, vintage look and feel of Marshall’s iconic amplifiers, this speaker is a perfect fit.
- Casual Listeners: Those who enjoy a balanced sound for casual listening and don’t need extreme bass will appreciate the Acton II’s performance.
- Homebodies: Since the Acton II lacks portability, it’s best suited for users who plan to keep it stationary in a living room, office, or bedroom.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Bass Lovers: If you’re into bass-heavy music like electronic or hip-hop, the distortion on deep bass tracks might be a dealbreaker.
- Those Seeking Portability: If you need a portable speaker for outdoor use, the Acton II may not be the right choice due to its lack of battery power.
In summary, the Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker is a fantastic option for those looking for a stylish, well-built speaker with good sound quality for everyday listening. While it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts or those in need of portability, its overall performance and design make it a solid choice for home use.
How many watts is the Marshall Acton II speaker?
The Marshall Acton II Bluetooth speaker has a total output of 80 watts.
This power is distributed across the speaker’s components: a 4-inch woofer and two 0.75-inch tweeters. Despite its compact size, the Acton II can produce a surprising amount of volume and clarity, with a solid midrange and high end, though its bass, as mentioned earlier, is not as deep or powerful as larger speakers with higher wattage.
Does the Marshall Acton II have good bass?
Marshall Acton II is a compact Bluetooth speaker with a strong reputation for delivering good sound quality, but its bass performance is more nuanced.
While it does produce decent bass for its size, the low-end response isn't as deep or punchy as some larger, more bass-focused speakers. The Acton II uses a 4-inch woofer (1 x 4" / 101.6 mm Woofer 2 x 0.75" / 19.05 mm Tweeter), which delivers a fuller sound than smaller portable speakers. Still, it won’t provide the deep rumbling bass you might get from larger models or speakers designed specifically for bass-heavy music (like some JBL or Sony models).
That said, the bass is fairly balanced and can be adjusted via the speaker's physical knobs for treble, mids, and bass, so you can tweak it to your liking. It's a great choice for people who want a retro-styled speaker with solid, well-rounded sound, but if you're looking for bass-heavy performance, you might need to look at a larger or more bass-optimized speaker.
When was the Marshall Acton II released?
It was released in 2019.
