Marshall Woburn II is a powerful wireless speaker that combines classic design with modern features. With its retro look and excellent sound quality, this speaker is perfect for both music lovers and casual listeners. In this review, we will explore the Woburn II in detail, covering its design, features, performance, and more.
Quick Highlights
- Release Date: 2019
- Design: Classic Marshall aesthetic with modern functionality
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, and optical inputs
- Sound Quality: Rich, powerful audio with adjustable bass and treble
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Waterproof: No, but durable
- Colors Available: Black and cream
Woburn II Release Date
The Marshall Woburn II was released in 2019. This model builds on the success of its predecessor, offering improved features and enhanced sound quality, making it a great option for those who appreciate both style and substance.
Pros:
- Impressive sound with deep bass and clear highs
- Adjustable bass and treble for personalized audio
- Classic design that complements any room or décor
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, and optical inputs
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours
Cons:
- No included audio cables or additional accessories
- The back of the speaker isn’t as visually appealing as the front
Unboxing
When you unbox the Woburn II, you’ll find:
- The speaker itself
- A power cord
- A quick start guide
The packaging is smooth and reflects the brand’s high-quality image. The speaker is well protected during shipping, ensuring that it arrives in perfect condition.
Design, Display, and Controls
The Woburn II stands out with its iconic Marshall design, known for its vintage feel and quality craftsmanship. Covered in textured vinyl and featuring a gold-colored control panel, this speaker not only looks great but is also built to last. The classic Marshall logo further enhances the speaker’s retro vibe, making it an attractive addition to any space.
The controls are straightforward, with knobs for volume, bass, and treble, allowing for easy adjustments. There are also buttons for Bluetooth pairing and power. The overall build quality feels robust, making it a durable choice for any environment.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
The Woburn II is part of the Marshall Speaker family, which includes other models like the Stockwell II and Kilburn II. The Woburn II is larger than these models, making it suitable for bigger spaces and providing a richer sound experience. While the Stockwell II is more portable, the Woburn II is designed to be a stationary speaker with more powerful audio output.
Available Colors
The Woburn II is available in two stylish colors:
- Black
- Cream
Both colors complement the speaker’s vintage look and fit well with various interior designs. Whether you prefer a classic black or a lighter cream, the Woburn II will enhance your space.
Features of Marshall Woburn II
The Marshall Woburn II is a powerful, compact Bluetooth speaker that delivers high-quality sound with rich bass and clear highs. It features multi-directional sound with dual tweeters and a subwoofer for immersive audio. The speaker has customizable controls for bass, treble, and volume, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience.
Here’s a breakdown of various features:
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Waterproof and Dustproof
The Woburn II is not waterproof or dustproof. It’s important to keep it away from water and excessive dust to maintain its quality.
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Sound Quality
The speaker delivers deep bass, clear mid-range, and crisp highs. With a total output of 110 watts, it can fill a room with sound effortlessly. The adjustable bass and treble knobs allow you to customize the audio experience to your liking.
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Connectivity
The Woburn II offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, and optical inputs. The Bluetooth feature allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet easily, giving you the freedom to play music from your favorite apps. The wired options ensure compatibility with various audio sources, making it a versatile speaker.
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Battery Life
The Woburn II is perfect for long listening sessions with a battery life of up to 20 hours. You can enjoy your music without worrying about frequent recharges. However, keep in mind that the speaker needs to be plugged in for the best sound performance.
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Customization App
For added control, the Marshall Woburn II is compatible with the Marshall app, which allows users to fine-tune their audio preferences and manage Bluetooth connections directly from their mobile device. This app enhances the overall experience by giving users even more control over their sound settings.
Price and Availability
The Marshall Woburn II is priced competitively at 498$. You can find it at various online retailers and in physical stores. Prices may vary, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best deal.
Marshall Woburn II Comparison
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Woburn II vs Woburn III
The Marshall Woburn II and Woburn III are both exceptional wireless speakers, but they differ in key aspects that cater to different user preferences. The Woburn II, released in 2019, offers a classic Marshall design with rich, powerful sound, customizable bass and treble, and a solid 20-hour battery life. It features Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, and optical inputs, making it versatile for various connectivity needs. Its design is timeless, ideal for those who appreciate retro aesthetics with modern functionality.
On the other hand, the Woburn III, an upgraded version, improves sound performance with enhanced bass and clarity. It introduces multi-host functionality, allowing multiple devices to be connected at once, which is perfect for users who need simultaneous device pairing. The Woburn III also offers superior sound clarity, making it a better choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over design alone.
Key Features Comparison:
- Sound Quality: The Woburn III offers slightly better sound performance with improved bass and treble control.
- Design: Both models carry the iconic Marshall retro style, but the Woburn II stands out with its more vintage appeal.
- Connectivity: Woburn II has Bluetooth 5.0, RCA, and optical inputs, while the Woburn III includes multi-host functionality for connecting multiple devices at once.
- Battery Life: The Woburn II offers up to 20 hours of battery life, while the Woburn III has a slightly improved power management system for longer usage.
- Price: The Woburn II is generally more affordable than the Woburn III, which offers more advanced features.
1. Design:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II embraces the classic Marshall aesthetic, with a vintage-inspired design that includes textured vinyl and a gold-colored control panel. It has a robust, retro feel, highlighted by the iconic Marshall logo. This speaker fits seamlessly into home decor for users who appreciate a nostalgic, rock-and-roll vibe.
- Woburn III: While retaining the signature Marshall retro design, the Woburn III introduces slight refinements for a more modern look. The finish is cleaner and more polished, but it maintains the same iconic vintage elements. The design is still durable and stylish but feels more contemporary compared to the Woburn II.
2. Sound Quality:
- Woburn II: Known for delivering powerful and clear audio, the Woburn II features a rich bass and clear highs. With a total output of 110 watts, it produces strong sound that fills large spaces easily. The speaker is designed to create a balanced audio experience, with customizable bass and treble knobs for personal sound adjustment.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III takes sound performance a step further with improved bass response, greater clarity in the highs, and more precise control over the audio. The enhanced sound tuning makes it more suited to audiophiles who seek a more refined listening experience. The sound is crisper, more detailed, and more powerful, especially in larger rooms.
3. Adjustable Bass & Treble:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II allows you to adjust the bass and treble using physical control knobs. This feature gives users the flexibility to customize their sound to fit personal preferences or the acoustics of the room. The adjustments are easy to make, but the range of adjustment is relatively standard.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III also provides adjustable bass and treble, but with more precise control. The tuning has been improved to allow finer adjustments, making it easier to dial in the perfect sound. This is particularly beneficial for users who like to fine-tune their audio settings based on the type of music or room acoustics.
4. Connectivity:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable wireless connection with smartphones, tablets, and computers. Additionally, it has RCA and optical inputs, ensuring compatibility with various audio sources, such as TVs, record players, and other wired devices. This versatility makes the Woburn II a solid choice for users who need multiple connectivity options.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III also features Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a more stable and improved connection range compared to the previous version. One of the key advancements is the multi-host functionality, which allows users to connect multiple devices to the speaker at the same time. This is ideal for environments where several users may want to control the music, such as parties or group settings.
5. Battery Life:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II boasts a solid 20-hour battery life, providing long listening sessions before needing to recharge. However, it’s important to note that for the best audio performance, the speaker must be plugged in.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III features improved battery management, offering slightly better efficiency, which results in a longer battery life compared to the Woburn II. While the exact number isn’t significantly higher, it supports longer usage and more energy-efficient operation. Like the Woburn II, it performs best when plugged into a power source.
6. Waterproof/Dustproof:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II is not waterproof or dustproof. Users should avoid exposing the speaker to water or dust to maintain its durability and performance.
- Woburn III: Similarly, the Woburn III does not feature any waterproof or dustproof rating. Both speakers are designed to be used indoors in controlled environments, and care should be taken to protect them from external elements.
7. Multi-Device Support:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II does not have multi-host support. It allows for one device to be connected at a time, so if another user wants to switch to their device, the current connection must be disconnected first.
- Woburn III: One of the standout features of the Woburn III is its multi-host functionality. This allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously, making it perfect for social settings where guests might want to switch control over the music without disconnecting and reconnecting devices.
8. Controls:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II has analog control knobs for volume, bass, and treble. These tactile controls offer a satisfying experience and easy adjustments, while additional buttons manage Bluetooth pairing and power. The controls are simple, intuitive, and give a retro feel.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III maintains similar analog controls for volume, bass, and treble but adds more options for managing Bluetooth connections. The buttons are slightly more refined, reflecting the modern upgrades in the design.
9. Colors Available:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II is available in two classic colors: Black and Cream. Both options complement the vintage design and suit various home decor styles.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III is also available in Black and Cream, keeping the same color options as its predecessor.
10. Price:
- Woburn II: At a lower price point (around $498), the Woburn II is more affordable and offers excellent value for money, especially for those who prioritize design and powerful audio performance.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III is priced higher, reflecting its enhanced features and improvements in sound quality, multi-host functionality, and modernized design.
11. Ideal Use:
- Woburn II: Best for home use, casual listening, and parties. It’s a solid choice for those who love classic designs and powerful audio at a reasonable price.
- Woburn III: Ideal for audiophiles and those who need more modern features like multi-device connectivity. Its superior sound quality and multi-host function make it better suited for group settings and tech-savvy users.
12. Portability:
- Woburn II: The Woburn II is a stationary speaker, designed to stay in one place. It is not highly portable due to its size and weight.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III is similarly a stationary speaker but comes with more refined features. While it’s not portable, it’s built to provide top-tier performance for users who prioritize sound over mobility.
Final Verdict:
- Woburn II: If you’re seeking a powerful, vintage-looking speaker that delivers rich sound with straightforward controls, the Woburn II is a great option. It’s a more budget-friendly choice for those who prioritize classic design and sound quality over modern tech features.
- Woburn III: The Woburn III is the superior choice if you want more advanced features, such as multi-host support and enhanced sound performance. Its improved sound quality, along with the ability to connect multiple devices, makes it ideal for audiophiles or social settings with multiple music controllers
Is it Worth Buying Marshall Woburn II?
The Woburn II is worth buying if you value high-quality sound and classic design. It’s ideal for home use, parties, and enjoying music at a comfortable volume. While it may not be the most portable option, its audio performance makes it a top choice for serious listeners.
Conclusion
The Marshall Woburn II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a stylish and powerful audio solution. With its classic design, versatile connectivity, and exceptional sound quality, it stands out in the crowded speaker market. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Woburn II delivers a rich listening experience.
How long does the battery last?
The battery life of the Marshall Woburn II is impressive, lasting up to 20 hours on a full charge. This makes it ideal for long listening sessions or parties without the need for constant recharging. However, for the best sound performance, it’s recommended to keep the speaker plugged in when in use.
What devices can I connect to the Woburn II?
The Woburn II offers versatile connectivity options:
- Bluetooth 5.0: You can wirelessly connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops for seamless streaming.
- RCA and Optical Inputs: These wired options allow you to connect other audio devices like TVs, computers, or older audio equipment. This variety ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your music or audio content from different sources.
Is the Woburn II easy to set up?
Yes, the Woburn II is very easy to set up. Simply plug it in, power it on, and connect your device via Bluetooth or through one of the wired input options. The user-friendly controls, with knobs for volume, bass, and treble, make it simple to customize your audio experience right away. Additionally, the Marshall app enhances the setup by allowing further control over settings via your smartphone.
