Marshall Woburn III Bluetooth Wireless Speaker review powerful sound with sleek design

Description

Unboxing Experience and Build Quality

The Marshall Woburn III Bluetooth Wireless Speaker immediately impresses with its classic vintage design. Straight out of the box, the textured vinyl covering and iconic Marshall script logo give it an undeniably premium aesthetic. At 16.4 pounds, it feels sturdy and well-built, with a wooden frame that screams durability. While I appreciated the brass plate etched with “1962”, which subtly nods to the brand’s storied heritage, it’s worth noting that the speaker is not waterproof. If you’re planning to use it outdoors, keep that in mind because any accidental water exposure could be a problem.

The front-facing salt-and-pepper fret completes the retro look, and I couldn’t help but admire the attention to detail. However, at nearly 8 inches deep and 15.75 inches wide, this isn’t the most portable option for a Bluetooth speaker. It’s better suited as a freestanding speaker for a living room or studio rather than something you lug around to the beach or park.

Sound Quality and Performance

Let’s talk about the sound because, honestly, that’s the main reason anyone would consider investing in a speaker like this. The dual 5.25-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters, powered by Class D amps, deliver 110 watts of power, and you can feel that punch right away. This speaker doesn’t just play music; it fills the room with sound that feels alive. High trebles are crisp, the midrange is clear, and the bass? It’s deep without overpowering other frequencies, which is a balance a lot of speakers fail to achieve.

The wider stereo soundstage is a standout feature. It genuinely feels like you’re surrounded by the sound, which makes it great for immersive music listening or even small gatherings. That said, at higher volumes, I did notice a slight distortion in the bass-heavy tracks, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. For audiophiles, this speaker leans slightly toward a warmer sound profile, so it might not be neutral enough for critical listening.

Connectivity and Control

With Bluetooth 5.2, connecting this speaker to my devices was seamless. I tested it with my laptop, smartphone, and tablet, and the 10-meter range held up well, even when I wandered into another room. The Qualcomm aptX feature ensures high-quality audio streaming, and I really appreciated the 3.5mm input, which allowed me to connect older devices with ease.

The Marshall Bluetooth app is surprisingly intuitive, offering customization options like EQ settings and multi-room audio. While I mostly stuck to the physical knobs for volume, bass, and treble on the top panel—because they’re just so satisfying to use—the app is handy for fine-tuning the sound when you’re not near the speaker.

Upsides

Here are some of the key benefits I observed while using the speaker:

• Powerful 110-watt output ensures robust and immersive sound.
• Vintage design with premium materials makes it a centerpiece in any room.
• Next-gen Bluetooth 5.2 provides reliable connectivity with minimal lag.
• Sustainable construction with 70% recycled materials and vegan-friendly components.
• Customizable sound profiles via the Marshall Bluetooth app.

Areas for Improvement

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Woburn III has its share of flaws:

• Size and weight make it less portable than other Bluetooth speakers.
• Lack of water resistance limits its versatility for outdoor use.
• Slight distortion at higher volumes with bass-heavy tracks.
• Price point may feel steep for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Product Competitors

Comparing this to its direct competitors, such as the Sonos Five and Bose SoundTouch 30, it becomes clear where the Woburn III excels and where it falls short. While the Sonos Five offers more advanced multi-room audio features and a slightly more neutral sound profile, it lacks the vintage aesthetic and tactile controls that make the Woburn III so appealing. On the other hand, the Bose SoundTouch 30 is slightly more compact and offers superior voice assistant integration but doesn’t quite match the raw power and iconic design of the Marshall speaker.

The Woburn III stands out for its signature retro vibe and wide soundstage, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and immersive sound over cutting-edge smart features.

True Value

From a value proposition standpoint, this speaker is more of a luxury item. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but you’re paying for premium materials, powerful audio performance, and a timeless design. For someone who loves music and wants a statement piece that doubles as a high-quality speaker, the investment feels justified. That said, if you’re just looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker to take on trips, there are more affordable and compact options out there.

Additional information