Cover image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
The third generation of Marshall's Emberton Bluetooth speaker has its latest colourway, and it's a subtle, easy-to-blend-in shade called Sage
Despite its calm appearance — and compact size — it packs a powerful punch.
Right off the bat, we're looking at an attractive Bluetooth speaker with a sage green exterior. Inspired by the hippie movement, it's easy to see how the new colourway is perfect for the outdoors while still looking like a sleek addition to any room.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Having tried it out for over a month, one of its plus points in my book is its design. And that's for the simple reason that it's straightforward.
At the very top, we have two buttons (one for power and the other for Bluetooth connectivity), a microphone, a battery indicator, and a main control knob.
That's all there is to it, yet it works. The control knob acts as the play/pause, skip/back, and pick up/reject call button. Using it feels like using a joystick, and it's a satisfying little feature that gives me more joy than I thought it would.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Thanks to its easy controls, it takes only a few seconds to have it turned on, connected to a device, and playing whatever music you've got. Conveniently, this is why the speaker now has its own designated spot on my bedside table.
Unlike its predecessors, the Emberton III comes with an in-built microphone that's convenient for hands-free calls. It also has a loop to attach a carrier strap to if you want to bring the speaker around — the carrier strap is not included in the box, though.
The Emberton III uses Bluetooth 5.3 LE connectivity with future-proofed Auracast technology for audio sharing capabilities.
The speaker uses a Type-C power input, and the cable is included in the box.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Its textured surface gives it a great grip, and its metal grilles give it the classy yet rockstar look akin to the iconic Marshall amp.
With 79% of its plastic being made out of recycled plastics from old tech, this rugged frame also has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating.
So, it's both portable and durable. But what about sound?
The Emberton III delivers a splendid audio experience with great bass that makes you want to sway with the music
For a Bluetooth speaker of its size, it delivers great sound and an impressive heavy bass. Having tested it out with various genres of music, it performs best with rock music (it's a Marshall, after all), specifically soft rock or very bass-heavy songs — think Fleetwood Mac and Eagles.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Under the hood, it features dual two-inch, 10W full-range dynamic drivers with their own dedicated 38W amplifier and two passive radiators, giving the bass a more notable sound compared to its predecessors.
Even at high volumes, the overall sound is balanced thanks to what Marshall calls 'Dynamic Loudness', which adjusts the tonal balance no matter the volume for a fuller sound.
That, combined with its 360° multi-directional sound, makes it a pleasant auditory experience pulsing from wherever in the room it's been placed.
While the Emberton III can easily handle most songs cranked up to high volumes (AC/DC sounds really good on this!), certain bass-heavy songs lose their depth the louder you go, coming off slightly muffled.
Having said that, keeping it at the average volume of less than 50% still delivers clear audio.
The Emberton III shines with different eras of music, so its performance is up to your taste in music
There are three EQ presets to choose from: Marshall's signature sound, Push, and Voice. Accessing these requires a separate download of the Marshall Bluetooth app, but it's worth the storage space because it really makes a difference to how your Emberton III sounds.
The default Marshall sound with its Dynamic Loudness is great for almost any song, so it was my main choice for casual listening. Songs from the '50s and '60s sounded especially clear in this setting.
Whether they were songs with crisp vocal harmonies and simpler instrumental arrangements or the smooth crooning and accompanying jazz arrangements of some Sinatra, the speaker lent itself to the vocal styles with great clarity.
For the songs that I wanted to feel in my soul, however, I used the "Push" setting, which offers boosted bass and treble for that extra "oomph".
This is where rock songs from the '70s and '80s thrived. This EQ showcased the speaker's ability to handle the powerful low-end sounds of classic rock basslines and drum beats, while also supporting the higher-end sounds of guitar riffs and high-pitched vocals (picture Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses) without sounding too screechy.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Admittedly, this depends on the song you're listening to. Songs like Metallica's Enter Sandman, while bass-heavy, sounded better set to Marshall's signature sound rather than the "Push" setting. But it's fairly easy to swap between the two on the app.
The "Voice" option is more suited for vocal-centric audio, so I mainly used this for audiobooks.
For some, the lack of a customisable EQ sets the Emberton III back a few points. But if you're not too much of an audiophile, the preset ones are more than enough to cover a range of music.
Other than its sound, it excels in battery life
Marshall claims that a single charge can get you more than 32 hours of playtime, and my experience with it is pretty accurate to the claim.
To test out its longevity, I used it as my main speaker for my desktop setup, and it lasted me three full working days (and some after-work listening sessions) before needing a charge.
It handled a constant flow of music without much of a dent to its battery life, and considering that it only takes about two hours to get a full charge, the battery life is impeccable.
The Emberton III officially launched in September 2024, with its first two colourways: Black & Brass and Cream.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
Overall, the Emberton III is great if you're looking for a long-lasting portable Bluetooth speaker without compromising on sound quality
It's a sturdy piece of tech that doesn't kid around with audio quality. Priced at RM999, it's a bit of an investment, but if you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing speaker with great sound, it's worth considering.
I find it's a pleasant addition to a bedroom, as it fills the space with rich sounds that make you feel the music.
Now, we're not talking about a full-on party speaker here, but it's the kind you'd want to come home to when it's been a long day and you just want to get lost in the music.
Whether that means swaying to the sweet melodies of slow songs or headbanging to sick guitar riffs, the Emberton III upholds the Marshall name.
Image via Anne Nunis / SAYS
