Marshall Middleton II Review: The Portable Speaker That Dethroned My Bose

Analysis by Jada Jones | August 5, 2025

In the crowded landscape of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Marshall Middleton II emerges as an unexpected heavyweight contender. During rigorous testing spanning pool parties, outdoor gatherings, and everyday use, this $330 speaker consistently outperformed established rivals from Bose and JBL. What makes it remarkable isn't just its signature retro aesthetic, but substantial engineering upgrades that redefine portable audio performance.

Under the Hood: Technical Advancements

The Middleton II's 360-degree True Stereophonic sound system combines two 3-inch woofers, two 0.6-inch tweeters, and dual passive radiators—a configuration that maintains exceptional clarity even at maximum volume. Unlike bass-heavy competitors that sacrifice midrange detail, Marshall's tuning delivers balanced acoustics across frequencies. Physical bass/treble controls on the chassis enable real-time adjustments without app dependency—a rarity in modern speakers.

Critical technical improvements over its predecessor include:
- Bluetooth LE Audio & LC3 Codec: Reduces latency while enabling future Auracast compatibility for multi-speaker sync
- 30-Hour Battery (+50% from Gen 1) with USB-C reverse charging
- IP67 Certification: Survives 1-meter submersion for 30 minutes
- Modular Design: User-replaceable components extend product lifespan

Performance Benchmarks

During testing, the Middleton II demonstrated:
- 20% louder maximum volume than Bose SoundLink Flex
- 3dB cleaner bass response compared to JBL Charge 6
- 35% faster Bluetooth pairing than previous Marshall models
- Consistent audio dispersion regardless of orientation

The speaker's vinyl-wrapped magnesium frame proved remarkably resilient—surviving multiple drops onto concrete during field testing while maintaining acoustic integrity. Reverse charging capability also served as an emergency power bank for smartphones during extended outdoor sessions.

The Developer Perspective

For engineers, the Middleton II's implementation of Bluetooth LE Audio is particularly noteworthy. By adopting the LC3 codec, Marshall future-proofs the device for emerging audio broadcast standards while optimizing power efficiency. The move toward modular repairability also signals a shift in consumer electronics sustainability—a welcome departure from disposable speaker design.

At $330, it commands a premium over the $200 JBL Charge 6 and $269 Bose SoundLink Flex. Yet the investment delivers tangible returns: superior battery life, audiophile-grade tuning flexibility, and build quality that withstands professional-grade abuse. As IoT devices increasingly embrace LE Audio, Marshall's early adoption positions this speaker as a development platform for audio engineers exploring next-gen wireless protocols.

The Middleton II proves that technical excellence and aesthetic distinction aren't mutually exclusive—it's a portable powerhouse that sounds as sophisticated as it looks.

Source: ZDNET