Marshall simply launched two new Bluetooth audio system, and I’m already reaching for my pockets.

Let’s begin with the brand new Willen, a pint-sized speaker meant for journey. Marshall’s first true ultra-compact unit, the Willen has a single two-inch full-range driver paired with two passive radiators. Though smaller than the opposite choices, this tiny speaker follows Marshall’s signature design aesthetic, flaunting gold accents towards a black (or white) steel and fake leather-based exterior.

At 4 x 4 x 1.6 inches and 0.68 kilos, the squircle-shaped Bluetooth speaker could be simply slipped right into a bag or hooked up to the skin utilizing its rubber back-mounted strap. It has IP67 dust- and water-resistance, so you should use it open air with out worrying. Marshall charges the Willen’s battery life at 15 hours, which tops the class chief, Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 (13 hours).

Joining the Willen is the Emberton II, the sequel to my favourite Bluetooth speaker, one I hearken to at dwelling and infrequently tackle journeys. Marshall improved the Emberton in nearly each approach, growing its battery life, including a stack mode, and debuting app assist.

Starting with the battery life, the Emberton II is alleged to get 30 hours on a cost, a 50% improve over the earlier model’s 20-hour runtime. When the battery is operating low, the Emberton helps fast cost for 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute cost.

Marshall suggests the Emberton II will keep the identical “signature sound” as the unique, which is nice information for my ears. That first mannequin was one of many best-sounding Bluetooth audio system in its class, delivering highly effective audio with a formidable soundstage. This follow-up guarantees to proceed the custom with a pair of two-inch drivers and two passive radiators for what Marshall guarantees to be highly effective 360-degree audio.

Another welcome function coming to each new fashions is Stack Mode, which lets you pair the Emberton II with different Emberton II or Willen audio system. You can “stack” as many audio system as you wish to create a extra dynamic, immersive sound.

Measuring 2.7 x 6.3 x 3 inches and weighing a moderately hefty 1.5 kilos, the Emberton II is compact, however not as transportable because the Willen. It now comes with an IP 67 score, up from the IPX7 score of the unique. This means the brand new mannequin could be submerged in three toes of water for as much as half-hour.

Both the Emberton II and Willen use Bluetooth 5.1 and assist over-the-air updates by way of a devoted app. The Emberton II and Willen go on sale at the moment beginning at $169 and $119, respectively.