The Marshall Stanmore III is the latest iteration of the iconic Stanmore series, known for its powerful sound and stylish retro design. This Bluetooth speaker boasts a host of improvements over its predecessors, including enhanced audio performance, a sleek new design, and added connectivity options.
But is the Stanmore III worth the price tag? We've put it through its paces to bring you an in-depth review, covering its performance, features, design, and overall value.
Performance: A Rich and Room-Filling Sound
The Stanmore III delivers a truly immersive listening experience, thanks to its powerful 50-watt amplifier driving a combination of woofers and tweeters. The sound is crisp and clear, with plenty of bass that doesn't overwhelm the midrange and treble frequencies.
Whether you're listening to rock, pop, jazz, or classical music, the Stanmore III handles it all with ease. The bass is deep and punchy, adding a satisfying rumble to your favorite tracks. The midrange is well-defined and balanced, allowing vocals to shine through, while the treble is crisp and detailed, providing a sense of clarity and openness.
Key Features:
- Powerful 50-watt amplifier: Provides ample power for room-filling sound.
- Dedicated tweeters and woofers: Deliver a balanced and detailed audio experience.
- Bass control knob: Lets you adjust the bass to your liking.
- Treble control knob: Allows you to fine-tune the treble response.
Here are some of the performance highlights:
- Impressive Bass: The Stanmore III packs a serious punch when it comes to bass. It can deliver deep, rumbling bass that's perfect for listening to electronic music or anything with a strong low-end.
- Balanced Midrange: The midrange is clear and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to be heard distinctly.
- Crisp Treble: The treble is crisp and detailed, providing a sense of clarity and openness to the sound.
- Excellent Soundstage: The Stanmore III creates a wide and expansive soundstage, giving the impression that the music is coming from a much larger speaker.
Soundstage and Imaging:
One of the things that makes the Stanmore III stand out is its impressive soundstage. This is the ability of a speaker to create the illusion of a wide and expansive sound, allowing you to hear the individual instruments and vocals in a more realistic way. The Stanmore III excels in this area, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
The speaker also boasts good imaging, meaning that it can accurately place instruments and vocals in a virtual space. This is important for creating a sense of realism and depth to the sound.
Overall Performance:
The Marshall Stanmore III is a truly impressive Bluetooth speaker. It delivers a powerful, balanced, and detailed sound that's perfect for listening to a variety of music genres. It's also capable of filling a large room with sound, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
Design: A Classic Look with Modern Touches
The Stanmore III stays true to the Marshall aesthetic, retaining the iconic design cues of previous Stanmore models. It features a classic, vintage-inspired look with a black vinyl covering and a brass-plated control panel. The speaker is also adorned with a Marshall logo and a leather carrying handle, further adding to its stylish appeal.
Key Features:
- Classic Marshall design: Retains the iconic look of the Stanmore series.
- Black vinyl covering: Provides a premium and timeless look.
- Brass-plated control panel: Adds a touch of luxury and style.
- Leather carrying handle: Allows for easy portability.
Here are some of the design details:
- Size and Weight: The Stanmore III is a relatively compact speaker, measuring 230 x 350 x 180mm. It weighs 5.3 kg, making it portable but not as light as some of the smaller Bluetooth speakers on the market.
- Build Quality: The Stanmore III is built like a tank. It feels extremely sturdy and well-constructed. The vinyl covering is thick and durable, and the brass-plated control panel is solid and well-made.
- Controls: The control panel features knobs for volume, bass, treble, and input selection. There's also a power button and a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack. The controls are easy to use and feel good to the touch.
Overall Design:
The Marshall Stanmore III is a beautiful and stylish speaker that will look great in any room. It's a true testament to Marshall's legacy of making high-quality audio equipment with a timeless design.
Features: Connectivity and Control
The Stanmore III boasts an impressive array of features, including:
- Bluetooth 5.0: Provides a stable and reliable connection with your devices.
- Multi-host function: Allows you to connect two devices simultaneously.
- 3.5mm auxiliary input: Lets you connect wired audio sources.
- App control: Provides access to EQ settings and other features.
Bluetooth 5.0 and Connectivity:
The Stanmore III features Bluetooth 5.0 technology for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. It offers a range of up to 10 meters and supports the AAC codec for higher-quality audio streaming. You can connect two devices simultaneously using the multi-host function, making it easy to switch between devices without disconnecting and reconnecting.
App Control:
The Marshall Bluetooth app provides additional control over the Stanmore III. You can adjust the EQ settings, set a timer, and customize other features. The app is well-designed and easy to use.
Other Features:
The Stanmore III also includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, allowing you to connect wired audio sources such as a CD player or a turntable. You can also use the Stanmore III as a speakerphone thanks to its built-in microphone.
Overall Features:
The Stanmore III offers a comprehensive set of features, making it a versatile and user-friendly Bluetooth speaker. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, multi-host function, app control, and auxiliary input ensure that you have multiple options for connecting and controlling your music.
Value: A Premium Price Tag for Premium Sound
The Marshall Stanmore III is not cheap. It's priced in the premium range, comparable to other high-end Bluetooth speakers on the market. However, its powerful sound, stylish design, and feature set make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles who appreciate quality sound and a luxurious experience.
Here's a breakdown of the value proposition:
- High-Quality Sound: The Stanmore III delivers a truly immersive listening experience with powerful, balanced, and detailed sound.
- Stylish Design: It boasts a classic and timeless design that will complement any room.
- Comprehensive Features: The speaker offers a range of features, including Bluetooth 5.0, multi-host function, app control, and auxiliary input.
- Brand Prestige: The Marshall brand is synonymous with quality audio equipment, adding to the value proposition.
Is it worth the price?
If you're looking for a premium Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and a stylish design, the Marshall Stanmore III is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tight budget, there are other excellent Bluetooth speakers available that offer good value for money.
Comparison with Competitors
The Marshall Stanmore III faces stiff competition from other high-end Bluetooth speakers in the market. Here's a comparison with some of its main rivals:
| Speaker | Price | Sound Quality | Design | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall Stanmore III | $399 | Excellent | Classic | Comprehensive |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II | $349 | Excellent | Modern | Comprehensive |
| Ultimate Ears Boom 3 | $199 | Good | Stylish | Comprehensive |
| JBL Charge 5 | $179 | Good | Rugged | Comprehensive |
Key Takeaways:
- Sound Quality: The Stanmore III and Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II offer the best sound quality in this comparison.
- Design: The Marshall Stanmore III has a classic and timeless design, while the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II has a more modern aesthetic.
- Features: All of the speakers offer a comprehensive set of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, app control, and multi-host function.
- Price: The Marshall Stanmore III is the most expensive speaker in this comparison, while the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and JBL Charge 5 are more affordable.
The best speaker for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize sound quality and design, the Marshall Stanmore III is a great choice. If you're looking for a more portable and affordable option, the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 or JBL Charge 5 are good alternatives.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Stylish Choice for Audiophiles
The Marshall Stanmore III is a powerful and stylish Bluetooth speaker that delivers an immersive and high-quality audio experience. Its classic design, comprehensive features, and impressive sound performance make it a worthy addition to any home.
However, the Stanmore III comes with a premium price tag, so it's not the most affordable option on the market. If you're looking for a powerful and stylish Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, the Marshall Stanmore III is a great choice. But if you're on a tight budget, there are other excellent speakers available that offer good value for money.
FAQs
Q: What is the battery life of the Marshall Stanmore III?
A: The Marshall Stanmore III doesn't have a built-in battery and needs to be plugged in to operate.
Q: Does the Stanmore III have a microphone for speakerphone calls?
A: Yes, the Stanmore III has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
Q: Can I connect multiple Stanmore III speakers together?
A: While you can connect multiple Stanmore III speakers together, it's not a true multi-room setup like some other Bluetooth speakers.
Q: What audio codecs does the Stanmore III support?
A: The Stanmore III supports the SBC and AAC codecs for Bluetooth audio streaming.
Q: What are the dimensions of the Stanmore III?
A: The Stanmore III measures 230 x 350 x 180mm and weighs 5.3 kg.
Q: Can I use the Stanmore III with a turntable?
A: Yes, you can connect a turntable to the Stanmore III using a 3.5mm auxiliary cable.
Q: What are the different color options available for the Stanmore III?
A: The Stanmore III is available in black, white, and brown.
Q: Can I control the Stanmore III with voice assistants?
A: The Stanmore III doesn't have built-in voice assistant support.
Q: Is the Stanmore III waterproof or dustproof?
A: The Stanmore III is not waterproof or dustproof.