Marshall Acton III BT Black: A Detailed Review

Introduction

The British company Marshall is primarily known for its guitar amplifiers, which have gained popularity among musicians worldwide. However, in the last decade, the brand has successfully expanded its product lineup into the consumer audio segment. The Marshall Acton III BT Black is the third generation of compact home speakers, promising improved sound quality and enhanced functionality.

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 260 x 170 x 150 mm
• Weight: 2.85 kg
• Power: 60 W (30 W for woofer, 2x15 W for tweeters)
• Frequency Range: 45-20,000 Hz
• Connections: Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, 3.5 mm audio input
• Additional Features: Marshall Bluetooth App for equalizer settings, multi-point connection support
• Battery Life: Not applicable (requires constant power connection)
• Color: Black

Design and Materials

At first glance, it’s clear that this is a Marshall product — the brand’s signature style is recognizable in every detail. The Acton III is crafted in classic black with characteristic gold hardware and the iconic logo on the front panel.

The speaker’s body is covered with a textured vinyl finish, mimicking the coating of classic Marshall guitar amplifiers. The front grille is made of durable textile mesh, protecting the drivers and giving the device an authentic retro look.

The top panel features physical control knobs in the form of metallic dials:

• Volume control
• Treble control
• Bass control
• Play/pause button with track-switching functionality
• Audio source switch

The physical controls not only provide a tactile experience but also allow for quick sound adjustments without needing to use a smartphone. This is particularly convenient for tweaking volume or fine-tuning the sound for specific music genres.

Sound Quality

The Marshall Acton III employs a three-driver configuration: one 4-inch low-frequency driver (woofer) and two 3/4-inch high-frequency tweeters. The total system power is 60 W, which is impressive for a speaker of such compact dimensions.

Compared to its predecessor, the Acton II, the third generation offers several significant improvements:

• Expanded frequency range: The speaker now reproduces frequencies from 45 Hz (compared to 50 Hz previously), delivering deeper bass
• Improved sound directivity system: Thanks to a new cabinet design and driver placement, the soundstage is wider
• New audio processing chip: Features enhanced algorithms that optimize sound in real time

During testing, we found that the Acton III delivers remarkably balanced sound for its class. The bass is tight and clear, without excessive rumble or distortion, even at high volumes. Mid frequencies are detailed, particularly noticeable during vocal playback. High frequencies are bright but not harsh.

Marshall’s signature “warm” sound is well-suited for rock music, but with the ability to fine-tune via physical controls or the app, the speaker is versatile for other genres. Jazz sounds atmospheric, electronic music feels energetic, and classical compositions are detailed enough for a compact Bluetooth speaker.

Functionality and Connectivity

The Marshall Acton III features an updated Bluetooth 5.2 module with aptX codec support, ensuring stable wireless connectivity and high-quality audio transmission. The Bluetooth range is approximately 10 meters without obstacles, which is standard for devices in this class.

New features include:

• Multi-point connection: Ability to connect two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth
• Enhanced app settings: New sound personalization features in addition to equalizer presets
• Automatic firmware updates: The speaker can receive improvements and new features via the Marshall Bluetooth App

The rear panel includes a 3.5 mm audio input for wired connections, which is useful for devices without Bluetooth or in situations requiring minimal audio latency.

Drawbacks include the lack of a USB port for charging external devices and the absence of Wi-Fi support, which could have expanded the speaker’s functionality for direct streaming service integration without relying on a smartphone.

Marshall Bluetooth App

For the most comfortable experience with the Acton III, it’s recommended to install the official Marshall Bluetooth App, available for iOS and Android. The app allows you to:

• Fine-tune the equalizer with savable user presets
• Update the speaker’s firmware
• Control multiple Marshall speakers in different rooms
• Adjust standby mode and other power-saving settings

The app’s interface is intuitive and designed in Marshall’s signature style, making the setup process enjoyable.

Comparison with Competitors

In the price range of the Marshall Acton III, the main competitors are:

• Sonos Era 100: Offers a more advanced multi-room system and Wi-Fi support but lacks the distinctive sound and analog controls
• Bose Smart Speaker 500: Includes built-in voice assistants and a display but comes at a higher price
• JBL Authentic L16: Features a similar retro design but is larger with more advanced connectivity options

In terms of price-to-sound quality ratio, the Marshall Acton III holds a strong position, especially for fans of rock music and Marshall’s characteristic sound.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Iconic, recognizable design
• Excellent build quality and materials
• Powerful, clean sound with deep bass
• Physical controls for quick adjustments
• Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX support
• Multi-point connection
• Compact size with powerful sound

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Wi-Fi and streaming service support
• No built-in battery for portable use
• Relatively high price compared to some competitors
• No USB port for device charging

Conclusion

The Marshall Acton III BT Black is a worthy continuation of the brand’s compact home speaker lineup. It’s ideal for those who value classic design, high-quality materials, and Marshall’s signature sound.

The device offers significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity. While the price is relatively high, the build quality and durability justify the investment — this speaker will last for years and serve as a stylish addition to any interior.

If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful audio system with rock-and-roll character and don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity or a built-in battery, the Marshall Acton III is an excellent choice. Its sound is impressive for its size, and the iconic design will never go out of style.

Official Marshall website for more information: Marshall Headphones

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