As the ‘Ber’ months roll in, heralding the onset of Christmas carols and festive cheer in the Philippines, the question arises: Is investing ₱18,990 in the Marshall Acton III a savvy choice or a splurge? In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down whether this speaker is the audio gem you’ve been searching for. We’ll delve deep into its sound quality, aesthetic appeal, and how it performs in your daily life in day-to-day use.
The Acton III discreetly redefines home audio within Marshall’s lineup, delivering re-engineered sound and the signature Marshall experience to your living space.
Renowned for their legendary guitar amplifiers that have graced the biggest concert venues, Marshall has seamlessly fused its iconic design with stellar sound in the Marshall Acton III. This compact yet powerful speaker has garnered a special place in the hearts of musicians and performers, making it a top choice for those who demand both style and sonic excellence.
DESIGN
The Marshall Acton 3 boasts a beloved retro Marshall look, measuring 260 x 170 x 150 mm, similar to its predecessor, weighing 2.85kg. Though less portable, its eco-friendly PVC-free build, including vegan materials, is a standout. The top panel houses a 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth, volume, bass, treble controls, and song navigation buttons. The front showcases nested speaker mesh, the Marshall logo, and a subtle line. The rear houses the woofer out, service port, and mains plug. You can choose from three stylish colors: black, vintage cream, or relaxed brown.
Knobs and Light Indicators
The knobs on the Acton III are reminiscent of those found on classic Marshall amplifiers. They are made of brushed metal and have a robust and tactile feel. There are three knobs in total: volume, bass, and treble. The volume knob allows you to adjust the overall loudness of the speaker, while the bass and treble knobs allow you to customize the low and high frequencies, respectively. This level of control enables you to tailor the sound to your liking and the acoustics of the room. Additionally, the knobs have light indicators, which help you to see the current settings, even in a dark room.
FEATURES
The Acton III is a mains-powered speaker, so there is no battery life to consider. This may be a drawback for those who want to take it outdoors or to places without an electrical outlet. It’s Bluetooth 5.2-equipped for future Bluetooth improvements like sound quality and efficiency.
Additionally, it features a 3.5mm jack for hardware connections. You can connect two devices simultaneously for seamless switching. Upon connection, the speaker prompts you to install the Marshall app. This app enables bass and treble adjustments, placement compensation settings, and playback control.
The Marshall Acton III stands out as a practical and user-friendly audio companion, excelling in its ease of use and versatility across various activities. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity, it seamlessly integrates with your smartphone or laptop, transforming your device into a high-quality sound system. Whether you’re streaming music, watching movies, or even participating in video calls, the Acton III enhances your audio experience, delivering rich and immersive sound that elevates every moment.
For students, this speaker becomes a valuable study aid, providing crystal-clear audio for educational materials and offering a much-needed break with its excellent sound quality. Musicians find it indispensable for jamming sessions, as it captures the true essence of each note, inspiring creativity. Music enthusiasts revel in the speaker’s ability to breathe life into their favorite tracks, revealing nuances and subtleties they may have never noticed before. Even working professionals benefit from its versatility; it can easily serve as a conference call speaker, ensuring every voice is heard with remarkable clarity. In essence, the Marshall Acton III’s user-friendly features cater to a wide range of needs.
App Features
The iOS and Android versions of Marshall Bluetooth app enhances the Acton III experience. It not only customizes bass and treble but also offers placement compensation settings. Furthermore, it controls playback and provides insights into the speaker. An added bonus is the app’s ability to automatically update the speaker’s firmware, ensuring optimal performance and feature enhancements. This seamless integration amplifies the convenience of the Acton III, making it a user-friendly and future-proof choice for discerning audio enthusiasts.
PERFORMANCE
The sound quality of the Acton III is outstanding due to its high quality 30 watt 4-inch woofer and two 15 watt three-quarter inch tweeters angled outward. It performs exceptionally well, even at high volumes, without any distortion. The sound remains clear and well-defined across all frequencies. Whether you are listening to rock, jazz, or electronic music, the Acton III does an excellent job reproducing the sound accurately and with energy.
VALUE FOR MONEY
While the price tag might reflect its premium quality, the Acton III’s ability to transport you to a realm of musical brilliance is unparalleled. Its fusion of iconic design, excellent sound, and a touch of retro charm make it a must-have for those who understand that music isn’t just heard; it’s felt. Available at Shopee and Lazada for ₱18,990.00.
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Iconic Marshall retro look
- Eco-friendly build with recycled plastic and vegan materials
- Future-proof with Bluetooth 5.2
- Exceptional sound quality with the ability to tweak treble and bass
- Ability to connect two devices at once
Cons:
- Not portable or battery-powered
- Quite pricey at 240 pounds or 280 dollars
- The Marshall app may not be used frequently after the initial setup
RECOMMENDATION
The Marshall Acton 3 Bluetooth Speaker blends vintage charm with superb sound. Despite its price and immobility, it’s a valuable investment. If portability isn’t crucial and you seek top quality, it’s a great choice. Ideal for those who want style and sound.
The Marshall Acton 3 Bluetooth Speaker is a great addition to any home or office. With its iconic retro look, exceptional sound quality, and eco-friendly build, it is a premium speaker that is worth the investment.
The added functionality of the app and the ability to customize the sound with the knobs make it a versatile speaker. The light indicators on the knobs and the smart features on the app are additional bonuses that enhance its usability. The lack of battery power may be a drawback for some, but if you are looking for a stylish and high-performing speaker for your home, the Acton III is an excellent choice.
Available at Digital Walker physical stores or online at https://digitalwalker.ph/collections/marshall-home-speakers/products/marshall-action-iii-bt-speaker
