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Marshall Kilburn III: two-minute overview
The Marshall Kilburn III is the most recent entry within the model’s mid-sized Bluetooth speaker vary, aiming to mix large, impactful audio with a pleasingly transportable design. It’s additionally a mannequin that hopes to outdo its predecessor, delivering far superior battery life, refined appears, and revamped acoustics. But that every one comes with fairly a bump up in worth. So, is the Kilburn III actually well worth the extra spend?
Well, given the actually swathing enhancements throughout the board, I actually consider that the reply is “yes”. Some of the upgrades listed below are completely game-changing, none extra so than the increase to battery life. The Marshall Kilburn III can supply 50 hours – sure, 50 hours – of playtime, which is greater than double its predecessor, at simply over 20 hours. That bolstered battery life signifies that the Kilburn III has extra playtime than some other Marshall speaker – and excess of nearly all of competitors on this dimension and worth class.
What actually makes this mannequin stand out – even in comparison with a few of the best Bluetooth speakers – is its stellar audio efficiency. But let me be clear, different enhancements, reminiscent of an IP54 dust- and water-resistance score, sleeker general construct and a premium gold management panel all come collectively to make the Kilburn III so significantly better than its predecessor, the Marshall Kilburn II.
Yes, the Kilburn III has totally reengineered acoustics, in addition to bolstered 360-degree stereophonic sound. And the outcomes from these changes are astonishingly good. This speaker served up extremely clear, impactful bass, fantastically expressive mids, and energetic treble. No matter the style of music you throw at it – it might be classical, it might be home, it might be rock – the Kilburn III nails all of it, with superbly full-sounding, omni-directional audio that’s significantly addictive.
It’s additionally super-easy to regulate sound to your style, both utilizing the tactile knobs on high of the speaker, or through the Marshall app. The companion software program opens up a lot of EQ presets, a five-band equalizer, and even Placement Compensation, which optimizes audio on your area. It actually is very easy to forge a sound that’s tailor-made to you, wherever you’re listening.
There are a bunch extra options to unlock, too, reminiscent of battery preservation, Auracast, and charging financial institution performance – which allows you to cost your telephone by way of the Kilburn III’s USB-C port.
Arguably, although, the largest draw of this mannequin is its gorgeous appears. We’ve come to anticipate boundless magnificence from Marshall through the years, with its eye-catching retro, amp-inspired design work translating superbly into the world of audio system, headphones, and now even soundbars, following the launch of the 5 star-rated Marshall Heston 120. And it is no totally different with the Kilburn III.
Unlike the Kilburn II, beautiful golden particulars used right here for the emblem and the controls actually hammer house a premium really feel. Pair that with neat speaker grilles on the entrance and reverse sides, nice knob and swap controls, in addition to a crimson velvet-infused strap, and also you’re taking a look at a masterclass in design.
The catch, as I flagged earlier, is that you simply’ll must splash a good amount of money for the Kilburn III’s companies. It will set you again $379 / £299 / AU$599 – which is under no circumstances low-cost. And it is also $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II value at launch. Having mentioned that, the enhancements are seismic and this can be a mannequin that is proper up there with premium rivals such because the Sonos Move 2 and Bose SoundLink Max.
All in all, the Marshall Kilburn III is an exemplary Bluetooth speaker that completely aces every little thing that issues most. Amazing sound? Check. Luxury appears? Check. And a tasty set of options? Also, test.
Sure, if you’d like an possibility that’s good for taking to the seaside, its IP54 sturdiness could not fairly do the trick, and I’d level you within the course of our best waterproof speakers information. But if you’d like a real assertion piece with class-leading battery life and audacious audio, this is without doubt one of the finest Bluetooth audio system available on the market.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: worth and launch date
- $379 / £299 / AU$599
- Launched in May 2025
The Marshall Kilburn III first launched on the finish of May 2025, nearly seven years after its predecessor, the Kilburn II. It has an inventory worth of $379 / £299 / AU$599, which is $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II on the level of launch. But the worth displays a slew of enhancements, which I’ll deal with in depth under.
You can seize the Kilburn III in both Black & Brass or Cream, however the variant you choose ought to have little to no impression on the worth you pay for the speaker.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: specs
|
Weight |
6.2lbs / 2.8kg |
|
Dimensions |
10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, AUX |
|
Battery life |
50 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1x 30W woofer; 2x 10W full ranges |
|
Waterproofing |
IP54 |
Marshall Kilburn III overview: options
- Effective Placement Compensation
- Nifty companion app with respectable EQ choices
- Colossal battery life
The Marshall Kilburn III has lots of the key options you’d be searching for in a contemporary Bluetooth speaker. You get all of the fundamentals, reminiscent of multi-point connectivity and fast-pairing, however there’s a lot extra to unlock within the Marshall app.
For occasion, there’s Placement Compensation, the place you’ll be able to state if the speaker is positioned near an edge, a wall or nook, and the speaker will adapt its audio output accordingly. I attempted the entire totally different calibrations and located that the changes all make a big distinction, so guarantee that you’ve got the best setup on your area.
There are additionally some tasty EQ choices to sink your tooth into. Yes, gone are the times of merely making changes to the bass and treble; Marshall has included a five-band equalizer right here, enabling you to make a customized EQ that is to your style. Alternatively, you’ll be able to choose from a lot of presets, reminiscent of bass, mid, and treble increase.
Some different nuggets embody: battery preservation choices, reminiscent of the selection to decrease charging velocity if temperature is outdoors the perfect vary; Auracast broadcast tune-in; and M-button customization, which allows you to alter the perform of the “M” shortcut on the speaker’s management panel.
The backside line is, the entire essential options are current – and super-easy to mess around with within the Marshall app. Although, there are a couple of omissions that you simply’ll discover on rival audio system.
For occasion, there’s no built-in mic for high-quality, hands-free calling, one thing you’ll discover on a mannequin such because the Sony ULT Field 3. In addition, there’s no multi-speaker pairing (ie. no JBL Social gatheringBoost equal), so if 100% quantity isn’t sufficient otherwise you wish to create a multi-room setup over Bluetooth, it might be value trying out a bigger possibility in our information to the best party speakers. I don’t sometimes maintain a number of items of the identical speaker at hand, and I choose to maintain calls extra personal, which means neither of those lacking options bothered me all an excessive amount of.
Perhaps the perfect function of this speaker, although, is its ridiculously lengthy battery life. It delivers 50 hours of playtime, which is way, excess of most rivals in its worth and weight class. Even the good JBL Xtreme 4 can solely simply knock out 30 hours with PlayTime Boost lively. Combine that with the flexibility to cost exterior gadgets through the speaker’s USB-C port, and also you’re taking a look at a real powerhouse.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: sound high quality
- “True” 360-degree stereophonic sound
- Incredible bass output
- But general sound continues to be brilliantly balanced
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have the prospect to try the Kilburn III out early at Marshall’s HQ in Stockholm, Sweden, so I already had a good concept of this speaker’s skills. However, having spent a bit extra time with it at our music testing room at Future Labs, I’ve realized that the Kilburn III is even higher than I’d first thought.
One of the primary issues that struck me about this speaker was its booming bass output – one thing I additionally beloved concerning the model’s Heston 120 soundbar. When blasting Keep That Groove by Vitess, the pumping low-end was translated ultra-cleanly, with no noticeable distortion or muffling. Bass did not ever overpower synths or vocals, and I didn’t even really feel the necessity to activate the Bass Boost EQ mode!
The Kilburn III handled me to clear audio, even once I pumped out the tunes significantly loudly. For occasion, when enjoying One-Winged Angel by Nobuo Uematsu, the piercing strings, ominous bass drums, and fear-inducing vocals culminated superbly, by no means outshining each other. This is partially due to the Kilburn III’s dynamic loudness tech, which robotically adjusts bass, mids, and treble, so that you don’t lose out on any element.
Speaking of which, the Kilburn III is ready to put up a pleasingly intricate efficiency, despite the fact that it lacks any “hi-res” Bluetooth codec help reminiscent of LDAC or aptX Adaptive. Leading sax from In The Pocket by Eric Darius danced by way of our testing room, sounding tonally correct and unrestricted, leading to a nuanced and expressive interpretation of the monitor. And due to the speaker’s “true” stereophonic sound, it didn’t matter the place I used to be listening from – I bought full-sounding, clear audio at each angle.
Even instrument separation stunned me after throwing on Vantablack by Intervals, with in-your-face electrical guitar sounds nicely outlined within the combine, even with a deep, highly effective bassline and thrashing drums operating all through.
I actually did throw an enormous number of tracks on the Kilburn III, and I used to be actually blown away by its skill to effortlessly deal with something despatched its manner.
With an all-action rock banger reminiscent of Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz, intertwining guitars sounded satisfyingly ahead, with drums expertly positioned for a next-level listening expertise. And with an upbeat dance monitor – one thing maybe not related to Marshall – reminiscent of A Fresh Energy by Gaskin, pumping bass was by no means torpid, whereas higher-pitched percussive components got here by way of with unimaginable vibrancy.
The Kilburn III actually is a Jack of all trades…but it surely’s additionally a grasp of every one.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: design
- Stunning amp-inspired appears
- Excellent bodily controls
- IP54 waterproofing is best, however nothing particular
I already personal the Marshall Stanmore III and have at all times adored the way in which it appears in my lounge setup. I simply love the retro really feel of the amp-inspired design Marshall makes use of for its audio system, so that you gained’t be shocked to listen to I very very similar to the look of the Kilburn III.
It has a premium-looking fake leather-based outercasing, stunningly completed speaker grilles on its entrance and reverse facet, a gold-plated management panel, and smooth deal with that has a crimson velvet underside. I didn’t a lot just like the white emblem and black management panel on the Kilburn II – however this new mannequin feels way more high-end, and it is one that’s going to seem like a real assertion piece in any dwelling area.
When I spoke to Marshall concerning the Kilburn III, that sense of the speaker being a “statement piece” was sturdy within the thoughts. I used to be assured that the speaker wasn’t meant to compete with the corporate’s rugged fashions – suppose the Marshall Middleton or Marshall Emberton III. And that will clarify its kind of “meh” waterproof score.
The Kilburn III is simply IP54 dust- and waterproof-rated, which means it is solely actually protected in opposition to splashing water, not water jets or full on submersion. Of course, lots of transportable Bluetooth audio system at the moment are IP67-rated – generally larger – so should you’re searching for probably the most rough-and-ready mannequin round, it’s best to in all probability look elsewhere.
Regardless, there are different design points of the Kilburn III of which I’m a fan. First of all, the tactile knobs on high of the speaker are extremely efficient and nicely constructed. You can alter quantity, bass, or treble ranges with these. There’s additionally a pin management, which makes a return from different Marshall fashions, for switching the speaker on or off. Perhaps probably the most fascinating bodily management, although, is the “M” button, which may be set to quite a lot of capabilities – reminiscent of sifting by way of EQ choices – through the Marshall app.
On the reverse facet of the speaker, you will additionally discover a USB-C port to cost the speaker or exterior gadgets, in addition to a 3.5mm AUX port if you wish to bask in wired listening.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: worth
- More costly than its predecessor…
- …however a seismic enchancment throughout the board
- Well-priced in opposition to rivals
I’ve flagged it a few instances on this overview, however the Marshall Kilburn III is considerably dearer than its predecessor. Given the sheer scale and breadth of enhancements, although, I feel it’s completely value it.
Battery life is way improved, it has a extra premium design, and the re-engineered acoustics have taken the revamped Kilburn to new heights. Even round that $400 / £300 / AU$600 zone, it sounds well-worth each penny.
And even in opposition to some similar-sized rivals, I wouldn’t take into account the Kilburn III to be overpriced. For occasion, 2024’s JBL Xtreme 4 launched at $379 / £329 / AU$499, and after testing each fashions side-by-side, I’d give Marshall’s effort the slight edge sonically. Of course, given its age, you’ll be able to usually discover the JBL Xtreme 4 on sale now, although.
On high of that, this mannequin is cheaper than the Bose SoundHyperlink Max on the level of launch, which regularly nonetheless goes for the complete $399 / £399 / AU$599. So, the Kilburn III is way from the priciest in its weight class.
Should I purchase the Marshall Kilburn III?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Features |
Some small omissions can’t overshadow wonderful battery life and in-app capabilities. |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Beautifully balanced audio even at excessive volumes, regardless of the listening angle. |
5/5 |
|
Design |
Attractive amp-inspired design with beautiful golden particulars. |
4.5/5 |
|
Value |
A worth bump over its predecessor, however sounds, appears, and feels well-worth it. |
4.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Marshall Kilburn III overview: additionally take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Marshall Kilburn III |
JBL Xtreme 4 |
Bose SoundHyperlink Max |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$379 / £299 / AU$599 |
$379 / £329 / AU$499 |
$399 / £399 / AU$599 |
|
Weight |
6.2lbs / 2.8kg |
4.63 lbs / 2.1kg |
4.7lbs / 2.1kg |
|
Dimensions |
10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm |
11.7 x 5.9 x 5.6 inches / 297 x 149 x 141mm |
4.7 x 10.4 x 4.1 inches / 120 x 265 x 105mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, AUX |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
|
Battery life |
50 hours |
24 hours (plus as much as 6 hours extra with Playtime Boost) |
20 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1 x 30W woofer; 2 x 10W full ranges |
2 x 30W woofers, 2 x 20W tweeters |
2 x 89mm transducers, 1 x 23mm transducer, 2x passive radiators |
|
Waterproofing |
IP54 |
IP67 |
IP67 |
Marshall Kilburn III overview: how I examined
- Tested for one week
- Mainly utilized in our music testing facility at Future Labs
- Predominantly examined utilizing Tidal
I examined the Marshall Kilburn III over a week-long interval, making use of its full set of options, enjoying hours of music, and assessing all points of its design. I primarily used the speaker in our music testing room at Future Labs, in order that I might decide audio high quality in an remoted, managed atmosphere.
When blasting tunes, I primarily used Tidal, however I often performed songs over Spotify too. As at all times, I began the testing course of by streaming tracks from our fastidiously curated TechSwitch reference playlist, however I additionally listened to a ton of tracks from my very own private library. I ran a comparability take a look at with the JBL Xtreme 4 to evaluate points reminiscent of sub-bass output, instrument separation, and sonic element.
I’ve examined all types of audio gear throughout my time at TechSwitch, from flagship headphones such because the Sony WH-1000XM6, by way of to house cinema merchandise such because the Marshall Heston 120. I’ve reviewed an array of audio system alongside the way in which from manufacturers reminiscent of Sony, JBL, and, after all, Marshall. As a consequence, I’m greater than accustomed to the Kilburn III’s rivals, in addition to what it takes for a speaker to face out in a extremely aggressive market.