Marshall Kilburn II
$299
The Marshall Kilburn II offers powerful sound in a classic, portable design with multi-directional audio and over 20 hours of portable playtime.

Our take
A classic design with modern sound.
Alright, so the Marshall Kilburn II — it's a portable Bluetooth speaker that looks like it just rolled out of a rock concert from the 70s. First thing you'll notice is its cool, vintage design; it's got that classic Marshall amp look, which is a nice break from all the sleek, modern stuff. It feels solid and has a satisfying heft to it, which might be a plus if you like your gadgets to feel substantial. But, of course, that also means it's not the lightest speaker to lug around if you're planning to take it everywhere. So, if you're looking for something ultra-portable, this might not be your jam.
Now, let's talk sound. The Kilburn II packs a punch, especially for its size. The clarity and volume are what you'd expect from Marshall — loud and proud. It handles mids and highs really well, and while it does bass decently, it's not going to blow your mind if you're a bass head. It's more about balance than booming bass. If you like your music with a bit more thump, you might need to look at other options or tweak the settings a bit.
Battery life is another aspect where the Kilburn II shines. You get up to 20 hours on a full charge, which is pretty solid. It's the kind of speaker you can take along for a day out without worrying about it dying on you. Charging it back up, though, takes a couple of hours, so planning ahead is a good idea. If patience isn't your strong suit, keep that in mind.
The Kilburn II also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which is a nice touch for better connectivity and range. Pairing it with your devices is a breeze, and it holds a stable connection. However, don't expect any fancy smart features. It’s all about keeping it simple and straightforward. If you're someone who loves tinkering with apps and voice assistants, this might feel a bit old-school. But hey, sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
So, what's the bottom line? If you're into the aesthetics and don't mind a bit of extra weight, the Kilburn II delivers quality sound and solid build. It's a speaker that prioritizes style and function over bells and whistles. Just be sure you're okay with its quirks, like the lack of deep bass and modern smart features. It's like that dependable friend who's always ready for a road trip but doesn't care much for the latest tech trends. If that sounds appealing, the Kilburn II might just rock your world.