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Marshall Kilburn III: two-minute overview
The Marshall Kilburn III is the newest entry within the model’s mid-sized Bluetooth speaker vary, aiming to mix big, impactful audio with a pleasingly moveable design. It’s additionally a mannequin that hopes to outdo its predecessor, delivering far superior battery life, refined seems, and revamped acoustics. However that each one comes with fairly a bump up in value. So, is the Kilburn III really well worth the further spend?
Nicely, given the really swathing enhancements throughout the board, I truthfully imagine that the reply is “sure”. Among the upgrades listed below are completely game-changing, none extra so than the enhance 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 every other Marshall speaker – and way over the vast majority of competitors on this dimension and value class.
What actually makes this mannequin stand out – even in comparison with a few of the best Bluetooth speakers – is its stellar audio efficiency. However let me be clear, different enhancements, similar to an IP54 dust- and water-resistance score, sleeker total 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.
Sure, 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. Irrespective of 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 fantastically full-sounding, omni-directional audio that’s critically addictive.
It is also super-easy to regulate sound to your style, both utilizing the tactile knobs on prime of the speaker, or by way of the Marshall app. The companion software program opens up various EQ presets, a five-band equalizer, and even Placement Compensation, which optimizes audio to 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, similar to battery preservation, Auracast, and charging financial institution performance – which allows you to cost your cellphone by means of the Kilburn III’s USB-C port.
Arguably, although, the largest draw of this mannequin is its gorgeous seems. We’ve come to count on boundless magnificence from Marshall over time, with its eye-catching retro, amp-inspired design work translating fantastically 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 completely different with the Kilburn III.
In contrast to the Kilburn II, attractive golden particulars used right here for the brand and the controls actually hammer dwelling a premium really feel. Pair that with neat speaker grilles on the entrance and reverse sides, nice knob and change 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 need to splash a good amount of money for the Kilburn III’s companies. It should set you again $379 / £299 / AU$599 – which is not at all low-cost. And it is also $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II value at launch. Having stated 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 the whole lot that issues most. Wonderful sound? Examine. Luxurious seems? Examine. And a tasty set of options? Additionally, examine.
Certain, if you’d like an choice that’s excellent for taking to the seashore, its IP54 sturdiness might not fairly do the trick, and I’d level you within the route of our best waterproof speakers information. However if you’d like a real assertion piece with class-leading battery life and audacious audio, this is among the greatest Bluetooth audio system in the marketplace.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: value and launch date
- $379 / £299 / AU$599
- Launched in Might 2025
The Marshall Kilburn III first launched on the finish of Might 2025, nearly seven years after its predecessor, the Kilburn II. It has a listing value of $379 / £299 / AU$599, which is $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II on the level of launch. However the value displays a slew of enhancements, which I’ll sort out in depth under.
You possibly can seize the Kilburn III in both Black & Brass or Cream, however the variant you choose ought to have little to no affect on the value 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
- Efficient Placement Compensation
- Nifty companion app with first rate EQ choices
- Colossal battery life
The Marshall Kilburn III has lots of the key options you’d be on the lookout for in a contemporary Bluetooth speaker. You get all of the fundamentals, similar to multi-point connectivity and fast-pairing, however there’s a lot extra to unlock within the Marshall app.
For example, there’s Placement Compensation, the place you may state if the speaker is positioned near an edge, a wall or nook, and the speaker will adapt its audio output accordingly. I attempted all the completely different calibrations and located that the changes all make a major distinction, so guarantee that you’ve got the correct setup to your area.
There are additionally some tasty EQ choices to sink your enamel into. Sure, 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 may choose from various presets, similar to bass, mid, and treble enhance.
Another nuggets embody: battery preservation choices, similar to the selection to decrease charging velocity if temperature is exterior 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 underside line is, all the essential options are current – and super-easy to mess around with within the Marshall app. Though, there are a couple of omissions that you simply’ll discover on rival audio system.
For example, 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. As well as, there’s no multi-speaker pairing (ie. no JBL PartyBoost equal), so if 100% quantity isn’t sufficient otherwise you wish to create a multi-room setup over Bluetooth, it might be value testing a bigger choice in our information to the best party speakers. I don’t usually preserve a number of items of the identical speaker at hand, and I favor to maintain calls extra personal, which means neither of those lacking options bothered me all an excessive amount of.
Maybe the perfect characteristic of this speaker, although, is its ridiculously lengthy battery life. It delivers 50 hours of playtime, which is way, way over most rivals in its value and weight class. Even the sensible JBL Xtreme 4 can solely simply knock out 30 hours with PlayTime Enhance lively. Mix that with the flexibility to cost exterior units by way of 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
- Unimaginable bass output
- However total sound remains to be brilliantly balanced
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have the possibility to try the Kilburn III out early at Marshall’s HQ in Stockholm, Sweden, so I already had a good thought of this speaker’s abilities. Nonetheless, 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 many first 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 Hold 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 Enhance EQ mode!
The Kilburn III handled me to clear audio, even after I pumped out the tunes critically loudly. For example, when enjoying One-Winged Angel by Nobuo Uematsu, the piercing strings, ominous bass drums, and fear-inducing vocals culminated fantastically, by no means outshining each other. That 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.
Talking of which, the Kilburn III is ready to put up a pleasingly intricate efficiency, although it lacks any “hi-res” Bluetooth codec assist similar to LDAC or aptX Adaptive. Main sax from In The Pocket by Eric Darius danced by means of our testing room, sounding tonally correct and unrestricted, leading to a nuanced and expressive interpretation of the observe. And because of the speaker’s “true” stereophonic sound, it didn’t matter the place I used to be listening from – I received 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 effectively outlined within the combine, even with a deep, highly effective bassline and thrashing drums working all through.
I actually did throw an enormous number of tracks on the Kilburn III, and I used to be really blown away by its potential to effortlessly deal with something despatched its method.
With an all-action rock banger similar to Are You Gonna Go My Means by Lenny Kravitz, intertwining guitars sounded satisfyingly ahead, with drums expertly positioned for a next-level listening expertise. And with an upbeat dance observe – one thing maybe not related to Marshall – similar to A Contemporary Vitality by Gaskin, pumping bass was by no means torpid, whereas higher-pitched percussive components got here by means of with unimaginable vibrancy.
The Kilburn III actually is a Jack of all trades…however it’s additionally a grasp of every one.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: design
- Gorgeous amp-inspired seems
- Wonderful bodily controls
- IP54 waterproofing is healthier, however nothing particular
I already personal the Marshall Stanmore III and have all the time adored the best way it seems in my front room setup. I simply love the retro really feel of the amp-inspired design Marshall makes use of for its audio system, so that you received’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 brand and black management panel on the Kilburn II – however this new mannequin feels much more high-end, and it is one that’s going to appear like a real assertion piece in any residing area.
Once I spoke to Marshall concerning the Kilburn III, that sense of the speaker being a “assertion 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 which will clarify its form of “meh” waterproof score.
The Kilburn III is simply IP54 dust- and waterproof-rated, which means it is solely actually protected towards splashing water, not water jets or full on submersion. In fact, plenty of moveable Bluetooth audio system are actually IP67-rated – typically larger – so in the event you’re on the lookout for essentially the most rough-and-ready mannequin round, it is best to in all probability look elsewhere.
Regardless, there are different design points of the Kilburn III of which I’m a fan. To start with, the tactile knobs on prime of the speaker are extremely efficient and effectively constructed. You possibly 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. Maybe essentially the most attention-grabbing bodily management, although, is the “M” button, which may be set to quite a lot of features – similar to sifting by means of EQ choices – by way of the Marshall app.
On the reverse facet of the speaker, you will additionally discover a USB-C port to cost the speaker or exterior units, in addition to a 3.5mm AUX port if you wish to take pleasure in wired listening.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: worth
- Dearer than its predecessor…
- …however a seismic enchancment throughout the board
- Nicely-priced towards 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 believe 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 towards some similar-sized rivals, I wouldn’t take into account the Kilburn III to be overpriced. For example, 2024’s JBL Xtreme 4 launched at $379 / £329 / AU$499, and after testing each fashions side-by-side, I would give Marshall’s effort the slight edge sonically. In fact, given its age, you may typically discover the JBL Xtreme 4 on sale now, although.
On prime of that, this mannequin is cheaper than the Bose SoundLink Max on the level of launch, which frequently nonetheless goes for the total $399 / £399 / AU$599. So, the Kilburn III is way from the priciest in its weight class.
Ought to I purchase the Marshall Kilburn III?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Some small omissions can’t overshadow wonderful battery life and in-app features. |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Superbly balanced audio even at excessive volumes, regardless of the listening angle. |
5/5 |
|
Design |
Engaging amp-inspired design with attractive golden particulars. |
4.5/5 |
|
Worth |
A value bump over its predecessor, however sounds, seems, and feels well-worth it. |
4.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Marshall Kilburn III overview: additionally take into account
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Marshall Kilburn III |
JBL Xtreme 4 |
Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Worth |
$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 Enhance) |
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
- Examined for one week
- Primarily 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 surroundings.
When blasting tunes, I primarily used Tidal, however I often performed songs over Spotify too. As all the time, I began the testing course of by streaming tracks from our fastidiously curated TechRadar 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 similar to sub-bass output, instrument separation, and sonic element.
I’ve examined all types of audio gear throughout my time at TechRadar, from flagship headphones such because the Sony WH-1000XM6, by means of to dwelling cinema merchandise such because the Marshall Heston 120. I’ve reviewed an array of audio system alongside the best way from manufacturers similar to Sony, JBL, and, after all, Marshall. In 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.
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