Marshall Kilburn III: A Stylish Bluetooth Speaker with Impressive Sound and Battery Life

The Marshall Kilburn III is a midsize portable Bluetooth speaker that combines classic rock aesthetics with modern audio technology. Priced between $339 and $380, this speaker is designed to appeal to those who value both style and sound quality. With an 8/10 rating, it stands out for its classy design and impressive battery life, although it lacks stereo pairing and does not include a power adapter in the box.

The Kilburn III maintains Marshall's signature retro look, featuring a faux leather cabinet, oversized control knobs, and the iconic Marshall script logo. It comes in two color options: black/brass and cream. The speaker includes a removable red velour-lined carry strap and a 6.5-foot USB-C charging cable, though it does not come with a wall adapter.

One of the notable design updates is the tactile power switch, reminiscent of Marshall's amplifier heritage. The speaker also introduces a playback control switch for track skipping and play/pause functions, which was absent in the previous model. The Kilburn III is more durable than its predecessor, with an IP54 rating that protects against rain and sand.

In terms of size, the Kilburn III is slightly larger and heavier than the Kilburn II, measuring 10.7 x 5.9 x 6.6 inches and weighing 6.17 pounds. Despite its weight, it is easy to carry thanks to its comfortable strap. The speaker features Marshall's "True Stereophonic" acoustics, with a dedicated woofer and dual full-range drivers, replacing the tweeters from the second generation.

The Kilburn III boasts a significant improvement in power and battery life, delivering 50 watts of power and over 50 hours of playtime, more than double the Kilburn II's 20 hours. This efficiency is achieved despite only a small increase in battery capacity from 5,200 mAh to 5,500 mAh. The speaker can also charge other devices via its USB-C port, although users should be cautious about the direction of the charge depending on the speaker's power status.

To extend battery life, the Marshall app offers features such as setting a maximum charge, adjusting charging speed in different temperatures, and capping charging speed when connected to power. The battery is replaceable via an access door on the bottom of the cabinet. However, the lack of a 30-watt USB-C PD power adapter means users will need to purchase one separately for quick charging.

Audio quality is a strong point for the Kilburn III, offering a balanced sound with controlled distortion, even at high volumes. While it may not be loud enough for a large house party, it provides a good bass resonance and frequency balance. Users can customize the sound using the Marshall Bluetooth app's EQ presets and the speaker's bass and treble knobs. The speaker's design allows for 360-degree sound, although placement near walls can affect audio quality.

Despite its "stereophonic" claim, the Kilburn III does not offer true stereo separation and cannot be paired with another speaker for stereo sound. It also lacks a multi-speaker system feature, as Marshall has discontinued its Stack Mode. Nonetheless, the Kilburn III remains a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and capable portable speaker.