The Marshall Woburn III is a wired home speaker that stands out in the crowded market of audio devices. Known for its signature retro-style design, this speaker integrates seamlessly with various components in your living room, such as your TV, thanks to its RCA and HDMI ARC inputs. Positioned at the higher end of Marshall’s home audio lineup, the Woburn III offers several features aimed at delivering an exceptional listening experience. This review delves into the design, sound quality, features, and overall performance of the Marshall Woburn III, providing a thorough overview of what makes this speaker a notable choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Design and Build Quality
Iconic Retro-Style Design
The Marshall Woburn III retains the iconic design that the brand is famous for. Its retro aesthetic is characterized by a textured vinyl covering, a salt-and-pepper fret, and the classic script logo on the grille. These elements not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also ensure that the speaker stands out as a stylish piece in any living room. The sturdy construction and high-quality materials used in the Woburn III reflect Marshall’s commitment to durability and longevity.
User-Friendly Controls
On top of the speaker, you will find a set of brass control knobs that allow for easy adjustment of volume, bass, and treble. These tactile controls are reminiscent of vintage amplifiers and provide a satisfying user experience. Additionally, the inclusion of a 3.5mm input and Bluetooth pairing button on the control panel adds to the speaker’s versatility.
Connectivity Options
RCA and HDMI ARC Inputs
One of the standout features of the Marshall Woburn III is its extensive connectivity options. The RCA input allows you to connect traditional audio sources like turntables or CD players, making it a versatile addition to any home audio setup. The HDMI ARC input is particularly noteworthy, as it enables seamless integration with your TV. This feature ensures that the speaker can serve as a high-quality soundbar, enhancing your home theater experience with superior audio performance.
Bluetooth and Wireless Capabilities
In addition to its wired connections, the Woburn III also supports Bluetooth connectivity. This wireless option allows you to stream music directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer with ease. The Bluetooth range is impressive, ensuring a stable connection even when you are not in the same room as the speaker. This combination of wired and wireless options makes the Marshall Woburn III a flexible and convenient choice for various listening scenarios.
Sound Quality
Powerful and Balanced Audio
The Marshall Woburn III is renowned for its powerful sound output. Equipped with two 1-inch tweeters and dual 5.25-inch woofers, this speaker delivers a robust and balanced audio experience. The sound is clear and detailed across the frequency spectrum, making it suitable for all genres of music. Whether you are listening to classical, rock, jazz, or electronic music, the Woburn III ensures an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Extended Bass Response
For those who enjoy bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop, the Marshall Woburn III does not disappoint. The speaker is capable of reproducing deep bass notes with impressive clarity and minimal distortion. The extended bass response adds a thumping and rumbling effect to your music, making it feel more dynamic and engaging. The adjustable bass and treble levels further enhance your ability to customize the sound to your liking.
Placement Compensation Tool
One of the innovative features of the Marshall Woburn III is its placement compensation tool. Available through the companion app, this tool allows you to optimize the speaker’s sound output based on its position in the room. Whether the speaker is placed near a wall, in a corner, or in an open space, the placement compensation tool adjusts the audio settings to deliver the best possible sound quality. This feature ensures that you get a consistent and high-quality listening experience, regardless of where the speaker is positioned.
Features and Usability
Customizable Sound Settings
The Marshall Woburn III offers several features that allow you to tailor the sound to your preferences. The bass and treble knobs on the control panel provide quick and easy adjustments, while the companion app offers more detailed customization options. The app allows you to fine-tune the EQ settings, enabling you to achieve the perfect balance for your music. This level of control makes the Woburn III a versatile speaker that can adapt to different audio preferences and environments.
Integration with Smart Devices
While the Marshall Woburn III is primarily a wired speaker, its integration with smart devices enhances its usability. The Bluetooth connectivity enables you to pair the speaker with your smartphone or tablet, allowing for convenient wireless streaming. Additionally, the speaker’s compatibility with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa adds another layer of functionality. You can use voice commands to control playback, adjust volume, and access various streaming services, making the Woburn III a modern and user-friendly audio solution.
High-End Components
As a higher-end model in Marshall’s home audio lineup, the Woburn III is equipped with premium components that contribute to its superior performance. The speaker’s robust build quality, combined with high-quality drivers and amplifiers, ensures that it delivers a powerful and detailed sound. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the Woburn III is evident, and it plays a significant role in the speaker’s overall audio quality and durability.
Performance in Different Settings
Home Theater Experience
The inclusion of an HDMI ARC input makes the Marshall Woburn III an excellent choice for enhancing your home theater experience. When connected to your TV, the speaker provides clear and powerful audio that significantly improves the sound quality of movies and TV shows. The extended bass response and balanced sound make action scenes more impactful and dialogues clearer. The ability to adjust the sound settings through the app also allows you to tailor the audio to your specific viewing preferences.
Music Listening
The Marshall Woburn III excels in music listening, thanks to its high-quality sound output and customizable settings. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the speaker delivers an immersive and enjoyable audio experience. The extended bass response is particularly impressive for bass-heavy genres, while the clear and detailed sound makes it suitable for a wide range of music styles. The placement compensation tool ensures that the speaker performs well in different environments, providing consistent sound quality regardless of its position in the room.
Everyday Use
For everyday use, the Marshall Woburn III offers a convenient and versatile audio solution. The combination of wired and wireless connectivity options makes it easy to integrate the speaker into various setups, whether you are using it with your TV, turntable, or smartphone. The user-friendly controls and companion app provide easy access to customization options, allowing you to quickly adjust the sound to suit your needs. The robust build quality and stylish design also make the Woburn III a durable and attractive addition to any living room.
Comparison with Other Models
Marshall Acton III and Marshall Stanmore III
The Marshall Woburn III is positioned at the higher end of Marshall’s home audio lineup, above models like the Marshall Acton III and the Marshall Stanmore III. Compared to these models, the Woburn III offers more powerful sound output and additional features. The larger drivers and higher wattage of the Woburn III contribute to its superior audio performance, making it a better choice for larger rooms and more demanding listening environments.
RCA and HDMI ARC Inputs
One of the key differentiators of the Marshall Woburn III is its RCA and HDMI ARC inputs. These connectivity options are not available on the Acton III and Stanmore III, making the Woburn III a more versatile and adaptable speaker. The HDMI ARC input, in particular, enhances the speaker’s functionality as a home theater component, providing a seamless connection with your TV and improving the overall audio experience.
Placement Compensation Tool
The placement compensation tool is another feature that sets the Marshall Woburn III apart from its siblings. This tool ensures optimal sound quality regardless of the speaker’s position in the room, a feature that is especially useful in challenging acoustic environments. While the Acton III and Stanmore III offer excellent sound quality, the addition of the placement compensation tool in the Woburn III provides an extra level of customization and performance optimization.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The Marshall Woburn III delivers powerful, balanced, and detailed sound, making it suitable for all music genres and home theater use.
- Versatile Connectivity: With RCA and HDMI ARC inputs, as well as Bluetooth, the Woburn III offers extensive connectivity options for various audio sources.
- Stylish Design: The iconic retro-style design, combined with high-quality materials, makes the Woburn III an attractive addition to any living room.
- Customizable Sound Settings: The bass and treble knobs, along with the companion app, allow for detailed sound customization.
- Placement Compensation Tool: This feature ensures optimal sound quality regardless of the speaker’s position in the room.
Cons
- High Price Point: The Marshall Woburn III is positioned at the higher end of the market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- Wired Primary Connection: While it offers Bluetooth, the primary use case is wired, which might not suit all users’ preferences.
- Size and Weight: The Woburn III is larger and heavier than some other models, which could be a drawback for those with limited space or who prefer more portable options.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Marshall Woburn III is a standout home speaker that combines exceptional sound quality with versatile connectivity options and a stylish design. Its powerful audio performance, customizable sound settings, and innovative placement compensation tool make it an excellent choice for both music enthusiasts and home theater aficionados. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and features it offers justify the investment for those seeking a premium audio experience.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a high-quality home speaker that delivers powerful and detailed sound, the Marshall Woburn III is a fantastic option. Its versatile connectivity options, including RCA and HDMI ARC inputs, make it a flexible addition to any audio setup. The stylish retro design adds a touch of elegance to your living room, while the placement compensation tool ensures optimal sound quality in any environment. Despite its higher price point, the Woburn III is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize audio performance and design. Whether you are an audiophile or simply looking to enhance your home theater experience, the Marshall Woburn III is a top-tier choice that will not disappoint.