Short answer: the Audio Pro C5 MkII. It ranks #1 of 20 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $325. The Marshall Stanmore III ranks #6, rated 3.8/5, at $249.99, $75.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Audio Pro C5 MkII is the better-sounding choice. Ac-powered operation and limited-stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. It streams over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth, which the Marshall Stanmore III cannot. It links with other speakers (AirPlay 2 multi-room), which the Marshall Stanmore III cannot.
Why pick the Marshall Stanmore III: Ac-powered operation and limited-stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Audio Pro C5 MkII lacks.
Buy the Audio Pro C5 MkII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $75.01 you would save on the Marshall Stanmore III does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio Pro C5 MkII | Marshall Stanmore III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $325 each | $249.99 each |
| Ranked | #1 of 20 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #6 of 20 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, RCA | Bluetooth, RCA, Aux |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Drivers | 4” woofer, 2x 0.75” tweeters | 5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)) | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 5.1” x 5.9” (250 x 130 x 150 mm) | 13.8” x 8” x 7.4” (350 x 203 x 188 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Streaming Services | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast | - |
| Amplifier Power | 41W (2x8W + 25W) | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Audio Pro C5 MkII:
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Woburn III
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Woburn II
- Apple HomePod 2nd Gen vs Audio Pro C5 MkII
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Edifier D12
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Stanmore IV
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audio Pro C5 MkII: $325 each Amazon eBay
Pros: At 2.4 kg, Audio Pro C5 MkII combines 4” woofer, 2x 0.75” tweeters with Bluetooth, Wifi, RCA. Ac-powered operation and limited-stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Reviews find the sound fairly neutral.
Cons: Bass is limited by its 50Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification. There is no battery, so it needs mains power.
Full Audio Pro C5 MkII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 41W (2x8W + 25W) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 5.1” x 5.9” (250 x 130 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” woofer, 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out |
| Party Mode | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Streaming Services | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Woburn III
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Woburn II
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Apple HomePod 2nd Gen
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Edifier D12
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Stanmore IV
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs JBL Authentics 200
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Acton III
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Stanmore II
- See all 15 comparisons
Marshall Stanmore III: $249.99 each Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Stanmore IV, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5.
Smaller model: the Marshall Acton III (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
Larger model: the Marshall Woburn III (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: At 4.4 kg, Marshall Stanmore III combines 5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters with Bluetooth, RCA, Aux. Ac-powered operation and limited-stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Bass is limited by its 45Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification.
Full Marshall Stanmore III review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.8” x 8” x 7.4” (350 x 203 x 188 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Edifier D12
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Apple HomePod 2nd Gen
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Woburn I
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Stanmore IV
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Woburn II
- Marshall Stanmore III vs JBL Authentics 200
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Acton III
- Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Woburn III
- See all 16 comparisons