Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Marshall Acton II is the better pick: it ranks #19 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #24 (rated 3.4/5) for the Klipsch The Three II. If you want one new, the Marshall Acton IV replaces the Marshall Acton II and is rated 3.7/5 at $329.99.
The case for the Marshall Acton II: A compact home speaker with classic Marshall styling, aptX Bluetooth, an aux input and bass and treble adjustment. The tradeoff: Bass is limited by its 56Hz specification.
Why pick the Klipsch The Three II: A retro tabletop speaker with aptX Bluetooth and a wide range of inputs including optical, RCA, aux and USB. The catch: Its 45Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size.
Buy the Marshall Acton II only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Marshall Acton IV, which replaces the Marshall Acton II.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Acton II | Klipsch The Three II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195.60 each Discontinued | $400 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #24 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 10.2” x 6” x 5.9” (260 x 153 x 150 mm) | 11” x 7.3” x 7.3” (280 x 186 x 186 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA, Optical, USB |
| Drivers | 4” (midrange/woofer), 1x 4” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters | 4.5” woofer, 2x 2.25” full-range midranges |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Voice Assistants | None | - |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Amplifier Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) | 60W (Woofer: 30W, Full-range: 2x15W) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Marshall Acton II: reviews by DSAUDIO.review, Danny Pops and Storytripper HD.
- Klipsch The Three II: reviews by DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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