Short answer: the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #121 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5) at $150 and is still sold new; the Marshall Emberton ranks #138 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Marshall Emberton’s replacement, the Marshall Emberton III, is rated 2.7/5 at $129.99. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 175 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Marshall Emberton is the longer-running option. Two full range drivers fire in stereo with a wide, enveloping soundstage, and RTINGS found its mids and treble balanced for clear vocals. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A. The catch: Little low bass and it does not get very loud.
The Yamaha True X Speaker 1A is the lighter option. Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. At 1.1 lbs (500 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Marshall Emberton at 1.5 lbs (700 g). Watch for: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
Buy the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Marshall Emberton is discontinued.
Worth knowing: the Marshall Emberton has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.4 to 2.9, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton | Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 Discontinued | $150 |
| Ranked | #138 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers Estimated | #121 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 55mm (2.2”) full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 10W |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 4.1” x 3.5” x 3.5” (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Yamaha True X Speaker 1A compares with other leading options:
- JBL Charge 6 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- JBL Flip 7 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Sony ULT Field 3 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Ultimate Ears Boom 3 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Klipsch Groove vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
Marshall Emberton: $169.99 Discontinued Estimated eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, ranked higher, rated 2.7/5, released Aug 2024. See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
Pros: Two full range drivers fire in stereo with a wide, enveloping soundstage, and RTINGS found its mids and treble balanced for clear vocals. IPX7 waterproof with a tough silicone and metal build. Up to 20 hours of battery with USB-C charging. Compact and light at 700 g.
Cons: Little low bass and it does not get very loud. No app, EQ or sound adjustments. Cannot pair with a second speaker, unlike the Marshall Emberton II. No aux input or speakerphone. Discontinued, replaced by the Marshall Emberton II.
Full Marshall Emberton review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: Marshall Emberton Review - One of the best yet! More from DannyPops →
- Danny Pops: Marshall Emberton II Review! Compared to Marshall Emberton Original
- Danny Pops: BOSE SOUNDLINK FLEX VS MARSHALL EMBERTON… WOW!
- Danny Pops: BLIND BLUETOOTH SPEAKER TEST - Marshall Emberton VS Bose Soundlink Flex VS JBL Flip 5
- Danny Pops: Marshall EMBERTON vs EVERYTHING (almost)
- RTINGS: Marshall Emberton Review More from Rtings.com →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: $150 Amazon $150 eBay
Pros: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. IP67 rated. Clear Voice technology boosts dialogue clarity.
Cons: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant
Full Yamaha True X Speaker 1A review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 3.5” x 3.5” (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2”) full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Ultimate Ears Boom 3
- See all 11 comparisons