Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn II. It ranks #43 of 105 large speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $279. The Klipsch Detroit ranks #76, rated 3.1/5, at $235.99, $43.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Marshall Kilburn II is the better-sounding option. 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak.
The Klipsch Detroit is the tougher pick. Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. It is rated IP67 against IPX2 for the Marshall Kilburn II. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Marshall Kilburn II cannot. The tradeoff: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the Marshall Kilburn II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $43.01 you would save on the Klipsch Detroit does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Kilburn II | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $235.99 |
| Ranked | #43 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX2 | IP67 |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 36W | 30W RMS |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) | 13.1” x 4.2” x 4.7” (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Kilburn II: $279.00 Amazon $279.00 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Kilburn III, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5, released May 2025. It adds power bank charging, app control, adjustable EQ and party mode, but drops the built-in mic. Battery life goes from 20 to 50 hours. Water resistance goes from IPX2 to IP54. See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
Pros: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. 20+ hour battery with quick-charge (20 min charges 3 hours of play). Rugged design with leather handle and reinforced corners, IPX2 rated. Thrives with rock music. Bluetooth 5.0 with 30ft range. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak. Very low IPX2 water rating. AC charging
Full Marshall Kilburn II review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 36W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Klipsch Detroit: $235.99 Amazon $235.99 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Austin (smaller model, rated 3.7/5) and the Klipsch Nashville (smaller model, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. IP67 dust/waterproof rating submersible 1m for 30 min. 20-hour battery life at moderate volume (12-15 hours at high volume). USB-C fast-charge in 2 hours with two-way power for device charging. Measured bass extension of ~55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep. Boosted lower treble, somewhat harsh sounding like most other Klipsch speakers. Not very loud.
Full Klipsch Detroit review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1” x 4.2” x 4.7” (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
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