Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn III. It ranks #41 of 97 large speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $379.99. The Klipsch Detroit ranks #69, rated 3.1/5, at $235.15, $144.84 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Marshall Kilburn III is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Spacious soundstage with broad stereo dispersion from Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-driver layout, delivering warm, room-filling sound with 45Hz bass extension. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 10dB, against 55Hz for the Klipsch Detroit. It is rated for 50 hours of battery against 20 for the Klipsch Detroit. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Klipsch Detroit lacks. The catch: Noticeable dips in the midrange compromise frequency response neutrality, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound somewhat recessed or muffled compared to more linear competitors like the JBL Xtreme 4 unless the bass dial is dialed back.
The Klipsch Detroit is the tougher pick. Dual 1” tweeters + 3” woofers deliver excellent sound detail and robust bass. It is rated IP67 against IP54 for the Marshall Kilburn III. Watch for: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the Marshall Kilburn III. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $144.84 with the Klipsch Detroit does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Kilburn III | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.99 | $235.15 |
| Ranked | #41 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #69 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 30W RMS |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 50 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7” x 5.9” x 6.7” (272 x 150 x 170 mm) | 13.1” x 4.2” x 4.7” (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” woofer + 2x 2” full-range drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Marshall Kilburn III:
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 III: $379.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Marshall Kilburn II (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Spacious soundstage with broad stereo dispersion from Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-driver layout, delivering warm, room-filling sound with 45Hz bass extension. Independent physical bass and treble dials allow quick tonal adjustments on the fly, backed by app-based EQ and placement compensation. Battery life is outstanding at up to 50+ hours with USB-C power-bank charging, IP54 splash resistance, 3.5mm aux input, and Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast broadcast support. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Noticeable dips in the midrange compromise frequency response neutrality, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound somewhat recessed or muffled compared to more linear competitors like the JBL Xtreme 4 unless the bass dial is dialed back. Kilburn II retains slightly punchier perceived loudness at maximum volume due to a more aggressive V-shaped contour. At 2.85 kg with only IP54 splash resistance, it is heavy and cannot withstand water immersion. Lacks a built-in microphone and LDAC codec support.
Full Marshall Kilburn III review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 50 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7” x 5.9” x 6.7” (272 x 150 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” woofer + 2x 2” full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Klipsch Detroit: $235.15 Amazon eBay
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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Walts TV: The Austin NEW Klipsch Bluetooth Speaker Review + Sound Test More from Williston Audio Labs →
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