Short answer: the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks #21 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $199.99; the Marshall Middleton II ranks #28 and costs $330, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Teufel Rockster Cross gets right: Pretty neutral frequency response. More vocal/midrange-focused than the JBL Xtreme 4, thanks to a larger mid/bass driver - better suited to rock and jazz. The tradeoff: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4khz peak. Not as deep or full-sounding in the bass as the JBL Xtreme 4.
On the Marshall Middleton II side: Very deep bass for the size/weight. The catch: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange. Dip around 200hz, peak at 1khz, dipped at 1.6khz.
Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Middleton II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Middleton II is rated for 30 hours versus 16 hours for the Teufel Rockster Cross.
Specifications Side By Side
| Teufel Rockster Cross | Marshall Middleton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $330 |
| Ranked | #21 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Power Input | DC barrel jack | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (5 band) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 15" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) | 9.1" x 3.9" x 4.3" (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625" tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 30W | 80W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Sonos Move vs Marshall Middleton
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
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The Two Speakers In Full
Teufel Rockster Cross: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Pretty neutral frequency response. More vocal/midrange-focused than the JBL Xtreme 4, thanks to a larger mid/bass driver - better suited to rock and jazz. Nicer upper-bass detail than the JBL Xtreme 4. Punchy, well-controlled bass that suits rock music, unlike the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus’s overboosted, uncontrolled bass even at stock tuning. Clear, detailed audio with good vocal presence and solid Bluetooth codec support even a couple years after release.
Cons: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4khz peak. Not as deep or full-sounding in the bass as the JBL Xtreme 4.
Full Teufel Rockster Cross review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Motion X600
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs JBL Xtreme 3
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Soundcore Motion X500
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Sonos Move 2
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs Bose SoundLink Max
- Teufel Rockster Cross vs B&O Beoplay A2 active
- See all 22 comparisons
Marshall Middleton II: $330 Amazon
Pros: Very deep bass for the size/weight.
Cons: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange. Dip around 200hz, peak at 1khz, dipped at 1.6khz. Strange frequency response through the mids.
Full Marshall Middleton II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1" x 3.9" x 4.3" (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625" tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Marshall Middleton II vs Sonos Move
- Marshall Middleton II vs LG Xboom Bounce
- Marshall Middleton II vs Sonos Move 2
- Marshall Middleton II vs Marshall Middleton
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- Marshall Middleton II vs Soundcore Motion X500
- Marshall Middleton II vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Marshall Middleton II vs Marshall Kilburn II
- See all 21 comparisons