Short answer: the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks #21 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $199.99; the Marshall Middleton ranks #31 and costs $220.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Teufel Rockster Cross side: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Marshall Middleton gets right: Very deep bass for the size/weight. The catch: 5db dip at 1.7khz and 6.3khz. 9khz treble peak. Not a very smooth frequency response.
Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Middleton and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Teufel Rockster Cross | Marshall Middleton | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $220.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | DC barrel jack | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 15" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) | 9.1" x 3.7" x 4.3" (230 x 95 x 109 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 | 50W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
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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.
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Marshall Middleton: $220.99 Amazon
Pros: Very deep bass for the size/weight.
Cons: 5db dip at 1.7khz and 6.3khz. 9khz treble peak. Not a very smooth frequency response. A lot of Marshall’s added dsp echo which cannot be turned off, very distracting and annoying. It’s like forcing you to listen to your music in an echo chamber. Bass is reasonably deep but artificial sounding and flabby, with no attack and no dynamics. Treble is rolled off.
Full Marshall Middleton review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1" x 3.7" x 4.3" (230 x 95 x 109 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625" tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 50W |
| 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.
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