Short answer: the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A for better sound quality, the Marshall Emberton II for the lower price. The Yamaha True X Speaker 1A ranks #95 of 136 medium speakers at $150. The Marshall Emberton II ranks #100 at $144.37, $5.63 cheaper.
What the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A gets right: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. The catch: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
The case for the Marshall Emberton II: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Marshall Emberton II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton II is rated for 30 hours versus 12 hours for the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $144.37 |
| Ranked | #95 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g | 1.5 lbs / 700 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Output Power | 10W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Max Volume | - | 88dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: $150 Amazon
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 →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XB20
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- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony ULT Field 3
Marshall Emberton II: $144.37 Amazon
Pros: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. IP67 rated, durable rubbery build using 50% recycled plastic.
Cons: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Not very loud.
Full Marshall Emberton II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | 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 | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 700 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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