Short answer: the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A for better sound quality, the Marshall Emberton III for the lower price. The Yamaha True X Speaker 1A ranks #95 of 136 medium speakers at $150. The Marshall Emberton III ranks #99 at $129.99, $20.01 cheaper.
The case for the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. The tradeoff: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
On the Marshall Emberton III side: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. Set against that: 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 III if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton III is rated for 32 hours versus 12 hours for the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #95 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 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 / 673 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| 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 cone drivers + 2x 2" passive radiators |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Output Power | 10W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Bose SoundLink Color II vs Marshall Emberton II
- Marshall Emberton II vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony ULT Field 3
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony ULT Field 3
Marshall Emberton III: $129.99 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. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range cone drivers + 2x 2" passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| 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 / 673 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Marshall Emberton III vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Marshall Emberton III vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
- Marshall Emberton III vs Beats Pill 2024
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Marshall Emberton III vs Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen