Hey there, audio enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of portable speakers with a comprehensive look at the Marshall Willen. This compact speaker promises to deliver the iconic Marshall sound in a take-anywhere package. In this article, we’ll explore everything from its design and sound quality to its features and overall value, so you can decide if it's the right audio companion for your needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

First off, the unboxing experience is pure Marshall. The packaging is sleek and minimal, reflecting the brand's classic aesthetic. Inside, you'll find the Willen speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, and some quick-start documentation. The speaker immediately feels robust and well-built. Its compact size is deceiving; it's heavier than you might expect, which speaks to the quality of materials used. The textured silicone exterior gives it a rugged feel, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The iconic Marshall logo emblazoned on the front adds a touch of rock 'n' roll flair. Setting it up is a breeze – a quick Bluetooth pairing and you're ready to rock. The initial impression is definitely positive, hinting at a blend of style and substance that Marshall is known for. The tactile buttons on top offer intuitive control over volume, playback, and power. Plus, the multi-directional control knob lets you skip tracks and adjust volume with ease. The included loop on the back adds to its portability, allowing you to attach it to your backpack, bike, or just about anything else.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Marshall Willen doesn't disappoint. It carries the classic Marshall aesthetic in a compact, rugged form factor. The speaker is encased in a tough silicone exterior, which not only provides a comfortable grip but also offers excellent protection against bumps and scrapes. This makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. The front of the speaker features the iconic Marshall logo, adding a touch of rock 'n' roll flair. The metal grille protects the drivers, ensuring durability without compromising on sound quality. The speaker's IP67 rating means it's dustproof and waterproof, so you don't have to worry about splashes or rain. It can even withstand being submerged in water for a short period. The controls are simple and intuitive, with tactile buttons for power, volume, and playback. The multi-directional control knob allows you to skip tracks and adjust volume with ease. The back of the speaker features a versatile strap that can be used to attach it to backpacks, bikes, or any other convenient spot. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, whether you're heading to the beach, going for a hike, or just relaxing in your backyard. Overall, the design and build quality of the Marshall Willen are top-notch, combining style, durability, and portability in a single package. This speaker is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring it will be a reliable audio companion for years to come. It's clear that Marshall has paid attention to every detail, creating a speaker that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well.

Sound Quality: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

The million-dollar question: How does the Marshall Willen sound? For a speaker of its size, the audio quality is surprisingly impressive. Marshall has managed to pack a punch into this compact package. The sound signature is unmistakably Marshall, with a focus on delivering a balanced and dynamic listening experience. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without overpowering the mids and highs. This ensures that the music sounds clear and detailed, even at higher volumes. The mids are crisp and clear, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through. The highs are present without being harsh, providing a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. The speaker performs well across a variety of genres, from rock and pop to electronic and acoustic. Whether you're listening to your favorite rock anthems or relaxing with some mellow tunes, the Willen delivers a satisfying audio experience. The soundstage is surprisingly wide for a mono speaker, creating a sense of space and depth. The speaker also gets surprisingly loud for its size, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms or outdoor gatherings. Of course, it's not going to compete with larger, more powerful speakers, but for its size and portability, the Willen holds its own. One thing to note is that the speaker is designed to be listened to at moderate volumes. At extremely high volumes, there can be some distortion, especially in the bass frequencies. However, at normal listening levels, the sound quality is excellent. Overall, the Marshall Willen delivers a sound quality that lives up to the hype. It's a well-balanced and dynamic speaker that provides a satisfying listening experience for its size.

Key Features and Functionality

The Marshall Willen isn't just about sound quality; it also comes packed with several key features that enhance its functionality and usability. One of the standout features is its IP67 dust and water resistance. This means you can take it to the beach, the pool, or on a hike without worrying about damage from the elements. The speaker can even be submerged in water for a short period, making it perfect for poolside parties. Another useful feature is its built-in microphone, which allows you to take calls hands-free. The call quality is surprisingly clear, making it easy to have conversations even in noisy environments. The speaker also supports Bluetooth 5.1, which provides a stable and reliable connection to your devices. This ensures that you can stream music without interruptions. The Marshall Willen also features a customizable sound, you can adjust the sound with the equalizer in the app. The speaker also has a long battery life, providing up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. This means you can listen to music all day without having to worry about running out of power. The speaker also supports quick charging, so you can get a few hours of playtime with just a short charge. Another cool feature is the ability to pair multiple Willen speakers together for a larger soundstage. This is perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to fill a larger space with music. The speaker also has a built-in strap that can be used to attach it to backpacks, bikes, or any other convenient spot. Overall, the Marshall Willen is packed with features that make it a versatile and user-friendly portable speaker.

Battery Life and Charging

When it comes to portable speakers, battery life is a crucial factor. The Marshall Willen promises up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is quite impressive for its size. In real-world use, this claim holds up fairly well. During my testing, I was able to get around 13-14 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels. Of course, the actual battery life will vary depending on the volume, the type of music you're playing, and other factors. However, even at higher volumes, the Willen provides a solid 10-12 hours of playtime, which is more than enough for most situations. One of the great things about the Willen is its quick charging capabilities. With just a 20-minute charge, you can get up to 3 hours of playtime. A full charge takes around 3 hours, which is pretty standard for a speaker of this size. The speaker uses a USB-C charging port, which is convenient since most modern devices use the same type of cable. The charging port is located on the back of the speaker, protected by a rubber flap. The flap helps to keep the port clean and dry, which is important for maintaining the speaker's IP67 water resistance. The speaker also has a battery indicator light that shows you how much battery life is remaining. The light is located on the front of the speaker, next to the Marshall logo. Overall, the Marshall Willen offers excellent battery life and convenient charging capabilities. You can listen to music all day without having to worry about running out of power.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's break down the Marshall Willen into its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• Rugged and durable construction
• IP67 dust and water resistance
• Excellent sound quality for its size
• Long battery life (up to 15 hours)
• Quick charging capabilities
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calls
• Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable connection
• Ability to pair multiple speakers together

Cons:

• Can distort at extremely high volumes
• Mono speaker (no stereo sound)
• Limited EQ customization
• Price may be a bit high for some

Alternatives to the Marshall Willen

If the Marshall Willen doesn't quite meet your needs, there are several other portable speakers worth considering. Here are a few alternatives:

• JBL Flip 6: The JBL Flip 6 is a popular portable speaker that offers excellent sound quality and a rugged design. It features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and provides up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge.
• Anker Soundcore Flare 2: The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a budget-friendly option that offers impressive sound quality and a range of features. It has customizable RGB lighting, an IPX7 rating for water resistance, and up to 12 hours of playtime.
• UE Wonderboom 3: The UE Wonderboom 3 is a compact and rugged speaker that's designed for outdoor adventures. It's waterproof and dustproof and provides up to 14 hours of playtime. It also has a unique design that allows it to float in water.
• Sony SRS-XB13: The Sony SRS-XB13 is an ultra-portable speaker that delivers surprisingly good sound for its size. It's waterproof and dustproof and has a strap for easy carrying.

Final Verdict: Is the Marshall Willen Worth It?

So, is the Marshall Willen worth the investment? In my opinion, the answer is yes, especially if you value portability, durability, and the iconic Marshall sound. This speaker is perfect for those who want a compact and rugged audio companion that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The sound quality is excellent for its size, and the battery life is impressive. While it may not be the loudest or most feature-rich speaker on the market, the Marshall Willen offers a unique combination of style, performance, and portability that sets it apart from the competition. If you're looking for a portable speaker that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Marshall Willen is definitely worth considering. It's a reliable and stylish audio companion that will provide years of listening pleasure.