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Alexa, what's new with the Marshall smart speakers?

A classic look for two smart speakers: The Marshall Stanmore II Voice and Action II Voice both feature Amazon Alexa integration.
By
August 30, 2018
Product image of the Marshall Stanmore II Voice on white background.

Marshall, a company renowned for its guitar amplifiers, announced an update to two of its popular, pre-existing speakers. The Stanmore II Voice and Action II Voice include Amazon Alexa support straight out of the box.

Product image of the Marshall Stanmore II Voice on white background.
The Marshall Stanmore II Voice is notably heavier than the Action II Voice, but both smart speakers feature Class D amplifiers.

Connecting via Wi-Fi allows for hi-resolution audio streaming, which is available with both products. Of course, you can also connect via Bluetooth, directly through Spotify Connect, with an RCA cable, or a 3.5mm aux cable. Safe to say, there’s no shortage of connection options.

Both speakers come dressed in all-black vinyl with gold accents, appearing unmistakably “Marshall.” And, just like their predecessors, both are adorned with top panel controls, harkening back to the days of analog adjustments.

Marshall Action II Voice speaker wtih smartphone resting on top of it. Product image, top-down.
Take control of the Action II Voice via the top panel and Marshall Voice app.

Each speaker houses a Class D amplifier for the woofer and two Class D amplifiers for the tweeters. As one would expect, the larger Stanmore II Voice gets a bit louder than the Action II Voice at 101dB(SPL) and 98dB(SPL), respectively.

It’s not all about smart speakers

Even though Marshall is investing in Alexa integration, the company also released a non-smart speaker, the Killburn II. It’s more portable and provides 20 hours of playback before needing to be recharged. Weighing in at just 2.5kg (5.5lbs), Marshall touts the Killburn II to be the “loudest speaker in its class.”

The signature Marshall aesthetic means that this is decked out with a metal grille and guitar-inspired strap for transport. Unlike the company’s guitar amplifiers, this speaker is water-resistant.

Marshall’s new smart speakers will be available October 2 with the Action II Voice retailing for $349, and the Stanmore II Voice for $449. The Killburn II will begin shipping on September 13 for $299.