Guitar amplifier and speaker brand Marshall is raising the volume on its home audio offering by unveiling the next generation of the brand’s Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers. The speakers now include Auracast technology and they have a refreshed design with enhanced performance and style.

In this latest update, both the sound and usability of the speakers have been boosted. Each benefits from upgraded tweeters and waveguides that provide a wider and more evenly dispersed stereo soundstage. A redesigned bass port now improves the airflow which produces a cleaner bass. Meanwhile, bottom-placed cables enable the speakers to be positioned flush with a wall.

A Dynamic Loudness feature has been included to ensure the music sounds clear at any volume and that all the details remain balanced. At low volume levels, Marshall says the speakers retain their clarity, richness and warmth, but when turned up, the improved limiters deliver a cleaner sound.

The Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers each have the classic Marshall analog look, including the brand’s signature PU leather wrapping, iconic salt-and-pepper fret and amp-inspired controls. The classic brass control panel has been updated to include an improved media jog and signature Marshall power switch.

The controls are designed to be easy to find the best settings and sound. Users can easily adjust volume, bass and treble, as well as manage music playback when streaming via Bluetooth. The addition of a customizable M-button provides instant access to music or for personalized settings.

For other music sources, both speakers have inputs for RCA and AUX, enabling vinyl enthusiasts to connect a turntable. Both speakers have been tuned in-house by acoustic engineers to deliver Marshall’s signature sound. A dedicated Marshall smartphone app completes the experience, letting users customize the sound, adjust EQ presets and optimize audio with placement compensation.

“Since first launching in 2012, Marshall’s home speakers have evolved while remaining true to our heritage. These always-in-place speakers form the foundation of any home setup, with Acton and Stanmore chosen time and again for their iconic design, premium build quality, rich, powerful sound, and intuitive tactile controls. With our fourth generation, the focus has been on protecting and strengthening these core qualities, building on what people love rather than reinventing it” says Simona Berbec, product manager at Marshall Group.

The MDF cabinet used in Acton IV and Stanmore IV is made from FSC 100%-certified wood and both speakers are designed to be repaired with replaceable parts, including knobs, feet and grille.

Multi-Speaker Connectivity

Because the speakers have Auracast built-in, Marshall users can expand their audio setup and play music in sync across multiple Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers. Acton III and Stanmore III speakers can also join the party via Marshall’s newly launched Heddon streaming hub, making it easier to create a multi-speaker set-up.

Setting up a multi-speaker system using Heddon is a seamless process. There is a one-time set-up involving the Marshall app and that is all it takes to perfectly synchronize sound around the home. Heddon can be bought from marshall.com for $299.99 / £179.99 / €199 and is included free of charge when two or more eligible Marshall home speakers are purchased together.

Pricing and Availability:

The Marshall Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers are available now in black or cream finishes from marshall.com , priced at $299.99 / £259.99 / €299 and $399.99 / £349.99 / €399, respectively.

  • Amplifiers: 1 x 60 W Class D Woofer / 2 x 25W Class D Tweeters
  • Drivers: 1 x 4-inch Woofer / 2 x 0.75-inch Tweeters with waveguides
  • Drive type: Dynamic.
  • Cabinet Principle: Active stereo loudspeaker with bass reflex system
  • Stereo/Mono: Stereo.
  • Frequency Response: 37Hz – 38kHz.
  • Max SPL: 95dB SPL @ 1m.
  • Codecs: SBC, MPEG-2 AAC, LC3, LDAC.
  • Weight: 2.65kg.
  • Amplifiers: 1 x 60 W Class D Woofer / 2 x 25W Class D Tweeters.
  • Drivers: 1 x 5-inch Woofer / 2 x 0.75-inch Tweeters with waveguides.
  • Drive type: Dynamic.
  • Cabinet Principle: Active stereo loudspeaker with bass reflex system.
  • Frequency Response: 36Hz – 38kHz.
  • Max SPL: 97dB SPL @ 1m.
  • Codecs: SBC, MPEG-2 AAC, LC3, LDAC.
  • Weight: 4kg.