Marshall Stanmore III

Classic design

The Marshall Stanmore III comes in three colourways: Black, Brown, and Cream. Measuring 35 x 20 x 18.8 cm and weighing 4.25 kg, it runs solely on mains power – no battery included.

A Marshall box is instantly recognisable: the grippy Tolex covering, fine-mesh grille with the golden Marshall logo, and the brass-tinted top panel featuring AUX input, source selection, bass and treble dials, control knob, and a satisfyingly solid power switch. On the back are the mains connection, RCA input, and bass reflex port.

The two-way driver system consists of a centrally positioned 5-inch woofer and two outward-angled ¾-inch tweeters. Three Class-D amplifiers – one at 50 watts, two at 15 watts – provide plenty of power to fill larger rooms with ease. The unit rests securely on four rubber feet.

Connectivity: digital & analogue

Via Bluetooth 5.2 (LE-ready), the Marshall Stanmore III is quickly paired and ready to rock, with a range of over 10 metres. Multipoint allows connection with up to two devices simultaneously.

Marshall, true to form, stays silent on which codecs are supported. Alternatively, you can connect via 3.5 mm AUX for analogue sources, or hook up a turntable (phono preamp required) or even a tape deck through the RCA input.

Functions and controls

Once paired, the Marshall app (iOS/Android) lets you control the Stanmore III remotely. You can tweak bass and treble, adjust placement compensation (for near-wall or table-edge setups), and install firmware updates (OTA). A 5-band EQ is advertised in marketing but curiously absent in practice.

Still, the minimal app functions are easily forgiven once you start playing with the tactile knobs on the unit itself. The endlessly rotatable dials with softly glowing LED rings exude analogue charm. Bass, treble, and volume feel far more satisfying to adjust directly on the speaker – who needs an app when you’ve got this level of hands-on control?

Sound: clean, powerful, warm

The Stanmore III’s sound is quintessentially Marshall: well-balanced, with a strong bass foundation and slightly emphasised mids that bring instruments and vocals forward. Treble is smooth, softened by what feels like a fine mesh, giving the sound Marshall’s signature warm, slightly muted character.

A capable DSP keeps everything in check, ensuring bass remains present at low volume and preventing distortion at high levels. Crank it up and the Stanmore III still sounds fantastic: the music may roar, but the hardware never falters.

David Gilmour’s live version of “Between Two Points” trickles delicately yet densely through the speaker, swelling into a mighty rock experience with “Sorrow.” Electronic beats from Röyksopp, full of bass punch and shimmering highs, are equally well delivered.

Conclusion

For €399, the Marshall Stanmore III brings true rock’n’roll spirit into your living room. It may not replace a live stage show, but its iconic design and sonic character deliver the feeling of legendary concerts straight to your home. With powerful, warm sound, excellent build quality, and timeless style, it’s a worthy addition for fans of the Marshall look and sound. Even better, street prices are already dropping below €300, making it an even more attractive buy.