Marshall's new Acton IV and Stanmore IV make a strong case for upgrading your home audio

Bluetooth speakers today have to do more than just sound good. They sit on bookshelves, kitchen counters, and TV units, often doubling as part of your home decor. If you’re looking for one that checks both boxes, Marshall has two new premium speakers worth a look. The company has unveiled the Acton IV and Stanmore IV, bringing better audio, smarter controls, and a handful of practical upgrades while retaining the vintage-amp-inspired design that’s become a Marshall signature.

One of the biggest frustrations with some speakers is how dramatically the sound changes depending on where you’re standing. Sit directly in front of it, and everything sounds great. Move a few feet away, and the vocals or instruments can lose their punch. Marshall says it’s trying to solve that with upgraded tweeters and redesigned waveguides that deliver more even sound across the room. Whether you’re lounging on the couch, cooking in the kitchen, or hosting friends, your music should sound just as good no matter where you are in the room.

If your playlists are packed with hip-hop, EDM, or action movie soundtracks, there’s good news on the bass front too. The company has redesigned the bass port to improve airflow, delivering cleaner, punchier low-end performance without muddying the rest of the mix. The cables now run underneath the speakers, so you can place them right against a wall without the wiring getting in the way.

Volume is another area that has improved. Most speakers have a sweet spot where they sound their best. Turn them down and the music can lose its richness; turn them up too much and distortion starts creeping in. Marshall’s Dynamic Loudness feature keeps vocals, instruments, and bass balanced even at lower volumes, while updated limiters reduce distortion when you crank things up.

The customizable M button, on the other hand, can be assigned to launch your favorite playlist, internet radio station, or preferred sound profile with a single press. If you always kick off the same playlist while making coffee in the morning or cleaning the house, that’s one less reason to reach for your phone.

For those who like fine-tuning their audio, the companion Marshall app lets you adjust EQ settings and optimize the sound based on the speaker’s placement. So if it’s tucked into a corner or squeezed onto a bookshelf, you can tweak the audio to better suit that position instead of settling for whatever it sounds like out of the box.

These speakers are also designed with longevity in mind. The cabinets use FSC-certified wood, while external parts such as the knobs, feet, and front grille can be replaced if they wear out or become damaged. Instead of replacing the entire speaker because of a broken knob or a scuffed grille, you can simply swap out the affected part.

The Acton IV starts at $299.99, while the Stanmore IV costs $399.99. Both speakers are available starting today in black and cream. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home audio setup, Marshall’s latest speakers make a strong case with a thoughtful mix of better sound, practical everyday features, and a design that’s just as enjoyable to look at as it is to listen to.