I use it for a month and what impressed me is the power that emerges in relation to its size. Manufacture of quality, everything exudes strength and the look is to die. The EQ knobs are a real plus, but find use as a low volume (when the volume knob is on the first quarter equalization does not feel...

Bluetooth speakers tend to have a very same-same look, what with all the small cylindrical or rectangular boxes out there, but Marshall's Stanmore is something different, very different, focusing on the brand's heritage and delivering a speaker for musos.

Very pretty; with a look like something out of a rock concert; Fantastic sound with loads of oomph; Customisable treble and bass

Expensive; Doesn't work as a guitar amp; It doesn't go up to 11 (not really a negative

The Marshall Stanmore is a stylish wireless speaker with Bluetooth connectivity. Its faux-leather vinyl exterior and analog knobs evoke memories of the Marshall amplifiers made famous by rock-n-rollers like Peter Townshend and Angus Young.

The Marshall Stanmore has the coolest aesthetic of any speaker we've seen

There is no Wi-Fi connectivity

Marshall amps have been an iconic aspect of rock and roll for decades. They've been the speakers many top-name musicians and bands have played with since 1966. They haven't really been consumer products (not counting garage band members) until recently, though, with the Marshall Monitor headphones.

Classic design; Powerful, full sound; Plenty of connectivity options

Expensive; Bulky; Not portable

The Marshall Stanmore is the follow-up to the limited edition Marshall Hanwell speakers . Compared to it's predecessor, the Marshall Stanmore comes in a smaller body and offers a full compliment of connectivity options.

It was really interesting, the day the speaker arrived at the house for review. I hadn't really been briefed as to what was arriving, so I just put it down to the usual stuff. Among the things was a large cardboard box, and heavy too.

There's wireless speakers with more advanced connectivity, more features and even one or two that sound better as well, but we'd wager that there are none that either look as good or are such a pleasure to own and use. So, is the Marshall Stanmore worth buying?

Good looks; Great knobs; Big volume

Expensive; Sound could be better

There's a lot of Bluetooth speakers on the market and in varying sizes and shapes. But few aspire to a retail of $400.00 because of inexpensive materials corralled together to form a speaker-box.

Adjustable audio frequencies; Coiled mini-jack cable

Not really portable

Marshall's Stanmore delivers satisfying sound in a package that is sure to turn heads.

Warm; smooth bass lines; Clear and accurate highs; Packed with features; Gorgeous vintage aesthetic

Midrange a little boxy and light; Lacks the definition/detail expected at this price

Some things are done best in Britain. Marshall amplifiers are a long-standing Brit brand with a strong rock association. But now the company is heading away from the stage and into the compact space with its Stanmore active stereo speaker.