Marshall refreshes its iconic home speakers with the new Acton IV and Stanmore IV
Marshall’s latest Bluetooth speakers build on a proven formula with better sound, smarter connectivity and thoughtful design improvements for music lovers and creators alike.
Marshall has unveiled the fourth generation of two of its most popular home speakers, introducing the Acton IV and Stanmore IV. Rather than completely reinventing the series, the company has focused on refining what made the previous models so popular, with upgraded acoustics, improved connectivity and subtle design changes that make the speakers easier to use.
For musicians, producers and creators, these aren’t studio monitors designed for mixing your next release. Instead, they’re premium home speakers built for enjoying music with high-quality sound.
Marshall builds on what already works
Marshall’s home speaker range has become almost as recognisable as its famous guitar amplifiers. Since launching in 2012, the series has combined the company’s iconic amp-inspired styling with wireless audio, creating speakers that feel equally at home in a living room, studio or creative workspace.
Instead of making sweeping changes with this fourth generation of speakers, Marshall has refreshed the qualities that owners already appreciate. In doing so, the speakers’ signature sound, tactile controls, and timeless design all have subtle upgrades.
That philosophy is immediately obvious. Both the Acton IV and Stanmore IV retain the familiar textured finish, brass control panel and salt-and-pepper grille that have become synonymous with Marshall’s consumer audio products. While visually familiar, several meaningful upgrades are hidden beneath the exterior.
A wider, more detailed sound
One of the biggest improvements comes from redesigned tweeters and updated waveguides.
These changes should help produce a wider and more evenly dispersed stereo soundstage, allowing music to fill a room more naturally instead of sounding concentrated in one direction. That means a more immersive listening experience which could make everyday listening more engaging.
Marshall has also redesigned the bass ports to improve airflow through each cabinet. The result, according to the company, is cleaner, more controlled low-end performance without sacrificing the rich bass response the range has become known for.
Combined with upgraded limiters, the speakers are also designed to remain cleaner when played at higher volumes.
Dynamic Loudness aims for consistent sound at any volume
Another new addition is Marshall’s Dynamic Loudness feature. Rather than simply making the speakers louder, Dynamic Loudness automatically adjusts bass and treble as the listening volume changes, helping preserve clarity and balance whether you’re listening quietly late at night or turning the volume up for a party.
Better placement without compromising performance
One of the simplest changes could also be one of the most practical. Marshall has moved the power and audio cable connections to the underside of both speakers, allowing them to sit flush against a wall.
This makes it much easier to place the speakers inside shelving units, on desks, or against walls without awkward cable routing getting in the way. It’s a relatively small design tweak, but one that could make a real difference in home studios or creative spaces where every inch of desk space counts.
Auracast opens the door to multi-speaker setups
Both speakers also see support for Auracast. Built on Bluetooth LE Audio technology, Auracast allows multiple compatible speakers to play audio simultaneously, making it easier to expand a listening setup throughout a home or studio.
Marshall has also introduced a new streaming hub called Heddon, allowing owners of previous-generation Acton III and Stanmore III speakers to join the same multi-speaker system. The hub is also included free when purchasing two or more eligible Marshall home speakers, and simply requires a one-time setup through the Marshall app before synchronising compatible speakers together.
Connectivity remains flexible
Alongside Bluetooth, both speakers continue to support 3.5mm AUX and RCA inputs, making them suitable for a variety of audio sources. For musicians in particular, this flexibility means they can easily connect devices such as turntables with a built-in phono stage, audio interfaces, synths or other playback equipment without relying solely on wireless streaming.
Support for the high-quality LDAC Bluetooth codec also provides improved wireless audio quality for compatible Android devices.
Meanwhile, Marshall’s companion app allows users to adjust EQ presets, customise the programmable M-button and optimise sound based on speaker placement.
Designed with longevity in mind
Beyond audio improvements, Marshall has also made several sustainability-focused changes.
The cabinets are constructed from FSC 100%-certified wood, while key external components including the knobs, feet and grille have been designed to be replaceable if they become damaged.
Although these aren’t fully repairable speakers, it certainly extends the product lifespan of the speakers instead of encouraging consumers to buy complete replacements.
Who are these speakers for?
The Acton IV and Stanmore IV aren’t trying to compete with professional studio monitors or portable Bluetooth speakers. Instead, they’re aimed at music lovers who want premium sound wrapped in one of the most recognisable designs in audio.
The smaller Acton IV looks well suited to bedrooms, offices and compact studios, while the larger Stanmore IV offers more output and bass for bigger rooms or shared creative spaces.
Tech specs
Marshall Acton IV
- $299.99
- 1 × 4-inch woofer
- 2 × 0.75-inch tweeters
- Frequency response: 37Hz–38kHz
- Bluetooth with LDAC, AUX and RCA inputs
Marshall Stanmore IV
- $399.99
- 1 × 5-inch woofer
- 2 × 0.75-inch tweeters
- Frequency response: 36Hz–38kHz
- Bluetooth with LDAC, AUX and RCA inputs
Price and availability
The Marshall Acton IV and Stanmore IV are available now in Black and Cream finishes for $329.99 and $429.99 respectively.
For musicians and music lovers looking for premium home speakers, Marshall’s latest refresh offers meaningful improvements without losing the classic character that made the series so popular in the first place.
