New on the scene is the Marshall Kilburn II - the updated version of Marshall Headphones best selling classic speaker with all new features and a tougher body to withstand all the parties and travels you throw at it. There are very few times when I open a package (and we get a lot) and my heart beats a little faster but that was the reaction the Kilburn II invoked, it truly is a thing of beauty. I immediately whacked it on charge, eager to see what the new version can do, whilst I watched the little red battery indicator top up I had chance to get a closer look at the new body. The metal grill has been updated with a traditional microphone style design with slightly wider holes it has a cleaner and less busy finish, there are also corner caps making it look more like a classic amp and providing some extra protection from bumps and scrapes when on the road.

I never thought I would be so impressed by a strap, but this is unlike other straps, designed like a guitar strap with a strong and flexible faux leather upper and soft deep red velvet interior it adds a high-end rock and roll look to the speaker as well as a comfortable and sturdy way to carry the speaker. Being created from high end materials it isn’t something you will want to carry in your back pack for a hike at 3KG but it comfortable to take to parties, camping or to a BBQ (worth it just to see the envy in your friends’ eyes). Like the original Kilburn the new version has four sturdy rubber feet to raise it off the ground and protect surfaces, it has the classic Marshall logo across the grill and the control panel on the top of the speaker, it is made from plastic this time instead of metal which is a shame but it still looks good and the Volume, Bass and Treble controls are still metal with a rubber grip.

That cool metal on/off switch has also disappeared, and it is switched on via the volume control and there is a button to activate the Bluetooth connection. After about 2.5hours the Kilburn II was fully charged I was excited to test out the sound, you will get 20+ hours of playtime off a single charge, it was simple to pair with my device and used Bluetooth 5.0, which provides you with a 10m range. Starting with the volume the Kilburn II is the loudest in its class, it is very impressive how much noise this compact device can kick out, and whether you have it up full or down low it will still provide you with the best quality audio, pure and layered mid-range, thick pumping bass and clean and crisp treble make for a truly enjoyable listening experience. It doesn’t stop there, the multidirectional sound and back firing tweeters easily full up a room are outdoor area with sound, and the multi-host option means two people can connect to the speaker at the same time, let the musical battle commence. They say good things come in small packages and that absolutely rings true for the Kilburn II, beautiful and powerful, if you love your music this is well worth the money. RRP £269

Current Cheapest Price

5 out of 5

Pros

Attractive design

Excellent audio

Loudest in its class

Portable

20+ playtime of single charge

Bass and treble controls

Dual device connectivity