Marshall Acton II Voice
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High-quality wireless two-way speaker system with built-in voice assistant Amazon Alexa. Positioned as a high-end product aimed at customers who prefer classic Marshall design, which takes its roots from the brand's famous guitar amplifiers. They are distinguished by traditionally high sound quality, which is provided by a system of three dynamic radiators (4-inch woofer + two 3/4-inch dome tweeters).
According to the manufacturer, the Marshall Acton II Voice smart speaker is equipped with three separate “digital” class D amplifiers with a total power of 60 W and is capable of fully reproducing a wide frequency range from 50 to 20,000 Hz. To play music from gadgets and network communications, bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters are provided. This allows you to quickly set up pairing with any modern smartphones, tablets, laptops or get quick access to music streaming services (Spotify and Amazon Music). Multiroom technology is supported, which allows you to create a network of synchronously operating audio systems located in different rooms. The Alexa voice assistant can be used to control the smart home system based on the Amazon platform, but it does not support Russian/Ukrainian language recognition. Can be controlled from a smartphone (Marshall Voice app).
Speakers from the English brand Marshall are in demand due to their excellent sound and stylish vintage look. Acton II Voice meets the highest modern requirements, for which it is estimated at a considerable amount — $ 300.
Eternal classic
The speaker with dimensions 160x260x150 mm on legs attracts with a classic "Marshall" design in an elegant combination of black leather and yellow metal. Available in black, white and brown colours, and in any of them it looks quite impressive in the interior.
Due to the thick walls of the MDF case and the impressive hardware, the system also weighs impressively for its dimensions — 2.85 kg. And this despite the fact that the manufacturer did not bother to put a built-in battery. Yes, alas, the system is powered only by the mains, which some may consider a serious drawback.
signature sound
Like all acoustics of the brand, Acton II Voice impresses with a deep natural sound, which is provided by two 15-watt tweeters and a 30-watt subwoofer. There is a treble / bass setting, and the bass response is also improved thanks to the bass reflex port. Together, this gives an excellent intelligible and balanced sound in the range of 50 – 20,000 Hz.
Advanced feature set
As you may have guessed from the name, the speaker supports voice control. It is implemented using Amazon Alexa. Thanks to sensitive microphones in the speakers, the assistant recognizes commands even at a distance of up to 10 m. Alexa helps to control not only music, but also other smart home components, such as TV, locks, lighting, if they are made on the Amazon platform. The only obvious disadvantage is the lack of support for the Russian language.
And of course, Marshall would not be itself if, along with Bluetooth wireless technology, Wi-Fi, support for Multiroom and streaming services, it did not leave the good old mini-Jack connector.
Marshall Acton II Voice is perfect for connoisseurs of good sound, modern standards and beauty in every detail. An excellent choice with almost no drawbacks, apart from the price and the lack of a built-in battery. Still, given the compactness, it would obviously not interfere here.
