{ "guide": { "slug": "marshall-middleton-ii", "archetype": "product-refresh", "title": "Marshall Middleton II Buyer Guide", "subtitle": "Set bass and treble on the speaker.", "summary": "Middleton II suits portable listening with physical tone controls, aux input and a built-in call microphone. Marshall advertises more than 30 hours, but the exact-generation review reports no multi-speaker pairing.", "category": { "slug": "hardware", "name": "Hardware", "description": "Product factsheets for computers, devices, peripherals, and buying decisions." }, "tags": [ "music-hardware", "buyer-guide", "portable-battery-speakers" ], "version": "2026-10-18.1", "publishedAt": "2026-10-18", "updatedAt": "2026-10-18", "freshness": { "status": "Source checked", "checkedAt": "2026-10-18", "horizon": "Recheck firmware, exact hardware revision and offers before buying.", "note": "Battery figures are manufacturer estimates with different conditions. Dated availability observations are not stock or delivery guarantees." }, "heroLabel": "Music hardware", "vaultPath": "Research/Technology/Hardware/Marshall Middleton II Buyer Guide.md", "r2JsonKey": "guides/marshall-middleton-ii/2026-10-18.1.json", "thesisCards": [ { "title": "Buy for", "body": "Choose it when tactile tone adjustment and connecting an analog source matter more than a Wi-Fi or grouped-speaker system." }, { "title": "Choose another route when", "body": "Skip it if stacking multiple speakers is the plan: original Middleton Stack Mode descriptions do not establish that feature on Middleton II." } ], "stats": [ { "label": "Architecture", "value": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls." }, { "label": "Power", "value": "Maker: 30+h; test conditions unspecified on product page." }, { "label": "Connections", "value": "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app." } ], "sections": [ { "id": "bottom-line", "eyebrow": "Bottom Line", "title": "Set bass and treble on the speaker.", "body": "Middleton II suits portable listening with physical tone controls, aux input and a built-in call microphone. Marshall advertises more than 30 hours, but the exact-generation review reports no multi-speaker pairing." }, { "id": "mechanism", "eyebrow": "Mechanism", "title": "What you will work with.", "bullets": [ "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls.", "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app.", "Maker: 30+h; test conditions unspecified on product page." ] }, { "id": "decision", "eyebrow": "Decision", "title": "Choose the workflow before the specification.", "bullets": [ "Choose it when tactile tone adjustment and connecting an analog source matter more than a Wi-Fi or grouped-speaker system.", "Skip it if stacking multiple speakers is the plan: original Middleton Stack Mode descriptions do not establish that feature on Middleton II." ] }, { "id": "edge-cases", "eyebrow": "Edge Cases", "title": "Check the ownership constraints.", "bullets": [ "The Middleton II review reports no multi-speaker pairing; original Middleton Stack Mode is not a feature of this recommendation." ] }, { "id": "current-comparison", "eyebrow": "Comparison ladder", "title": "Five ways to solve this buying decision.", "body": "Editorial buying jobs, not sales rank or a universal quality ranking. Battery estimates use unlike manufacturer conditions. Historical reviews are labelled and do not establish current firmware or stock.", "table": { "columns": [ "Product", "Buy for", "Main tradeoff" ], "rows": [ [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Choose FM radio and tactile looping as part of listening.", "Its creative listening controls are the differentiator; the 72h figure is not loud Bluetooth playback." ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Choose a portable speaker that also belongs to a home Wi-Fi audio system.", "Line input needs an extra adapter and the smart features depend on network/app setup." ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Choose rugged Bluetooth listening with a wired auxiliary input and simple physical controls.", "No Wi-Fi multiroom system; at maximum volume the official manual gives up to 3h." ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Choose outdoor durability, USB-C audio and expandable Auracast playback.", "Power-saving playback is not directly comparable to ordinary-mode battery figures." ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Choose physical bass/treble controls, aux input and multidirectional portable listening.", "The Middleton II review reports no multi-speaker pairing; original Middleton Stack Mode is not a feature of this recommendation." ] ] } }, { "id": "comparison-evidence", "eyebrow": "Evidence", "title": "Comparison facts and their sources.", "body": "Source IDs below resolve to the full source list. Fit and tradeoff judgments combine those sources; published specifications are not head-to-head tests.", "table": { "columns": [ "Product", "Dimension", "Value", "Sources", "Evidence" ], "rows": [ [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Choose it for", "Choose FM radio and tactile looping as part of listening.", "mh-ob4; mh-ob4-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Choose it for", "Choose a portable speaker that also belongs to a home Wi-Fi audio system.", "mh-move2; mh-move2-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Choose it for", "Choose rugged Bluetooth listening with a wired auxiliary input and simple physical controls.", "mh-max; mh-max-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Choose it for", "Choose outdoor durability, USB-C audio and expandable Auracast playback.", "mh-xtreme5; mh-xtreme5-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Choose it for", "Choose physical bass/treble controls, aux input and multidirectional portable listening.", "mh-middleton2; mh-middleton2-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Listening design", "Bluetooth/FM speaker with rolling two-hour replay buffer and motorized controls.", "mh-ob4", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Listening design", "Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo speaker with Sonos app and voice features.", "mh-move2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Listening design", "Stereo Bluetooth speaker; no built-in microphone.", "mh-max", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Listening design", "One woofer and two tweeters; amplifier output differs on AC and battery.", "mh-xtreme5", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Listening design", "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls.", "mh-middleton2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Power and battery conditions", "Maker: 72h normal-volume FM; 40h Bluetooth claim; 8h high-volume Bluetooth.", "mh-ob4", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Power and battery conditions", "Maker: up to 24h; cited guide does not state a common test volume.", "mh-move2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Power and battery conditions", "Maker: up to 20h at 65% volume, default EQ, 20–25C, without charging another device.", "mh-max", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Power and battery conditions", "Maker: up to 24h, plus 4h with Playtime Boost; not 28h in the normal mode.", "mh-xtreme5", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Power and battery conditions", "Maker: 30+h; test conditions unspecified on product page.", "mh-middleton2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Connections and weather protection", "3.5mm stereo input; built-in AC power supply; Bluetooth.", "mh-ob4", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Connections and weather protection", "IP56; optional USB-C line-in adapter; charging base or USB-PD.", "mh-move2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Connections and weather protection", "IP67; aux input and USB-C charging/power-bank output.", "mh-max", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Connections and weather protection", "IP68; USB-C audio and power bank; Auracast grouping.", "mh-xtreme5", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Connections and weather protection", "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app.", "mh-middleton2", "Manufacturer specification" ], [ "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "Main tradeoff", "Its creative listening controls are the differentiator; the 72h figure is not loud Bluetooth playback.", "mh-ob4; mh-ob4-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Sonos Move 2", "Main tradeoff", "Line input needs an extra adapter and the smart features depend on network/app setup.", "mh-move2; mh-move2-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Bose SoundLink Max", "Main tradeoff", "No Wi-Fi multiroom system; at maximum volume the official manual gives up to 3h.", "mh-max; mh-max-review; mh-max-manual", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "JBL Xtreme 5", "Main tradeoff", "Power-saving playback is not directly comparable to ordinary-mode battery figures.", "mh-xtreme5; mh-xtreme5-review", "Editorial judgment" ], [ "Marshall Middleton II", "Main tradeoff", "The Middleton II review reports no multi-speaker pairing; original Middleton Stack Mode is not a feature of this recommendation.", "mh-middleton2; mh-middleton2-review", "Editorial judgment" ] ] } }, { "id": "review-signal", "eyebrow": "Review Signal", "title": "What independent evidence can tell you.", "bullets": [ "TechRadar’s Middleton II review identifies useful aux input, microphone and EQ features, but reports no multi-speaker pairing. That makes it a self-contained listening option rather than a way to build a synchronized speaker group.", "A self-identified Middleton II owner reports being pleased with indoor and balcony listening, while explicitly declining to judge the Bose model without trying it. This is a usage-fit anecdote, not a controlled head-to-head result." ] }, { "id": "offer-caveats", "eyebrow": "Offer Caveats", "title": "Match the exact unit before checkout.", "body": "Exact-model Amazon identities are retained where verified. Other options link to the manufacturer or named retailer because a reliable exact Amazon product page was not established. Firmware, warranty, condition, seller and current supply still require checking." }, { "id": "what-changed", "eyebrow": "What Changed", "title": "What changed from the original Middleton.", "body": "Marshall positions Middleton II as a longer-running update with a built-in call microphone. Portable listening and tactile controls remain the use case. The second-generation review reports no multi-speaker pairing, so owners who value the original Middleton’s Stack Mode should not assume that capability carries over." }, { "id": "runtime-observation", "eyebrow": "Review observation", "title": "A usage observation is not a full rundown.", "body": "Tom’s Guide reports that 20 hours of mixed-volume use left 32% battery on Middleton II. That observation supports useful endurance in that reviewer’s use, but it neither measures a complete discharge nor establishes a cross-brand ranking." } ], "sources": [ { "id": "mh-max", "title": "SoundLink Max", "publisher": "bose.com", "url": "https://www.bose.com/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-max-portable-speaker/SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRELESS.html", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-max-manual", "title": "SoundLink Max owner's guide", "publisher": "assets.bose.com", "url": "https://assets.bose.com/content/dam/Bose_DAM/Web/consumer_electronics/global/products/speakers/SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRELESS/pdf/888545_OG_SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRELESS_ml.pdf", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-max-review", "title": "SoundLink Max review", "publisher": "rtings.com", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/bose/soundlink-max", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "lab", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-middleton2", "title": "Middleton II US", "publisher": "marshall.com", "url": "https://www.marshall.com/us/en/product/middleton-ii", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-middleton2-launch", "title": "Marshall Middleton II launch", "publisher": "group.marshall.com", "url": "https://group.marshall.com/2025/07/01/marshall-reveals-their-latest-portable-powerhouse-middleton-ii/", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-middleton2-review", "title": "Middleton II review", "publisher": "techradar.com", "url": "https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/marshall-middleton-ii-review", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "review", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-move2", "title": "Move 2 user guide", "publisher": "sonos.com", "url": "https://www.sonos.com/en-us/guides/move2", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-move2-community", "title": "Move 2 owner listening impressions", "publisher": "reddit.com", "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/1f2joaa/short_nonaudiophile_review_of_sonos_move_2/", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "community", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-move2-review", "title": "Move 2 review", "publisher": "rtings.com", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/sonos/move-2", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "lab", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-ob4", "title": "OB–4", "publisher": "teenage.engineering", "url": "https://teenage.engineering/products/ob-4", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-ob4-review", "title": "OB–4 review", "publisher": "stuff.tv", "url": "https://www.stuff.tv/review/teenage-engineering-ob-4-review/", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "review", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-xtreme5", "title": "JBL Xtreme 5 US", "publisher": "jbl.com", "url": "https://www.jbl.com/XTREME-5.html", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "official", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-xtreme5-review", "title": "Xtreme 5 review", "publisher": "rtings.com", "url": "https://www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/jbl/xtreme-5", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "lab", "role": "claim-support" }, { "id": "mh-middleton2-test", "title": "Middleton II use test", "publisher": "www.tomsguide.com", "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/audio/bluetooth-speakers/marshall-middleton-ii-review", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "lab", "role": "background" }, { "id": "mh-middleton2-owner", "title": "Middleton II owner discussion", "publisher": "www.reddit.com", "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/1vgzzx5/marshall_middleton_ii_vs_bose_soundlink_max/", "accessedAt": "2026-10-18", "sourceType": "community", "role": "claim-support" } ], "claims": [ { "id": "mh-support-ob4", "claim": "Rolling two-hour buffer, FM, Bluetooth and stereo line input; motorized controls. Battery: 72h normal-volume FM, 40h Bluetooth marketing claim, 8h high-volume Bluetooth.", "sourceId": "mh-ob4", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-ob4-review", "claim": "Speaker plus playful loop functions; older firmware, not a current battery test.", "sourceId": "mh-ob4-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-move2", "claim": "IP56; up to 24 hours; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; optional USB-C line-in adapter; Sonos S2; >=45W USB-PD recommendation.", "sourceId": "mh-move2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-move2-review", "claim": "RTINGS evaluates the exact Move 2; its test conditions must accompany any numerical results.", "sourceId": "mh-move2-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-max", "claim": "IP67; stereo; aux input; advertised 20h tested Bluetooth A2DP at 65% volume, default EQ, 20–25C, no external charging.", "sourceId": "mh-max", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-max-review", "claim": "RTINGS evaluates SoundLink Max.", "sourceId": "mh-max-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-xtreme5", "claim": "24h normal advertised playback plus four with Playtime Boost; IP68; USB-C lossless audio; Auracast. Single woofer and dual tweeters; higher amplifier power on AC than battery. Squad variant page shows in stock.", "sourceId": "mh-xtreme5", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-xtreme5-review", "claim": "RTINGS evaluates Xtreme 5 rather than Xtreme 4.", "sourceId": "mh-xtreme5-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-middleton2", "claim": "IP67; 30+hour claim; USB-C charging; analog aux; physical bass/treble; built-in call mic. Bluetooth app optional for basic use.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-middleton2-review", "claim": "Exact second generation; aux, mic, EQ; reports no multi-speaker pairing.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-teenage-engineering-ob-4", "claim": "Bluetooth/FM speaker with rolling two-hour replay buffer and motorized controls.", "sourceId": "mh-ob4", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ob-4 / mechanism", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-sonos-move-2", "claim": "Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo speaker with Sonos app and voice features.", "sourceId": "mh-move2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonos-move-2 / mechanism", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-bose-soundlink-max", "claim": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker; no built-in microphone.", "sourceId": "mh-max", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: bose-soundlink-max / mechanism", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-jbl-xtreme-5", "claim": "One woofer and two tweeters; amplifier output differs on AC and battery.", "sourceId": "mh-xtreme5", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: jbl-xtreme-5 / mechanism", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-marshall-middleton-ii", "claim": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: marshall-middleton-ii / mechanism", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ob-4", "claim": "Maker: 72h normal-volume FM; 40h Bluetooth claim; 8h high-volume Bluetooth.", "sourceId": "mh-ob4", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ob-4 / power", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-power-sonos-move-2", "claim": "Maker: up to 24h; cited guide does not state a common test volume.", "sourceId": "mh-move2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonos-move-2 / power", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-power-bose-soundlink-max", "claim": "Maker: up to 20h at 65% volume, default EQ, 20–25C, without charging another device.", "sourceId": "mh-max", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: bose-soundlink-max / power", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-power-jbl-xtreme-5", "claim": "Maker: up to 24h, plus 4h with Playtime Boost; not 28h in the normal mode.", "sourceId": "mh-xtreme5", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: jbl-xtreme-5 / power", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-power-marshall-middleton-ii", "claim": "Maker: 30+h; test conditions unspecified on product page.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: marshall-middleton-ii / power", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ob-4", "claim": "3.5mm stereo input; built-in AC power supply; Bluetooth.", "sourceId": "mh-ob4", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ob-4 / io", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-io-sonos-move-2", "claim": "IP56; optional USB-C line-in adapter; charging base or USB-PD.", "sourceId": "mh-move2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonos-move-2 / io", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-io-bose-soundlink-max", "claim": "IP67; aux input and USB-C charging/power-bank output.", "sourceId": "mh-max", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: bose-soundlink-max / io", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-io-jbl-xtreme-5", "claim": "IP68; USB-C audio and power bank; Auracast grouping.", "sourceId": "mh-xtreme5", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: jbl-xtreme-5 / io", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-cell-io-marshall-middleton-ii", "claim": "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.", "guideLocation": "Comparison: marshall-middleton-ii / io", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-support-max-manual", "claim": "Battery up to 20h, up to three hours at maximum volume; charge and runtime depend on use.", "sourceId": "mh-max-manual", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.", "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence", "sectionId": "comparison-evidence" }, { "id": "mh-predecessor-delta", "claim": "Marshall describes extended 30+ hour playtime and a built-in call microphone for Middleton II.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2-launch", "evidenceType": "official", "confidence": "high", "caveat": "Manufacturer description; not a controlled comparison of the two generations.", "sectionId": "what-changed", "guideLocation": "What Changed" }, { "id": "mh-mixed-volume-test", "claim": "Tom’s Guide reports 32% battery remaining after 20 hours of mixed-volume use on Middleton II.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2-test", "evidenceType": "lab", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "A partial mixed-volume use observation, not a full or controlled cross-brand rundown.", "sectionId": "runtime-observation", "guideLocation": "Review observation" }, { "id": "mh-repair-review-1", "claim": "TechRadar’s Middleton II review identifies useful aux input, microphone and EQ features, but reports no multi-speaker pairing. That makes it a self-contained listening option rather than a way to build a synchronized speaker group.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2-review", "evidenceType": "review", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.", "guideLocation": "Review signal", "sectionId": "review-signal" }, { "id": "mh-repair-review-2", "claim": "A self-identified Middleton II owner reports being pleased with indoor and balcony listening, while explicitly declining to judge the Bose model without trying it. This is a usage-fit anecdote, not a controlled head-to-head result.", "sourceId": "mh-middleton2-owner", "evidenceType": "community", "confidence": "medium", "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.", "guideLocation": "Review signal", "sectionId": "review-signal" } ], "relatedGuides": [ { "slug": "teenage-engineering-ob-4", "role": "alternative", "rank": 1, "reason": "Choose FM radio and tactile looping as part of listening." }, { "slug": "sonos-move-2", "role": "alternative", "rank": 2, "reason": "Choose a portable speaker that also belongs to a home Wi-Fi audio system." }, { "slug": "bose-soundlink-max", "role": "alternative", "rank": 3, "reason": "Choose rugged Bluetooth listening with a wired auxiliary input and simple physical controls." }, { "slug": "jbl-xtreme-5", "role": "alternative", "rank": 4, "reason": "Choose outdoor durability, USB-C audio and expandable Auracast playback." } ], "comparison": { "title": "Portable battery speakers", "intro": "Five choices for different workflows. Power figures are manufacturer claims under different conditions, not a common endurance test.", "alternatives": [ "teenage-engineering-ob-4", "sonos-move-2", "bose-soundlink-max", "jbl-xtreme-5" ], "includeCurrent": true, "dimensions": [ { "id": "job", "label": "Choose it for", "values": { "teenage-engineering-ob-4": "Choose FM radio and tactile looping as part of listening.", "sonos-move-2": "Choose a portable speaker that also belongs to a home Wi-Fi audio system.", "bose-soundlink-max": "Choose rugged Bluetooth listening with a wired auxiliary input and simple physical controls.", "jbl-xtreme-5": "Choose outdoor durability, USB-C audio and expandable Auracast playback.", "marshall-middleton-ii": "Choose physical bass/treble controls, aux input and multidirectional portable listening." } }, { "id": "mechanism", "label": "Listening design", "values": { "teenage-engineering-ob-4": "Bluetooth/FM speaker with rolling two-hour replay buffer and motorized controls.", "sonos-move-2": "Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo speaker with Sonos app and voice features.", "bose-soundlink-max": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker; no built-in microphone.", "jbl-xtreme-5": "One woofer and two tweeters; amplifier output differs on AC and battery.", "marshall-middleton-ii": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls." } }, { "id": "power", "label": "Power and battery conditions", "values": { "teenage-engineering-ob-4": "Maker: 72h normal-volume FM; 40h Bluetooth claim; 8h high-volume Bluetooth.", "sonos-move-2": "Maker: up to 24h; cited guide does not state a common test volume.", "bose-soundlink-max": "Maker: up to 20h at 65% volume, default EQ, 20–25C, without charging another device.", "jbl-xtreme-5": "Maker: up to 24h, plus 4h with Playtime Boost; not 28h in the normal mode.", "marshall-middleton-ii": "Maker: 30+h; test conditions unspecified on product page." } }, { "id": "io", "label": "Connections and weather protection", "values": { "teenage-engineering-ob-4": "3.5mm stereo input; built-in AC power supply; Bluetooth.", "sonos-move-2": "IP56; optional USB-C line-in adapter; charging base or USB-PD.", "bose-soundlink-max": "IP67; aux input and USB-C charging/power-bank output.", "jbl-xtreme-5": "IP68; USB-C audio and power bank; Auracast grouping.", "marshall-middleton-ii": "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app." } }, { "id": "constraint", "label": "Main tradeoff", "values": { "teenage-engineering-ob-4": "Its creative listening controls are the differentiator; the 72h figure is not loud Bluetooth playback.", "sonos-move-2": "Line input needs an extra adapter and the smart features depend on network/app setup.", "bose-soundlink-max": "No Wi-Fi multiroom system; at maximum volume the official manual gives up to 3h.", "jbl-xtreme-5": "Power-saving playback is not directly comparable to ordinary-mode battery figures.", "marshall-middleton-ii": "The Middleton II review reports no multi-speaker pairing; original Middleton Stack Mode is not a feature of this recommendation." } } ] }, "commerce": { "disclosure": "As an Amazon Associate, Field Guides may earn from qualifying purchases. Links establish product identity, not current offers.", "primaryLinkId": "mh-marshall-middleton-ii", "priceApi": { "provider": "merchant-observed", "status": "not_configured", "note": "Prices and stock must be confirmed with the merchant." }, "links": [ { "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ob-4", "merchant": "Amazon", "title": "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "label": "Teenage Engineering OB–4", "description": "Choose FM radio and tactile looping as part of listening.", "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WR5VHYB?tag=sourcebottle-20", "relationship": "affiliate", "role": "alternative", "factCard": { "summary": "Bluetooth/FM speaker with rolling two-hour replay buffer and motorized controls.", "details": [ "3.5mm stereo input; built-in AC power supply; Bluetooth." ], "caveat": "Its creative listening controls are the differentiator; the 72h figure is not loud Bluetooth playback. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation." }, "asin": "B08WR5VHYB" }, { "id": "mh-sonos-move-2", "merchant": "Manufacturer", "title": "Sonos Move 2", "label": "Sonos Move 2", "description": "Choose a portable speaker that also belongs to a home Wi-Fi audio system.", "url": "https://www.sonos.com/en-us/guides/move2", "relationship": "direct", "role": "alternative", "factCard": { "summary": "Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo speaker with Sonos app and voice features.", "details": [ "IP56; optional USB-C line-in adapter; charging base or USB-PD." ], "caveat": "Line input needs an extra adapter and the smart features depend on network/app setup. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation." } }, { "id": "mh-bose-soundlink-max", "merchant": "Manufacturer", "title": "Bose SoundLink Max", "label": "Bose SoundLink Max", "description": "Choose rugged Bluetooth listening with a wired auxiliary input and simple physical controls.", "url": "https://www.bose.com/p/speakers/bose-soundlink-max-portable-speaker/SLMAX-SPEAKERWIRELESS.html", "relationship": "direct", "role": "alternative", "factCard": { "summary": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker; no built-in microphone.", "details": [ "IP67; aux input and USB-C charging/power-bank output." ], "caveat": "No Wi-Fi multiroom system; at maximum volume the official manual gives up to 3h. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation." } }, { "id": "mh-jbl-xtreme-5", "merchant": "Manufacturer", "title": "JBL Xtreme 5", "label": "JBL Xtreme 5", "description": "Choose outdoor durability, USB-C audio and expandable Auracast playback.", "url": "https://www.jbl.com/XTREME-5.html", "relationship": "direct", "role": "alternative", "factCard": { "summary": "One woofer and two tweeters; amplifier output differs on AC and battery.", "details": [ "IP68; USB-C audio and power bank; Auracast grouping." ], "caveat": "Power-saving playback is not directly comparable to ordinary-mode battery figures. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation." } }, { "id": "mh-marshall-middleton-ii", "merchant": "Manufacturer", "title": "Marshall Middleton II", "label": "Marshall Middleton II", "description": "Choose physical bass/treble controls, aux input and multidirectional portable listening.", "url": "https://www.marshall.com/us/en/product/middleton-ii", "relationship": "direct", "role": "primary", "factCard": { "summary": "Stereo Bluetooth speaker with call microphone and physical tone controls.", "details": [ "IP67; 3.5mm aux, USB-C charging/power bank; basic use works without app." ], "caveat": "The Middleton II review reports no multi-speaker pairing; original Middleton Stack Mode is not a feature of this recommendation. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation." } } ] } }, "publicUrl": "https://fieldguides.co/g/marshall-middleton-ii" }