Comparing both speakers, the Woburn III is larger and more powerful, delivering 150W of total output through a three-way driver system that includes a 6-inch woofer, two 2-inch midrange drivers, and two 0.75-inch tweeters. This setup allows it to produce deeper bass, reaching down to 35Hz, making it well-suited for larger rooms or home theater setups. In contrast, the Marshall Stanmore III, with its more compact form, offers 80W of power through a two-way system consisting of a 5-inch woofer and two 0.75-inch tweeters, achieving a frequency response down to 45Hz. While both models support Bluetooth 5.2 and have analog inputs, the Woburn III adds an HDMI ARC port, enhancing its versatility for TV connections.
Specs Comparison
The Marshall Woburn III is notably larger, measuring approximately 15.75 inches wide, 12.48 inches high, and 7.99 inches deep, and weighing around 16.42 pounds. This substantial size accommodates a more powerful audio system, delivering 150W through a three-way configuration that includes a 6-inch woofer, two 2-inch midrange drivers, and two 0.75-inch tweeters. This setup allows the Woburn III to produce a deeper bass response, reaching down to 35Hz, making it well-suited for larger rooms or home theater applications. Additionally, it offers versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2, RCA, 3.5mm AUX inputs, and an HDMI ARC port, enhancing its compatibility with various devices.
In contrast, the Stanmore III is more compact, measuring about 13.78 inches wide, 8.00 inches high, and 7.40 inches deep, with a weight of approximately 9.37 pounds. It delivers 80W of power through a two-way system comprising a 5-inch woofer and two 0.75-inch tweeters, achieving a frequency response down to 45Hz. While it also supports Bluetooth 5.2, RCA, and 3.5mm AUX inputs, it lacks the HDMI ARC port found in the Woburn III, which may limit its utility in certain home entertainment setups.
Both speakers share Marshall’s iconic design, featuring a vintage aesthetic with a leather-like exterior and a brass control panel housing analog knobs for volume, bass, and treble adjustments. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on specific needs. The Woburn III’s larger size and higher power output make it ideal for filling spacious areas with robust sound, while the Stanmore III’s more modest dimensions and power are better suited for smaller rooms or more intimate listening environments.
Table Comparison
Specification | Marshall Stanmore III | Marshall Woburn III |
Total Power Output | 80W total: 1 x 50W Class D amplifier for woofer, 2 x 15W Class D amplifiers for tweeters | 150W total: 1 x 90W Class D amplifier for woofer, 2 x 15W Class D amplifiers for midrange, 2 x 15W Class D amplifiers for tweeters |
Speaker Configuration | Two-way system: 1 x 5-inch woofer, 2 x 0.75-inch dome tweeters | Three-way system: 1 x 6-inch woofer, 2 x 2-inch midrange drivers, 2 x 0.75-inch dome tweeters |
Frequency Response | 45 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 35 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level) | 97 dB @ 1 meter | 100.5 dB @ 1 meter |
Bass Reflex Port | Rear-firing bass reflex port | Rear-firing bass reflex port |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC | SBC |
Wired Inputs | 3.5mm AUX input, RCA input | 3.5mm AUX input, RCA input, HDMI ARC |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth only (no Wi-Fi or multi-room support) | Bluetooth only (no Wi-Fi or multi-room support) |
Multi-Host Functionality | Yes – allows two devices to be connected at once | Yes – allows two devices to be connected at once |
Controls | Top panel with analog knobs for volume, bass, treble, source button, Bluetooth pairing button | Top panel with analog knobs for volume, bass, treble, source button, Bluetooth pairing button |
App Control | Yes – Marshall Bluetooth app for EQ adjustments, firmware updates | Yes – Marshall Bluetooth app for EQ adjustments, firmware updates |
Voice Assistant Integration | No | No |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.78 x 8.00 x 7.40 inches | 15.75 x 12.52 x 7.99 inches |
Weight | 9.37 lbs (4.25 kg) | 16.4 lbs (7.44 kg) |
Power Supply | 100–240V AC input, mains powered | 100–240V AC input, mains powered |
Positioning Recommendation | Medium-sized rooms, desks, shelves, sideboards | Larger rooms, living areas, home entertainment setups |
Use Case Focus | Casual music listening, background music, small to medium spaces | Full-room music playback, louder output for parties or entertainment setups |
Sound Performance
The Marshall Stanmore III and Woburn III gave me two very different listening experiences when I played All Too Well (10 Minute Version) by Taylor Swift, Time by Hans Zimmer, and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. The Stanmore III, with its 80W two-way setup and 5-inch woofer, had a balanced sound that worked well in my living room. Vocals in Taylor’s track came through cleanly and the acoustic guitar felt warm without overwhelming the space. The bass was present but didn’t push into the low sub-frequencies—something I expected given the 45 Hz lower limit. I liked how the treble could be adjusted on the top dial which helped soften some sharper notes in Billie’s track. At moderate volume, the speaker felt full and responsive but once I pushed it higher it started to compress a bit and I lost some of the separation between instruments.
The Marshall Woburn III had a different sound signature and soundstage from the moment I turned it on. It’s a heavier speaker in every way—physically and sonically. Its three-way setup with a 6-inch woofer and 150W total output made Time by Hans Zimmer hit harder. The low strings and bass drum in the track had weight and a kind of room-filling presence that the Stanmore couldn’t quite match. I could feel the 35 Hz floor here especially in Billie’s track where the sub-bass stayed tight without buzzing or bleeding into the mids. The midrange also had more shape thanks to the dedicated drivers. On All Too Well, the vocals still felt intimate but were better layered against the background harmonies and the instrumental build. The Woburn also handled higher volumes with ease—no distortion and plenty of headroom to make it feel like a small event in my living space.
Both speakers are great depending on what you’re after. Personally, I would go with the Woburn III if I wanted that deeper bass and stronger clarity at higher volumes. It just feels more complete for cinematic scores and music that leans into rich dynamics. But if space is tight or you want something that delivers quality sound without going overboard, the Stanmore III is solid. I think that for casual listening in a mid-sized room, the Stanmore does its job really well. But when I wanted to feel more immersed and physically involved in the sound, the Woburn gave me that extra presence that made a difference.
Design Comparison
The Marshall Stanmore III and Woburn III both feature Marshall’s iconic vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of classic guitar amplifiers. The Stanmore III, measuring 13.78 x 8.00 x 7.40 inches and weighing 9.37 lbs, fits comfortably on a shelf or side table. Its cabinet is wrapped in a textured, leather-like material that feels durable, and the front is adorned with a woven grille cloth featuring the distinctive Marshall script logo. The top panel houses brass-finished analog controls, including knobs for volume, bass, and treble, along with a toggle power switch that adds to its retro charm. The tactile feedback from these controls is satisfying, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship.
In contrast, the Woburn III is more substantial, measuring 15.75 x 12.52 x 7.99 inches and weighing 16.4 lbs. This larger footprint commands more space and makes a bold statement in a room. Like the Stanmore III, it features a textured, leather-like exterior and a woven grille cloth with the Marshall logo. The top panel mirrors the Stanmore’s layout with brass-finished analog controls and a toggle power switch, maintaining the classic Marshall look. The increased size of the Woburn III contributes to a robust and sturdy feel and it can handle higher performance demands.
While the Stanmore III offers a more compact form suitable for smaller spaces, the Woburn III’s larger size and heft make it more suited for spacious environments where it can serve as a focal point. In both cases, the design and build reflect Marshall’s commitment to combining vintage style with modern durability.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Marshall Stanmore III is compact enough to live comfortably on a bookshelf or sideboard and still delivers solid sound with its 80W output and two-way setup. It worked well in my medium-sized room and felt smooth and balanced, especially with vocals and acoustic tracks. The design has that signature Marshall charm without being overbearing, and I appreciated how easy it was to tune the bass and treble with the analog knobs. If you want something that doesn’t take up too much space but still sounds confident and clean, it’s a strong choice.
That said, the Woburn III took things to another level. It’s larger, louder, and goes deeper into the low end with its 150W output and dedicated midrange drivers. Tracks like Time by Hans Zimmer or anything bass-heavy felt more expansive and had more weight behind them. The physical size makes it more of a statement piece and less portable, but if you’ve got a big living room or a space where you want something that feels a bit more like a performance than just background music, it fits right in. Personally, I would go with the Woburn III. I think that for the extra depth, volume, and clarity at higher levels, it’s worth the added size and price. The Stanmore III is great, but the Woburn feels like a full experience.