**Marshall Stanmore IV: A Timeless Speaker Worth the Upgrade**
The Marshall Stanmore line of speakers has long been a favorite among audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and high-quality sound. After six years with the Stanmore II, I was eager to see what the latest iteration, the **Marshall Stanmore IV**, had to offer. With promises of deeper bass, a wider soundstage, and a more repairable design, I spent a month testing this $430 speaker to determine if it was worth the upgrade.
### **A Luxurious, Timeless Design**
The Stanmore IV retains Marshall’s iconic look, housed in a wooden cabinet that feels both premium and repairable. The faux-leather exterior, brass grille, and golden accents give it a classically stylish appearance that complements any room. Unlike many smart speakers, the Stanmore IV maintains an analog-first design with three physical knobs for volume, treble, and bass, along with tactile buttons for playback and source selection. This blend of analog and digital controls offers a satisfying user experience that eliminates the need to constantly reach for your phone.
### **An Even Better Sound**
In comparison to its predecessor, the Stanmore IV delivers noticeable improvements in clarity, volume, and soundstage. Two 0.75-inch tweeters and a powerful 5-inch subwoofer provide deep, impactful bass without sacrificing vocal precision. Whether you’re listening to rock, acoustic, or electronic music, the speaker maintains tonal accuracy and energy across all genres. While it lacks Wi-Fi or voice assistant support, the audio performance stands out as a top-tier option for those who prioritize sound quality over smart features.
### **App Features and Customization**
The Marshall app enhances the speaker’s functionality by allowing users to adjust LED brightness, optimize speaker placement, and save multiple EQ presets. The addition of Aurastack support also enables multi-room setups between compatible Marshall speakers, expanding its versatility. However, the lack of Wi-Fi and limited compatibility with other brands remains a drawback for users invested in broader smart home ecosystems.
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## **FAQ Section**
**Q: Is the Marshall Stanmore IV worth the $430 price tag?**
A: Yes, if you value premium design, excellent sound quality, and a durable, repairable build. It’s a strong choice for those who prefer analog controls and don’t need smart home integration.
**Q: How does the Stanmore IV compare to the Sonos Era 300?**
A: While the Sonos Era 300 offers Wi-Fi and voice assistant features, the Stanmore IV excels in design and audio warmth. It lacks smart capabilities but delivers a more traditional, high-fidelity listening experience.
**Q: Can I connect older Marshall speakers to the Stanmore IV?**
A: Not directly. The Stanmore IV requires a Marshall Heddon streaming hub to connect with previous models like the Stanmore II or to multi-room setups involving other generations.
**Q: Does the Stanmore IV support Wi-Fi or AirPlay?**
A: No, the Stanmore IV is Bluetooth-only. This means no Wi-Fi streaming or AirPlay support, which may limit convenience for some users.
**Q: What are the key design improvements in the Stanmore IV?**
A: The IV tidies up port placement by moving most inputs to the bottom, allowing it to sit flush against walls. It’s also more repairable, with replaceable components like the grille, knobs, and feet.
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## **Conclusion**
The Marshall Stanmore IV is not the most affordable or technologically advanced speaker on the market, but it offers something many smart speakers cannot: timeless design, tactile satisfaction, and rich, accurate sound. For users who prioritize audio quality and aesthetics over smart features, it remains an excellent choice. Its build quality, customizable controls, and strong performance make it a standout option in the mid-to-high-end speaker market. If you’re looking for a speaker that blends seamlessly into your home while delivering powerful, nuanced sound, the Stanmore IV is hard to beat.
