Marshall is back with a bang! Four years after their last big release, the iconic audio brand just launched the Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers. These aren’t your average speakers. They come with customizable buttons that put the power right in your hands.
Custom Controls and Classic Craftsmanship
What’s new? Both Acton IV and Stanmore IV feature “M-buttons” that you can program to do exactly what you want. Want to launch Spotify Tap instantly? Done. Prefer your own equalizer settings? Just hit the button. It’s like having your personal DJ at your fingertips.
Marshall didn’t stop there. They upgraded the media jog dial and power switch for easier control and smoother use. The speakers sport cabinets made from 100 percent wood wrapped in PU leather. This combo delivers classic Marshall style with a modern edge.
If you’re wondering about sound quality, these models bring better tweeters and improved waveguides. This tech spreads sound evenly across your room. The Stanmore IV covers a bigger area, perfect for parties or large living rooms. The Acton IV suits smaller spaces like bedrooms.
Powerful Sound Meets Seamless Connectivity
Marshall promises deeper bass and clearer, richer sounds across both models. Want to connect your vinyl? Both speakers have RCA inputs for record players and AUX inputs on the top panel. Just plug in and play.
But the connectivity doesn’t stop there. These speakers support Marshall’s Auracast technology. That means you can sync multiple Acton IV and Stanmore IV units to play the same music wirelessly. Perfect for spreading sound throughout your home.
Plus, if you own older Marshall speakers, you can link them with the new ones using Heddon. Launched in January 2026, this streaming hub costs $300 but comes free if you buy two or more eligible speakers from Marshall’s website. Linking your whole audio setup has never been easier.
Pricing, Colors, and More
The Acton IV is priced at $300. The Stanmore IV costs $400. Both come in cream and black, matching any modern decor. They’re available now directly from Marshall’s website and select retailers.
The new speakers fit perfectly in today’s tech-savvy homes. Their mix of classic design and smart features shows Marshall’s commitment to keeping music lovers happy.
Why Wired Still Wins in Headphones
While speakers are evolving, headphone trends are swinging back to wired models. Wired headphones offer sound quality on par with pricey Bluetooth sets but cost less. For example, Sennheiser’s HD400U wired headphones deliver 24-bit audio at 96kHz for just $100. Meanwhile, wireless flagship models like Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 can cost $450.
Bluetooth headphones come with downsides. They drain phone batteries and rely on the crowded 2.4GHz band. This causes interference, stuttering, lag, and dropped connections. Wired headphones avoid these issues unless the cable is damaged.
Sales of wired headphones surged in late 2025. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Robert Pattinson have been spotted rocking wired sets, making them a stylish statement. However, the market still favors wireless, which holds 60 to 72 percent of sales depending on the study.
Modern gadgets offer different ports—USB-C, USB-A, Lightning, and headphone jacks. This variety means wired headphones often require adapters. Still, many users prefer the reliability and sound quality of wired models.
What Else Is New in Audio?
Meanwhile, LG’s Xboom Stage 501 party speaker launched recently with some wild features. Priced at about $500, it includes AI that can remove vocals from tracks to create karaoke versions. This innovation brings new ways to enjoy music at home or parties.
The Future Sounds Bright
Marshall’s fresh take on speakers shows how classic design meets modern tech. Customizable controls, premium materials, and smart connectivity make Acton IV and Stanmore IV stand out. At the same time, wired headphones are making a surprising comeback, proving that old-school tech still has a place in the future.
Audio lovers now have more choices than ever. Whether you want wireless freedom or wired reliability, the market is packed with options. And with companies pushing innovation, great sound is just a button press away!
Based on
- Marshall’s Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers come with customizable buttons — engadget.com
- Daisy’s First Headphones Are Premium, High-Quality—and Just a Little Bit Cheaper | WIRED — wired.com
- Why Are People Ditching Wireless Earbuds, And Are Wired Headphones Really Making A Comeback? — engadget.com
- What do I do with a bunch of Bluetooth speakers? | Ars OpenForum — arstechnica.com
- No karaoke version? No problem! | The Verge — theverge.com
