Marshall MIDDLETON
Gadget-loving GENROQ editor Ishikawa’s favorite item of 2025 is the Marshall Middleton! Because of my job as an editor, I often work from home, day and night, even on weekends. I wanted to be able to listen to my favorite music while I edit, so I found the Middleton Bluetooth speaker after reading online reviews. When
I was looking for a Bluetooth speaker, I had three requirements I couldn’t compromise on: 1) sound quality, 2) compactness, and 3) design. The Middleton met all of those requirements.
It’s simple and the operation is really easy!
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[1] The top of the body houses a gold-colored power switch (which can also be used to play/pause and skip forward/backward), as well as controls for setting the equalizer, etc. [2] The back of the body is equipped with a Type-C port for charging.
First of all, the design. Coming from a long-established British guitar and bass amplifier manufacturer, I personally love the simple, rugged yet antique look that appeals to rock fans. It’s also incredibly compact, measuring just 23cm wide x 9.5cm deep x 10.9cm deep. The included strap makes it easy to carry around for camping and other outdoor activities. It’s IP67-rated dustproof and waterproof, so even if you get caught in the rain while using it outdoors, you won’t have to worry.
And best of all, the sound quality. This compact body features a quad speaker system with two 3/5-inch tweeters, two 3-inch woofers, and two passive radiators, delivering powerful, thunderous sound. The deep bass makes it an excellent match for rock, pop, and jazz. What surprised me most after purchasing and using it daily was the three-dimensional, high-resolution sound experience, something you wouldn’t expect from a Bluetooth speaker. It delivers ample volume and sound pressure, even in the living room. Every single particle of sound is so clear and pleasant that it feels like you’re bathing in it like a shower, making you mistakenly believe you have a high-end audio system at home.
Can be used outdoors as well
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[3] The original strap can be attached to the right side of the body. Using the strap, you can easily take it outdoors and enjoy it (I use it at home, so I didn’t attach the strap). [4] The body weighs about 1.8 kg.
I had never been in the habit of listening to music at home, but after purchasing the Middleton, whenever I spend time in my study, I turn it on and enjoy the bliss of a shower of sound. It’s so amazing, it’s almost addictive.
Originally designed for portability, I also like the long battery life. A full charge via Type-C provides approximately 20 hours of continuous playback. With my usage, I only need to charge it once a week, and then it’s cordless, so I can place it anywhere in the room. The clever
design is also unique to Marshall. The sound effect, designed to mimic the power pop of an amplifier, plays when the power is turned on and off, which is a lovely touch.
This one device will dramatically improve your QoL
By pairing using the Marshall app, you can adjust the bass and treble range to your liking from your smartphone.
As I write this, I’m still playing music on the Middleton, and I’m realizing once again that this was the best purchase I’ve made in 2025. It was priced at 49,980 yen when I bought it, but it seems to be discontinued, and is on sale on Amazon and other sites. There’s no doubt that this one unit will dramatically improve your quality of life.
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