Key Takeaways
1. The Bromley 450 is a new battery-operated Bluetooth speaker from Marshall, priced at €649 (about $746), launching on March 17, with general sales starting March 31.
2. The speaker features a classic amplifier-style design with brass details, intuitive control knobs, and a metal grille with lighting effects inspired by 1970s concert stage lighting.
3. It offers a “True Stereophonic” 360-degree sound system with two 6.5-inch woofers and four 2-inch full-range drivers, achieving a maximum sound pressure level of around 100 dB.
4. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3, AUX, RCA, and USB-C, with two combo XLR/6.3 mm inputs for microphones or instruments, making it suitable for karaoke or small performances.
5. The Bromley 450 boasts over 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a quick 20-minute charge providing six hours, and features a removable battery that is interchangeable with the larger Bromley 750.
Marshall has introduced a new addition to its expanding range of party speakers, called the Bromley 450. This is a battery-operated Bluetooth speaker that’s advertised as perfect for lengthy indoor get-togethers, backyard celebrations, and intimate occasions. The Bromley 450 is a smaller version of the larger Bromley 750, which is currently priced at $1,300 on Amazon. The new speaker starts at €649 (about $746) and will be available on March 17 through Marshall’s website, with general retail sales beginning on March 31.
Design and Features
The Bromley 450 showcases the brand’s classic amplifier-style aesthetics, featuring brass details, intuitive control knobs, and a metal grille that includes lighting effects. As noted in the promotional materials, the lights take inspiration from stage lighting of 1970s concerts and can function in three preset modes: ambient light, along with two options that react to music.
Audio Performance
For audio, the speaker employs Marshall’s “True Stereophonic” 360-degree sound system, which positions drivers around the cabinet to allow sound to radiate in every direction instead of just forward. The setup contains two 6.5-inch woofers, four 2-inch full-range drivers, and two passive radiators, all powered by six Class-D amplifiers. It has a frequency range from 42 Hz to 20 kHz and can achieve a maximum sound pressure level of around 100 dB at a distance of one meter.
Connectivity and Usage
In terms of connectivity, the device supports Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast and multipoint pairing. Additionally, you can connect through AUX, RCA, or USB-C ports. It features two combo XLR/6.3 mm inputs, allowing microphones or instruments to be connected, which means the Bromley 450 could also serve as a karaoke or small performance speaker.
Battery Life and Specifications
One of the standout features is its battery life. Marshall claims that the speaker can deliver over 40 hours of playback on a single charge, and a quick 20-minute charge provides about six hours of usage. The removable lithium-iron-phosphate battery is interchangeable with the larger Bromley 750, enabling users to swap batteries during extended events. The speaker dimensions are 360 × 261 × 492 mm, weighing in at 12.2 kg, and it has an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance.
Competition in the Market
The Bromley 450 faces competition from several similar-priced speakers, including the JBL PartyBox 710, JBL PartyBox 310, Sony SRS-XV800, and LG XBOOM XL7S, all of which promise party-centric audio and lighting effects in the €500-€700 price range. While the Bromley 450 excels in battery performance, its 100 dB output makes it more suitable for medium-sized gatherings than for larger events.
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