Acton IV as a new Marshall product

The Acton IV is the latest model in Marshall's Acton series, which is part of the larger Homeline product line. It is described as the most affordable option in the range, with some updates to the original design but no groundbreaking changes.

Design similarities and features

The Acton IV has a design that closely resembles previous Acton models and other Homeline speakers like the Stanmore and Woburn. It features a matte black body, light-colored front grille, and gilded accents, giving it a look inspired by vintage guitar amplifiers.

Construction and materials

The speaker uses MDF for its body, a textured vinyl cover known as Tolex, a fabric-like front grille, anodized aluminum for the top and switch, and rubber feet for stability. It is well-built and feels solid in hand.

Connectivity and interface improvements

The Acton IV includes a 3.5 mm jack and an RCA input, both hidden in the base near the power socket. It also has a user-friendly interface with physical buttons, including a multifunction joystick, an input selector, and potentiometers for adjusting volume, bass, and treble.

App features and limitations

The Marshall app offers features like a 5-band equalizer and a sound adjustment tool based on the speaker's placement. However, the app is not fully completed, and the Auracast functionality is not clearly activated or accessible through the app.

Acoustic components and performance

The Acton IV uses a 10 cm woofer and two 19 mm dome tweeters with waveguides in a stereo setup. It is powered by three class D amplifiers, providing a frequency range of 37 Hz to 38 kHz and a maximum sound pressure level of 95 dB.

Sound quality and user experience

The Acton IV produces a balanced sound with good power, avoiding the extreme peaks and dips of earlier models. While the bass is clean, the midrange and treble are slightly less prominent, and some high-frequency shimmer is noticeable. The stereo effect is more like a wide mono sound than a strong stereo field.

Target audience and recommendations

The Acton IV is aimed at users who appreciate Marshall's retro style, those who want a powerful yet balanced speaker, and individuals who don't need advanced connectivity. It is well-made, easy to use, and recommended for living room use, especially for those who like its rock-inspired design. However, the treble and underused Bluetooth 5.3 features are noted as areas for improvement.