The Marshall Acton IV and Stanmore IV are the brand's newest home speakers, and they are already on sale in the Philippines from ₱18,990. Marshall refreshed its two most popular tabletop speakers four years after the last version, keeping the vintage amplifier look while adding LDAC Hi-Res audio, Auracast wireless linking, a customisable button, and—for the first time on these models—direct turntable inputs. The prices stay the same as the outgoing Acton III and Stanmore III, so buyers get the upgrades without paying more.
Key Takeaways
- Two models: the smaller Acton IV and the larger Stanmore IV, in black or cream.
- US pricing: $299.99 (around ₱18,500) for the Acton IV and $399.99 (around ₱24,600) for the Stanmore IV.
- Philippine price: Acton IV at ₱18,990 and Stanmore IV at ₱25,990 through local retailer Digital Walker.
- New this generation: LDAC Hi-Res Bluetooth, Auracast multi-speaker sync, a customisable M-button, and RCA/AUX inputs for a turntable.
- Same price as before: the IV models match the launch prices of the Acton III and Stanmore III.
Acton IV vs Stanmore IV: specs and price
Both speakers share the same amplifier layout and codec support. The main differences are size, woofer diameter, loudness, and price. The Stanmore IV is the bigger, louder speaker meant for larger rooms, while the Acton IV suits bedrooms and smaller spaces.
| Spec | Acton IV | Stanmore IV |
|---|
| Woofer | 4-inch | 5-inch |
| Tweeters | Two 0.75-inch | Two 0.75-inch |
| Amplification | 60W woofer + 2×25W tweeters | 60W woofer + 2×25W tweeters |
| Frequency response | 37Hz–38kHz | 36Hz–38kHz |
| Max loudness | 95dB at 1m | 97dB at 1m |
| Weight | 2.65kg | 4kg |
| US price | $299.99 (around ₱18,500) | $399.99 (around ₱24,600) |
| PH price | ₱18,990 | ₱25,990 |
Each speaker pairs a single woofer (the driver that handles bass) with two tweeters (the small drivers that handle high notes). The woofer runs on a 60-watt Class D amplifier, and each tweeter gets its own 25-watt amplifier, according to the official specs Marshall published. Marshall says it reworked the tweeters and their waveguides so sound spreads more evenly across a room, and redesigned the bass port for cleaner, punchier low notes.
What's new: LDAC, Auracast, and turntable support
The biggest changes are on the wireless side. Both speakers now support LDAC, Sony's Hi-Res Bluetooth codec that streams more audio detail than the standard SBC codec most speakers use. The full codec list is SBC, MPEG-2 AAC, LC3, and LDAC, as detailed in the launch specs.
The IV models also add Auracast, a newer Bluetooth broadcast feature that lets several speakers play the same track in sync. So you can put an Acton IV in one room and a Stanmore IV in another and have them play together. A Dynamic Loudness setting keeps vocals, instruments, and bass balanced even when you turn the volume down low.
A new customisable M-button sits on top of each speaker. You can set it to launch a Spotify playlist, a radio station, or a saved sound profile with one press, Marshall's launch coverage explains. For the first time on the Acton and Stanmore line, there are RCA and AUX inputs, so vinyl fans can plug a turntable straight into the speaker without a separate receiver.
Design and repairability
Marshall kept the look that made these speakers popular: the salt-and-pepper front grille, PU (synthetic) leather wrapping, a brass control panel, and analogue-style knobs. The cabinets are made from FSC-certified wood, and cables run underneath so the speaker can sit flush against a wall. Marshall also made the grille, control knobs, and feet replaceable, so worn parts can be swapped instead of tossing the whole speaker, as the launch details note. The Acton IV weighs 2.65kg and the Stanmore IV 4kg, per the published specs.
Marshall Acton IV and Stanmore IV price in the Philippines
The speakers are already listed by Philippine retailer Digital Walker: the Acton IV at ₱18,990 and the Stanmore IV at ₱25,990, on its Marshall home speakers page. Those match the local prices of the older Acton III and Stanmore III, which Digital Walker still lists at the same ₱18,990 and ₱25,990. In short, you pay the same money for the newer models with LDAC, Auracast, and turntable inputs added.
Marshall gear is widely sold in the Philippines through Digital Walker and other authorised stores, so availability here is not a concern the way it is for some niche audio brands. If you want a smart speaker with a voice assistant instead of a Bluetooth speaker, options like Google's Gemini-powered home speaker sit at a lower price but focus on assistant features rather than the fuller, louder sound Marshall is going for here.
Should you upgrade from the Acton III or Stanmore III?
If you already own an Acton III or Stanmore III, the case to upgrade is modest unless you specifically want LDAC Hi-Res streaming, Auracast multi-speaker playback, or the turntable inputs. For owners of older Marshall speakers who do want to join an Auracast setup, Marshall sells a separate Heddon streaming hub for $299.99 (around ₱18,500), and it comes free when you buy two or more eligible speakers. For a first Marshall home speaker, the flat pricing makes the IV models the ones to get—there is little reason to choose the older III version at the same price.
FAQ
Can I connect a turntable directly to the Acton IV or Stanmore IV?
Yes. Both speakers have RCA and AUX inputs, which is new for this line, so a record player can plug in directly. Note that a turntable without a built-in phono preamp may still need one.
Will the new speakers work with my older Marshall speakers?
Acton IV and Stanmore IV units link together over Auracast. To bring an older Acton III or Stanmore III into that setup, you need Marshall's separate Heddon hub, which is $299.99 (around ₱18,500) or free with a purchase of two or more eligible speakers.
