Introduction

Working from home has become daily life, and the time spent at a desk has increased overwhelmingly. Listening to music between tasks, or playing a playlist while cooking in the kitchen on a holiday. Before I knew it, music changed from something I “listen to” to something that is “always there.”

But a smartphone speaker is not enough. On the other hand, large speakers take up space, and I can”t take them to the bath or the balcony. That”s when I picked up the Marshall Willen II .

Despite being palm-sized, it”s surprisingly powerful. Plus, it has a design reminiscent of those Marshall amps. When I actually used it, it became more than just a “portable speaker”; it became like a companion I could take with me anywhere in my life.

How Small Speakers Change the “Sense of Distance to Music”

Until recently, the main characters in listening to music with good sound were large speakers in the living room or headphones. However, with the appearance of compact Bluetooth speakers, the way we relate to music is changing significantly.

Working at a desk, cooking, or relaxing in the bath. If there is a “just right sound” in each place, the quality of daily life goes up. Waterproof speakers can be used without hesitation around water, and battery-powered ones can be taken to places without a power source.

Marshall Willen II: From Unboxing to Start Using

The Elation the Moment You Open the Box

The moment I opened the box, the first thing that jumped into my eyes was that Marshall logo. The black & brass coloring, the buttons aligned vertically, and the gold logo mark on the front. Everything is designed like a guitar amp Shrunk down, and I couldn”t help but say “cool.”

The contents are simple: the speaker itself, a USB-C cable, a strap, and a manual. It”s a configuration that”s not wasteful and allows you to start using it immediately.

First Connection and Sound Output

When you press the power button, it automatically enters pairing mode. “Willen II” appeared on the smartphone”s Bluetooth setting screen, so I just tapped it to complete the connection. It was surprisingly smooth.

And the moment I played music for the first time, I was surprised: “Wait, this sound comes from this size?” The volume of the bass is amazing. You can hear the bassline clearly, and the drum kicks resonate in your body. It”s an impact incomparable to a smartphone speaker.

What I Felt Actually Using It

Placing it on the Desk Switches on Work Mode

I started playing music every morning before starting work with it placed in a corner of my desk. When I play my favorite playlist while brewing coffee, I naturally feel like “Alright, let”s start.”

The appearance is also good, so it doesn”t bother me at all even if it”s left on the desk. Rather, it feels like it”s tightening the space as part of the interior. Every time I see the Marshall logo, my tension goes up a bit.

The Music Experience in the Bath Changed

Since it has waterproof performance, I took it into the bath. Placing it on a shelf in the bathroom and listening to music while slowly soaking in the tub. This was better than I imagined.

Author

It’s perfectly fine even if water splashes on it, just a light wipe after use is OK. I used to be hesitant about listening to music in the bath, but thanks to this speaker, it has become a habit.

Cooking in the Kitchen Became Fun

I started working while playing a playlist with it placed on the kitchen counter during cooking. Moving to the rhythm while cutting vegetables, or listening to favorite songs during the wait for a stew.

Just having music makes ordinary housework a little more fun. Especially on holiday mornings, when making a slow brunch, it feels like I’m cooking for this time.

I Took it to a Weekend Camp

I took it to a weekend camp by hooking it onto my backpack with the attached strap. Relaxing in the tent, or surrounding a bonfire, “listening to your favorite music in nature is exceptional.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Things to Know Before You Start Using

Summary

Since I started using the Marshall Willen II, the distance to music has shortened. At the desk, in the bath, in the kitchen, and at the camp. Being able to take music anywhere in life, I feel like my ordinary time has become a little richer.

The surprise of this sound coming from this size, the joy of looking at the Marshall-like design, and the freedom of taking it anywhere. The Marshall Willen II is not just a speaker, it is a companion for “life with music.”

Why not welcome this small speaker full of rock soul into your daily life?