Bold claim: Marshall’s Emberton III just got a Lunar New Year makeover that turns a portable speaker into a collectible piece of art. And this is how the story unfolds...
Marshall has unveiled a striking, limited-edition version of its popular Emberton III to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026, aligning with the Year of the Horse. The design collaboration pairs Marshall’s iconic audio heritage with Chinese visual artist FCCK, forming part of the company’s global Live Unbridled campaign.
The concept draws on a Chinese saying describing a horse breaking free from its reins, and FCCK—a Chengdu-based designer known for work across China’s music and vinyl scenes—has reimagined the Emberton III with layered artwork that blends illustration, typography, and graphic elements.
Each unit is individually unique thanks to a hand-applied hydro-dipping water transfer process, ensuring no two speakers are exactly alike in pattern.
Inside, the hardware stays true to Marshall’s standards. The Emberton III retains its signature sound with dynamic loudness adjustment and True Stereophonic multi-directional audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast, offers up to 32 hours of battery life, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it well suited for outdoor use.
Beyond the Emberton III, the Lunar New Year collection also includes a matching Studio 900 combo amplifier, designed in the same Year of the Horse aesthetic.
Geographically, release details vary:
- In Malaysia, the Emberton III Lunar New Year 2026 edition is strictly limited to 50 units and sold exclusively through Against Lab, both in-store and online, priced at RM1,149 (A$380).
- In Australia, availability has not yet been confirmed. The standard Emberton III is currently listed at JB Hi-Fi for A$289.
If you’re chasing a blend of bold Lunar New Year symbolism with Marshall’s recognizable sound, this limited run offers a compelling, visually distinctive option. But here’s where it gets controversial: some purists may argue that wrapping a portable speaker in exclusive art undermines its practicality, while others will see it as a premium collectible that doubles as a conversation piece. Do you value the collectible design more, or the core audio performance? Share your take in the comments.
