Marshall has launched the fourth generation of its vintage-inspired home speakers, the Acton IV and Stanmore IV, four years after the previous models. The update matters for buyers of retro-styled audio gear, as it introduces customisable "M-buttons" and improved sound design while keeping the range's signature analogue feel. The speakers are available now for $300 and $400 respectively.

Both cabinets are made from 100 percent wood with PU leather wrapping, and feature an upgraded jog dial and power switch. The M-buttons can be set to trigger Spotify Tap or preferred equaliser settings, while redesigned tweeters and waveguides spread sound more evenly across larger rooms, with the bigger Stanmore covering more space than the bedroom-suited Acton. Both offer RCA and 3.5mm AUX inputs, and support Marshall's Auracast technology for multi-speaker playback. Older Marshall speakers can be linked in via Heddon, the firm's streaming hub launched in January, which costs $300 but comes free when buying two or more eligible speakers.