If you are choosing between Klipsch and Marshall for your home, compare specific models and your music sources first, rather than the reputation of the two brands. Klipsch The Three Plus and Marshall Woburn III serve a similar purpose: a single powered speaker that sits on a cabinet and connects to your phone. But vinyl, TV use and a small shelf lead to different choices.
A quick guide: The Three Plus has a phono preamp, optical input and USB-C; Woburn III has HDMI ARC for a TV. The Klipsch is noticeably shorter, while the Marshall is larger. None of this proves that one brand sounds better. Below, we explain which differences may matter to you.
Klipsch The Three Plus
Marshall Woburn III
Which to choose: three everyday situations
- Music from a phone in your room. Both models work. Start with placement and controls, then compare their sound at your usual listening volume.
- A turntable without a built-in phono preamp. Consider The Three Plus first: it has a phono input. You still need to check compatibility with your particular turntable and cartridge before buying.
- A TV with HDMI ARC. Woburn III supports this connection directly. For The Three Plus, check that your TV has an optical output.
The Three Plus and Woburn III: key differences
This comparison specifically covers The Three Plus and Woburn III. Do not assume specifications from other generations apply to these models.
On a narrow screen, scroll the table to the right →
| Feature | The Three Plus | Woburn III |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Single cabinet with built-in amplification | Single cabinet with built-in amplification |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| RCA | Switchable Phono/Line | Line input |
| Phono preamp | Built in | Not built in |
| Optical input | Yes | No |
| HDMI ARC | No | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes, for audio input | No |
| 3.5 mm input | No | Yes |
| Dimensions, W × H × D | 35.5 × 21.3 × 17.8 cm | 40 × 31.7 × 20.3 cm |
| Power supply | Mains power | Mains power |
Vinyl: matching RCA sockets do not mean matching inputs
Both speakers have a pair of RCA sockets on the rear panel. The key difference is the signal level, not the shape of the plugs.
Klipsch The Three Plus has a built-in phono preamp that processes the output of a compatible turntable and brings it to line level. If your turntable already has its phono preamp enabled and its output set to LINE, select line mode on the speaker too. Do not add a second phono stage to this signal path.
Marshall Woburn III has a line-level RCA input. A turntable with only a PHONO output therefore needs a separate phono preamp. If your turntable has one built in, you may not need another box.
What this means in practice: when choosing your first vinyl system, compare the cost of the complete signal chain, not just the two speakers. An extra phono preamp, cables and space for them can affect your decision more than the difference in speaker prices.
Klipsch The Three Plus
Marshall Woburn III
TV connections: HDMI ARC or optical
Woburn III offers a specific advantage for TV use: HDMI ARC. Marshall says that, when connected correctly, volume can be controlled with the TV remote. Check the TV socket label: you need ARC or compatible eARC, not just any spare HDMI socket. You will also need to select the appropriate audio output in the TV settings.
The Three Plus connects to a TV through its optical input. This works if the TV has an optical output, but do not assume identical single-remote control: that depends on equipment and settings. Optical connections do not carry HDMI-CEC commands.
Both speakers have Bluetooth, but check audio/video delay separately for films and games. Wireless connectivity alone does not guarantee synchronised sound.
If you mainly want a speaker for films rather than music, compare this format with TV soundbars. The two tabletop models in this article should not be treated as replacements for every multichannel system.
Dimensions: what will actually fit on your cabinet?
The Three Plus is 35.5 cm wide and 21.3 cm high; Woburn III measures 40 cm and 31.7 cm respectively. The width difference is relatively small, but the height difference is 10.4 cm. Under a TV or on a shelf, height can be the deciding factor.
Measure depth too, leave space for cables and keep the top controls accessible. Avoid a tight enclosed recess. Both models need a wall socket: Bluetooth describes how music is transmitted, not whether a battery is included.
If Woburn III is too large, you do not have to rule out Marshall. Our separate Acton III, Stanmore III and Woburn III comparison covers smaller alternatives and their connections.
Which sounds better, and how can you tell?
A logo, Bluetooth version or wattage cannot honestly answer that question. These specifications do not tell you how much you will enjoy the vocals, bass or sound at low volume. This article contains no first-hand listening results: it compares design and features using documentation.
For your own comparison, choose familiar recordings with vocals, a bass line and a dense arrangement. Listen at similar volumes and roughly the distance you would use at home. Assess clarity and comfort first, then volume headroom. The loudest demonstration will not necessarily reveal the best choice for an evening in your flat.
Consider the system format too. Both products contain their drivers in one cabinet. If you want to position separate left and right speakers around your listening position, look at powered stereo pairs. This is a different way to arrange a system, not simply a more expensive tabletop speaker.
Choosing between Klipsch and Marshall
Start with The Three Plus if you want a built-in phono preamp, optical input, USB-C and a shorter cabinet. Consider Woburn III if you need HDMI ARC, prefer separate bass and treble controls on the cabinet and have space for a larger speaker.
If you only stream music from your phone, placement, controls, price and your own listening impressions may decide the choice. Neither brand is a universal winner.
Browse available models in the Klipsch catalogue and Marshall catalogue. Current prices and finishes are listed on the product pages. If you are unsure about connections, send us your TV or turntable model: that helps us recommend a compatible option based on your equipment.
Sources and comparison method
Specifications checked on 13 October 2026 using manufacturer specifications and manuals. Photos come from the WaveSound product catalogue. This is neither a laboratory test nor a first-hand listening report. WaveSound sells both brands; the recommendations here are based on connections and intended use.