Kanto ORA Reference Desktop Speakers vs Marshall Middleton II

What ORA Reference Desktop Speakers does better (2) and where Middleton II wins (2) — every spec side by side.

2 advantages≈ $270

Marshall · 2025Middleton II

8.1Score

2 advantages≈ $240

Higher score

Dimensions

Size comparison

ORA Reference Desktop SpeakersMiddleton II

	ORA Reference Desktop Speakers	Middleton II	Difference
Height	175 mm	110 mm	+65 mm
Width	100 mm	230 mm	−130 mm
Depth	141 mm	98 mm	+43 mm

Drawn to the same scale from the official dimensions (front and side).

Specifications

Only differences	Kanto ORA Reference Desktop Speakers≈ $270	Marshall Middleton II≈ $2408.1
Sound
Driver type	—	Neodymium
Driver size	—	76.2 mm
Output power	50 W	40 W
Speaker channels	—	2.0
Channel count	—	2
Lowest frequency	70 Hz	45 Hz
Highest frequency	22,000 Hz	20,000 Hz
Spatial / 3D audio	—	Yes
Hi-Res Audio	Yes	—
Stereo	—	Yes
Battery & charging
Battery life	—	30 h
Charging time	—	3 h
Quick charge (claimed)	—	20 min → 10 h
Fast charging support	—	Yes
Power bank function	—	Yes
Mains powered	Yes	No
Battery powered (portable)	—	Yes
Connectivity
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth version	5	5.3
Bluetooth codecs	—	LC3, AAC, SBC
Hi-res codec (LDAC / aptX HD / LHDC)	—	No
aptX	—	No
LDAC	—	No
Multipoint (two devices)	—	Yes
LE Audio	—	Yes
USB-C	—	Yes
USB audio	Yes	—
3.5 mm jack / AUX	—	Yes
Smart & streaming
Companion app	—	Yes
Design & build
Weight	—	1,800 g
Width	100 mm	230 mm
Height	175 mm	110 mm
Depth	141 mm	98 mm
Protection rating	—	IP67
Water resistance (IPx)	—	IPx7
Dust protection (IP)	—	6
Features
Hands-free calls	—	Yes