Yamaha R-S202BL
Score: 71/100
Marshall Acton III
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Acton III is a compact, AC-powered Bluetooth speaker that delivers 60 W RMS of rich stereo sound with premium analog controls and modern Bluetooth 5.2 features. Its iconic design and eco-friendly build make it a stylish centerpiece for small-to-medium rooms, though it lacks battery power and advanced smart-home connectivity.
The Yamaha R-S202BL is a 2-channel stereo receiver offering 100 W per channel, a high 100 dB S/N ratio and Bluetooth 4.1 streaming, aimed at entry-level audiophiles and secondary-room setups. It lacks digital inputs, a phono stage and advanced smart-home features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 wattsbest | 60 watts | |
100 dBbest | — | |
20 Hz | 45 Hzbest | |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
2best | 2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 6.7 kg | 2.85 kgbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.5 wattsbest | — |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Physical Specs(1) | ||
Weight (kg) | 6.7 kg | 2.85 kg |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.2 |
Audio Performance(2) | ||
Power Output (watts) | 100 watts | 60 watts |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 20 Hz | 45 Hz |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the R-S202BL for its low distortion, clean circuitry and impressive power output, calling it a refreshingly honest amplifier that prioritises audio fidelity.
Everyday users appreciate the strong volume, easy Bluetooth pairing, straightforward setup and solid build quality, while complaints focus on the lack of phono input, digital inputs and a basic remote.
Professional reviewers praise the Acton III for delivering bold, room-filling sound in a small footprint, highlighting its powerful 60 W RMS output, wider soundstage from outward-angled tweeters, and modern Bluetooth 5.2 features like LE Audio and placement correction. They note the premium build and iconic design as strong points, while pointing out the lack of RCA inputs and smart-assistant support as the main drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently commend the speaker's impressive sound quality, stylish look, and tactile brass controls, often mentioning the convenience of Bluetooth multipoint and the helpful app. Common complaints revolve around the absence of a battery, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs, and the desire for more wired input options.
“the perfect fit”
“Plenty of volume”
“Bluetooth pairs instantly and maintains stable connection”
