Archeer 25W Bluetooth Speakers with Subwoofer
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Unboxing
The Speaker's Package is huge (clearly noticeable in the Photo), eco-friendly with a good internal protection. Everything is packed with some basic accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable, 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable, 1x User Manual, and the BT Speaker (of course).
As regards the Chassis, the whole body is made of Wood (or anything that provides the same look) and Plastic, with a Bamboo-look, and half of the body is covered by a nice soft cloth (check the Photo below). This combination provides a premium look together with the best internal sound insulation.
On the back side there is an AUX port, used for Wired Connection, a Reset Button, a Battery Charging LED and a Micro-USB port. The whole back panel has a rubberized surface, be careful with that because it isn't scratch resistant at all (a scratch is already noticeable in my Photo).
On the lower back side, there is an hole that is probably used as a breather.
Based on Archeer's specs, the Center Subwoofer has an output power of 15W, while the side drivers have 5W of Output for each one. Follow my next paragraph to know more about real output power.
Sound Quality
As regards the sound quality, well i am not an audiophile so i can't provide you some professional audio tests, but basing on my power-user experience, i notice that the Subwoofer is a bit too much powerful compared to the side drivers making the sound output a bit muffled. Low Frequencies are more noticeable than High ones, producing a sort of Warm Sound. (compared to my ancient Harman-Kardon Speakers)
The Volume is superb, i would have never expected such an high volume from a battery-powered BT Speaker, the internal amplifier is powerful, and there is no distortion even on Maximum Volume. Excellent!
This is my Loudness/Volume Test while running a Dolby Sound Test. Result: 95.5 dBA (MAX)
While this is another Test while running the famous Helicopter Sound Test. Result: 86.9 dBA (MAX)
I do not notice any microphone here, neither my smartphone shows it as a Call-Enabled device, so this is a Speaker-only unit. You won't be able to make calls without having to use your device's microphone.
Controls and Connectivity
I was able to pair the speaker with my device in just one step (using BT), and after being connected i didn't experienced any issue as regards stability or such. Unfortunately, there is no APT-X support here for high-definition BT Audio, so you have to use the Wired Connection for high-res audio.
Something i found useful is the Power LED. This isn't a simple Power LED, it supports two colors in order to show the current connection state. Blue LED means connected via BT, while Green LED means connected using Wired Cable. This is pretty useful i think, probably the first time i see this feature on a BT speaker.
It isn't possible to use the Wired Connection without turning on the device, it is required to provide some power to the internal amplifier. But, it is possible to charge the internal 5200mAh battery without having to turn off the speaker. It means that you can use it as a Completely Wired speaker.
As regards the controls area, there are some basic buttons here, a Play/Pause button and the Volume Buttons are used to control the volume (of course) and as a Music Control for Next/Previous song.
Conclusions
Being an high-grade Speaker Unit it is normal to expect an high-quality audio experience with good quality materials and so on. Except the High Frequencies issue i have described before, that might not be an issue for someone else, i am not able to find anything else negative about this accessory.
The Sound Output is definitely high for a 15W + 5W*2 Speaker, probably also higher than the rated output, and the amount of Low Frequencies provide a so immersive audio similar to what an Home Theater provides (except the surround effects of course). I have a 5.1 Home Theater at home, so i know how it sounds.
So...do I recommend this accessory? Yes, the price isn't so low though so it might seem a bit too much expensive, but it isn't possible to find something that provides the same quality (talking about sound and materials) for less, at least not for now, so i can definitely recommend it. Just remember that if prefer more High Frequencies than Low ones, this might not be for you.
Pros:
- Superb Output Power
- Premium Materials
- Easy-to-use
- 5200mAh Battery Inside
- Rechargeable without powering-off the unit
Cons:
- High Frequencies are a bit too much limited
- A bit expensive
Rating: 9.1
Packaging and Accessories: 9.5
Design and Materials: 10
Sound Quality: 9
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.archeer.com/Bluetooth-Sp...Audio-System-for-Bedroom-Livingroom-p-40.html
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2a0kpSM
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/yGyak
Related
This is a Review of Inateck BTSP-10 Plus Bluetooth mini Hi-Fi speaker. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PFDT07Q and http://www.inateck.com/bluetooth-speaker-btsp10-plus-inateck/
For those who are skeptical about small speakers being able to deliver a big sound, the new Inateck BTSP-10 Plus mini hi-fi wireless Bluetooth speaker is a perfect example of how it should be done! It has been awhile since I reviewed any budget priced wireless speaker because I came across too many similarly looking “boxes”, nothing original or exciting. Inateck new release caught my attention because I found its spec to be quite impressive for such a tiny footprint. While being a fan of German design and engineering, I had to check it out, and here is what I found.
Arrived in a common environmentally safe all carton packaging, I was pleased they decided to spice up the appearance by adding details to the outer sleeve with glossy notes print. Under a sleeve on a cover of the box there was a very simple description of the features with corresponding icons – very clear and to the point with an overview of a high capacity 2000 mAh battery, support of BT4.0, Stereo Music playback (from 2 speakers), Super bass sound enhancement, and Hands Free phone (speakerphone functionality). Inside of the box beside a speaker itself, you will find a quality usb/micro-usb cord, 3.5mm audio cable, large velour storage pouch, and a detailed Instruction manual. Right away it’s a plus that a speaker uses a common micro-usb port, unlike some that still use mini-usb or a proprietary wall adapter with a round connector. Audio cable is also a plus if you want to play your music wired directly from your phone or a tablet in case if it doesn’t support Bluetooth or speaker battery is discharged.
Looking closely at BTSP-10 Plus, you can’t help but notice how small and lightweight it is under 390g and with dimensions of 2" x 2.4" x 6.5". Even next to my Note 4 it felt small. The outer housing of the speaker has a rubbery texture and hexagon theme all over it – everything from hex buttons at the top, to hex shaped non-slip feet, and other design details around the top and the front grill. The grill itself is metal, a fine mesh painted in red and protected from outside by overlapping hex shapes. In general, it’s a fresh looking design which definitely going to catch the attention, though it’s not just the looks but the actual functionality that makes it standout.
Starting from the top you have 3 dedicated buttons, a multi-functioning Bluetooth pair up button which also works as Play/Pause/Call, and Volume Up/Down button for volume control. On a side, you have an auxiliary input for 3.5mm audio cable, a dedicated on/off button (no more guessing if you press soft power button long enough – always a problem with other speakers), and 5V micro-usb port to charge the battery. Fully charged, the battery can last up to 15hrs when you play music at a moderate volume level. Wireless pair up was simple, and within seconds I was connected to the phone and media audio. Speakerphone function worked as expected, and the actual wireless connection worked for up to 40 feet away from the phone.
When I got to the actual sound test, I had to take a step back because I didn’t expect such a loud and clear sound. Packed with a pair of 3-watt 40mm dynamic drivers, Inateck refers to them as “Rotunded 16-core NdFeB magnetic driver”. I’m not too familiar with such drivers, but I can tell you the sound was full and balanced and apparently under control of multi-band compressor, and had a nice bass response thanks to its bass port at the bottom of the speaker. Even at the max volume there was no distortion, and down to a minimum level I was still able to hear everything clear. A lot of budget portable speakers focus on appearances and just a basic delivery of a sound, while Inateck actually paid attention to a quality sound tuning. Also, this speaker has a wide soundstage with a nice stereo separation which is quite enjoyable when you take a few steps back. Bass is not necessary booming, you can’t expect that from such a small housing and with a pair of 40mm drivers, but it definitely has a nice clean bass rumble and a snappy mid-bass punch.
Overall, I found BTSP-10 Plus to be surprisingly good in every aspect from a catchy design, to a build quality, battery durability, wireless performance, and the most important – sound quality! It can really compete with a sound quality of a number of other wireless speakers that cost over $100. Unlike so many other portable wireless speakers with a tiny thin sound and thumping beat without any supporting bass, Inateck wireless speaker actually sounds like a mini hi-fi system which I really enjoyed. Definitely gets my recommendation!
Here are the pictures.
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This is a review of Anker BT wireless (A7909) speaker. http://www.ianker.com/product/A7909011 , also available on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RMYQU06/
It has been awhile since I reviewed a new product from Anker, and I was getting a bit worried thinking they slowed down with their new releases. Just as soon as this thought crossed my mind, I had a new BT speaker from Anker waiting for my review! I don’t have to tell you how saturated smartphone accessories market is with wireless speakers, so I was curious was Anker came up with to stand out from competition "crowd". Let’s take a closer look.
It’s no longer a surprise all Anker products arrive in environmentally safe carton packaging. As a matter of fact, they were the originators of that trend, quickly followed by most other accessory manufacturers. The cover sleeve has a nice clean image of the speaker, and after you slide it out and open the box, you will find A7909 model with included accessories.
Unboxing.
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Accessories include a sturdy USB to micro-usb charging cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm connector (for direct wired connection of the speaker), and a soft storage bag/pouch. Charging and audio cable is typically something you will find with many other wireless speakers, but not too many others offer a storage bag. Obviously, a pouch not going to protect your speaker from a high drop, but it could cushion it and provide some level of protection. Plus, if you leave fingerprints on the plastic surface of the speaker – a soft material of the pouch could be used to wipe them down.
Accessories.
Out of the box, you will find a relatively compact brick shaped speaker with a dimensions of about 6.4” x 2.6” x 2.6” and weighting aproximately280g. The speaker has a sturdy plastic enclosure with a metal grill on the front covering the drivers and on one side covering the bass port. On the top you have 2 recessed large volume -/+ buttons to decrease/increase the volume level, and the area for NFC pairing. Opposite of the bass port on the other side you will find a multi-function Power/Pair-up/Play-Pause button which also has a blue led backlight to indicate when power is on. The back has charging led indicator, micro-usb charging port, and AUX 3.5mm audio input port. It’s a very simple design with a clear layout of large easy to use controls. The bottom has a non-slip rubbery pad for secure placement on any surface.
Design.
Considering its slightly higher than expected pricing, yeah – Anker spoiled us with premium products at discounted prices, I was curious to explorer its spec and performance to figure out the value of this BT wireless speaker. First of all, it comes with a large 6200 mAh battery (that explains the weight) which can support almost 24 hours of playback at 60% volume setting or 18hr playback at a more realistic 70% volume setting. It sure is impressive for a small compact speaker that isn’t longer than my Note 4.
Inside, it has a dual 5W drivers and a dedicated bass port. Obviously, it could function both wired and wireless. Wireless pair up with a phone was seamless and I tested it to work 60’ away (!!!) from my phone in open space. That’s very impressive for a supported wireless distance. One important thing to keep in mind – it ONLY pairs up with a phone Media, not with a phone to work as a speakerphone. In my own personal experience with at a least a dozen of BT wireless speakers I have tested, I never ever used any of them as a speakerphone. Thus, I found a lack of speakerphone support is not a big deal. The only comment I have here, during pair up speaker produces a loud and a bit annoying beep, which I wish would have been a little quieter.
Pair up and performance with a phone.
Of course, the most important aspect of this review is to find out how it sounds.
Thanks to its 5W speakers, Anker A7909 BT wireless speaker can get very loud and at the max speaker and phone volume level – I sensed NO distortion what so ever. Obviously you have to be realistic that small drivers can produce a loud sound but it’s not a powerful room filling type of sound. The sound is very clean and accurate, not too boomy or too thin, but the further you step away the less bass you hear. Basically, this is not a type of speaker to entertain a big outdoor party or to fill in a big hall with a loud sound, it's intended for a smaller room listening where louder sound will fill in the room and where you will be able to enjoy better low end (bass) response.
Conclusion.
Anker usually doesn't disappoint with their new releases, and this new BT wireless speaker is no exception. It is not necessary the top performer or the best value in "small portable" speaker category, but it definitely offers some unique features to be very competitive. Battery life which can go up to 24hr is a big bonus. 5W dual speaker is loud and clean, and most important you can raise the volume all the way to the max without clipping or distortion. And unlike so many other portable speakers with only Volume control, I like the integrated Play/Pause which is SO important. The whole purpose of wireless speaker is to be away from the phone, and some manufacturers forget about it, making you go back to the phone to pause the song. I'm glad Anker implemented this feature. Backed up by their 18-month warranty, this is definitely a good product. Priced at $69.99, I think it's a bit steep and it would be more realistic to have it priced closer to $50, but if you are looking for all the features offered by this wireless speaker - it worth the price.
This is the TaoTronics Sound Bar Wired and Wireless
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Unboxing
NOTE: I'm really sorry for the bad quality about some photos, but this product is soo huge that i wasn't able to obtain decent shots almost 99% of the time.
This is the first time ever i was not able to take pictures of this in my room. As you can notice, the package is huge just like the sound bar. It is well-protected inside, but the amount of accessories isn't satisfying at all, with 1x RCA Audio Cable (not optical), 1x Power Cord (EU for me), 1x Remote Control (with no batteries included), 1x User Manual, and the Sound Bar (of course). That's it. I would have expected to get at least an Optical and Coaxial Cable included, luckily i had one to do all testing with my TV.
As regards the Chassis, it is made of Plastic with two Glossy Sides and the classical fabric used to cover where the speakers are located: there are 2x 20W speakers with 2x Passive Radiators for low frequencies.
On the back side there is the Audio Input (RCA White/Red lines) input, used for Wired Connection, 1x Optical Input for Digital High-Quality Connection, 1x Coaxial Input, and the Power Input.
On the lower side, there isn't anything at all except two rubber stands to not let the Sound Bar to slip.
The right side (if you are looking it from the front) features an old-style 3.5mm input jack to connect any kind of audio source. Cable not included though.
In the center there is a nice aluminum band that hides the Volume +/- and Power touch buttons, together with the Source button on the front and 3x LEDs used to indicate the Volume and Source.
Sound Quality
Compared to my TV's Speaker (10Wx2, with a really unbalanced sound), everything is better, but, i have tested many speakers for daily usage, and this one seems to produce the best sound. The amount is low-frequencies isn't too high reducing the amount of other frequencies, producing a more balanced sound that really makes the difference while watching some videos.
The Volume is as high as you would expect from a 20Wx2 Sound Bar, nothing too crazy, nothing too shabby, i don't like the volume steps though, sometimes causing to increase the volume too much just by pressing one time the Volume + button.
This is my Loudness/Volume Test while running a Dolby Sound Test (Connected via BT to my Smartphone). Result: 91.4 dBA (MAX)
I do not notice any microphone here, neither my smartphone shows it as a Call-Enabled device, so this is a Speaker-only unit. You won't be able to make calls without having to use your device's microphone.
Controls and Connectivity
While using the Sound Bar using the Bluetooth Connection, it is possible to control the volume using the smartphone (or any other bt device), the remote control and the touch-keys. Nothing to complain about it.
Unfortunately while using the Sound Bar with the Optical Cable, you won't be able to use your TV's Volume Control, forcing to have two remote controls. I guess this is a technical limit, correct me if i am wrong.
I really like the front LEDs that show which source is in use, and also the Volume by using all LEDs in the same time. Also, LEDs are not super bright so they do not disturb during the night.
The Bluetooth Connection is rocking stable, at least with my smartphone, and the quality is just slightly lower compared to the Wired Connection (as expected).
Conclusions
This TaoTronics Sound Bar seems to have covered almost all issues i was facing with my TV's audio, together with offering BT connectivity so that i can save space by using one single speaker for two usages.
The sound output is decent, high-quality for sure, but the company should really work on the accessories included in the package because, currently, they are simply not enough, especially for the price of the product. This is the only serious complain i have for this sound bar, everything else is great.
So...do I recommend this accessory? Yes, be sure to have all accessories required to get the maximum from the product, and i think you won't regret it, at least not for the price-performance ratio.
Pros:
- Balanced Audio Output
- Multiple Audio Sources
- Great Price-Performance Ratio
Cons:
- Disappointing amount of included Accessories
- Glossy Sides are easy to scratch
Rating: 9.1
Packaging and Accessories: 7
Design and Materials: 10
Sound Quality: 9.5
Price: 9 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: https://www.taotronics.com/tt-sk15-sound-bar.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/XZS82
This is the Tronsmart Encore S4 Headset.
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Unboxing
The packaging feels pretty premium from the outside, but the inside might not look that great. When it comes to accessories, Tronsmart is a bit strict, with only some Earbuds (L/S size, M pre-installed), a little plastic thing (unknown usage), an User Manual, a Micro-USB Cable and the Headset (of course). A pair of sport supports for the earbuds might have been appreciated.
As regards the Chassis, it is made of Plastic, with some glossy parts (slightly fingerprint magnet) and overall solid build quality. For daily usage it is perfectly fine.
On the upper side there is the neckband made of soft-plastic (similar to TPU) that makes its usage comfortable and without major issues when it comes to hot temperatures.
On the left end (where the Tronsmart logo is located) there isn't anything at all, i guess this is where the battery is located.
On the right side instead is where all the magic happens, with the ANC ON/OFF switch, Power/Volume buttons, Microphone and Power/Activity LED.
The ANC switch unfortunately features a serious design flaw, at least in my opinion. You can turn ON/OFF the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) even if the Headset is turned off. It is useful when you only want to isolate yourself without listing to any music, but it is also slightly annoying because you need to turn on/off two things separately.
Sound Quality
Well...the sound quality is decent, nothing superb, neither terrible. The equalizer seems to be set in order to increase low frequencies too much, so in order to get more clarity i had to tune it via software (depending on your smartphone, i use AudioFX on LineageOS 14.1).
The volume is extremely high though, probably the most loud BT earphones i have ever tried.
As regards the most important feature, ANC or Active Noise Cancellation, it works pretty well actually. Of course you can't expect superb isolation because we are dealing with earphones not headphones, but you can definitely feel the difference with and without this feature. Again though, as already said before, there is a design flaw.
The Microphone is decent too, luckily there are no equalizer issues with it but, due to its slighly weird position, your voice might sound a bit muffled. Just be sure to keep the Microphone open and not completely attached to the neck.
Something the goes between sound quality and controls is the built-in Vibration motor, that alerts in case of incoming calls. Pretty useful considering that with the ANC turned on it might be difficult to hear the Ringtone. (if not router to the BT headset of course)
Controls and Connectivity
Controls are just the same as on all Bluetooth Earphones you can find, with the exception of the ANC on/off switch that is indipendent. Power/Volume keys seems to be well-sealed so that you can use the product also in extreme conditions, and the LED located just under the Microphone is pretty bright and noticeable.
The Bluetooth Connection is stable, nothing to complain about. I don't know if my device is cheating me or not, but Bluetooth LE doesn't seem to be supported.
Conclusions
This is the first time ever i get an ANC Headset, and i must say that this feature is impressive especially considering that it was something "exclusive" to Bose Headphones. OK, it isn't as good as on high-end products, but for the price and the overall quality, it is perfectly fine and still better than not having it.
The product is good actually, not perfect due to the design flaw, but still perfectly usable in daily life and for almost all kinds of usage. If with the next model Tronsmart manages to tune the equalizer better and implement the ANC switch properly, then i can declare it a best-buy with no doubts.
Battery Life is great, almost 6 days of usage, 3 hours x day, listening to music at medium volume.
Pros:
- Battery Life
- ANC - Active Noise Cancellation
- Build Quality
Cons:
- Design Flaw for the ANC switch
- Badly set default equalizer
- Glossy Plastic Parts (PERSONAL)
Rating: 8.1
Packaging and Accessories: 7
Design and Materials: 8.5
Sound Quality: 8
Price: 9 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.tronsmart.com/products/tronsmart-encore-s4-active-noise-cancelling-bluetooth-headphones
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/BWnBE
This is the Tronsmart Encore S6.
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Unboxing
Similar to the Encore S4's packaging, also the S6 comes in a pretty premium box with some accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable (for charging), 1x 3.5mm Audio Cable (for wired connection), 1x User Manual and the Headphones (of course).
Everything is made of plastic with no glossy parts, something that i appreciate everytime, and there is enough amount of flex in the whole body to wear them in a more comfortable way.
As regards the Weight, even though 278g might seem a bit too much, the cushion helps a lot in distributing it without any headache.
Being foldable they get pretty compact when folded, but i would have appreciated to get a small case in the package where to store them.
It is possible to move each headphone hall vertically to get a more proper contact with the ear, it isn't possible to adjust the position horizontally.
Each side has a decent amount of extra centimeters that can be gained by stretching, without brutal force, the band on the lower side. The cable that goes through the band gets visible this way, positive for easy repair but slightly negative for design lovers.
On the upper side, where the headband is located, there is a soft cushion that does give a feeling of a premium product. I am noy saying that this isn't a premium product, since it isn't that cheap, but still it is something usually available only on high-end ones.
On the left there is the magical Noise Suppression (or Noise Cancellation/ANC) controller. I like the idea of having this big rubbery surface for controls (even though it gets a bit dirty) since it improved the lifetime of keys and of the internal board.
Unfortunately though the same design flaw i found on the Encore S4 is also here, where the NC switch is indipendent from the main controller. What does it mean? It means that it needs to be turned off separately.
On the right side instead there is the main controller (where probably also the battery is located), with the same rubbery surface protecting all controls, and, as you would expect, all basical keys necessary to interact with your Bluetooth Source: Volume Up/Down, Music Next/Previous and Play/Pause|Answer/Power buttons.
On the lower side where the main controller is located there is a Micro-USB connector required to charge the internal battery, a Microphone (since this can be used also for Calls without any issue) and the 3.5mm Headphone Jack, something becoming rare nowadays (iPhone users, you know what i am talking about...).
Sound Quality
Unlike what happened with the Encore S4 where the default equalizer was, in my opinion, messed up pushing low frequencies to the max and muffling a bit the others, here it is completely the opposite.
The amount of low frequencies (aka BASS) is a bit too much limited, reducing the sound's "punchiness", even though, not being a Bass lover, i prefer this, especially because it is easy to find a "Bass Boost" feature on any smartphone/tablet, while a "Treble Boost" is almost everytime inexistent.
As regards the Volume, it is pretty high, enough high to stay safe even at maximum volume without damaging your ears. Here you can see the proof, not a professional test, but at least it is better than nothing.
The Noise Cancellation feature works almost perfectly, reducing ambient sounds a lot, without any impact on sound quality. Of course it is not equal to what you can get with Bose Headphones, but it gets pretty close.
Calls and Connectivity
Featuring Bluetooth V4.1, it may not be considering as a super up-to-date product, and well this is true, because this has been released many months ago, but reached my country's store only in September 2017 (european import crap).
Excluding the version, it is perfectly enough for high-quality BT streaming. Also, it comes with APT-X support. For those who want to know more about apt-X bitrate, here is a Chinese table found online.
As already mentioned before, Calls are perfectly supported, and the quality is decent, with a sufficiently clear microphone and voice. Being a device not made primarily for calls, i don't expect more.
Battery Life and Conclusions
Battery Life matches what Tronsmart declared on the Amazon description, that is ~13 hours (BT+ANC) and ~20 hours (BT only). Personally i reach more or less 12 hours at medium volume with ANC on, so it is pretty close to the declared value considering that they do not specify the volume.
After the Encore S4, this bigger brother is definitely a step forward with better sound quality and the possibility of wired connection, something that, in my opinion, is a must even for BT earphones, in case of low battery or a connection with a device that doesn't support BT.
I am not an audiophile so do not expect the most precise feedback, but in the last few months i have been testing many audio devices so i am getting more and more experienced. I can say that these headphones are the best ones i have ever tested, and i can definitely recommend them.
Pros:
- Dual Connection (BT and Wired)
- ANC - Active Noise Cancellation
- Build Quality
- APT-X Support
Cons:
- Design Flaw for the ANC switch
- Limited Low Frequencies
Rating: 8.6
Packaging and Accessories: 7.5
Design and Materials: 9.5
Sound Quality: 9
Price: 8.5 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: http://www.tronsmart.com/products/tronsmart-encore-s6-active-noise-cancelling-headphones
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/XnLLI