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Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector review: sadly, these live up to their nominal price tag
12:30 pm | November 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector: Two-minute review

The Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector are spectacularly unspectacular. For a pair of cheap wired earbuds, they do everything you’d expect – nothing more, nothing less: audio that’s average at best, a basic yet decently practical design and a lightweight feel.

So, of course, it’s worth starting with a disclaimer. These earbuds have a very low list price of just $24.99 / £14.99 / AU$29.95. As a result, it’s unreasonable to expect great audio from these buds – even if Belkin itself insists that they offer “superior sound quality” (spoiler alert, they don’t). And perhaps unsurprisingly, the overall listening experience you get from the Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector – which will here-on be known as the Belkin SoundForm USB-C – isn’t a good one.

The key issue here is that audio is often pretty tinny. When I compared them to the Skullcandy Set USB-C – which sit on our list of the best wired earbuds – I found the Belkin buds to offer less clarity and instruments often sounded inauthentic. For instance, when I tuned into Holy, Holy by Geordie Greep with the Belkin buds, bass was quite muddy, the choppy guitar lacked sharpness and the usually theatrical, showstopping vocals couldn’t find their defined, satisfying position in the overall mix. Percussion in the treble frequency range would often sound quite grating at higher volumes too, making for a pretty unimpressive listening experience.

I should say, though, that if you’re not too picky on sound quality and just want cheap buds, these can certainly do the job. There were no horrible technical hiccups like audio cutting out, low volume levels or compatibility issues with devices. Sure, a lack of instrumental separation and narrow soundstage can leave music sounding pretty restricted, but bass has a decent (albeit not booming) kick and treble – although sometimes grating – can be bright when listening to more upbeat tracks.

However, some sonic shortcomings could admittedly be quite frustrating, even if you’re a more casual listener. When listening to Rains again by Solji, the vocalist’s high notes came through in a rather brash manner, which was a little uncomfortable on the ear. On a slightly different note, I found cable noise to be pretty prominent with the SoundForm USB-C. This is accentuated when you’re on the go or moving around a fair bit, making these far from ideal if you need some buds for workouts or walks. In fairness, however, cable noise is pretty typical with wired earbuds and you often have to splash a bit more cash to avoid this – pricier models like the Shure AONIC 3 are pretty competent in tempering the issue.

Other than cable noise, I had very few problems with the Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector’s design. The attached controller, although a little on the chunky side, is responsive, works well and has volume controls, as well as a play/pause button that can also be used to take calls or skip songs. The actual USB-C connector is decent too, didn’t protrude out of the port when using a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and isn’t too large when holding the device in-hand. To cap that off, these have a pleasingly comfortable in-ear feel. Unlike a lot of cheap buds, I never felt that these were falling out of my ears, even when listening for multiple hours consecutively. Belkin also includes a selection of different sized ear tips, so no matter your ear size you can form a pretty tight seal for use.

On the topic of fit, it’s important to get a strong seal when using the SoundForm USB-C. As wired buds; they’re not going to offer active noise cancellation and instead rely on passive noise isolation for banishing external noise. I used the medium-sized ear tips and found passive noise isolation to be quite good. I could still hear some external noises such as typing with volume at around 60-70%, but this was pretty dulled. For the price you pay, I definitely felt that the quality of noise isolation was above average.

If you’re concerned about the SoundForm USB-C accruing damage when walking in the rain, you can rest assured. These have an IPX5 waterproof rating, meaning they can survive direct contact with water jets – so even if it’s raining cats and dogs you should be good here. Alas, this is where my praise meets its bitter end.

That’s because it’s time to talk about the actual look of these buds. In my view, these aren’t at all easy on the eye. Sure, the rounded shape of the buds is decent and pretty practical, plus the Pink and Blue color options (available in the US and Australia) are quite appealing, but that’s about it. The buds themselves look very plasticky and the glossy exterior only really accentuates that. In addition, the wire is flat, rather than rounded, making for a not-so-elegant appearance. Beyond that, I found the wire to kink pretty easily, so don’t expect peak durability. The “tangle-free” claim is also an exaggeration – I found, like most wired buds, the SoundForm USB-C could get in a twist after pocketing them or placing them into tight spaces.

Finally, a word on the inbuilt mic, which Belkin says can offer “clear” call quality. But it can’t. I tried making a voice recording and I won’t dress it up – the results were poor. My voice sounded pretty tinny and there was an audible hiss present throughout the recording. When making a phone call, my voice was clear enough to hear on the other end of the line, but it wasn’t particularly clean and there was static too. So, if you want an upgrade on your phone’s inbuilt mic, don’t expect to be satisfied by what the SoundForm USB-C have to offer.

So, despite the low price-point of the Belkin SoundForm USB-C are they really worth considering? In my view, no. There are definitely some positives here – noise isolation is pretty good, you get a comfortable fit and the IPX5 waterproof rating is a nice touch. But as always, what matters most is sound and these buds don’t fare well in this department. Overall audio is pretty tinny, narrow and treble can get quite grating too. On top of that, mic quality is disappointing and the buds’ design lacks finesse. Sure, these have an ultra-low price and are totally functional, but you’ll certainly find better quality from competitors in our guide to the best cheap headphones.

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector against an orange background

(Image credit: Future)

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector review: Price and release date

  • $24.99 / £14.99 / AU$29.95
  • Launched in 2019

The Belkin SoundForm USB-C earbuds released in 2019, so they’re not the freshest on the market, but will work perfectly well with any modern handset or device with USB-C. On Amazon UK they’re only available in Black and White, although Amazon US and Australia have them in more enticing Pink and Blue options.

These wired buds have a list price of $24.99 / £14.99 / AU$29.95, meaning they’re a super-cheap option. This is a pretty competitive space – there are some good options from the likes of Skullcandy and Final, so make sure to assess alternatives before snapping these up.

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector review: Specs

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector controller on orange background

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector?

Buy them if...

You’re searching for decent passive noise isolation at a cheap price
For all of their shortcomings, the Belkin SoundForm USB-C do offer pretty solid passive noise isolation. They’re super cheap too, so if you’re not picky about audio quality, these could be an option for you.

You hate charging your wireless earbuds
If you’re someone that often forgets to charge wireless buds, then it could be time to re-familiarize yourself with the way of the wire. Of course, you won’t have to charge these, although there are better wired options about.

Don't buy them if...

You’re an audiophile
At this point it’s a given, but if you have a keen ear, don’t buy the Belkin SoundForm USB-C. Audio is regularly tinny, there’s a narrow soundstage and treble can come through in a harsh manner.

You want a fancy feature-set
If you want exciting features like active noise cancellation or EQ settings, you need to look beyond these wired buds. In fact, the vast majority of wired buds have little in the way of a feature-set, so you may be better off going for a cheap pair of wireless buds, such as the great JLab Go Pop ANC.

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector review: Also consider

Skullcandy Set USB-C
If you’re looking for some better USB-C earbuds than these ones from Belkin, the Skullcandy Set USB-C are a very decent challenger. In honesty, they don’t offer amazing audio, but it is better than the SoundForm USB-C. The sound profile isn’t massively detailed and full-sounding, but grating sound and tinniness is less common with these – even at higher volumes. The main attraction here is the sleek, curved design of the buds, not to mention the diverse set of funk color options to choose from. Read our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review.

SoundMAGIC E80D
OK, reader, I’m fully aware that the SoundMAGIC E80D are a fair step up price-wise over Belkin’s buds, but these are still an incredible value pick. For less than $50/£40/AU$70 you get wired earbuds that boast detailed, balanced audio – in part thanks to an inbuilt DAC. You also get impressive noise isolation and a comfortable fit, making these a very strong option overall. Read our full SoundMAGIC E80D review.

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector review: How I tested

Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector plugged into Samsung Galaxy A35, which is sat on top of an orange amp

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested over the course of multiple weeks
  • Used in the office, while on walks and at home
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I put the Belkin SoundForm Wired Earbuds with USB-C Connector to the test over the course of multiple weeks. I predominantly used them while listening to music on Tidal with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, but I also played tunes on Spotify and watched video content via YouTube. I used the buds in an office environment and while out on walks near busy roads to trial their noise isolation capabilities, but also at home for more zoned-in listening sessions.

When listening to tunes I played tracks from the TechRadar testing playlist, which contains tracks from a variety of genres, although I also spent hours blasting bangers from my personal library. When appropriate, I pitted these buds against the similarly priced Skullcandy Set USB-C, to compare audio quality, comfort and design choices, among other things.

  • First reviewed: November 2024
  • Read more about how we test
Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: wired over-ear headphones that sound so good, the price tag must be a misprint
2:00 pm | November 6, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

Austrian Audio Hi-X20: Two-minute review

The company hasn’t been around all that long, but this is not Austrian Audio’s first rodeo at the entry point of the wired over-ear headphones market. Its performance credentials are established, but with the Hi-X20 it seems to have decided that it would like its headphones to look as coherent as they sound to sit among the best wired headphones out there. Which can only be a good thing.

The ‘Hi-X’ bit of the model number means ‘high excursion’, and the Hi-X20 use the same 44mm full-range dynamic driver assembly as all the other ‘Hi-X’ models in the Austrian Audio line-up. This, too, counts as an uncomplicatedly good thing.

And when it comes to ‘performance’, the Hi-X20 are all business. From detail retrieval to dynamics, and soundstaging to tonal balance, they’re a confident and very accomplished listen. They unify recordings properly, strike a nice balance between ‘poise’ and ‘attack’, keep momentum levels high and have complete command over rhythm and tempo. Some listeners might conceivably require greater punch from the (nicely shaped, nicely varied) low frequencies that are on offer here, but everyone else can just revel in sound quality that makes the asking price seem a bit like a misprint.

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 wired over-ear headphones, with ear cup on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Price & release date

  • Released October, 2024
  • Priced $150 / £120 / AU$250

The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 have been on sale since October 2024, and at a price of $150 / £120 / AU$250 they’re one of the company’s most affordable designs. But while the affordable wired over-ear closed-back design isn’t the most fashionable at the moment, it’s not as if the Hi-X20 are your only choice. Plenty of brands, from FiiO to Sony and many points in between, have a comparable model in their line-ups…

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 wired over-ear headphones ear cups on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Specs

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 over-ear headphone cups, with wired connection on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Features

  • 44mm full-range dynamic drivers
  • 12Hz - 24kHz frequency response
  • Detachable 3m cable

The same high-excursion dynamic driver is fitted to every ‘Hi-X’ headphones in the Austrian Audio line-up. It’s a 44mm full-range number, backed by a powerful ring magnet and lightweight copper-covered aluminium voice-coil. A strong magnetic field, optimal airflow and rapid impulse reaction all combine in the arrangement to deliver, according to the manufacturer, a frequency response of 12Hz - 24kHz.

The Hi-X20 are supplied with a three-meter length of cable for connection to a source. At one end it clicks and twists into a 2.5mm socket on the left ear cup, while at the other end its 3.5mm termination also features a 6.3mm adapter. It’s a useful length of cable if you’re using your headphones in a professional capacity, sure, but it’s a bit much if all you’re doing is domestic listening. A second, shorter option in the packaging might have been nice.

That’s pretty much your lot for ‘features’. Even the most expensive passive headphones tend not to have all that long a list of features, and the Hi-X20 simply have the essentials.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 wired over-ear headphones on a white surface, with ear cups showing wired connection port

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Sound quality

  • Fast, attacking-yet-controlled sound
  • Confident, positive presentation
  • Some listeners will require greater bass presence

Despite sharing the same driver arrangement as every other ‘Hi-X’ model, Austrian Audio has tuned the Hi-X20 to address some perceived issues in the way some of the brand's predecessors sound. Whether or not it has been successful in this endeavour, there’s certainly no getting away from the fact that the Hi-X20 are a persuasive listen and an accomplished product.

There’s straight-edged attack to the onset of sounds, no matter where in the frequency range they occur. The top end is bright and shining, nicely controlled and with enough substance to prevent even the crunchiest treble sounds becoming edgy or hard. The Hi-X20 are speedy in their presentation, and keep momentum levels high in every circumstance.

A 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC of Lamb’s Trans Fatty Acid from Kruder & Dorfmeister’s The K&D Sessions illustrates the point in full. The Hi-X20 fairly motor through the tune, expressing the rhythm confidently and offering a direct, convincing overall presentation. Integration of the frequency range is smooth throughout, and in the midrange there’s a degree of positivity that makes the vocal performance sound assertive and articulate.

At the bottom of the frequency range, the Austrian Audio extract and contextualize just as much detail as elsewhere, and there’s pleasing variation to bass sounds. They’re not without substance, either – although the fleet-footed nature of the sound here means the lowest frequencies can be fractionally slender – if you’re the sort of listener who likes to be pummelled by low-frequency presence, you might conceivably find the Hi-X20 a little on the lean side.

Dynamic headroom is considerable, and the Austrian Audio respond instantly to switches in volume or intensity. They create a large, well-defined and properly organized soundstage, too, and manage to unify even complex recordings into singular occurrences rather than present them as a collection of individual and unrelated events.

Switching to a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of Nick Drake’s Which Will allows the Hi-X20 to demonstrate their understanding of tone and texture. The acoustic instrumentation and close-mic’d vocal is delivered in an intimate, assured style – not every pair of headphones can make this recording sound as near-field and naturalistic as this, no matter the asking price.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 wired over-ear headphones folded together

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Design

  • Neat folding arrangement
  • Metal headband and hinges
  • Replaceable ear pads

You don’t ‘design’ headphones, really, certainly not affordable headphones – you ‘build’ them. And so the Hi-X20 look just as you’d expect a pair of affordable over-ear closed-back headphones to look. ‘Design’ doesn’t come into it.

Mind you, at least the Hi-X20 don’t follow the example of previous affordable Austrian Audio models by having far too many colours and textures involved. The HiX-20 are almost entirely black in finish, with only a smattering of branding picked out in red. The plastic that constitute the rear of the ear cup and cover the headband adjustment mechanism feel sturdy enough, and the slow-retention memory foam that makes up the ear pads and sits across the inside of the headband is pleather-covered and comfortable.

In fact, thanks to their 255g weight and some judicious clamping force, the whole experience of wearing the Hi-X20 is comfortable. There’s plenty of headband adjustment available, and the Austrian Audio fold plenty small enough to fit into the small, soft bag they’re supplied with.

  • Design score: 5/5

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 over-ear phone headband adjuster on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Value

  • Comfortable, good-looking and acceptably finished
  • Long cable only minor shortcoming

They’re the best-looking ‘Hi-X’ headphones so far, they’re built and finished to a very acceptable standard, they’re comfortable and they sound great. Maybe the cable is on the long side, but if you can live with this minor shortcoming (and you really ought to), there’s no disputing the value for money the Hi-X20 represent.

  • Value score: 5/5

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 over-ear headphone ear cup with wired connection on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)

Should I buy the Austrian Audio Hi-X20?

Buy them if...

You enjoy direct, revealing sound
They have great powers of insight, the Hi-X20, but even more than this they’re an engaging and entertaining listen. It’s a potent combination

You enjoy an understated look
Unlike previous Austrian Audio efforts, the Hi-X20 are not showy where colors are concerned – and they’re all the better for it

You intend to listen for hours on end
The Austrian Audio are comfortable for the long haul, and their ear pads don’t heat up anything like as quickly as some alternative headphones

Don't buy them if...

You’re a bass fiend
Low frequencies are properly represented here, but the Hi-X20 are a whippet of a listen, rather than an XL Bully

You get tangled easily
Three meters of cable might be ideal for some users, but the rest of us are going to find ourselves with a lot of cable that’s just in the way

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review: Also consider

Grado SR80x
If you'll accept an open-back design (and one that sits on, rather than over, your ears) there's so much to love sonically about Grado's May 2021-release affordable headphones. The design is Grado's calling card – just don't wear them on the bus unless you want to annoy your fellow commuters.
Read our Grado SR80x review for the full story.

Sivga Oriole
Another beautiful set of headphones that belie their lowly price tag, this time over-ears and finished in wood. The sound is strong and vivacious too, if lacking in a little of the dynamic nuance of much pricier options. See our Sivga Oriole review for the full story

How I tested the Austrian Audio Hi-X20

  • Connected to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amplifier
  • With a variety of digital audio file types and sizes
  • For well over a working week

My reference amplifier (a Naim Uniti Star) has a 3.5mm headphone socket – and so all my testing was done using a (delightfully capable) iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp connected via UBS-C to an Apple MacBook Pro. And this is loaded with Colibri software in order to play proper high-resolution content, plus less information-rich stuff, too. I listened to music of every style and genre and did all of this for just over two weeks.

JBL Authentics 200 review: a punchy smart speaker with vintage style
1:46 pm | November 4, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: , | Comments: Off

JBL Authentics 200: Two-minute review

We pride ourselves on having tested all of the most notable and best wireless speakers on the market at TechRadar, so it’s always a welcome moment when one comes along that does things a bit differently. That’s very much the case with the Authentics 200: one look at this vintage-inspired beauty is all you need to see that JBL has gone its own way here.

From the curved foam grille to the aluminium frame, the Authentics 200 is a stunning homage to amps of old. That retro aesthetic is matched by a solid build which, apart from the plastic dials on top, feels wonderfully premium. It’s distinctive enough to get people talking, without ever feeling like a fad.

Its beauty is more than skin deep. JBL has been generous with the feature set: you get Wi-Fi streaming from a range of services, multi-room audio, as well as connectivity with the slick JBL One app. That’s where you can integrate it with different streaming platforms and customize the EQ – although it’s more fun to do that physically by rotating the treble and bass knobs on the unit itself.

The app is also where you can connect the Authentics 200 to both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (yes, JBL has aimed to make it of the best smart speakers too). Crossover between the two isn’t seamless, mind, but support for both at the same time means you can have full access to their respective services from a single speaker.

Then there’s the listening experience, which is superlative. In our tests, the Authentics 200 impressed us at every turn – from the powerful bass to the clear treble, balanced with rich mids that give wonderful definition. Separation is impressive, and there’s a depth to its soundstage that delivers remarkable immersion for a single speaker.

It’s not the cheapest smart speaker you can buy, nor does it have the Atmos compatibility of the less expensive Amazon Echo Studio, for example. But if you value its heritage design – as well as its premium feature set and sound quality – there’s really nothing else like the Authentics 200.

JBL Authentics 200 review: Price and release date

  • Released August 2023
  • Officially priced at $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$299

The JBL Authentics 200 was released in August 2023, priced at $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$299. It was launched alongside the larger, Atmos-compatible JBL Authentics 500, which is significantly more costly, at $699.99 / £579.99 / AU$999.

Pitched as a high-quality smart speaker with a retro look, its price tag is at the upper end for the category. Arguably its closest competitor is the Amazon Echo Studio, which costs $199.99 / £219.99 / $349. Also in that price bracket is the Sonos Era 100, priced at $249 / £229.99 / $399. 

That gives the JBL Authentics 200 some stiff competition, setting the bar high for it to justify the extra outlay. As you’ll read below, though, we think its design, features and sound quality do a very good job of that.

JBL Authentics 200 top controls

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Authentics 200 review: Specs

JBL Authentics 200 front grille logo detail

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Authentics 200 review: Features

  • Wi-Fi streaming from a wide range of services
  • Simultaneous support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
  • Support for multi-room playback

Despite its heritage looks, the JBL Authentics 200 is every bit the modern smart speaker. Wi-Fi streaming includes support for AirPlay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, with multi-room playback available through AirPlay, Google Home and Alexa Multi-Room Music. Strangely for a speaker that doesn’t pick sides, you won’t find Spotify or Apple Music in the app’s list of supported music streaming services though – which means neither works with the shortcut button.

Still, this is a speaker that’s happy to receive audio from pretty much any source. That includes a USB-C input on the back, as well as the option to keep things old-school with Ethernet and 3.5mm inputs. While we’re all for wireless streaming, these wired options are always welcome, especially if you’re not blessed with consistent signal throughout your home. For our part, we didn’t experience any dropouts during our time with the Authentics 200.

Initial setup was simple using the JBL One app. It’s a pretty foolproof piece of software that makes it easy to control the Authentics 200 and adjust settings. We were online in less than a minute, with an update over Wi-Fi quickly out of the way. Connecting Alexa and Google Assistant proved similarly seamless, with no hiccups hooking up to either. Network and voice assistant status is signalled by a single LED in the grille, with a handy table in the guide to help you decipher its various colors and states of solid, pulsing and flashing.

With both voice assistants activated, we had no trouble getting each to respond. In theory, where there’s overlap between supported services, either assistant should be able to start or stop a command. In our experience, this crossover wasn’t always seamless. We found it simpler to stick with one assistant for a specific task. So when we asked Alexa to play a song on Spotify, we asked her to stop it as well.

In reality, there’s rarely a need to jump between the two assistants, and you’ll soon learn which you prefer for different commands. The real benefit here is that you get access to both systems in a single speaker, including their full range of supported smart home devices. So if you find it easier to use Google Assistant with your Nest Thermostat, but Alexa for two-way talk on your Ring doorbell, you can do exactly that. You get the best of both worlds.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

JBL Authentics 200 rear plate

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Authentics 200 review: Design

  • Heritage design featuring a Quadrex grill and aluminium frame
  • Physical controls include volume, treble and bass dials
  • Made from mostly recycled materials

In a market of muted designs, the JBL Authentics 200 stands out for all the right reasons. It’s rare to see smart home tech designed with flair these days (although the Edifier D32 wireless speaker is one other example), so the JBL's mid-century style is certainly refreshing. Taking more than a few cues from vintage amps, the Authentics 200 is a gorgeous bit of kit. Its curved foam frontage, aluminium frame and leather-like skin all leans into the heritage aesthetic, without looking out of place in a contemporary kitchen.

Measuring 266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4mm, it strikes an ideal balance between physical presence and ease of placement. Its bigger sibling, the Atmos-compatible Authentics 500, is an altogether more substantial thing. With its mid-size footprint, the Authentics 200 will easily find a home in most rooms.

Build quality feels deserving of the price tag too: this is a robust unit and a relatively weighty one at 3.12kg. It’s all suitably solid and well put-together, standing firm on rubber feet which reduce vibrations from the downward-firing radiator. In a perfect world, we wish JBL had used metal instead of plastic for the control panel and dials which live on top of the unit. But that’s the only part which feels anything less than premium.

Among those controls you’ll find illuminating treble and bass knobs, as well as a volume dial with a play/pause button at its centre. These give you the kind of hands-on audio control that isn’t offered by many smart speakers. While you can make the same adjustments in the app, we found something refreshingly tactile about being able to physically tweak the EQ.

Beneath the Bluetooth button is another with a heart on it. This works as a shortcut to a playlist on a supported music streaming service, configured in the JBL One app. There’s also a microphone mute switch hidden on the back of the unit, for privacy when you need it.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

JBL Authentics 200 top plate

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Authentics 200 review: Sound quality

  • 2x 25mm tweeters, 5-inch woofer, 6-inch passive radiator
  • Automatic audio calibration on power-up
  • Customizable EQ settings in the JBL One app

Little about the stature of the Authentics 200 hints at how well it fills a room. With two tweeters, a full-range woofer and downward-firing passive radiator at its disposal, this is a speaker with real punch. Bass is particularly noteworthy, with a huge amount of energy available at the low end. Even with the bass knob at halfway, the Authentics 200 has rumble to spare.

But it’s not just the power that surprises, so much as the depth and separation that the Authentics 200 is capable of. We were blown away by the breadth of the soundstage, with instrumentation given real space to breathe. Throughout our time with the Authentics 200, we found ourselves noticing details in songs that would be lost on lesser speakers. You’d need to pair up a second unit for a real sense of stereo, but in every other respect, the depth here is impressive.

Top-end clarity is underpinned by a lovely weight to the mids. There’s a real richness in the midrange, which feels deftly balanced for definition. Altogether, the impression is one of fullness. From The XX and alt-J to Norah Jones to the Arctic Monkeys, there wasn’t a genre that stumped the Authentics 200. Whether gritty electronic beats, twangy lead guitar or stripped-back vocals, there’s a real richness to the sound, without sacrificing any detail.

All of the comments above are based on the default EQ setting. According to JBL, the Authentics 200 self-calibrates every time it powers up, and it certainly suited every room we used it in. Besides the physical treble and bass controls on the unit itself, you can customise EQ settings via the JBL One app. This is a nice option to have, although in our experience, the Authentics 200 did best when left to its own devices.

You don’t get the vertical component of an Atmos speaker such as the Amazon Echo Studio, while the cheaper Sonos Era 100 is equally engaging, albeit with less oomph. But for its size and price, we think the Authentics 200 is bang on the money.

  • Sound quality: 5/5

JBL Authentics 200 aluminium frame detail

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Authentics 200 review: Value

Seen as a smart speaker, there’s no escaping that the JBL Authentics 200 is pricier than most. If you’re mainly in the market for a voice assistant in your home, there are much cheaper ways to get that. The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen), for example, costs just $49.99 / £54.99 / AU$79. Similarly, the Google Nest Mini will set you back only $49.99 / £49 / AU$79.

There are also wireless speakers with high-quality audio available for less. The $199.99 / £179.99 (so about AU$300) Edifier D32 is a fine example that also has a retro aesthetic – although the build-quality isn't quite as premium-feel as the JBL model. 

What those value comparisons don’t account for is the individuality of the Authentics 200. With its solid build and vintage design, it stands apart among home speakers, smart or otherwise. The quality of its sound output blew us away in testing, while the flexibility to connect with both Alexa and Google Assistant is a real boon. Plus you get a generous set of streaming features and useful app connectivity. So while it might not be a bargain, if you buy into its vintage aesthetic, we think you’re getting a good deal.

  • Value score: 4/5

JBL Authentics 200 at an angle

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the JBL Authentics 200?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

JBL Authentics 200 review: also consider

How I tested the JBL Authentics 200

  • Tested for a month in a number of rooms
  • Played a variety of genres at different volumes
  • Listened via Spotify app on iPhone and Mac

I used the JBL Authentics 200 as my primary home speaker for more than a month. It split its time between the kitchen and living room, giving me a good impression of how well it adapts to different spaces.

I challenged the Authentics 200 with a whole spectrum of musical genres, from electronic to acoustic, soul to rock and roll. I also tested it with different treble and bass settings, and at different volume levels – from Sunday-morning mellow to loud enough to get a text from the upstairs neighbours.

The Authentics 200 also served as my default smart speaker during testing, connected to both Google Assistant and Alexa. That meant asking it to cue up playlists, hit me with my morning routine and generally field any queries which came to mind (usually recipe related).

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker review: a small speaker with stacks of personality
1:30 pm | November 3, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Marshall Emberton III: Two-minute review

Without a doubt, the Emberton III is one of Marshall's best Bluetooth speakers with long battery life and impressive sound considering its relatively small size. This third generation Emberton delivers even better battery life and slightly louder sound, and while it's not going to rattle the rafters it's an impressive performer.

The Emberton III is particularly good at lower volumes where Marshall's Dynamic Loudness delivers a bass boost that prevents your music from sounding too weedy; for podcasts, where voices tend to be lower frequencies, there's an EQ preset to cut the lows and boost the mid-range instead.

The main selling point here is a feature we weren't able to test: Auracast via Bluetooth LE. Auracast will enable you to create a multi-speaker setup with your Marshall as the sound source, broadcasting over Bluetooth to other Auracast-capable Marshalls, but the feature hasn't yet been implemented. It's coming as an over-the-air update via Marshall's smartphone app and Marshall tells us it's coming very soon. Basically, it's built to be LE Audio ready, so if future-proofing your Bluetooth system is something you're into, it's a great buy.

With speakers this small there is of course a limit to how much bass they can put out and how loud they can go before things start getting harsh. But the Marshall is a powerful performer for its size, and if you don't push it too hard you'll be able to get the most out of its large battery too.

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

The Emberton III comes in two colours, a light stone and the none more black option shown here. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Price & release date

  • Released August 2024
  • Costs $159 / £159 / AU$289

The Marshall Emberton III was launched in August 2024. The recommended retail price is $159 / £159 / AU$289.

This is the third version of this Marshall portable speaker; we reviewed the original Marshall Emberton back in 2020 and the Emberton II in 2022. It's one of two new releases from the firm alongside the Willen II, a smaller and more affordable speaker ($119 / £99 / AU$199) with one driver rather than two.

Marshall Emberton III review: Specs

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

This is a speaker to listen to, not to look at: controls are simple and straightforward. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Features

  • Bluetooth LE and Auracast ready
  • 32+ hours of battery life
  • "True Stereophonic" audio

You can set up the Emberton III in two ways: directly through your device's Bluetooth, or via the Marshall iOS or Android app. That gives you access to three EQ presets: the default "Marshall sound"; a low and high end boost; and a mid-range boost. That latter one is for speech such as audiobooks and podcasts. As with the previous model there are no EQ customization options.

Using the device is very simple, because it's a very simple device. There's an on-off button, a rocker switch for volume and track skipping, and a red LED strip to show battery life.

The big news here is the upgrade to Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast multi-device broadcast support. With Auracast you'll be able to share your music to multiple speakers simultaneously, but the Bluetooth LE it requires won't be available on launch day: Marshall promises an update imminently via the Marshall Bluetooth app but of course that means we weren't able to try that specific feature. There's also built in microphone so you can use this Marshall for calls, but not for voice assistants.

As with the previous Emberton, the Emberton III has what Marshall calls True Stereophonic, a 360-degree audio feature that promises to fill your room with surprisingly big sound. Oh, and there's a strap for your backpack so you can annoy people on hikes.

One of the issues with many speakers is that they can become too bass-light at low levels because audio characteristics change with volume. Marshall has a solution that it calls Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts the tonal characteristics based on the volume you're listening at.

Battery life is a claimed 32-plus hours, two more than before, and we didn't have any problems achieving thirty hours with playback volumes around 50%. Full recharge via the USB-C port takes two hours compared to three for the Emberton II.

In a nice touch, the Emberton III plays a cute little ascending guitar riff when you power it on and a descending one when you power it off.

  • Features score: 4.5/5

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

The companion app gives you a choice of three audio presets but there's no custom EQ. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Sound quality

  • Dynamic Loudness impressive at lower volumes
  • EQ boost for podcast and audiobooks
  • Punchy given its small size

It'd be rude not to start testing with some classic rock, so the first song to try was naturally AC/DC's Back in Black. The Emberton delivered an impressively punchy performance with excellent mid- and high-range clarity, and the promise of room-filling sound was definitely delivered: this little speaker rocks much harder than you'd expect it to and doesn't need you to position it carefully to get the best results.

That said, it's important to manage your expectations with a speaker of this size. There's only so much air that two-inch drivers can push, so while Marshall has done a good job delivering low frequencies at lower volumes – so much so that you might want to swap to the mid-range EQ boost for podcast listening so the presenters don't make everything around you vibrate – when you crank up the Emberton to higher volumes the low end distorts and the higher frequencies become harsh.

With Marshall amplifiers, it's traditional to turn them up. But this Marshall speaker is best turned down. At lower volumes the Dynamic Loudness delivers very impressive bass for a system this small. REM's Out of Time album was a particular highlight, Mike Mills' bass as clear as his harmonies.

The relative lack of bass at higher volumes is particularly noticeable on dance music such as Pet Shop Boys' Loneliness, Troye Sivan's slinky One of Your Girls or Charli XCX's 360, all of which lose a lot of their floor-filling thump, and with expensively produced tracks such as Taylor Swift's No Body No Crime, which has a very distinctive bass drum sound that loses its punch here. All of these tracks sound better quieter on this system.

That's also an issue for guitar-based rock music, especially relatively busy tracks such as The Killers' When You Were Young. It's fun at lower volumes but turn it up and it quickly becomes tiring.

To my ears this is a speaker best suited to bedroom, kitchen or study listening and for taking outside on nice days. If you're looking for a party monster or intend to listen loud you might be better with something built around larger speaker drivers.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker

You're not going to mistake this speaker for any other brand. (Image credit: Future / Carrie Marshall)

Marshall Emberton III review: Design

  • Looks like a Marshall amp
  • IP67 for dust and water resistance
  • Rugged and stackable

The Emberton III unsurprisingly looks a lot like the Emberton II. As with other Marshalls the design echoes that of the famous Marshall cabinets and stacks we've seen on rock stars' stages, and that means they're pretty rugged-looking and no-nonsense as well as stackable, just like stage speakers. I think they look great; having Marshall's design DNA in speakers makes more sense to me than crowbarring it into headphones such as the Marshall Major III, which I think just look overly boxy. You can choose between a classic black or cream.

The new Emberton is rated IP67 for dust and waterproofing, so it's capable of surviving a dunk as deep as 1m of water for up to 30 minutes. That makes it largely immune to a spilled drink or festival rain.

Inside the Marshall there are two class D amplifiers pushing twin 10W 2-inch full range drivers and two passive radiators. Frequency response is 65Hz to 20kHz and it's slightly louder than before, pushing out a sound pressure level of 90dB at 1m compared to the 87dB of the Emberton II.

The Marshall, thankfully, is a lot lighter than the Marshall amps I've had to lug up and down stairs and fire escapes: it's 0.67kg/1.5lbs.

  • Design score: 4.5/5

Marshall Emberton III review: value

  • Lots of impressive competitors in this price bracket
  • Marshall's battery life leaves many rivals behind

At $159 / £159 / AU$289 this speaker is competing against some very impressive rivals: spend £20 more and you could get our current favorite among the best Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Roam 2. But where the Marshall has the Sonos speaker beaten is in battery life.

The Sonos promises up to 10 hours whereas the Marshall can deliver more than three times that. So if you're going to a weekend festival or anywhere else where home comforts will be absent for a few days, the Marshall is the speaker you'll want to take with you. It's small enough to be truly portable but loud enough to soundtrack your adventures without having to push it too hard.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Marshall Emberton III?

Buy it if…

You like the Marshall sound
You can't customize the EQ presets so you're going to be listening the way Marshall intends.

You like 'em tough
Just like Marshall's amps this looks and feels bomb-proof.

You listen long
With 32 hours of battery life this speaker has serious stamina.

Don't buy it if…

You're a bass monster
There's only so much air two-inch drivers can push.

You listen loud
Like most speakers of this size, the Marshall isn't at its best when it's really loud.

You want to connect a cable
The Emberton III doesn't have an Aux socket.

Marshall Emberton III review: Also consider

Sonos Roam 2
We called the original "the best Bluetooth speaker on the planet", although the controversy over Sonos's bungled app update has tarnished the brand a little this year. But the Roam 2 is a superb portable speaker with exceptional sound. Find out if it's the better option for you by reading our in-depth Sonos Roam 2 review

JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 is a hooligan, and we mean that as a compliment: it's ridiculously loud for its size and while it doesn't offer 360-degree audio it does deliver 100% audio entertainment. Its drivers are larger than those in the Marshall and you can hear the difference. For more info, see our full JBL Charge 5 review

Marshall Willen II
The Emberton has a baby sibling, the Willen. It's effectively half an Emberton with a single 10-inch full range driver, and while it’s not as loud as the Emberton it's still impressive for its size. Battery life is 17 hours and it weighs just 0.36kg/0.79lbs. We haven't reviewed it actually, but if you like its looks, it's worth a look… 

How I tested the Marshall Emberton III

  • Tested for two weeks as an alternative to Apple HomePods and UE's Wonderboom
  • Used indoors at sensible levels – and loud outside
  • Listened to Apple Music, my own library, Overcast podcasts and some of my own tunes too

I used the Marshall Emberton III for two weeks with Apple Music and some of my own recordings, using the same tracks I use to test all audio kit – a big mix of genres including live performances, dance and pop music, various flavors of metal and more. I also listened to podcasts via the Overcast app.

I've been a musician and audio obsessive for over 35 years now, and I've been reviewing audio kit – headphones, speakers and audio devices of all kinds – since the late 1990s.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: head-tracked spatial audio and ANC on a budget, but these headphones have one fatal flaw
5:30 pm | November 2, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Baseus Bowie 30 Max: two-minute review

The Baseus Bowie 30 Max headphones are a perfect example of some cans that bite off more than they can chew. At a glance, you’d think these are an incredibly competent pair of Bluetooth headphones. They offer LDAC higher-resolution audio, proprietary head-tracking technology, active noise cancellation, customizable button controls and incredible battery life. But something may throw up a red flag fairly quickly – the low price.

That’s right, although the Baseus Bowie 30 Max have a list price of $149.99 / £109.99, you’ll realistically never have to pay quite so much. They’re already discounted on Amazon and the Baseus website has them available for less than that too. We’ve already spotted them going for as little as $69.99 in the US – that’s really cheap for some headphones with all of the above features. So is it too good to be true?

Frankly, yes it is. In fairness, getting up to 65 hours of listening is excellent, better than even some of the best headphones around, but things go pretty downhill from here. Head tracking, though functional, will worsen overall audio quality – though admittedly not as badly as the ‘fixed’ spatial audio option, which leaves you with almost sub-nautical sound littered with tinniness.

General audio quality isn’t amazing either. Out of the box, bass is thin and treble sounds are pretty grating at higher volumes. And sure, there’s a Bass Boost option in the Baseus app, or even custom EQ options, but these are only able to improve – not cure – the Bowie 30 Max of their sonic shortcomings. This means that the added detail you’d expect to uncover with the inclusion of LDAC never truly comes to fruition and fundamental flaws in sound means these headphones are held back from competing strongly against budget rivals.

It isn’t all doom and gloom. These are some decent looking cans with a relatively attractive rectangle-like design. Mic and call quality is decent too and ANC, though far from silence-inducing, is able to dull external noise competently. You can also customize the function of the headphones’ ANC button, which is a neat inclusion.

However, these are ultimately small wins in the context of disappointing audio quality. Unfortunately, if you’re in the market for some cheap ANC headphones, there are better options available to you. I have some personal recommendations in the ‘Also Consider’ section of this review, but if you’d like, you can consult our guide to the best cheap headphones, where we run you through some incredible alternatives that offer plenty of bang for your buck.

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: price & release date

  • $149.99 / £109.99 (around AU$230) list price, but already discounted
  • Launched in the US and UK September 2024
  • Australia release date and pricing TBC

To be honest, reader, I’m a little confused on pricing for the Baseus Bowie 30 Max. They have a list price of $149.99 / £109.99 (around AU$230) on Amazon US/UK, but just head over to the Baseus website and these are only $79.99 (or $69.99 with an in-site coupon). On top of that, despite only releasing in September, these have been hit with discounts and coupons on Amazon. So really, I’d aim to pay around that $70/$80 mark if you really want to grab these.

The Baseus Bowie 30 Max are available now in the US and the UK, although the company isn’t planning to sell them to the Australian market. They’re available in one color option – Black, although this is pretty clean in fairness (more on this later).

Baseus Bowie 30 Max placed flat on a gray surface

(Image credit: Future)

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: Specs

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: features

  • Decent head-tracked spatial audio
  • Companion app compatibility
  • Adequate ANC

When it comes to features, the Baseus Bowie 30 Max appear to pack in some seriously impressive options for often sub-$100/£100 cans.

I’m mainly talking about head tracking – a great inclusion for some budget headphones, but one that produces mixed results. Audio does dynamically shift with head movement quite well, which is ideal for following sound across a screen when viewing video content.

The catch? You take a hit to audio quality. When listening to Wasurechau Hitotoki by Fishmans, vocals and percussion became very tinny with head tracking active, which frankly, made it unpleasant to listen to. But as I say, this feature is predominantly for video, so I tried watching some Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth gameplay on YouTube. And again, although audio did shift as I turned my head, the actual quality was noticeably worse than when head tracking was turned off, making for a disappointing user experience.

Even worse was the Fixed spatial audio option. But when listening to Rock With You by Michael Jackson I didn’t get expansive, spacious sound at all; instead it sounded as if I’d journeyed around 10ft below sea level. Vocals sounded warped and inauthentic while percussion lacked sharpness, so I switched this off again pretty quickly. The out-of-the box audio didn’t exactly make this song sound amazing either, so I found myself playing around with EQ options a fair bit – but I’ll get onto that in the ‘Sound quality’ section.

OK, maybe spatial audio might not quite hit the spot, but how do the other features fare? Well, ANC wasn’t too bad. At around 60% volume a lot of outside sounds were fairly dulled, although a lot of sounds – whether lower or higher-frequency – still crept through with relative ease. For instance, even at around 75% volume, I could make out the sound of my colleague typing next to me. So don’t expect the near-silent listening experience you’d get from some more premium cans, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for example.

The story so far is certainly one of disappointment, although Baseus didn’t let me down on battery life. I kept the LDAC ‘hi-res’ codec activated throughout almost all of the testing process and predominantly listened at quite high volumes, but found my playtime to be in-line with the 50 hours ANC claimed. You even get up to 65 hours with ANC off, which is an excellent serving of battery life. So, if you’re someone that often forgets to charge their devices, this shouldn’t matter too much with the Baseus Bowie 30 Max – they can keep going (and going) for quite some time.

  • Features score: 3/5

Baseus Bowie 30 Max placed flat on a gray surface

(Image credit: Future)

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: sound quality

  • Thin bass out of the box
  • LDAC audio support
  • Highs can get quite tinny

I’ll be upfront – the Baseus Bowie 30 Max didn’t offer the best listening experience out of the box. When listening to I Want You by Moloko, I felt that percussion and higher-pitched vocals were pretty grating at higher volumes and even sounded a bit tinny. I should mention too, that was with LDAC audio turned on – the benefits of which never felt truly realized.

Something that puzzled me was Baseus’ claim that the Bowie 30 Max have “super bass”. I definitely didn’t feel that initially. When listening to Love Foolosophy by Jamiroquai, the groovy bassline was relegated to a small-part background actor and the choppy guitar riff and vocals sounded too forward. Admittedly, the thin low-end was improved significantly when I toggled on Bass Boost in the Baseus app, but of course, the grating highs didn’t stop.

I knew what I had to do… I took to the EQ settings to make amends to the Bowie 30 Max’s sonic shortcomings. Unfortunately, I found the different presets – including Baseus Classic, Clear Vocals, Hi-Fi Live, Pop and Rock Classic – lacked enough definition. There were noticeable differences between them, sure, but it was pretty minimal for the most part. Instead, I found the best solution was to create my own custom tuning, with a bit more low-end weight. A lot of users may be OK with tailoring their own sound, but if you’re someone that wants straightforward, hassle free listening that could be a bit of a turn off.

So, after customizing my own sound were my woes overcome? Well, not entirely. Despite having a bit more bite, bass and electric guitars in Walk Up by Geordie Greep sounded fairly muddy and instrumental separation was lacking. Vocals in White Mustang by Lana Del Ray also sounded boxy and constricted, resulting in an unnatural-sounding delivery. I would say, though, that lower-frequency sounds were no longer hidden away to a frustrating degree and the overall listening experience became at least adequate. So if you do decide to snap these up on a discount sale, it’s 100% worth shifting away from the top-heavy Baseus Classic EQ calibration.

One aspect sound-wise that was somewhat redeeming was mic quality. When recording the opening of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, my voice was pretty clear-cut, with only a bit of ambience in the background. Call quality, meanwhile, was a bit more middling in terms of quality, but still totally passable. I was still, however, underwhelmed with the audio on offer from the Baseus Bowie 30 Max – especially given the manufacturer's claim that they offer “superior audio quality”. I’m sorry to say that this is not the case.

  • Sound quality score: 2.5/5

Baseus Bowie 30 Max leaning against a block

(Image credit: Future)

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: design

  • Tidy design for the price
  • Although the headband is a little plasticky
  • Customizable button controls

I’ve been quite critical of the Baseus Bowie 30 Max so far, but one area I think they succeed more in is design. When at a discounted price, these headphones look great for the price you pay. They have a more rectangular, classic look than a lot of cheap options and small ring lights on each can add a nice splash of style too.

The headband isn’t the most padded thing in the world, but I was able to happily listen for multiple hours on end. Looks-wise it is a tad plasticky – and the glossy finish means you can see fingerprints fairly easily, but it’s not particularly ugly or anything.

Speaking of a plasticky look, the button controls suffer from a similar issue, feeling a little cheap. They are, however, nicely laid out and, despite volume down, up, and play/pause being quite close together, they’re easy to use. There’s also an ANC button that can handily be customized using the Baseus app to switch between noise cancelling modes, EQ settings, or spatial audio options.

The Bowie 30 Max are also decently portable. They’re not as compact as a model like the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro or anything, but they can be folded up for carrying in a backpack or tote bag. These are fairly lightweight headphones too weighing in at 11.3 oz / 320g and have decently soft earpads, so they’ll not be too uncomfortable for longer listening sessions, even if the headband isn’t top quality. My main complaint here though is that these cans don’t come with a carry case or similar for keeping them safe during longer journeys.

Finally, don’t expect anything super-fancy or hi-tech from these design-wise. There’s no waterproofing or touch controls – although this isn’t too bad if you’re getting them on discount for around $70/£70. What you do get though is an AUX port for wired listening and USB-C charging, the latter of which can give you as much as 14 hours of playtime from a 10-minute recharge – not bad.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Baseus Bowie 30 Max semi-folded on a gray surface

(Image credit: Future)

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: value

  • Even when discounted, rivals perform better
  • Head tracking nice at this cost, but mixed quality
  • Ultimately, sound quality not good enough against competitors

If we’re going by their $149.99 / £109.99 list price, I’d argue that the Baseus Bowie 30 Max are totally outclassed by a wide array of competitors, competing against competitors in the same ballpark, like the Sony WH-CH720N, for instance (more on those later).

However, from early discounts, I suspect these will be available for far less for a lot of the time. Early sales and coupon offers on Amazon US/UK even put these as low as $69.99 / £68.79, so don’t look to pay much more than that. And sure, at this price, getting features like spatial audio is undoubtedly impressive. But, what matters above all is good sound quality and I would argue that’s adequate at best with these headphones. Some of the best cheap headphones – like the Earfun Wave Pro – will likely prove to be a much better value pick.

  • Value score: 3/5

Baseus Bowie 30 Max placed on block with ring light on

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Baseus Bowie 30 Max?

Buy them if…

You want head tracking at a low-price
Although sound quality isn’t top-rate, head tracking is still functional here. It’s not going to give you truly exceptional 3D sound, but if you simply want audio that will dynamically shift as you peer across a screen this is a budget option.

You’re looking for a splash of style
For all of my criticism, I do like the look of the Baseus Bowie 30 Max, they have a fairly unique appearance. There are no color options and the headband is a little plasticky, but overall they have a clean, attractive design.

Don’t buy them if…

You’re an audiophile
If you checked out the ‘Sound quality’ section, this will come as little surprise. Out of the box, bass is too thin, highs often sound tinny and the ‘hi-res’ details don’t really get the chance to breathe. Even with EQ adjustments, these aren’t going to cut it for the most keen listeners.

You want the ultimate value pick
The world of wireless headphones is truly vast. There are so many amazing options out there for you, regardless of your budget. There’s no need to spend an arm and a leg to get top features like ANC – I’ve picked out some stronger budget options below that, in my view, offer cleaner audio and a better user experience overall.

Baseus Bowie 30 Max leaning against block

(Image credit: Future)

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: also consider

1More Sonoflow
The 1More Sonoflow still sit proudly in our guide to the best noise-canceling headphones – and for good reason. You get 50 hours of battery life with ANC on (and 70 hours with ANC off), solid overall sound, what is (in my opinion) quite a stylish build and solid ANC. Now that’s value. Read our full 1More Sonoflow review.

Sony WH-CH720N
I’ve owned the Sony WH-CH720N for over a year now and highly recommend them if you’re looking for a strong budget option. Yes, at first these may look a fair bit more than the discounted Baseus Bowie Max – but these cans are regularly available for closer to $90/£70. You get commendable ANC, quality customizable audio, DSEE upscaling and so much more. You can even choose from some neat color options, ensuring these are an excellent alternative. Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review.

Baseus Bowie 30 Max review: How I tested

  • Tested across the course of a week
  • Used in the office, while on walks and on public transport
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I spent a week testing the Baseus Bowie 30 Max headphones in a number of settings, including: my apartment; a train; bus; and while on walks. This let me get a real taste for ANC quality, regardless of environment.

When listening to music, I played the entirety of the TechRadar testing playlist and listened to hours and hours of tunes from my own personal library. I predominantly tested using Tidal to make use of LDAC, but I also tested the headphones using Spotify, YouTube and Messenger (for calling). I mainly connected the headphones up to the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE when conducting tests.

Where appropriate, I compared these headphones to the Sony WH-CH720N, judging them side-by-side with the Baseus Bowie 30 Max to gauge audio quality, features and design choices.

First reviewed: October 2024

Read more about how we test

Earfun UBoom X review: your neighbors will hate how mighty this Bluetooth speaker’s bass sounds (and feels)
1:11 pm | October 28, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Comments: Off

Earfun UBoom X review: two-minute review

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable, bass-heavy party speaker the Earfun UBoom X might be your perfect match. This mini boombox sets out to deliver one thing above all – powerful, ground-shaking low frequency sound. Thankfully it achieves this without any difficulty.

Here’s the thing, though: the Earfun UBoom X isn’t a beautiful-sounding all-rounder for the audiophiles out there. It doesn’t offer massively detailed sound or the sharpest quality across the frequencies and steers clear of offering fancy audio codecs like aptX or LDAC. But again, this isn’t really too much of a miss given its party-ready profile. On top of that, sound is actually pretty customizable – just download the Earfun Audio app and you can select from a giant cohort of EQ options, including genre-specific, environment-optimized and custom options.

Some of these, such as Outdoor+, BOOM xxX and Ground 0 really lean into the strengths of the speaker’s bass. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound, there are options like Studio, which was crafted by audio expert and multi-time Earfun collaborator Oluv’Sone.

With meaty bass comes plenty of weight too. Yes, this is a pretty heavy creature and so the option to carry it via a handle for short distances or the included strap for longer ones is most welcome. And that’s part of a wider theme with the UBoom X – it’s a very practical speaker. Whether we’re talking about its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating or its ability to double up as a power bank, you’ll find plenty of utility here. Sure, looks-wise it may not be as pretty as some of the best Bluetooth speakers, but you do still get LED lights that are decently fun and customizable and can be turned off if you’d prefer.

Another attractive aspect of the UBoom X is its excellent battery life. You get around 30 hours of playtime here, which stands up against some top competitors in the party speaker space, like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, for instance. Features-wise, you also get a relatively generous amount to play with, including the aforementioned EQ settings, video mode (for low latency), voice assistant compatibility and LED light calibration.

So, for a deep bass floor, top battery life and healthy portion of features, you’d expect to pay up a fair amount. However, Earfun are already offering the UBoom X on discount – it’s widely available for as little as $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which is impeccable value.

Overall, the Earfun UBoom X is a speaker worth your while, but only if you’re a certain type of listener. If you’re someone that wants a more balanced, intricately detailed and crisp sound, you may prefer a Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, which also launched in 2024. However, if you’re someone that’s all about bass-heavy bangers, loves to throw house parties or wants enough low-end power for noisy outdoor events, this is a strong pick. With waterproofing, a sturdy build and a tempting low-price, the Earfun UBoom X is a very solid boombox-style speaker and one that can compete competently against even some of the best party speakers.

Reverse side of the Earfun UBoom against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun UBoom X review: price and release date

  • List price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280)
  • Launched on October 2024
  • Already discounted despite recent release

The Earfun UBoom X is available at a pretty modest price for a Bluetooth speaker of its size. I mean, it launched with a list price of $189.99 / £189.99 (around AU$280), but it’s (perhaps cheekily) already available for considerably less. When I checked both the Earfun website and Amazon, I spotted the UBoom X listed for $159.99 / £149.99, so don’t spend any more than this if you decide to snap it up.

This is a very new Bluetooth speaker, having only launched on 8 October 2024 in the US and UK. Perhaps unfortunately, though, the UBoom X released with just one color variant, a plain yet classic Black.

Earfun UBoom X on table against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun UBoom X review: specs

Earfun UBoom X review: features

  • Excellent 30-hour battery life
  • Awesome EQ settings
  • Easy-to-use companion app

The Earfun UBoom X may not have an exhaustively long feature-set, but it still has all the key inclusions you’d expect from a party-ready Bluetooth speaker.

First things first, you’re getting a simple and decently well-equipped Earfun Audio companion app that is free to download. The star of the show here is EQ adjustment – there are a ton of presets available, but you can also customize your own sound or tweak existing options. The core Earfun EQ options are very solid and I often found myself switching to Electronic for deep bass with bright treble or Hit for percussion-heavy tracks. In addition, you get a unique section of EQ options from audio specialist Oluv’Sone, including some truly earth-shaking options like BOOM xxX and Ground 0.

There’s not a load more to play with in the app. You can activate video mode, which reduces audio latency, adjust voice volume or consult the user manual. But the main attraction outside of EQ is adjustable light settings. Although you can adjust the inbuilt LED lighting on the speaker itself, being able to switch things up remotely is super convenient, especially if you’re in a dark room / outdoor space. You can select between rhythmic flashing and a constant display or just switch the lights off entirely, but you can also adjust the color to your liking (or stick to the default multicolor option).

Beyond app functionality, you also get Party Mode, which enables you to connect up to 50 UBoom X speakers at once. If any of you out there are planning to pair 50 of these, I fear you could cause tremors to spread across the land – honestly, this will give you some incredible low-end power – ideal if you’re hosting an outdoor event. One multi-device feature that I was hoping to see was multi-point. This enables you to connect two (or more) devices to a Bluetooth speaker at once – ideal if you’re sharing DJ responsibilities with a friend. Unfortunately, this was missing, but if you’re using Spotify to play music, you can always just use the Jam function instead of connecting two devices separately.

Finally, it's worth noting some features that make the UBoom X an ultra-practical Bluetooth speaker. First of all, it has an inbuilt microphone, meaning you can take hands-free calls and also harness the power of both Google assist and Apple’s Siri voice assistant. Secondly, the UBoom X can double up as a power bank, thanks to its USB-C out port, which can be a lifesaver if your phone is on its last legs when you’re out and about. And there’s plenty of power to go around. This speaker boasts up to 30 hours of playtime – that’s truly exceptional and means you’ll rarely have to charge it.

  • Features score: 4/5

Finger pressing the Party Mode button on the Earfun UBoom X

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun UBoom X review: sound quality

  • Almighty bass output
  • Decent but not particularly detailed audio performance
  • Pretty loud thanks to total 80W output

OK reader, let’s get something straight before we dive into sound quality. This is, at its core, a party speaker. So what am I looking for? Booming bass that can cut through background noise or outdoor distractions, high potential volume and relatively clear overall audio quality. And luckily, the Earfun UBoom X has all three of these.

And given that this chunky lad has ‘Boom’ in its name let’s start with bass. Just as you’d hope, this thing goes really hard on the low-end – even when using the default EQ mode I was struck by meaty bass with impressive depth. When I tuned into I Want You by Moloko I instantly found my head bopping to the pumping, room-filling bass and when switching to BOOM xxX mode, our testing space was almost shaking from the pure power on display. Sure, the breathiness of vocals in the intro wasn’t recreated in the most natural-sounding or authentic manner, but this wasn’t a huge concern for me given the UBoom X’s party speaker profile.

The Earfun UBoom X speaker is undoubtedly inclined to lean heavily on bass straight out of the box, which is perfect if you’re into house, drum and bass or any genres that emphasize low frequency sounds above all. For instance, when listening to Da Fonk (feat. Joni) by Mochakk – an energetic house track – the UBoom X was truly in its element, with hard-hitting, intoxicating bass hits, which were astonishingly powerful in Ground 0 mode. OK, some of the vocal chops didn’t cut through as clearly as you’d expect from a more balanced (and expensive) party speaker like the JBL Xtreme 4, but they weren’t muddied too badly at all. And this ground-shaking bass output isn’t just pleasing sonically; it's very practical for a portable boombox like this, especially if you’re hosting outdoor events or visiting places with lots of background noise, like the beach.

Let’s say, though, just for the sake of it, you’d like to tone bass levels down a bit for a more balanced sound. Well, you’re in luck. You can select the Studio EQ option from the Earfun app – this is more neutral-sounding, albeit quieter. I tried listening to The Ripple Effect podcast from James Lawrence Alcott in this mode and found vocals to be clear, even at high volumes.

Audio isn’t always particularly detailed, however. For instance, when listening to You Can Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, harmonies in the chorus sounded slightly narrow and restricted. At times, mid range sounds were slightly overpowered by low-frequency ones too. I also found when tuning into Holy Holy by Geordie Greep (using default EQ settings) that the theatrical strings, smooth bass, dancing keys and choppy electric guitar – although all audible – lacked the levels of instrumental separation that I’d like. One more critique on sound (sorry Earfun) – treble can be quite bright with the UBoom X, but it’s not always ultra-crisp. For instance, in Rains again by Solji the intermittent downpour sound effects were a tad staticky, but again, for a boombox-style speaker, this won’t be grating for most listeners.

I did, however, encounter one more slight audio-related issue during the testing process. On a number of occasions, I would turn the volume up or down on my phone while connected to the speaker via Bluetooth, and sound would cut out for a split second. Earfun assured me that this is not a common issue, but that it should be fixed via an in-app firmware update around the end of October 2024.

Overall, though, the UBoom X completes what it sets out to do very nicely. OK, it’s not going to blow the socks off audiophiles with super-detailed sound, there’s no fancy codecs like LDAC or similar and bass may be a little heavy-handed for some. But for an out-and-out party speaker at this price-point, I think this has a great sound profile with respectable loudness, thanks to an 80W maximum power output. Just don’t expect prime sonic clarity, especially as you edge closer to 100% volume.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Side profile of the Earfun UBoom X

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun UBoom X review: design

  • Doesn’t look the most high-quality
  • Fairly low-key light show
  • IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating

The Earfun UBoom X delivers exactly what you’d expect from a larger Bluetooth speaker. It dons a mini-boombox look with a blocky, solid build and wide carry handle. It definitely pulls off the boombox aesthetic well, but it does admittedly lack a splash of character. For instance, there are no color options here – it’s black or nothing – which is fine, but I’d prefer some more vibrant alternatives. The bass radiators on the side of the speaker are also a bit plain and don’t have the most visually satisfying vibration effect, leaving this speaker looking slightly flat in the looks department.

On that point, this isn’t a premium product so you shouldn’t expect stunning build quality, but I couldn’t help but feel that the UBoom X is a tad cheap-looking. The outer casing is pretty plasticky and the black speaker grille doesn’t look or feel very hardy. This isn’t too much of a problem given that this is available for less than £200 / $200, but if you want a super-stylish speaker it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Something I did personally like about the UBoom X’s design, though, is its LED lights. These are bright and eye-catching, but don’t venture into the tacky or overbearing territory that so many competitors fall victim of. We’ve not always been a fan of in-your-face lighting on party speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Blast, but the UBoom X never oversteps with its two circular LEDs. It’s worth noting that these only shine through the front of the speaker grille too, so if you’re someone that wants something ultra-flashy, this might not be your best option.

Something that is indisputably brilliant about this Bluetooth speaker, though, is its IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. This means that the speaker can survive being submerged under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s also floatable, meaning you can take it in the sea or pool with you without fear of a disastrous malfunction. Another practical inclusion is metal hooks on top of the speaker. There’s a strap included with the UBoom X so that you can carry it around – a neat touch given that this thing is a heavy beast. Yep, it weighs in at 9.2lbs / 4.2kg and that’s quite hefty, so the option to sling it over your shoulder adds a lot of portability points.

One final highlight is the speaker’s simplistic yet effective layout. For instance, the button controls are all well-sized and it’s clear what function they provide. There’s also a rubber tab on the reverse side that can be undone to access the AUX port and access the USB-C input or output ports. So, although this may not be the sleekest boombox imaginable, it still offers more than enough convenience as well as protection against the elements – for a party speaker, that’s what matters most.

  • Design score: 4/5

Earfun UBoom X on table against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Earfun UBoom X review: value

  • Won’t set you back too much at all
  • Great bass output against similarly priced competitors
  • Buying multiple may be worth it

When it comes to value, the Earfun UBoom X performs very nicely. I think it’s clear – you can’t expect astonishing overall audio from this thing. In fact, there’ll be a lot of other boombox style speakers around that can boast even better low-end output. But if you want a cheap, bass-heavy Bluetooth speaker, the UBoom X is a textbook compromise between price and performance.

This speaker is already available for around $159.99 / £149.99 (about AU$240), which isn’t much at all for a larger portable speaker like this. That’s even less than the likes of the Tribit Stormbox Blast, a similarly sized party speaker. Brands like JBL can charge double or more than this for their boombox speaker, meaning you may even prefer to grab two UBoom Xs and harness the power of Party Mode. Given the 30 hour battery life and highly customizable sound here, the UBoom X is a great value option for your next Bluetooth speaker.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Reverse side of the Earfun UBoom against pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Earfun UBoom X?

Buy it if...

You love bass-heavy bangers
The Earfun UBoom X doesn’t leave much to the imagination with its name. You know what you’re getting: bold, pumping bass that’s always looking to be the star of the show. If you love house, drum and bass, or any genre that lays it on thick in the low end, you’ll likely love what this Bluetooth speaker’s got going on. You can get even more power in the bass department with the BOOM xxX and Ground 0 EQ modes too, so make sure to have a play around if you want to max out lower-frequency sounds.

You’re always hosting house parties or outdoor events
If you’re hosting a lot of parties (or impromptu gatherings tend to escalate), this is an awesome option. Not only does it have incredible bass output to keep your guests moving, but it's IP67-rated, meaning it's fit for environments like pools, beaches or similar.

Don't buy it if...

You want a more rounded and refined sound
If you’re an audiophile wanting beautifully calibrated, neutral and hi-res sound, you’re looking in the wrong place. This is, at its core, a party speaker that is far more weighted towards bass output than anything else. OK, it performs adequately across the mid-range and treble, but you’re not going to hear every intricate, textured detail in your favorite tracks, especially given the absence of fancier audio codecs, such as LDAC.

Gorgeous looks matter most to you
I’ll come clean…I had a lot of fun with the Earfun UBoom X but I’d be lying if I said it’s a thing of beauty. Sure, it’s pretty faithful to the typical boombox design, but it is a tad cheap-looking and plasticky. Not to mention it only comes in one color variant. If stunning looks are a non-negotiable, this might not be for you.

Earfun UBoom X review: also consider

Tribit Stormbox Blast
We’ve recommended the Tribit Stormbox Blast many a time – and for good reason too. It's a speaker that just keeps going (and going) thanks to its epic 30 hour battery life. It also boasts massive sound, excellent ease-of-use and eye-catching LED lights. It's typically priced very similarly to the Earfun UBoom X too, making it a worthy consideration in your hunt for a party speaker. Be warned, however, this is one big boy weighing in at 11.6lbs / 5.3kg – so prepare for a workout if you’re planning to take it out and about. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Blast review.

JBL Xtreme 4
Let’s address the elephant in the room – this is a considerably more expensive speaker than the Earfun UBoom X. However, the JBL Xtreme 4 has appeared on sale a handful of times in 2024, at times dropping below the $290 / £260 mark. Now, if you have the extra cash, the JBL Xtreme 4 is an excellent, lighter weight choice. It has beautifully well-rounded and surprisingly detailed sound, a rough and ready design and brilliant battery life. Bass doesn’t boom quite as hard as the UBoom X but is still impactful here with some EQ tweaks. Read our full JBL Xtreme 4 review.

Earfun UBoom X review: how I tested

Finger pressing the volume up button on the Earfun UBoom X

(Image credit: Future)
  • Spent hours listening to music, podcasts and video
  • Primarily used in music testing space, future Labs
  • Predominantly tested using Tidal on Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

I spent hours listening to the Earfun UBoom X in our music testing space at future Labs. During my time with the UBoom X, I played tons of tracks from my personal music library, but also tuned into the TechRadar testing playlist, which I always use to pick apart performance across a variety of genres and frequency ranges. When listening to music, I connected to the speaker with the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and primarily listened via Tidal.

This wasn’t all though: I also listened to a podcast on Spotify and watched video content on YouTube in order to assess quality across different platforms and mediums. When appropriate, I used the JBL Xtreme 4 to compare audio quality, design choices and usability.

  • First reviewed: October 2024
  • Read more about how we test
FiiO FH19 review: wired earbuds that push the boat out so far, it’s basically lost at sea
2:30 pm | October 27, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Comments: Off

FiiO FH19: Two-minute review

Another day, another pair of FiiO headphones, and this time it’s the FiiO FH19, a pair of wired in-ear monitors. The FH19 are, by FiiO standards, a fairly expensive proposition and so it follows that the company, as is its established practice, has thrown the kitchen sink at them where specification and design are concerned. If FiiO has overlooked anything here, I’m not at all sure what it might be.

As is appropriate for a product with such a big specification – a couple of dynamic drivers plus half a dozen balanced armatures per earbud, enhancement technology for most parts of the frequency range, high purity sterling silver cable, you name it – the FiiO FH19 are quite physically large, too. The provision for 22 pairs (count ‘em!) of various ear tips helps to get the best fit, but at 12g a side these are chunky earbuds despite the liberal use of aluminium and titanium in their construction. And despite their carefully ergonomic shape, plenty of FH19 will protrude from all but the most generously sized ear-hole.

A contender for best wired earbuds? Perhaps – they have plenty to them, after all – but may fall down on that top-end sound. It's a close-run thing.

FiiO FH19 review: Price and release date

FiiO FH19 wired earbud on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • $599; £549; AU$999
  • Launched in July 2024

The FiiO FH19 wired in-ear monitors are on sale now, and as you can see from the asking price in various territories, the company is not afraid of lining up against some of the biggest names in all of IEM-land. From the eccentricity of the Campfire Audio Cascara to the dead-eyed pro credentials of Sennheiser IE 600 and Shure SE535, you’re not short of choice if you’ve big money to spend…

FiiO FH19 review: Specs

Fiio FH19 review: Features

FiiO FH19 wired heaphones showing 3.5mm port and silver cable

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Hybrid dynamic driver/balanced armature arrangement
  • Midrange notch filter and ‘S.Turbo’ bass enhancement
  • High-purity sterling silver cable

The biggest news here as regards ‘features’ has to be the driver array FiiO has specified – each FH19 earbud features no fewer than eight drivers. A pair of 13.7mm dynamic drivers are arranged in a push/pull layout in an effort to maximize phase consistency and reduce the amount of power required to achieve optimum sound pressure level, and six Knowles balanced armature units deal with midrange and treble reproduction. FiiO has worked closely with Knowles, specifying acoustic vents at the rear cavity of the midrange drivers to maximize sound energy, and with Onkyo to ensure the cleanest possible sound from the dynamic driver arrangement.

And just in case this seems a bit tentative, the company has added a midrange notch filter to minimize the overlap between the sound produced by the midrange and high-frequency balanced armatures. There’s also the racy-sounding ‘S.Turbo’ technology that literally acts like a turbocharger by guiding low-frequency soundwaves through a turbine-like structure to deliver (according to FiiO) deep and vibrant low frequencies. 

What else? Well, rather than resistor-based ceramic capacitors, the FH19 feature film capacitors for greater crossover accuracy. And a suspended voice coil reduces both the adhesive load and reduces the possibility of unnecessary contact – instead, there ought to be smooth, uniform diaphragm movement.

FiiO suggests the entire FH19 arrangement results in a pair of in-ear monitors with a frequency response of 8Hz - 40Khz, a sensitivity of 109dB and an impedance of 16 ohms. Which means the FH19 really ought to be delivering full-range sound from pretty much any source of music without too much difficulty.   

Getting audio information into this almost performatively complex arrangement happens via 1.2m of high-purity sterling silver cable. It consists of eight braided strands, each carrying 28 wires for a total of 224 wires - each individual wire is enamelled, and the cable is twisted in Litz braids. It connects to each earbud using stainless steel MMCX connectors, and the connection to a music source can be made using either of the ‘twist/lock’ unbalanced 3.5mm or balanced 4.4mm jacks that are supplied.     

  • Features score: 5/5

Fiio FH19 review: Design

FiiO FH19 wired earbud accessories, including extra tips, red carry case, pins and stickers

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Semi-open housing
  • Swappable audio filters
  • Titanium and aluminium construction

First things first: these are relatively large, relatively heavy in-ear monitors, and despite the fact that FiiO provides no fewer than 22(!) pairs of ear tips of various sizes and materials, if you’re on the smaller-eared side the FH19 are going to feel like quite an uncomfortable earful. 

Let’s assume, then, that your ears are no smaller than ‘a bit smaller than average’. In this scenario, the FH19 are easy to fit securely and, thanks to the carefully ergonomic shape of the housing, comfortable too. Yes, they protrude from the ear in a slightly inelegant fashion, but that just allows bystanders to get a good look at the semi-open design with its aluminium shell and titanium midframe.

There are sound reasons why the FH19 feature a semi-open housing, of course – they’re mostly to do with the balance of internal air pressure and the prevention of pressure on the eardrum. Equally, FiiO has selected aluminium for the earbud shell because of its light weight, durability and willingness to be formed into relatively complex shapes, while titanium’s rigidity and resistance to corrosion make it a wise choice for the midframe. The fact that they combine to deliver a product that looks upmarket and even quite dramatic doesn’t do any harm, though.

Obviously, by allowing the wearer so much scope to get a comfortable fit, FiiO is hoping to maximize the audio performance of the FH19, but it’s also taken more direct steps. The FH19 are pre-installed with a ‘green’ audio filter which, according to the company, “delivers refined and detailed treble”. But it also supplies two alternative pairs that can be fitted by the wearer: ‘red’ (which “enhances low frequencies, providing powerful and impactful bass”) and ‘black’ (“offers balanced sound that is clear and transparent”). A little tool is supplied to make the changeover as simple as possible.

The tool itself arrives in a fairly large, hexagonal travel case that features some branding and also contains a magnetic cable-tie, a small brush to help keep your FH19 clean, and the alternative 3.5mm cable termination. It, like the earbuds themselves, looks and feels like a premium item. 

  • Design score: 4.5/5

FiiO FH19 review: Sound quality

FiiO FH19 wired earbuds plugged into a music player playing Billie Eilish

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Spacious, well-defined sound
  • Rapid, punchy and entertaining presentation
  • Can be goaded into top-end unruliness

Like any pair of in-ear monitors, the FiiO FH19 will perform most agreeably when they fit correctly. Unlike most pairs of in-ear monitors, the FiiO offer you well over a dozen options where ear tips are concerned, so getting to the point of identifying the most appropriate pair takes a little longer than normal.

Similarly, the audio filter options need to be investigated in order for you to establish what your preference is – although, as I will discuss just a little later, the pre-fitted ‘green’ pair are likely to be the least commonly deployed. But once you have reached the point whereby you’re happy with both the physical fit and the audio filters fitted to the FH19, there’s an awful lot to like about the way they sound.

A 24bit/44,1kHz FLAC file of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, for instance, sounds energetic, wide-open and rapid. There’s proper control of the attack of low-frequency sounds, so even when they’re coming thick and fast there’s proper definition and separation. Rhythmic expression is confident, and momentum is maintained at every turn. Similarly the midrange is detailed and packed with variation, so the close-mic’d vocal is expressive and information regarding technique, timbre, attitude and all the rest of it is available in spades.

The semi-open arrangement allows the FH19 to sound more spacious than the usual ‘directly into your ear’ sensation of monitors that are, to be fair, directly in your ear. There’s an airiness and openness to the soundstage they present, a sensation of the gap between specific elements of a recording and more than enough elbow-room for each of those elements to do their thing in something approaching isolation. But there’s no overall sense of isolation or remoteness to the sound the FH19 serves up: instead it’s quite tightly unified and unarguably ‘together’. The recording is presented as a performance, as individual elements acting with a common aim rather than simply doing their own thing while other things happen nearby.

Switch to a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever and the FH19 continue to impress. They pay close attention to the harmonic variations in specific instruments and the wordless vocalizations, and dispatch the bigger dynamic shifts in volume or intensity with the sort of casual effortlessness that lets you know  there’s plenty more where that came from. 

The tonality here is basically neutral, your choice of audio filter notwithstanding, and despite the numerousness of the drivers, the FH19 integrate the frequency range well. Where the audio filters come into play most obviously, though, is where treble response is concerned.

A 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC file of LesAplx by Floating Points has plenty of high-frequency activity, of many different tones and substances, to offer. There’s no two ways about it, with their default ‘green’ audio filters fitted, the FiiO FH19 are altogether too happy to get hard and edgy at the top of the frequency range. Even with one of the other filter options selected (my preference is for the ‘black’ option, FWIW), it doesn’t take a lot for the treble response here to get a bit overexcited. Dial in more volume and things just get shinier and, in extremis, abrasive.

Still, this is easily mitigated against. Leave the ‘green’ audio filters well alone, don’t listen at the sort of volumes you shouldn’t really be listening at anyway, and all will be well. 

  • Sound quality score: 4.5/5

FiiO FH19 review: Value

FiiO FH19 wired earbud showing silver cable on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Stack up well against the competition for price
  • …But only if they fit

If you’ve read this far then I’m going to go ahead and assume you don’t think your ears are too small for FH19 ownership. So as long as they fit, there’s plenty to suggest the FiiO offer very acceptable value for money

The quality of materials used and the way they’re constructed, the engineering prowess that’s been brought to bear and, most of all, the open and engaging sound quality they’re capable of delivering in almost every circumstance see to that. Hear them against the best of their rivals and you’ll quickly realise what FiiO is offering here is not to be sneezed at. 

  • Value score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the FiiO FH19?

Buy them if...

Balanced and open sound seems your sort of thing
The clever semi-open configuration allows the FiiO FH19 to sound more spacious than your average in-ear monitor.

Don't buy them if...

You’re especially sensitive to high-frequency sound
At bigger volumes, or when connected to unsympathetic sources of music, the FH19 can get quite carried away where the top of the frequency range is concerned.

FiiO FH19 review: Also consider

How I tested the FiiO FH19

FiiO FH19 wired earbuds, without a cable, on a white surface

(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
  • Connected to a FiiO M15S DAP
  • Connected to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp
  • With a big range of digital audio content of all types and file sizes

I won’t pretend it has been any kind of hardship, not really. Using the 4.4mm balanced connection I joined the FiiO FH19 to a FiiO M15S digital audio player and to an iFi iDSD Diablo 2 headphone amp – this way I was able to listen to digital audio files of all sizes (320kbps to 24bit/192kHz) and to music of all styles. I also connected them directly to the 3.5mm unbalanced headphone socket of an Apple MacBook Pro – not an experiment I’m in any kind of hurry to repeat. 

Read more about how we test earbuds.

Noble FoKus Apollo review: a premium set of headphones that delivers Olympian audio quality
4:08 pm | October 24, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Headphones Wireless Headphones | Comments: Off

Noble FoKus Apollo: Two-minute review

Like the heavily memed girl in the Old El Paso advert, high-end audio company Noble wants to say something with its new FoKus Apollo over-ear headphones: “why not both?”.

The new Noble FoKus Apollo are the first headphones to combine two different types of audio technology under the same band: dynamic and planar magnetic drivers, which should give audiophiles cause for interest. They’re also Noble’s first headphones too, marking a shift from its high-end wireless earbuds and wired in-ear monitors.

To boil down tech jargon, planar magnetic drivers are the current trend in personal audio; fragile, expensive and fantastic-sounding, they’ve recently begun cropping up in some of the best headphones, and in (or on) audiophiles’ ears.

Dynamic drivers are the stalwarts that the planar magnets have been replacing: these are reliable, hardy and relatively inexpensive, but are old news to audio fans who have been queuing up to get planar magnetic devices (as proven by the FoKus Apollo appearing as out of stock in plenty of stores I checked).

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)

Opposites come together in the Noble FoKus Apollo, and from a sound perspective it shows – in a good way. These headphones sound fantastic, with a detailed sound stage, high quality audio and lovely balance that provides an enticing neutral sound. I enjoyed using the Apollo so much for their audio chops that I started wearing them for movies, TV shows, meetings, games and just about anything else that requires my ears.

Sound is clearly the focus of the FoKus (I had to do that once, okay?) with the feature set otherwise pretty limited. The noise cancellation is sufficient to take the edge off annoying noises but I could still hear the rumble of buses or thump of heavy rain on windows more than with some other products I’ve tested, so they won't be joinging our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones any time soon. And there’s no built-in microphone, although an attachable one comes in the Apollo’s box.

The box is pretty jam-packed actually, with Noble giving you a carry case and an assortment of cables, adaptors and extras. You can’t fault the company for offering value for your money.

The battery life of the FoKus Apollo is perhaps even more impressive than its audio chops, with 60 hours of ANC-on listening time or 80 hours of ANC-off playback doubling many other rivals on the market.

My personal low point during my testing of the Apollo was when someone commented how nerdy the headphones looked when worn – audiophiles might be used to this but they’re not a chic as other options on the market. However the low point for most people might be a bit earlier than that – at the checkout.

The Noble FoKus Apollo are extremely expensive headphones, outstripping plenty of rivals, and even with the value added by extra cables and tools in the box they’re impossible to justify for audiophiles on a budget.

If you think your purse or wallet can handle them, though, these are fantastic headphones that blow most of their rivals out of the water for sound quality alone.

Noble FoKus Apollo: Price and release date

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in September 2024
  • Costs $649 / £589 / AU$999

The Noble FoKus Apollo are not a cheap pair of headphones by any means. You have to shell out $649 / £589 / AU$999 to pick up a pair, which makes these some decidedly premium cans.

You’re paying more for these headphones that best-in-class options like the Sony WH1000XM5s, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Bowers & Wilkins PX8, though a select few options do cost more.

It’s worth noting that the price includes extras like a carry case, 3.5mm cord, USB-C cable, several adaptors and a plug-in microphone, so Noble isn’t exactly ripping you off here.

Noble unveiled the FoKus Apollo in the back half of 2024; the headphones seem to be on sale in various regions around the world, either from Noble’s website or from third-party stores, though in some places they’re sold out.

Noble FoKus Apollo review: Specs

Noble FoKus Apollo: Features

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Limited in-app feature set
  • Midweight ANC
  • Fantastic battery life

To use the Noble FoKus Apollo, you can download the Noble FoKus smartphone app – I say ‘can’ because I only downloaded it towards the end of my testing period, and it didn’t add anything to the experience. You can easily use the Apollo without it.

It does give me a handy shopping list of features to run through, though. First up there’s an equalizer, offering 10-band customization for people who know their way around an EQ tab, and six presets for those who don’t (which, to my ears, sounded very similar).

Next is ANC, which can be toggled between on, off or ambient mode. The Apollo’s noise cancellation is decent, but it’s far from industry-leading, so while it stripped away the majority of background sounds it did always leave a little background hum that other buds and headphones I’ve tested would remove. If background sound was a cheesecake, the Apollo would be skipping that crumbly biscuit base.

The app lets you toggle EQ, ANC, the tone switch for when you adjust settings on the headphones and… not a lot else. It’s a really barebones app, which doesn’t really justify its space on your phone since the EQ is the only feature which you can’t play with on the headphones themselves.

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)

A lightweight feature set isn’t something to get too heartbroken about, as these are clearly headphones designed with an audio focus.

A ‘missing’ feature is the ability to take calls, as the FoKus Apollo don’t have a microphone built in (something I discovered the hard way: in a group meeting when I couldn’t figure out why people couldn’t hear me). A microphone comes in the box that you can connect to the headphone to mitigate this loss, but some might not like the fashion statement that this provides if worn in public.

Curiously, Noble’s product listing details seem to imply that there’s a microphone, but I conducted several tests in different apps (yes, with the microphone toggled) and the Apollo could only pick up audio if the external microphone was connected.

Thankfully the great battery life ensures that you can enjoy that audio for long periods of time: 80 hours, to be exact (though if you listen with ANC that drops to a still-impressive 60 hours). Given that 30 hours is considered the average lasting power by TechRadar’s staff, that’s a really fantastic figure.

  • Features score: 3.5/5

Noble FoKus Apollo review: Design

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Comfortable pads but heavy build
  • Loads of buttons and ports
  • Divisive looks

The Noble FoKus Apollo look more refined than your average headphones: the comfy padded band, the shiny metal pads with soft leather pads, and thin bands connecting it all make them look as much like an art piece as some headphones. They're also a bit bulkier than many other headphones on the market.

This appearance covers up some flexibility issues though. While the cups can rotate around 180 degrees along the X axis (as in, they can face you or face away from you when on your head), they don’t move around much on the Y axis (as in, they can’t point down or up much, a move which is useful for catering to different head shapes). You also can’t fold up the cans, beyond the band length with some retractable space.

Premium materials ensure that the Apollo feels comfortable to wear, if your head ensures you’re not affected by the flexibility problems, though long periods of listening may bring aches because of the weight of the cans.

Each of the cans bears an orchestra of ports and buttons, which you’ll take a while getting used to. The left can has a microphone mute slider, a USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm jack (for the microphone), while the right can has an ANC toggle, another 3.5mm port, a volume rocker and a power button.

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a man's head.

(Image credit: Future)

I couldn’t find information about an IP rating for the Apollo, so I’d recommend caution when using them in potentially-harmful watery environments. Saying that, they survived a pretty heavy rainstorm around my neck.

Due to the thin areas of band and the delicate internals, I always considered the Apollo to be quite fragile during testing, and treated them accordingly – I can’t say for sure whether these things are more susceptible to damage than alternatives, but I made sure to keep them in their case when possible just to be sure!

The one and only color for the FoKus Apollo is gray, as you can see in the image, which has areas of silver and black as well.

One thing I’d be remiss not to flag is the look of the Apollo when on one’s head – they look, for lack of a better word, a bit dweeby (something which was pointed out to me multiple times, making the descriptor 'divisive' feel apt). On all but the biggest heads the cans look huge too, so if you care about your looks and social standing, it’s something to bear in mind.

  • Design score: 3/5

Noble FoKus Apollo review: Sound quality

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a man's head.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Expansive sound stage
  • Mostly well balanced
  • Performs wonderfully at high volumes

The Noble FoKus Apollo sound amazing. I know, I know, stop the presses: premium headphones that sound great. I’m sure you’re shocked.

As mentioned in the introduction, the Apollo combines a 14.5mm planar magnetic hybrid driver with a 40mm dynamic one, with the combination of both working in tandem to deliver beautifully balanced audio.

To me, the best part of the FoKus Apollo’s audio offering is the dramatic sound stage, spreading out instruments in a wide arch around you. Listening to songs, you could almost point to where each band member or quartet performer was around you, and the soundstage helps you pick out background instruments that you might not necessarily hear on cheaper headphones.

With such a fantastic sound stage, it’s almost a shame that Noble hasn’t included support for Dolby Atmos or other official surround-sound alternatives for movie and TV streaming, to help you enjoy videos as much as you can music.

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)

Audio tuning is lovely and balanced in the Apollo. Treble is sparkling and sensibly handled while mids, often overlooked in headphones, keep their head above water in the mix with a pronounced sound. For the most part bass is just as strong but I did find it falling just a tad quiet in the mix on occasion; it’s not something that all listeners will mind but I’d imagine dedicated bass fans will feel it. It depended on the song too and some tweaking with the equalizer can mostly offset it.

Unlike many other sonically-impressive headphones and earbuds, I didn’t have any volume troubles with the FoKus Apollo. They can go louder than I cared to test and I didn’t hear any peaking or distorting when I was at the upper limit of my comfort.

Audio fans will enjoy the Apollo’s compatibility with a range of codecs that includes LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and SBC. Unlike with most other headphones, Noble’s app doesn’t let you change the settings for these various codecs though.

Wired audio purists will also enjoy the versatility that the Apollo offers: you can use it entirely as a pair of wired cans if you prefer. As mentioned before the box has a 3.5mm cable as well as adaptors for ¼-inch and 4.4mm jacks so you’re sorted for a range of devices.

  • Sound quality: 5/5

Noble FoKus Apollo review: Value

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Prohibitively expensive for many buyers
  • In-box peripherals and case add value

Do $649 / £589 / AU$999 headphones really present value for money? It’s hard to make the argument that they do because no matter how incredibly the sound quality is, you can still pick up great-sounding cans for a fifth of the price.

Noble does its best to tip the scales, to its credit. The inclusion of a hardy carry case and loads of useful extra cables and adaptors does ensure that you don’t need to spend a cent more on your audio purchase.

I can’t imagine headphones that sound this good costing less, but money-conscious buyers can easily save by settling on audio quality.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Noble FoKus Apollo?

Buy them if…

You use multiple audio players
The range of supported codecs and in-box adaptors makes the Apollo wonderfully versatile for a range of audio devices and apps.

You need a long-lasting battery
Turn ANC off and you get 80 hours of listening time - that's over 3 days straight! It's a perfect companion for long journeys..

Don’t buy them if…

You're on a budget
In no universe are the FoKus Apollos budget headphones, so if you don't want to break the bank, look elsewhere.

Audio quality isn't your top feature
Audio quality isn't always the most important aspect of headphones, and if you won't notice the bells and whistles of the Apollo, you don't need to pay for it..

Noble FoKus Apollo review: Also consider

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review
We gave 5 stars to these B&W cans in our review. They cost just a touch more than the Apollo, sound fantastic and have a similar build to the Noble – but they look more expensive.

See our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
For less than the FoKus Apollo you can pick up these great-sounding headphones that have phenomenal ANC and a lightweight body. You'll make a small compromise on sound-quality, but if that's not your main priority they're a great alternative.

See our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

How I tested the Noble FoKus Apollo

The Noble FoKus Apollo on a white fleece background.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for one month
  • Tested at home and on various excursions

The Noble FoKus Apollo enjoyed a four-week testing period, enough to put them through their paces in some rigorous tests. I mainly used the headphones while connected to an Android phone over Bluetooth but I also tested them alongside an iPad and a Windows computer via Bluetooth and 3.5mm cables.

I tested the Apollo in a range of environments including my office, home, coffee shops, on buses and coaches, and also on walks around my neighborhood. As I mentioned before I mainly used them for audio streaming but used them on my iPad to stream basically the entire run of Shogun and a few movies.

I've been reviewing gadgets for TechRadar for five and a half years now, including having tested countless headphones and earbuds.

  • First reviewed in October 2024
Tribit StormBox 2 review: a bargain Bluetooth speaker with big sound and decent battery life
7:13 pm | October 23, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers | Tags: | Comments: Off

Tribit StormBox 2: two-minute review

The Tribit StormBox 2 is a cheap, hard-wearing Bluetooth speaker that's designed to deliver 360-degree sound for not much cash. The next-generation upgrade from 2018’s StormBox, it’s a pocket-sized portable speaker that sports unassuming looks and extreme levels of volume and battery life.

The Tribit StormBox 2 very much colors inside of the lines when it comes to design. It apes the near-cylindrical form factor of many of its rivals in the portable speaker space, even echoing the drop-resistant end caps and rubberized buttons that you’ll find on many speakers at the more affordable end of the market. Fortunately, this does make it rugged enough for use in the great outdoors; it will see off drops and dings, while its IPX7 water-resistance means it survived a minute-long dunking in the TechRadar testing tank without any ill effects.

Given its position at the cheaper end of the market, naturally it's missing some features that you’ll find on some of the best Bluetooth speakers. The StormBox 2 doesn’t offer Wi-Fi connectivity, nor less-lossy codecs such as LDAC or ALAC, which means you won't get audiophile-grade sound here.

Despite this, I was pleasantly surprised by the Tribit’s performance. Playing Black Eye by Allie X, the speaker did a great job of representing her vocals and those synthy stings, while that saw-toothed bassline delivers plenty of teeth. Given its frequency range only stretches as low as 70Hz though, it does lose a little presence in its low end – and, like many cheaper speakers, the treble can on occasion sound a little bit bright and overdriven.

On the plus side, like its less-rugged sibling, the Tribit XSound Plus 2, the StormBox 2 has some solid audio profiles that will let you polish the sound it produces and compensate for some of these weaknesses. XBass, in particular, gives everything much more oomph in the low end; I found myself increasingly just leaving it on as standard. And if you really want to get into the nitty gritty, the Tribit app offers a full nine-band EQ to allow you to tweak its sound to suit your favorite genres.

There are more features where that came from, too. One of the most noteworthy is its pairing options: you can link two StormBox 2s together, either to boost volume in party mode or to create a stereo pair, which offers decent separation and a convincing soundstage.

But perhaps the StormBox 2’s most impressive party trick is its battery life. Its stated 24-hour battery life makes the lasting power of Bluetooth speakers such as the JBL Flip 6 look ephemeral by comparison. And at lower volumes, at the 50% I regularly listened at, for example, I actually found it lasted far longer, stretching to as long as a preposterous 30 hours. This speaker has serious playing power.

Is it the best-sounding speaker on the market? Hardly. It displays some definite unevenness in the bass and treble, and the audio it produces isn’t the most detailed or expressive you’ll hear. But for its super-low price, it sounds far better than it has any right to – and the battery life alone makes it a solid investment. So, ultimately, if you’re looking to get change for $100 / £100 / AU$150, this will absolutely be your best option. If your budget can stretch further, there are far finer speakers available on our guide to the best bluetooth speakers.

The Tribit StormBox 2 sat horizontally on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: price & release date

  • Released on May 31, 2024
  • Retails for $67.99 / £60 / AU$129

The Tribit StormBox 2 is available now, having been released on May 31, 2024. It currently retails for the bargain price of $67.99 / £60 / AU$129 – which is cheap, even for a budget Bluetooth speaker. This is roughly comparable to the much smaller JBL Clip 5, which only has 7W of amplification compared to the StormBox 2’s 34W, so in theory you’re getting much more oomph for a very similar spend.

When it comes to purchase options, you’re limited: there aren’t any color variations on offer, so what you see here is what you get. Fortunately, what you get is very generous, considering the price you’ll pay.

Tribit StormBox 2 review: specs

The rear buttons of the Tribit StormBox 2 sat horizontally on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: features

  • Flexible sound profile and EQ options
  • No Wi-Fi or less lossy codecs
  • Insane 24+ hours battery life

The Tribit StormBox 2 possesses two 48mm full-range drivers that rock a combined power of 34W. While the 70HZ – 20KHz frequency range these drivers deliver isn’t exactly going to give you gut-punching sub bass, it’s still decent enough for such a compact unit. In addition, it's also capable of 360-degree sound – something you’ll be thankful for any time you’re listening to it in big groups.

Want even more room-filling sound? You’re in luck: you can chain several StormBox 2s together. Hit the TWS button on your connected StormBox 2 and then press the same button on a compatible Tribit speaker and they’ll form a stereo pair. Alternatively, for those more worried about achieving window-rattling volume, you can press the TWS button again and they’ll switch to a mono Party mode.

It's possible to augment the sound in other ways as well. Not only can its XBass button switch on the Tribit’s bass-boosting audio profile, but if you fire up the app, you can access four other sound modes: Audiobook, Classical, Rock and Jazz. However, those looking for granular control over their music will get the most use out of its nine-band EQ – this both lets you tweak the sound balance to your heart’s content and create your own custom profiles, something that quite a few more expensive models still lack.

Given the price, it will hardly be news that the StormBox 2 doesn’t pack the fancier features of premium Bluetooth speakers such as the Sonos Roam 2. While its connection utilizes Bluetooth 5.3, you’re out of luck for Wi-Fi connectivity or higher-res codecs such as LDAC or ALAC. And if you’re looking for the auto-tuning smarts that some high-end speakers offer, forget it: you’re never going to find it in a speaker this cheap.

Where the StormBox 2 does shine over almost any other speaker, however, is its battery life; it makes the Energizer Bunny look like a bone-idle clock-watcher. Tribit estimates the speaker will last you up to 24 hours of solid listening time. Wanting to put this to the test, I ran it for six hours at 50% volume, during which it lost less than 20% of its battery. At that rate, you could potentially eke out up to 30 hours use out of it, which is just ludicrous – even my most epic, 22-hour-long playlist wouldn’t come close to tuckering out this speaker.

  • Features score: 4/5

Two Tribit StormBox 2s standing vertically on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: sound quality

  • Lush mids and rich bass – but only in XBass mode
  • Premium speakers offer more precision and clearer soundstage
  • Capable of eardrum-perforating volume

For its price, the Tribit StormBox 2 offers impressive sound. Firing up St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, I was instantly struck by how crisp and immediate the toms sounded. The richly timbred sax soars above everything, while beneath it you can still hear the piano line nice and clear, something not all speakers could have delivered so well. All in all, I have little to complain about when it comes to the middle of the mix.

As is often the case with budget Bluetooth speakers, though, the StormBox 2 does occasionally trip over itself at the high end. Sometimes, the bite of the guitars in Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way sounded a little over-keen to me, like the treble was a bit overdriven and the speaker wasn’t quite able to bring out enough of their bass tones to soften them.

This hypothesis was borne out when probing the lower frequencies the speaker could manage. Playing something with a bit of low-end heft, such as Nobody But You by George Fitzgerald, the StormBox does an admirable job of communicating the low-mids. However, when you compare it to the dynamic punch of bassier speakers such as the JBL Flip 6, everything feels a little looser in the lowest frequencies. It’s just a little too soft to have any impact, like being hit by a cotton-candy cannonball.

Fortunately, there is a way to take care of this. Flicking on XBass mode helped mitigate some of that wooliness. The kick just has a bit more punch, while the bassline resonates much more, giving the whole sound more glue, even while preserving delicate elements such as that piano line. Even though it’s lacking those under 70Hz sub tones, XBass really helps to give things more conviction and I found myself just leaving it on by default.

When putting its pairing options to the test, I was pleasantly surprised by how convincing a stereo field two linked StormBox 2’s created. Listening to my go-to stereo testing track, Manchild by Eels, there was no appreciable lag between each unit and the separation was precise. The samples were appropriately separated on each side of the mix, while the harmonizing of E’s vocals washed over me from either ear, creating a gorgeous layered effect. Not bad for $135.98 / £120 / AU$258, all in.

Despite this, comparing the whole sound to a five-star speaker such as the Sonos Roam 2, the difference between their two audio profiles was pretty clear to me. While the Tribit is undeniably punchier – at least with XBass mode on, anyway – the Sonos is far more discriminating, giving each element in the mix greater separation and breathing room. Naturally, you’d expect better poise from the Roam 2’s less lossy audio codecs, but it's worth considering the capability of a more premium speaker.

However, what the StormBox 2 lacks in finesse it more than makes up for in terms of sheer volume. For the vast majority of contexts, I found 50% volume was high enough to flood the room with confident, 360-degree sound. Cranking up the volume as high as 80% did finally start to show some ragged edges and limiting, but this was also past the level where the loudness had started to hurt my ears. In the vast majority of scenarios, this speaker is plenty loud enough without sacrificing too much in terms of quality.

  • Sound score: 3.5 / 5

The top driver and strap on the Tribit StormBox 2 in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: design

  • Not the most exciting design
  • Strap isn’t that usable
  • Rugged build and IPX7 waterproofing

When it comes to its looks, the Tribit StormBox 2 hardly reinvents the wheel. It’s the kind of cylindrical-ish unit with drivers either end that’s almost so familiar at this point to be a design cliche. It also features three rubberised buttons on its face – a circular play / pause and a giant volume plus and minus combo. There are no vibrant color options on offer here, either. To paraphrase the industrialist and automotive pioneer Henry Ford: "look, it comes in black – like it or lump it".

But not every speaker has to be an aesthetic revolution. And the StormBox 2 is pleasing enough: the fabric that wraps around its core feels hard-wearing yet pleasant to the touch. Thanks to its 2.72-inch (69mm) depth, it sits comfortably enough in your grip, while a weight of just 1.54lbs (699g) means it’s easy enough to carry around wherever you go. Its strap is a bit of a misstep, though: you can’t easily unclip it, making it hard to loop it through a belt loop or bag strap, so you’re purely reliant on your meathooks here.

The Tribit is also suitably rugged. Thanks to its sturdy build and rigid end-caps, it should survive knocks and falls without anything more than cosmetic damage. On top of this, its IPX7 rating protects it from a plunge in up to 1m for up to 30 minutes. To test this out, I sprayed some water over it and allowed it to dry before powering it up again. I also gave it a thorough baptizing in TechRadar’s testing tank, first letting it merrily bob along on the surface before fully submerging it for a minute. I’m pleased to say that it bounced back from both of these dousings with zero damage, coming out of it sounding as responsive as ever, which puts it up there with many of the best waterproof speakers.

  • Design score: 3 / 5

A closeup of the Tribit StormBox 2 in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Tribit StormBox 2 review: value

  • Cheaper than any similar sounding rivals
  • Not a match for more premium speakers

When doing a side-by-side comparison, the Tribit StormBox 2 obviously isn’t going to beat more expensive speakers such as the Roam 2 or even the JBL Flip 6. You can’t expect the kind of precision and quality that pricier components and less lossy codecs can deliver.

However, what the StormBox 2 does for its price is seriously impressive. With its speakers, Tribit is helping to redefine what you can expect from the bargain end of the market. If the biggest thing you care about is getting as much value as you can squeeze out $67.99 / £60 / AU$129, this is the speaker you should choose. If you’re wanting thumping bass or audiophile-grade sound, you’ll have to spend a bit more to get it.

  • Value score: 5/5

The Tribit StormBox 2 standing vertically on a stone surface in front of a pink background

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Tribit StormBox 2?

Buy it if…

You want the best sound you can get for the least cash
Few speakers at this price offer audio that's actually worth the investment. But the Tribit offers confident, loud and sufficiently detailed sound that's deeply impressive for such a low price.

You want highly customizable sound
With five preset sound profiles and a nine-band EQ that allows you to create your own custom profiles, the StormBox 2 is a great option for anyone who's constantly looking to tinker with the balance of their music.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You want audiophile-pleasing audio
In light of its cheap price and the lack of codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD on offer, this speaker doesn’t offer top-tier resolution. Anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on sound quality should be looking to invest in a higher-end speaker.View Deal

You’re after a speaker that makes a statement
The StormBox 2 offers neither a hugely distinctive dynamic sound signature nor eye-catching, vibrant design. If you want a Bluetooth speaker that draws comment, this may not be the one for you.View Deal

Tribit StormBox 2 review: also consider

Sonos Roam 2
Costing $179 / £179 / AU$299, the Sonos Roam 2 is more than double the price of the Tribit StormBox 2. But in return for that price, it offers a whole lot. Connectivity comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi, and it can integrate with Sonos’s multiroom speaker system for seamless playback, while offering crisp and detailed audio. It also offers IP67 ingress protection, meaning it can see off grit and submersion in water, making it great for listening poolside or trips to the beach. Read our full Sonos Roam 2 review.View Deal

JBL Flip 6
At the more affordable end of the market, the JBL Flip 6 has a good 50% price increase over the StormBox 2, at $109 / £99 / AU$169. But in return, you get more dynamic, bubbling bass and more adventurous looks, with the speaker coming in a range of colorways from salmon pink to camo. And, again, its IP67 ingress protection makes it a hardier companion for use in the great outdoors, seeing off dust and soakings with ease. Read our full JBL Flip 6 review.View Deal

Tribit StormBox 2 review: how I tested

  • Tested the device over two weeks using multiple sources
  • Compared it the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Flip 6
  • Used specific benchmarking tests to assess battery and waterproofing

I tested the Tribit StormBox 2 over the course of two weeks. I listened to the TechRadar testing playlist and tracks in a variety of different genres to make sure I’d built up an accurate picture of its sonic profile. In addition, I used multiple sources, including Spotify and Apple Music. I compared it side by side with other class-leading Bluetooth speakers, including the Sonos Roam 2 and JBL Flip 6.

To test its battery, I ran the speaker for six hours at 50% volume to see how much it declined, before dividing this by the amount the battery had decreased to get its overall playing time. To test the waterproofing, I sprayed the speaker with water, dried it out and tested its functionality again, as well as fully submerging the speaker in 12 inches (30cm) of water and doing the same.

I have over 10 years of experience reviewing and writing about tech products and have tested many Bluetooth speakers, as well as other audio equipment, during that time. I’ve also spent many years producing audio and music, which has given me a lot of first-hand experience at assessing the performance of audio products.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2024
Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: fantastic-sounding earbuds with a few issues in the feature set
4:00 pm | October 21, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Earbuds & Airpods Gadgets Headphones | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Edifier Stax Spirit S10: Two-minute review

Since I started testing the Edifier Stax Spirit S10, I’ve dropped the words 'planar magnetic' into conversation when describing them a few times. Given the number of blank looks I received at the phrase, I feel it’s important for me to explain it, given that it is the key selling point of these premium earbuds – and they may still enter our best earbuds buying guide as 'best planar magnetic buy' or similar.

A planar magnetic driver is a kind of flat headphone or earbud driver that's fragile, expensive and typically bigger than dynamic (cone-shaped) drivers, but it can offer a wonderfully balanced, detailed sound with less distortion – when done well. Planar earbuds are, as opposed to the homophone, definitely not plainer than dynamic ones.

The vast majority of devices touting planar magnetic drivers are headphones, including Edifier’s Spirit Stax S3 and S5, so the trick the company has pulled with the Stax Spirit S10 is using this tech for a new set of wireless noise-cancelling earbuds.

Cue earbuds lovers asking what audiophiles already know: “Do the Stax Spirit S10 sound good?” The answer is a resounding yes: they sound fantastic for true wireless earbuds, offering better audio than beloved rivals from Apple and Samsung. The dynamic range is wonderful, with pronounced bass and crisp treble, and I found them great for listening to anything from acoustic pop to synthwave and post-rock. The maximum volume could do with being a touch higher, but beyond that, it’s impossible to fault the sound of the Edifiers.

So why don’t the Edifier Stax Spirit S10 deserve a five-star review? Well, it’s hard to give a five-star review to a product with a five-star price like the Edifiers, given how high expectations are when you’re paying more for them than rival AirPods and Galaxy Buds. But that’s not the reason that the Edifier sheds a whole star.

The real reason is that the S10 have a few rough edges in the usability department that many rivals do better. My first gripe was pairing: they literally wouldn’t pair to my phone to begin with (leading me to blow the buds off for another pair I was testing initially, and it was only when I was about to hit ‘send’ on a message to my editor to tell her that the buds weren’t working that they finally decided to get their act together). Of course, this was just my personal experience – I'm unable to promise you'll have the same issues when trying to pair a set to your phone or tablet – but as someone who's tested literally scores of wireless earbuds, it's unusual and note-worthy for buds to simply refuse to pair to my trusted source devices. 

All through the testing period, they were slow to connect to my phone, and the odd droppage here and there when I was out and about got in the way of my listening.

Lastly, the S10 are the first of Edifier’s Stax Spirit devices to have Active Noise Cancellation. But you might not be able to tell, because it’s incredibly light-touch. There are various modes to pick from, but even the strongest struggled to filter out moderate chatter in my office, and the adaptive mode was, there’s no other word for it, ‘janky’. 

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)

It’d sometimes change modes when I was sitting still, leading to a noticeable change in my audio despite not affecting the noise levels beyond it too much – and it changes dramatically. I wish there was an antonym for ‘seamless’ in a tech context; whatever it is, that’s how the adaptive noise cancellation sounds.

Edifier also triggers my pet peeve of audio companies: having multiple different pairing apps. I spent half of the testing period with Edifier Connect on my phone, thinking that the Stax Spirit S10 didn’t have an app, and it took me a while to realize that I actually needed to have downloaded EDIFIER Connex. Come on, Edifier!

Audiophiles are probably used to overlooking annoying quality-of-life issues in the quest for perfect sound, and the Stax Spirit S10 will be an enjoyable stepping stone in that journey. A comfortable fit, support for a nice range of codecs and other branded technologies, plus a distinctive look all help me overlook the strange quirks of the buds. 

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Price and release date

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Announced in September 2024
  • On sale in the US
  • Cost $299 (roughly £230, AU$450)

Edifier announced the Stax Spirit S10 in September 2024 and released them shortly afterwards, so they’re available to buy in some regions right now.

In the US, you can buy the Spirit S10 for $299 – that price converts to roughly £230 / AU$450. I can’t find them on sale from trusted retailers in the UK or Australia but Edifier does sell gadgets in both regions, so we could see it roll out the earbuds to those places in the future. 

As you can tell from this price, the Edifiers are premium earbuds aimed at discerning buyers. They match in price the Technics EAH-AZ80 which top our list of the best earbuds and cost more than the AirPods Pro 2 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (individually).

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Specs

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Features

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)
  • 5-hour buds battery, 18-hour with case, when ANC is on
  • Noise cancellation leaves a lot to be desired
  • Some connection issues

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 offer all of the features you’d expect in premium headphones… but they don’t all work perfectly.

The battery life is an example. Edifier doesn’t offer a battery estimate for the buds themselves, but says the case will offer 18 hours of playback with ANC on or 28 with it turned off. That’s not a huge number compared to competitors.

In my own testing, the Spirit S10 buds didn’t even last for five hours of playback when ANC was turned on – that’s one of the weakest battery lives I’ve tested in earbuds (it's close to that of the much cheaper AirPods Pro 4 with ANC, with noise-nixing deployed). They got to 4:55:17 until one earbud ran out, and the other was left on 6%. Based on Edifier’s case predictions, I’d estimate that the buds would last for 7 hours of listening if you don’t use ANC.

I didn’t find the battery-sapping ANC that great either; it did a fairly poor job at cancelling background noises. In my office it only succeeded in taking the edge off low-level surrounding chatter or the hum of the microwave, and alongside busy roads and railways it barely made a difference.

There are several different ANC modes: high, medium, ambient sound, wind reduction, adaptive and off. I stuck to high due to the fact that, as I said, it still didn’t feel like much, however I fiddled around with the others too. In adaptive, the modes would change for seemingly no reason, making quite dramatic and sudden shifts from time to time – this was often more than a little distracting.

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)

The ANC is controlled by the tie-in app: EDIFIER Connex, which isn’t Edifier’s only audio app, confusingly. I tried to set it up with Edifier Connect for a while, which isn’t the right app.

Connex lets you play with an equalizer (and two presets), toggle noise cancellation, turn on a high-latency gaming mode, change the function of the on-bud buttons, turn off (or on) wear detection, change your audio codec and do a few other functions which we see in wireless earbuds. There are also a few extras which you don’t: you can change how sensitive the bud buttons are, which I appreciate, and also change the volume of low battery and connectivity prompts.

Something else I need to raise is that I had real connection problems when first setting up the buds – I could pair them once, but after that my phone just couldn’t find the buds, The way I solved the problem (admittedly after a week) was by unpairing the device and re-pairing it several times. 

Also, even once the buds worked well, they’d always take a short while to connect to my phone. It wasn’t dramatic, but I’d always have to wait a few seconds before listening to music, wondering if they'd dropped out again. I even accidentally played my playlist out loud a few times, before getting wise to the fact that pairing from the case takes the Stax Spirit S10 a while longer than most earbuds I've tested.

  • Features score: 3/5

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Design

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Clamshell case which holds the buds
  • Thick stems give a distinctive look
  • Buds stay in the ear well

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 come in a ‘clamshell’-style case, which you open up to reveal the buds within. This case weighs 56g, is just a hair bigger than a golf ball, and has a USB-C port for charging. It’s definitely not the smallest headphone case I’ve seen, but it protected its contents well.

The earbuds themselves are fairly distinctive looking due to the width of the stem; you’re not going to confuse these for AirPods any day. The large size doesn’t really add to the ‘bulk’ of the buds, so it’s not an issue – it didn’t affect their ear grip from my experience – and it screams to people “these are serious earbuds for serious audiophiles!”.

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)

For most of my testing period, the Spirit S10 were reliable at sticking in my ears. This was even the case through most of a gym session, until I hit the treadmills, so I wouldn’t recommend them for running with. They also fell out when I was doing certain stretches on mats so, again, these aren’t work-out buds unless you’re doing slower and more upright exercises.

The stems bear touch controls which you can customize in the Edifier app, but you’re meant to ‘pinch’ to trigger the control and I could never work out the right place to squeeze to get a reliable result. 

You’re getting IP54-rated protection with both of the buds – this means that they’re mostly protected against solid particles (sand or dust), but can only survive splashes of water. Don’t wear them swimming, then.

  • Design score: 3.5/5

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Sound quality

  • Planar magnetic drivers provide fantastic balanced sound
  • Equalizer gives lots of customization over sound
  • Max volume could be higher

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)

Any downsides that come from planar magnetic drivers (here 12mm ones) are easily outmatched by the positives: The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 sound really, really fantastic. 

I most appreciate the balanced audio you’re getting from the S10. You can hear every line of music as though they’re spread out in Avid Pro before you, and they’re all totally equal, from the lowest rings of the bass guitar to the screechiest soprano; the whisper of the hi-hat and the sniffs of the cold-addled drummer are all even.

Such a balanced mix helps you appreciate the song as it was intended to be listened to, as Edifier isn’t blowing up the bass until it drowns out everything else, or positioning the treble as so dominant that you’d think every song is acapella.

If you like your music a certain way then there is an equalizer in the app (hidden in the ‘Sound effects’ menu) which lets you listen to the default balanced mix, Dynamic (ie bass-heavy), Electrostatic (treble-heavy) or a customized mode with an in-depth equalizer to play around with. However I found the default Original mix so great that I preferred it during testing. 

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)

Don’t worry about any distortion here, as another effect of planar magnet drivers is that it’s far less frequent. In fact, I didn’t notice any distortion during testing, however that may be partly because the Stax Spirit S10 don’t go very loud.

At the maximum volume, I found the S10 to put out music at a comfortable listening level… when I was at home in my quiet flat. Out and about, I’d often find myself struggling to make out parts of a song, especially with the lackluster ANC doing the bare minimum to cancel noise. If I had to commute into an office much more than I do, I’d probably opt for alternate earbuds. These aren’t the worst buds I’ve tested for volume issues, with the Nothing Ear still wearing that – crown? – but the Edifier really could do with being a touch louder.

True audiophiles (or technophiles) will appreciate the range of tech standards and codecs that the S10 support. These earbuds connect using Bluetooth 5.4 and support Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, aptX Audio, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC, LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless. To use these better-quality protocols, you’ll need a streaming service that offers them (not Spotify), plus a source that can support them in addition to just using the Edifier buds – but if you want the highest resolution a wireless connection can bring, these earbuds will not be a barrier. 

  • Sound quality: 4.5/5

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review: Value

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)
  • High-price earbuds with sound quality to match
  • Feature set needs to improve for better value

To answer simply on whether the Edifier Stax Spirit S10 offer value for money: of course they don’t. No premium earbuds do, not when great-sounding alternatives exist for under $100/£100/AU$200.

The nature of tech is that you get diminishing returns as you slide up the tower of price, and so the Stax Spirit were never going to offer you competitive value for money, and they’re not designed for shoppers on a budget. 

Sure, they sound better than rivals, but they also cost more than these competitors too. Plus the feature set doesn’t work perfectly, and beyond the audio output there are no killer features here worth paying top dollar for. The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 are for audiophiles who have money to spend on their passion, don't care about ANC, and don’t need to get the most efficient value for their money.

  • Value: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Edifier Stax Spirit S10?

Buy them if...

Don’t buy them if…

Edifier Stax Spirit S10 review: Also consider

Technics EAH-AZ80
Triple device multi-point connectivity, LDAC support, supreme fit and excellent call-quality are just four reasons to buy these earbuds. The excellent sound is one more – but there's no dust ingress protection and they're just as pricey as the Edifiers, despite a May 2023 release date. See our Technics EAH-AZ80 review for the full scoop

How I tested the Edifier Stax Spirit S10

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 in front of a sunset.

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for 4 weeks
  • Tested at home, in the office and on walks

The Edifier Stax Spirit S10 enjoyed a prolonged testing period; I used them for roughly a month to write this review, which meant I could really put them through their paces. I used them alongside an Android phone, mostly – so I could benefit from their support for LDAC. 

I tested the buds at home, in the office, commuting between the two and on an international holiday; most of my listening was on Tidal or Netflix, but I tried other music and video streaming services as well as calls, podcasts and more.

My tech reviewing history for TechRadar spans more than five years now, including lots of earbuds – and a few pairs of Edifier headphones.

  • First reviewed in October 2024
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