If you’re the person that loves to have tech to match your personal aesthetic, the Sharp Osaka isn’t really the one for you. What it is, though, is a great value solution for anyone who simply wants to listen to the radio from seemingly any location.
Smaller than my desk calendar, the Sharp Osaka is easily grabbed with one small hand and slips into my coat pocket well enough, too.
As with all DAB radios, the only bulky part is its extendable aerial arm which you can easily hide away when not in use. The Sharp Osaka's battery life comes in at about 15 hours which isn’t above average for such radios but will serve you well for most of your active day. Charging via USB-C means you’re unlikely to need to pack an extra cable any time you go away, too.
Costing £70 – that's about $90 in the US or AU$143 in Australia, where available – when first released in September 2024, the Sharp Osaka is already discounted at time of writing, bringing it down to an even more affordable £50 ($65 in the US and AU$102). That’s a good price for a DAB radio of this standard and it also doubles up as a basic Bluetooth speaker.
Its controls are more intuitive than its convoluted manual suggests, leading you to mostly enjoying the Sharp Osaka without much hassle. One of the best DAB radios? Maybe not, but still a simple solution to your radio listening needs.
Sharp Osaka review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Released September 2024
Cost £70 / €90 (currently only available in the UK and Europe)
The Sharp Osaka DAB radio was released in the UK and Europe in September 2024. It costs £70 / €90 depending on your region (unfortunately, it's not available in the US or Australia as it stands) so it’s affordable for a DAB radio.
We’ve already spotted some discounts emerging in the UK with the price more around the £50 mark.
That makes it one of the more affordable portable DAB radios around. It’s much cheaper than the stylish but premium Roberts Revival Petite 2 and also the ageing Sony XDR-P1 DAB radio. It’s slightly more expensive than the Groov-e Boston but that’s far from the right size for putting in your pocket.
Sharp Osaka review: Specs
Sharp Osaka review: Features
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
DAB and FM radio, plus Bluetooth speaker
12-hour battery life
3.5mm headphone jack
The Sharp Osaka DAB radio has all the features you could need without offering up much in the way of surprises. At first glance, it looks like it’s only a DAB radio but it uses a technology it calls BestTune which combines FM, DAB, and DAB+ into a single station list to help you find the best option based on signal strength. I really liked this as it saved me switching between different modes while still gaining the best signal.
In all, the Sharp Osaka has a 120-station memory spread equally across BestTune, DAB and FM and, honestly, you probably won’t have to overthink this either. I simply turned it on and it figured things out for itself, quickly allowing me to find the station I wanted to listen to.
A tap of the source button also takes you to the Bluetooth side of things. Bluetooth 5.3 is in charge here so you won’t need to fret about any drop-out issues when pairing with your phone or tablet. I certainly didn’t have any issues switching between the two.
Sharp's website in various regions differs between 15 and 12 hours of promised battery life, however I found the latter to be the rough sweet spot during use. As is often the way, volume can affect a lot here. The USB-C cable is perfect because on my travels I didn’t have to worry about packing an extra cable to recharge it.
On the side and next to the USB port is a 3.5mm headphone jack if you want to connect the Sharp Osaka DAB radio to the best wired headphones for some added privacy.
Other neat extras include an alarm function and a SlideShow tool which displays images from the radio station where available. In reality, I never found a station that offered this but I’m continuing my search in my own time as it sounds fun.
Features score: 4 / 5
Sharp Osaka review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Mono speaker
A little tinny
Loud volume but some distortion
The Sharp Osaka is impressively loud, especially given its relative size. Though 10 is the average volume you’re likely to use, it goes all the way to a Spinal Tap-trouncing 30. It travels far, too. I cranked it up then walked a few rooms away and could still hear it.
That comes at a price with the audio quality not the best and offering some distortion but it’s fine for casual listening. I checked out Absolute 90s and found suitably old and nostalgic while listening to Blur’s Tender and The Rhythm of the Night by Corona. The latter lacks some excitement with the Sharp Osaka lacking crispness and spark, but the former translated reasonably well, never once leaving me waiting for that feeling to come.
This is the radio you’ll listen to while doing other things rather than indulging in your audiophile urges.
Sound quality: 3 / 5
Sharp Osaka review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Functional, lightweight design
Simple-to-use buttons...
... but not especially tactile
The Sharp Osaka gets right to the point with its design – it isn’t spectacular looking but nor will it confuse you. On the front left sits the mono speaker, with its controls and screen to the right. The 2-inch color display is simple but clear, other than when looking at it in bright light conditions.
Controls are also similarly easy to figure out although there’s no tactile quality to it which will be an issue for anyone with sight issues. That’s not uncommon with many popular DAB radios but it does mean my search for a more accessible DAB radio will have to continue.
When listening to the radio, you’ll need to pull out the antenna which is quite tightly clicked in at other times. On the side are ports for charging and headphones. There’s also a neat little key lock button which means no one can accidentally tap a button by mistake.
The Sharp Osaka is only available in a black/gray mix but it looks reasonably sleek.
Design score: 3 / 5
Sharp Osaka review: Value
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Inexpensive
Ideal for a quick fix
Cheaper than most
The Sharp Osaka was pretty cheap compared to the competition even before it went on sale (which seems to be commonplace now). Its primary competition for portability is something like the aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2 but it’s far cheaper than that. A closer rival could be the Pure Woodland but that’s less portable.
It might not be as adorable as that Roberts but the Sharp Osaka is far more affordable, which makes it tempting.
Value score: 5 / 5
Should you buy the Sharp Osaka?
Buy it if...
You’re on a tight budget The Sharp Osaka brings all the DAB radio essentials at a very affordable price.
You want something truly portable The battery life could be a little better but in exchange, you get a truly lightweight and portable device for putting in your pocket.
You want simplicity Combining FM and DAB options together saves you from paying too much attention. I’m a fan of this simplicity laziness.
Don't buy it if...
You want great audio With a mono speaker, the Sharp Osaka was never going to be class-leading but it can get a little tinny with music compared with talk.
You want great battery life The Sharp Osaka’s battery life is about average for the price. There are trade-offs for its size and if you’re away from power for a while, this could be an issue.
You don’t need a radio Potentially an obvious one, but if you need a Bluetooth speaker more than a radio, there are better choices around.
Sharp Osaka review: Also consider
Roberts Revival Petite 2
My favorite DAB radio in recent times, the Roberts is very portable and looks gorgeous, but it all comes at a higher price.
Listened to DAB radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment
The Sharp Osaka followed me around the house and the garden. I mostly used it in my home office but I also moved it to the kitchen while I cleaned and the living room while relaxing. On the rare days of good weather, it followed me outdoors for a little bit.
I used it exclusively via the rechargeable battery as it saved me finding a USB port to connect it to. I mostly listened to the radio but once in a while, I listened to some podcasts through my phone. This was typically via Spotify.
Otherwise, there was a lot of Absolute 90s, ranting at LBC, and relaxing with BBC Radio 5 Live.
Like any decent work of art, the new Creative Pebble Nova will mean different things to different people. TechRadar's audio editor Becky Scarrott said they looked like Magic 8-Balls, or lawn bowls with audio credentials – and she meant that as high praise. My partner thought they looked like an overly-elaborate microphone set up. I saw them more as delightful flotsam from an alien spacecraft, which had found its way to my desk.
However you look at it, the Pebble Nova speakers are a novel-looking new audio set-up fitting to strut their way onto our list of the best desktop speakers (and possibly even the best stereo speakers) on fashion chops alone.
The proposition doesn't need to rely on its good looks to get by, though. These speakers sound great, with defined bass, a high max volume and selection of enhancement features that make a marked difference to the norm for the money. They're elevated from your desk to create a much more immersive surround-sound effect and use coaxial drivers to refine the audio they deliver.
You'll find, though, that they cost a fair amount of aforementioned money. As the newest in Creative's line of affordable Pebble computer speakers, you'd think they might adhere to the affordable end of the market, but they're fairly premium in price. Not bank-breaking, but definitely enough to think twice about.
Maybe not twice actually, perhaps thrice. The Pebble Nova take a fair amount of set-up, with Creative channeling its inner Ikea with how much construction is needed. They also require a fair bit of space due to their design, so you'll need to make sure your desk is relatively large and uncluttered for them.
All that said, if you do decide you have the space, money and patience for them, the Creative Pebble Nova are a great set of computer speakers, regardless of what kind of audio you need them to play.
Creative Pebble Nova review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Announced in December 2024
Mid-range at $279.99 / £239.99 / AU$499.95
The Creative Pebble Nova were released in December 2024, as the latest entry in Creative’s Pebble line-up of desktop speakers. They are, by a significant margin, the most expensive.
You can pick up the Creative Pebble Nova for $279.99 / £239.99 / AU$499.95 (although fair warning: they’re out of stock in several of the regions I checked). That ain’t cheap, especially when you consider that the next most expensive members of the Pebble family, the Pebble X, cost $89.99 / £84.99 / AU$169.95.
At that price, there’s no doubt that these are premium speakers. There are only a few entries on our list of the best computer speakers that cost more, although admittedly those cost a lot more, so if you want premium speakers but don’t want to hand over your life savings for them, these could be a good option.
As audiophiles will know, though, you can spend a lot more on high-spec speakers, up to ten times as much.
Creative Pebble Nova review: Specs
Creative Pebble Nova review: Features
(Image credit: Future)
USB, Bluetooth and AUX connections
Creative App brings ways to customize audio
Acoustic Engine brings some useful features
The Creative Pebble Nova offer three ways to connect to your chosen device. First up is with a 3.5mm jack, which will let you play music but won’t let you customize it via the Creative App (more on that later). Second is Bluetooth, with the Nova supporting Bluetooth 5.3 to various devices including phones, computers and games consoles. Thirdly is with USB, which is what I did for the majority of this review. In the box is a USB-C to USB-C cable but if, like me, your PC only has USB-A ports, you can buy cheap adaptors online.
If you connect via Bluetooth or USB, the Creative App (available on mobile and PC) is a no-brainer. It offers the ability to change the Nova’s LED lighting effects, an equalizer along with loads of presets, the ability to switch which of the speakers is the left and right one and the promisingly-titled Acoustic Engine.
Take my advice: when you first set up the Pebble Nova, go to the Acoustic Engine page and turn everything on. It includes features like audio upscaling, dialogue enhancement and virtual surround-sound, all of which have marked improvements on the way the speakers sound. I regret that I was already weeks into the testing process before I bothered to open this page!
Features score: 4.5/5
Creative Pebble Nova review: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Bowling balls on stalks
Takes up lots of space
Time-consuming set-up process
How do you describe the design of the Creative Pebble Nova? Are they eyeballs on stalks? Alien command consoles? Magic 8-Balls? If you’re able, check out the review pictures because they’ll do better justice to the odd look of the Nova than my Creative Writing degree ever could. If you can’t see them, then… they’re basically giant spheres, held up from a circular base by a thin dowel.
It’s certainly a unique look taking the spherical-ish looks of other Pebble devices and literally elevating it. But it has a second advantage: the speakers themselves are higher than computer speakers generally are, which means ‘surround sound’ audio actually does surround you, as it’s at ear level (with the 45-degree point of the speakers also helping).
You can pick the Novas up in black, as you see in the images, and in a chic white-and-bronze model too.
I can see this design being a bit divisive but I didn’t mind it (I also spent lots of the review period with them hidden by my second screen). However there are two issues too.
(Image credit: Future)
Firstly, these take up a lot of space. Said space is at a premium when it comes to the desk upon which I use my desktop computer, and I found it quite hard to accommodate the Pebble Nova given the dimensions of both the speakers and my London apartment – it’s why the images accompanying this review are of my laptop, because my desk was too cluttered with the Creatives on it!
The second thing to note is that the Pebble Nova take quite a bit of setting up: not only do you need to go through all the usual cable rigamarole of desktop speakers, but you also have to attach the dowels to the stands and those to the speakers. This was admittedly easier than your average Ikea project, but it still took a little while to accomplish (I should note, you don’t have to elevate the speakers if you don’t want, and can attach them straight to a stand).
On the primary– ‘orb’? – you get several ports: the USB-C power delivery port, another USB-C port to connect to your computer, and the 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as the cable which runs to the other speaker. You also get a range of buttons for volume, power, connection and more.
The speakers have LED lights which you can program using the app, although they’re not huge or bright and I didn’t really notice them during everyday PC use.
Design score: 4/5
Creative Pebble Nova review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
1-inch driver + 3-inch woofer
Exuberant, clear bass and mids
Unnecessarily-high max volume
Each of the Creative Pebble Nova speakers packs both a 1-inch tweeter with a 3-inch woofer in a coaxial set-up.
I'm used to PC speakers being good for certain tasks and struggling with other ones (a set-up that's great for music might struggle for the range of sounds needed for gaming, or be poorly-tuned for YouTube videos, for example) but I was pleasantly surprised at how the Creative was a jack of all trades.
I say 'pleasantly surprised' because it wasn't necessarily expected. The presence of a woofer gives away that the Pebble Nova has a distinctly energetic sound profile, with plentiful bass. However these lower tones are well-defined and clear, instead of being overpowering and thumping like some bassy speakers can be.
This meant I could enjoy different kinds of music but then could listen to spoken-word audio without low voices having an unnatural rumble to them, an issue I've faced before.
(Image credit: Future)
Treble is a little less bright than it could be, but I quickly fixed this in the Creative App with some quick equalizer tweaking.
The Creative Pebble Nova is great for the kind of sound stage or surround-sound audio that really benefits immersive gaming. This is because the elevated height of the speaker poles, plus their being angled upwards at 45 degrees, means that audio is a lot closer to ear-level than your standard desktop speakers.
The result is a marked improvement in immersion: the tweeting of birds, the sound of wind in trees, the repeated taunting of a dangerous bandit I was unsuccessfully trying to run away from, all felt well-placed around me during gaming sessions. The effect was definitely more pronounced than on other desktop speakers I've tried, which sit lower than your ear level.
According to Creative, the Pebble Nova has a whopping 100W power output for high volumes. Since I have neighbors, I didn't test quite how loud it goes, but it definitely reached (and could easily exceed) my needs. Why you'd need incredibly-loud speakers for your desktop, presumably within half a meter of you, isn't quite clear, but it means that they can double as general party speakers if you prefer.
Sound quality: 4.5/5
Creative Pebble Nova review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
Not a viable option for people on a tight budget
Other Pebbles may appeal to money-conscious buyers
While the overall Pebble line of Creative desktop speakers is known for offering great value for money, that's naturally less true of the Nova, as premium equipment always offers incremental returns for the price.
The Nova are good, but you're paying for it, as they're not cheap (at least, by Creative standards, although you can easily find countless pricier alternatives). They're not poor value for money, but they're not as much an obvious bargain as other Pebbles. That said, if I had the expendable income, I'd buy them – so take from that what you will.
Value: 4/5
Should I buy the Creative Pebble Nova?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy them if…
You like the look of them Fan of the way the Novas look? Then you should go for them, as you'll be hard-pressed to find anything quite as distinctive.
You're particular about your audio The Creative app's equalizer, and Acoustic Engine options, will let picky listeners fine-tune the way the speakers sound more so than some rivals.
Don’t buy them if…
You think they look silly If you prefer your desktop speakers to speak only through the drivers instead of the fashion statement, you best check out other options.
You've got limited space I have a medium-sized desk and I had to remove some decorations to fit the Pebble Nova, so if you're short on desk real estate, these might not fit.
Creative Pebble Nova review: Also consider
Creative Pebble Plus There are plenty of cheaper Creative Pebble desktop speakers on the market including the Plus, which we said will give you "more than your money’s worth".
Vigilant Audio SwitchOne Of the two options in our best desktop speakers round-up that have a similar price to the Pebbles, the Vigilants are the most recent. They have a pretty 'standard' design but sound great to listen to.
The testing process of the Creative Pebble Nova was over a month.
For most of that time, I tested the Nova alongside my Windows desktop PC, with the speakers on my desk. I also tested it paired via Bluetooth to my phone and, for a short while, connected to my Windows laptop (as pictured).
I used my PC as normal during the month which includes my day job, various other types of work, watching TV shows and YouTube videos, streaming lots of music and playing video games.
I have over six years' experience testing gadgets for TechRadar which includes other desktop speakers, audio products (including from Creative) and other types of tech.
The Meridian Ellipse is a seriously capable single-unit wireless speaker. It can handle incredibly detailed hi-res audio, whether via Wi-FI or wired inputs like USB-C or optical, and is crammed with seriously clever features. But it’s also one of the most expensive wireless speakers I’ve ever tested. So does it justify that high price tag?
On the one hand, the Meridian Ellipse is capable of impressive clarity and detail. When listening to the relatively spacious mix of Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon, I was impressed with how much room various elements were given to breathe. The vocals of Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo in particular projected forward into the room, while the slap of the percussion was keen and clear.
However, if you feed the Ellipse something much sonically denser like electronic or dance music, some of the shortcuts it takes become more apparent. Listening to Expander by Bonobo, dynamic elements like the punchy kick and shuffly hats were well-communicated, as was its gorgeous vocal line, but there was a lack of cohesion lower down to help glue the mix together. The sub and low mids felt brighter and chillier than the glowing warmth I’ve come to expect from the best wireless speakers. And while you can tweak both treble and bass levels in the Meridian app, I definitely felt like I was ameliorating these imbalances rather than entirely reversing them.
It compensates, in part, for this with its suite of smart features, some of which are truly fantastic. For example, Image Focus does an exceedingly deft job of reorientating the stereo field when you’re sat at an off angle, while Image Elevation is a piece of psycho-acoustic wizardry that throws its voice higher to make TV audio seem like it’s coming from your TV screen. Its position-optimization settings are decent, although they aren’t algorithmic like on some devices, merely offering Free, Wall, Shelf and Corner options. Sadly, I was pretty underwhelmed by its frequency-balancing tech for different volumes: the speaker sounds great at higher volumes, but somewhat neutered at lower ones.
The connectivity options on offer are also decent, although maybe not as extensive as with speakers like the Ruark Audio R410 or Cambridge Audio Evo One. It goes without saying that it can utilize Wi-Fi streaming solutions like TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Roon connectivity, as well as Bluetooth. But it’s also able to support sampling rates of 192kHz / 24-bit over USB-C, 96kHz / 24-bit via mini-TOSLINK optical, plus 88kHz / 24-bit via its stereo analog input and built-in DAC. However, it doesn’t offer more exotic options like eARC or phono in, so you won’t be using this as your all-in-one home audio hub.
As its name suggests, the shape of the Ellipse is… anyone? Yep, it’s elliptical. I’m sure I’m not the only person to notice this but it gives me distinct vibes of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro, both having an undeniably similar Hindenburgian silhouette when viewed front on. Oh, the humanity. However, the metal grille on the face of Meridian’s speaker is much flatter, giving the device a footprint more like a slightly gibbous moon. It also features blue-lit, touch-sensitive controls on its top surface, allowing you to play and pause, skip tracks, adjust volume and initiate Bluetooth pairing mode.
All told, the Meridian Ellipse is a hi-res, feature-packed speaker with some major strengths and a few significant caveats. It’s undeniably detailed and, when its smart functionality delivers, it really delivers. It deftly reproduces trebles and dynamic details, while managing satisfactory, if not exactly stellar, frequency reproduction elsewhere. Were it not for the price tag, I’d be tempted to give it a pass on some of the weaker elements but, at the savings-siphoning price of $3,000 / £1,900 / AU$4,999, I feel its sound needs to be beyond reproach. For that reason, I’d suggest you at least consider cheaper options like the $1,799.95 / £1,299 / AU$2,599 Ruark Audio R410 or $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495 Cambridge Audio Evo One before you commit here.
Meridian Ellipse review: price and availability
Released August 24, 2024
MSRP of $3,000 / £1,900 / AU$4,999
Launched on August 24, 2024, the Meridian Ellipse is available to buy now. It goes for an MSRP of $3,000 / £1,900 / AU$4,999, which is no small change for a single speaker. By way of context, TechRadar’s current pick for best premium wireless speaker, the KEF LS50 Wireless II, costs $2,499.99 / £1,999 / AU$4,000. Even our pick of best wireless speaker if money’s no object, the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8, is a similar $2,749 / £2,199 / AU$4,499, which shows you the kind of company this speaker keeps.
(Image credit: Future)
Meridian Ellipse review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Meridian Ellipse review: features
Crammed with smart features
Good range of connectivity options
Lower wattage than some rivals
For a comparatively compact speaker, the Meridian Ellipse certainly squeezes in a lot of features. When it comes to drivers, it focuses on quality over quantity. It only contains three drivers but they’re substantial: it has two 3.5-inch (90mm) polypropylene wide-range drivers and one 5.9 x 3.9-inch (150 x 100mm) racetrack sub. There’s not quite as much oomph behind these drivers as you’d hope, though. The Ellipse only offers 25W for those full-range drivers and 30W for the sub, while the cheaper Cambridge Audio Evo One packs a whopping 50W of amplification per driver.
Naturally, as a wireless speaker, the Ellipse focuses much of its energy on cable-free connectivity. It can stream over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, offering both native streaming from Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, as well as AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon connectivity. This doesn’t mean that wireless connectivity is the only connection to its bow however: it also possesses a USB-C that supports sampling rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit, a mini-TOSLINK optical port capable of 96kHz / 24 bit and an analog input with a built-in DAC that can hit rates of 88kHz / 24 bit.
None of this is unusual for a premium wireless speaker. However, what does set Meridian’s speaker apart is the range of smart features they’ve crammed into the Ellipse’s brain.
Some focus more on clarity: for example, Q-Sync exists to minimize jitter and increase clarity, while Digital Precision boosts the signal-to-noise ratio of the digital audio. Others aim to smooth out the Ellipse’s acoustics, with Perfect Balance ensuring low and high frequencies are perceived the same at low and high volumes and Free-Q offering the now-obligatory tech for sonically compensating for the device’s placement.
Perhaps the most unique smart features are those that tweak the speaker’s soundstage. Bass & Space offers stereo-enhancing tech to increase the sense of soundstage width, while Image Focus helps ‘correct for off-center listening’. Finally, Image Elevation is a piece of pseudo-Dolby-Atmos-style trickery that promises to raise the sound image so you can raise it from the speaker below to the middle of your TV screen – although with no actual height channels, it’s worth moderating your expectations on this front, as it won’t position sound as well as one of the best soundbars.
There are admittedly a few things the Meridian Ellipse is lacking. You won’t find a remote control here, which some rival premium wireless speakers supply and it doesn’t offer fancier inputs like eARC or phono in. All told, though, the Meridian Ellipse has an excellent range of features and a lot of the core functionality you’d expect.
Features score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Meridian Ellipse review: sound quality
Crisp, accurate presentation
Sounds great at higher volumes
Bass and lower mids a bit flat
Given its not-inconsiderable price and the hype around the Meridian Ellipse, I was really hoping to be able to give it an unequivocal thumbs up. But in reality, things aren’t so clear-cut. While a lot of the coverage of its sound quality during its release and early demos was gushing in its praise, I think part of this is down to the protean nature of the device itself, where it sounds wonderfully crisp in some situations and displays distinct flaws in others.
Undeniably, the Meridian Ellipse is capable of some impressive, high-resolution detail. When playing Chemtrails Over the Country Club by Lana Del Rey, it could achieve skillful separation of each instrument. Not only that, but it really brought out the rich, smokey timbre of her voice, giving it real, palpable presence in the room.
High-end detail is also unflinchingly precise. Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac has exposed many a speaker’s weakness with its bright, trebly mix but the Ellipse holds the line. It never becomes overly sharp and yet still has plenty of definition – you can almost hear the scrape of the plectrum as it rings off those taut guitar strings, while the toms punch right through the mix.
Elsewhere, the picture gets a lot more mixed. For example, the Ellipse did a reasonable job with I Want You by Moloko: the funky keys and glockenspiel both had plenty of bite and presence, though I couldn’t help but feel this came at the expense of more nuance in the lower mid frequencies. With electronic music like Chimes by Otherliine, this became much more pronounced: the sound felt very forward without necessarily having the depth to back it up, leaving everything feeling a bit compressed and overdriven.
Again, the Meridian’s bass sometimes felt like it was all bite and no bark – which is particularly disappointing in light of its supposed E3 Bass, which is meant to ‘Expand, Extend, Enhance’ the low end. It’s undeniably punchy and dynamic, with kick drums giving a sizable thump, but the Ellipse can’t always back this up with substance – emphasis on the sub. The gargantuan bass of Tectonic by Technimatic sounded a lot weedier than I’m used to and there was noticeable ducking of the bassline every time the kick sounded, making me question whether its racetrack can really deliver the goods where sub is concerned.
Thanks in no small part to the Perfect Balance feature mentioned above, the Ellipse can hold its own at much higher volumes than many wireless speakers. In fact, I would argue it sounds much better when you crank it up. While Black Eye by Allie X sounded a bit hollow in the lower mids at average volumes, turning it up to 60% gave its saw-toothed synth line much more presence without causing those urgent string slams to distort. While this does give it some much-needed punch, if you’re not going to be listening to the speaker at earwax-melting volumes, it's worth asking whether its weaker sound profile at lower volumes is a compromise you’re willing to make.
To test the speaker’s soundstage, I popped on Tighten Up, Pt. 1 by Archie Bell & The Drells. Despite the hard panning typical of 1960s soul, on the Ellipse there was barely a sliver of daylight between the bass and horns, with much of the sound feeling like it came from a single point.
Its Image Focus stereo field correction was much more impressive, however. Positioning the device at a 3/4s angle definitely left Heart of Gold by Bettye LaFayette missing some of its high-end clarity. And when I slipped the Image Focus setting to <7, it really brought the slap of the bongos back into clarity. Admittedly, you could get up and spin the speaker around yourself, but where’s the fun in that?
I was skeptical about how convincing its Image Elevation feature would be, but when I played some classic episodes of The Simpsons and dialed it up to max elevation, it was genuinely compelling. The slight treble boost of the dialogue made it seem like it was issuing directly from the screen. Yes, with some effort I could get my brain to recognize the sound was issuing from the speaker, but it’s a pretty convincing effect.
Impressive though these smarts are, though, I’m not sure they totally compensate for some of the speaker’s sonic weaknesses. It might seem like I’m being overly harsh – the Ellipse doesn’t sound bad by any means and fed the right genres and sources, it sounds impressively clear and expressive for a speaker of its size. But it’s also inconsistent: in some frequency ranges it focuses on cut-glass definition at the cost of more balanced expression and there’s a lack of ballast to ground it in both the mids and bass. As a result, its sound quality is a qualified success, which would definitely give me reservations about spending this kind of money.
Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Meridian Ellipse review: design
Well built and attractive
Decent touch controls
Not the most original shape
For anyone who has spent some time following the wireless speaker space, the design of the Meridian Ellipse looks… eerily familiar. There’s no getting around it: there’s something undeniably Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin-esque about the Meridian Ellipse. It’s not quite as rounded as B&W’s audio dirigible, with a front grille that’s slightly convex rather than actively bulging, but it’s still a similar elongated ellipse shape that will be familiar to that device’s many fans.
Build quality is very decent, even if it’s not as luxe as some audio products in this category. Its matt black surface is smooth to the touch but doesn’t seem to pick up fingerprints, while a sturdy metal mesh protects its fabric covering and drivers. Its size is right in the middle of a Goldilocks zone between ‘big enough to make its presence known’ and ‘so large it’ll dominate your living room setup’. It’s also pretty light and easy to move, should you want to: at 8.6lbs (3.9kg), you won't need to wear a back brace just to relocate it to another shelf.
Controlling the Ellipse falls to a series of blue-lit touch-capacitative buttons on the top surface of the device. These are clearly marked and easy to activate, covering most of the basic functions you’d expect, including play / pause, skipping forward and back, adjusting the volume, and triggering Bluetooth-pairing mode. There are no presets here, though, which is a shame. Being able to quickly switch to various inputs or playlists is something a lot of wireless speakers offer these days and, while it’s not a must-have feature, it would be nice all the same.
Design score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Meridian Ellipse review: value
Eye-wateringly expensive
Some cheaper speakers sound better
Ultimately, the Meridian Ellipse is a good – or even potentially great – wireless speaker. But your expectations are inevitably going to be influenced by how much you’ve paid for a device. And for $3,000 / £1,900 / AU$4,999, I expect an audio device to sound unimpeachable. That’s not really been my experience with the Ellipse.
It’s smart, really smart. But instead of taking already rock-solid audio and polishing it up to a truly breathtaking listening experience, I often found myself tweaking the features just to get an aural picture that bested or even matched what I’ve heard from much cheaper speakers. When you can get better audio from the Cambridge Audio Evo One and comfortably buy the £599 / $699 / AU$1,299 Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 out of the change to plug into its inbuilt phono stage, it does make me wonder who this device is for. Because, in reality, I think audiophiles can get more for much less.
Value score: 3 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Meridian Ellipse?
Buy it if…
You want crisp, high-resolution audio For a speaker of its size, the Meridian Ellipse is capable of consummate detail, with each instrument having impressive separation. And it keeps this up even at high volumes: it remains coherent at a level many speakers dissolve into a mess of distortion.
You want a whole range of smart features Whether it’s tweaking the positioning of the soundstage, tailoring the speaker to its placement in the room, or widening the sound, the Meridian Ellipse features a wide range of tech to improve the audio you hear.
Don’t buy it if…
You want well-rounded lower mids and sub bass Despite the above, the Ellipse does have a few shortcomings, sonically speaking. In particular, the mids and bass are lacking heft in their lower registers, meaning it can sound like it’s pulling some punches when it comes to certain genres.
You want value for money Not only is the Meridian Ellipse firmly at the premium end of the market, with a whopping $3,000 / £1,900 / AU$4,999 price tag, but I would argue some cheaper speakers can give a more balanced, consistent experience.
Meridian Ellipse review: also consider
Cambridge Audio Evo One While the Cambridge Audio Evo One is significantly bulkier than the Meridian Ellipse, it’s also arguably more talented. It’s capable of producing polished, dynamic sound that’s well-tuned across its full frequency range and genuinely impressive separation when fed appropriately hi-res sources. However, its real strength is in just how versatile it is: not only can it stream over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but it can also handle your TV’s audio over eARC and play records from your turntable via its built-in phono stage. Not bad given its $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495 price tag. Check out our full Cambridge Audio Evo One review.
KEF LS50 Wireless II The similarly priced KEF LS50 Wireless II can muster streaming hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz and offer a range of connectivity options, whether that’s HDMI eARC, Ethernet port, coaxial and optical or 3.5mm AUX inputs. They’re also discreet, compact units that nonetheless provide crisp, detailed sound across the frequency spectrum and taut, well-controlled bass. Couple this with superb stereo separation and a wide soundstage and these are some fantastic performers. Read our full KEF LS50 Wireless II review.
How I tested the Meridian Ellipse
I tested the Meridian Ellipse for a month
I used it to stream a wide range of genres and audio resolutions
I have several decades of experience using and reviewing audio gadgets
I lived with the Meridian Ellipse for a month, testing it with a range of types of music and sources. Not only did I listen to the TechRadar testing playlist but I also tried out plenty of my own go-to tracks to assess its dynamics and frequency balance.
Additionally, I monitored the quality of its output by trying out a variety of sources. This included my iPhone 16 Pro, MacBook Pro, and TV. On top of this, I tried out a variety of different audio resolutions, from Spotify's most basic tier to Tidal's 24-bit, 192kHz Max tier.
In terms of experience, I've covered tech and reviewed gadgets for over 10 years. Additionally, I've been listening to and producing music for several decades, which has given me insight into the balance of different frequencies and sonic performance.
If you had a checklist of everything you wanted from a DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston would mark off almost every point. It lacks good looks and its sound quality could be better but for only £39.99 – it's currently only available in the UK, but that would make it approximately $52 or AU$82 where available in the US and Australia – it’s hard to criticize it too much.
Also, I can see it fitting in nicely in any room of your home, or you can always take it with you to a holiday let, a caravan: you get the idea. It’s lightweight for the size so it’s easy to move around.
A wooden frame isn’t the priciest or most exclusive look but it does make the Groov-e Boston appear a little classier than if it stuck with the speaker grilles' metal styling, or went for plastic casework. This isn’t the radio to show off to friends and family (that’s the Roberts Revival Petite 2) but it has, nevertheless an old-school charm about it.
Audio quality could be better but for a basic DAB radio, the Groov-e Boston is fine. Don’t count on using the Bluetooth connectivity too often to listen to your own music, though, unless you’re really stuck for options.
So, the Groov-e Boston isn’t one of the best Bluetooth speakers but who really cares about that? You’re buying something like this to compete with the best DAB radios. The Groov-e Boston may not have stolen my heart, but my head (and bank balance) do certainly love the price tag.
Groov-e Boston review: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Released February 2023
Cost £39.99 (currently only available in the UK)
The Groov-e Boston was released in the UK in February 2023. Availability hasn’t stretched elsewhere – though if you happen to find it in the US or Australia it'll set you back approximately $52 or AU$82 – but if you’re in the UK, this is a cheap DAB radio while still being from a reputable brand.
It’s far cheaper than my beloved aforementioned Roberts Revival Petite 2, as well as the bulky Pure Woodland. There are some obscure brands with DAB radios around the same price point but none from a reputable brand to compete with the budget delights of Groov-e.
Groov-e Boston review: Specs
Groov-e Boston review: Features
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
DAB & FM radio
Bluetooth streaming
Built-in alarm clock
Pretty much all the features you could need from the Groov-e Boston are here. It has DAB and FM radio connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing with your phone or other devices. All are easily tapped around thanks to the clearly laid out buttons. It takes seconds to get started with the Groov-e Boston and it never really gets any more complicated.
You can set up 40 presets if you really plan on browsing that many stations regularly and the Groov-e Boston also has an alarm clock function. The latter is a little awkward to set up, though, compared with the simplicity of everything else.
I’d consider the Groov-e Boston primarily as a radio to use at home but it does take batteries if you want to use it out and about. You need four size C batteries to stick in the back – though probably not something you’ll ever actually do, the option is there.
Features score: 4 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
A little tinny
Best for spoken word over music
Some distortion at high volumes
The Groov-e Boston’s sound quality instantly reminds me of almost every car garage I’ve ever been to. That may be too a specific an anecdote but what I’m getting at is the Groov-e Boston is pretty basic-sounding, with that low-level quality you’d get from a small radio trying to expand to much larger surroundings. The Groov-e Boston transfers that tinny sound to a smaller room.
Mileage will vary depending on the strength of the DAB signal, of course. I found it sometimes improved but there was never any punch such as when listening to Beyonce’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) while browsing through some music stations. Spoken word is far better with some time spent with rant-filled LBC sounding reasonably strong, if still a little tinny for want of a better word.
There’s a reasonable stereo effect here but little heft. Crank up the volume and the Groov-e Boston ends up sounding more distorted but it works well enough in a small environment.
Sound quality: 3 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Design
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Allen)
Useful carry handle
Lightweight
Retro stylings
Reminiscent of electronics' stylings a few decades old, the Groov-e Boston is functional if not exactly the device you’ll be posting across all your favorite social media platforms. It has a great metal carrying handle so you can move it from room to room without any bother, while the antenna pulls out easily enough.
In the center is a simple LED display showing the time, date, and whatever you’re listening to. Underneath that are your control buttons which are well laid out and explained, as well as a volume knob, which feels so much more satisfying repeated button bashing. The buttons on this radio are a tad on the noisy-clunky side but at least there’s never any doubt you’re tapping them. As is increasingly the way, there are no tactile bobbles to help those with sight impairments figure things out but the buttons are spaced out well so you can’t mistap anything.
On the back is simply the place for the batteries. No additional ports or anything like that. Also, if you’re keen to pick the right colorway for your decor, this isn’t the device for you. The Groov-e Boston is solely available in its part-gray/metal, part-wooden build.
Design score: 3 / 5
Groov-e Boston review: Value
Very affordable
Reputable name for the price
Fine for short- or long-term plans
Check out any retailer and you’ll be lucky to find a DAB radio for this price that is also from a brand you’ve heard of. The competition is simply more expensive. The likes of the Sony XDR-P1 are in the same ballpark, but still pricier and also nowhere near as pleasant to place on your shelf.
You’ll be unlikely to find much for cheaper but if you want style or better features, you may wish to look elsewhere.
Value score: 5 / 5
Should you buy the Groov-e Boston?
Buy it if...
You’re on a budget The Groov-e Boston packs a lot in for the price, even if it isn’t perfect.
You want something that fits everywhere The Groov-e Boston will look fine in your kitchen as well as your living room, and you can even take it out with you.
You want something lightweight Ideal for those who need to pack light or can’t carry anything too heavy, the Groov-e Boston won’t overwhelm you.
Don't buy it if...
You want great sound quality The Groov-e Boston works well with the spoken word but I was no fan when listening to music. Bear that in mind.
You want something stylish The functional look will suit some but you won’t be showing off the Groov-e Boston to friends.
You need something more robust The Groov-e Boston isn’t the weakest radio around but I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking it to the beach or off the beaten path.
Groov-e Boston review: Also consider
Roberts Revival Petite 2
Costing much more but looking gorgeous, the Roberts is just as portable while being something you’ll be proud of owning. Don't blame me when you decide to spend more.
Listened to DAB radio, FM radio, and music via iPhone 14 Pro and Bluetooth
Over 10 years' experience testing audio equipment
I’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of different DAB radios over the years. I opened up the box and got started with the Groov-e Boston the moment it arrived. It spent much of its time between my home office, bedroom, and living room. The carrying handle came in useful there. I mostly used it connected to mains power.
I listened to a lot of talk radio (LBC and BBC Radio 5 Live) to keep up with current affairs, while switching over to Heart 90s and 00s along with a local music station to calm my nerves after too much news.
When using the Bluetooth functionality, I connected my iPhone 14 Pro, and listened to Spotify and Apple Music.
I love the idea of hiding a speaker in plain sight – in fact, I refuse to have bookshelf speakers because I really don’t like how they look on my, well, bookshelf and, despite offering great sound, I’m not too enthused by the design of the best wireless speakers either. Call me fussy, but when Samsung launched the Music Frame, it looked like something that would fit right into my home – playing my tunes and potentially showcasing my photography as well.
I’m impressed by how well built the Samsung Music Frame is, but weighing in at close to five kilos, I’m hesitant to wall mount it. Moreover, as a renter in Sydney, Australia, I’m not allowed to bore a hole in my wall, so I can’t really comment on how well it would perform with sound waves bouncing off a hard surface directly behind it. That said, Samsung thoughtfully provides a dampener in the box precisely for this purpose. It still looks lovely on its stand.
Changing the artwork is easy, but you have to have photos or images that would look good within a 8x8 inch square space – as a nature photographer who typically shoots in a 4:3 aspect ratio, it was hard to find one of my own prints to fit within the Music Frame.
To match its lovely design, Samsung has managed to make a speaker that fills a large room with sound. The Music Frame can get quite loud, much louder than the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi speaker, with strong, expansive sound. And there are plenty of wireless streaming options to choose from, so it doesn’t have to be part of Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem to work as a standalone speaker, but the app is necessary for the initial setup.
What it lacks is detailed and dynamic sound. While it’s just bassy enough for the average listener who isn’t too fussed about the soundstage to enjoy some tunes or pair with a Samsung The Frame TV, it will be a disappointment to anyone who cares about sound quality and wants to use it as a standalone speaker.
Also taking into consideration that the front panel isn’t a digital screen that would display, say, album art or double as a digital photo frame, I am struggling to justify its price.
There's no denying that the Samsung Music Frame has 'presence' (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: price & release date
Made its debut at CES 2024; launched in April 2024
List price: $399.99 / £399 / AU$699
The Samsung Music Frame isn’t brand new – it made its public debut at CES in January 2024, then was released to select markets in April that year. It became a bit more widely available later in 2024 and can be picked up for $399.99 / £399 / AU$699 at full price.
Samsung was offering a discount in some countries when the Music Frame launched and, since then, we have seen offers that make the speaker a little more affordable. For example, I’ve seen the price drop to as low as $150 in the US and AU$499 in Australia.
While you can display printed photos within the Music Frame, compatible acrylic panels can be ordered from select third parties for an additional cost, plus shipping, but note that you may need to keep the rear studs safe or source more to reattach the new artwork panel back into the Frame.
Samsung Music Frame review: specs
Samsung Music Frame review: features
SmartThings app required for setup
Dolby Atmos support with two-channel output
Built-in Q-Symphony support
The Music Frame’s feature set is quite impressive on paper, perhaps exactly what you want from a “lifestyle” product (as Samsung calls it) to widen its appeal. From plenty of wireless streaming options – including AirPlay 2 and Google Cast – to built-in voice assistant support for Alexa but, strangely, not Samsung’s own assistant Bixby, there's a lot going on here.
You can’t get things started without Samsung’s SmartThings app, though, and that requires you to create a Samsung account or use an existing one. Setup from there on in is very simple and I had no issues when using a Samsung phone or an iPhone – just following the onscreen steps will take you about 30 seconds to get going.
You’re also going to need the app to get the best sound setup too. You can play around with the seven-band equalizer in the Standard mode within the app, but if you opt for the Music or Adaptive Sound mode, you only get bass and treble controls.
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You need the SmartThings app for initial setup, whether on Andriod or iOS... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..then choose the best options and settings for your use case (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
That done, you have the choice to pair the speaker with your phone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.2 or cast via the built-in Chromecast. iPhone or iPad users will immediately see AirPlay as an option when they open the Apple Music app, but you also get Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support, all of which are better than using Bluetooth connectivity due to a slight lag that’s evident when using the SmartThings app as they pass control of streaming to the speaker itself rather than using the phone. Despite this tiny lag, I never experienced any connection dropout during my weeks-long testing, which probably says something about how well Samsung has executed the connectivity options.
There’s Dolby Atmos support too, although it comes with a major caveat: it’s received only via Wi-Fi – there’s no HDMI ARC/eARC port here and the optical input isn’t Atmos compatible – and works with only select Samsung TVs with a two-channel output. That means you can’t use this as a soundbar alternative, but you can set it up as an additional speaker for Samsung The Frame TV or the Samsung QN95D, even as a pair if you have the cash to spare for a second Music Frame.
Samsung's Adaptive Sound feature didn't work when there were power-tool noises just outside the window (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Tap-to-Play is also available but, again, it only works with compatible Samsung phones. I had the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 during my testing, which is supposed to be compatible, but no amount of tapping anywhere on the Music Frame triggered the functionality. Another feature Samsung promises is on board is its AI-powered Adaptive Sound technology, which adjusts clarity and volume in real time to any changes in ambient sound and, once again, I didn’t notice any changes when a landscaper outside my window was using a power tool.
What I did enjoy, however, is playing music through both my Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame and the Music Frame for bigger stereo sound. Thanks, AirPlay!
• Features score: 4 / 5
Samsung Music Frame review: sound quality
Loud, room-filling sound
Decently bassy, but lacks the meatiness offered by other brands
Sound lacks detail and nuance
To match the impressive connectivity and streaming options, the Music Frame has a heck of a lot of power, although Samsung doesn’t reveal how much. However, the six drivers with built-in amplification in the Music Frame belt out a lot of volume. The first tune I played on the speaker immediately after setting it up – Gimme All Your Love by Alabama Shakes via Google Cast from the aforementioned Galaxy Z Flip 5 – it was LOUD with the volume set at level 17, enough to make me want to turn it down a notch. The louder it got, though, the muddier the audio sounded.
It looks like there are just two speakers in the rear of the Music Frame, but there are, in fact, six (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Several music streaming apps, like Apple Music and Tidal, don’t have built-in volume controls and I found that, when using the Samsung phone’s controls, each incremental increase or decrease made a significant difference. It was a different experience when using an iPhone 13 Pro’s volume control (streaming via AirPlay 2), where the changes were smoother and more appealing.
Pro Tip
I got the best sound using the Music mode within the SmartThings app, along with the SpaceFit Sound feature turned on.
Out of the box, the Music Frame offers decent bass but, compared to the 2024 Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker and the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame, it can sound airy (or tinny if you prefer) with the high-mid frequencies being the focus. You can adjust this via the bass control or the equalizer in the SmartThings app, but I struggled to find my sweet spot.
The Music mode on the SmartThings app adds warmth to the music, while SpaceFit Sound uses the speaker’s built-in mic to analyze the room and adjust the sound accordingly. It will work wonders for the average listener by improving the vocals on a track, but it might still disappoint if you really care about good overall audio as it lacks detail. For example, Ellie King’s Ain’t Gonna Drown sounds good but not great as it doesn’t deliver the dynamic contrasts in her vocals. JJ Cale’s Magnolia sounds flat, lacking the wistfulness and melancholy I normally associate with it.
I accidentally also found out that there’s some muffling due to the front artwork panel. This happened when I was listening to KD Lang’s After The Gold Rush, and decided on a whim I would try to swap out the artwork while still playing. The track lacked depth but, once the front panel came off, it sounded better.
I like the look of the Samsung Music Frame (right), but prefer the audio quality of the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame (left) (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Listening to Dolby Atmos tracks like M.I.A’s Marigold and Freddie Hubbard’s Weaver of Dreams is immersive, but I’ve experienced better from the Sonos Era 300, although Sonos is known for putting details front and center. This is exacerbated by the fact that, when playing a Dolby Atmos track, its volume level dips significantly – I had to bump up the volume by five levels to get the same effect when listening to other tracks. The best way to enjoy Dolby Atmos here would be to make it part of an existing setup, combining it with a soundbar.
As much as I appreciate its room-filling performance, I expected better overall sound quality from a premium wireless speaker that costs more than several of its competitors.
• Sound quality score: 3 / 5
The stand for the Samsung Music Frame is demure and not an eyesore (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: design
Beautiful design with thin bezels and hidden controls
Removable frame panel to change artwork, but cost of customization can add up
Can be wall mounted, but the cable might be an eyesore
I might have been disappointed by the sound from the Music Frame, but I really love the design. It’s not as square as it appears, measuring 35cm along the base and stands 36cm high. It’s about 14cm thick and has a heft to it, tipping the scales at over 9lbs / 4.5kg. I’d be hesitant to wall-mount it as Samsung provides just the one screw for it to hang off, but its corners are sharp too. If it gets nudged off its perch for any reason – even if it’s on its stand – it can cause injury to toddlers and pets.
I love that stand, though – it’s easy to slip on but not remove (which is probably a good thing), and it doesn’t stand out, if you get my drift. So all your attention is on the actual Music Frame.
The thin black bezels surrounding the matte acrylic panel makes for a great aesthetic, but if you don’t like the dark border, Samsung will sell you white snap-on panels for an additional cost – although this is only available in select markets.
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Removing the art panel isn't difficult... (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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..and it doesn't take much effort to change the print inside, if you have one that will fit (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Removing the top panel to change the artwork isn’t difficult, but it requires a little elbow grease and best done by placing the speaker flat on its back. People with slim fingers will find it easy to get a grip on an edge, but I wish Samsung had included a pry tool to help those of us with sausage fingers. The panel is held in place by ball studs that fit into sockets on the black frame, and a removable plastic sheet on its rear allows you to change the artwork. While the panel measures 13x13 inches, only the central 8x8 inch cutout will showcase the artwork. Samsung says you can use 8x10 or 8x8 inch prints, but I suspect that using a print smaller than the actual size of the panel will give it room to slide around inside and look misaligned.
The Music Frame comes with a generic image pre-installed, but you’ll find an extra one in the box. I had hoped to use a print of one of my own photos, but none that I had handy would fit the frame. Samsung has partnered with some third parties to make custom acrylic panels that you can order and get shipped to you but, again, this customization will cost extra and you’ll need to bear the shipping cost too.
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You can barely see the indicator lights as they're practically hidden in the gap between the art panel and the frame (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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You can use a SmartThings Dongle (middle port) here, but it needs to be purchased separately (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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The visible part of the power cable is a light one, but it does have an adapter and a thicker cable (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I asked Samsung why the front panel wasn’t a digital screen to use as a photo frame or at least display album art of the track being played, and I was told the cost would increase. I’m not entirely sold on this argument, but if we can have smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show 15, it’s doable and would likely broaden the appeal of the Music Frame. The Frame TV already has the ability to display digital wallpapers and I wish Samsung had figured out how to carry that over to the speaker too.
It’s important to note that the Music Frame will need to remain plugged into the mains to work, so you get a thin, kinda translucent cable in the box that will go into a small power brick connected to a thick black power cord. While I’m really not a fan of power bricks, I appreciate that the thin cable isn’t as noticeable as the one of the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame, and the heavy cable and adapter can be tucked away.
The physical controls, in the form of four buttons are hidden away on a rear edge, which makes them hard to see. They’re also extremely sensitive and even the lightest touch can change the volume, switch the mic on or off, or switch sources (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical). Plus, every time you press one, indicator lights that are also tucked away between panel and the frame light up. There is no play/pause option here, so you are left with using the app’s controls for that.
The back of the unit looks like it only has two speakers, but there are six hiding underneath, playing through two channels. Plus there are three ports: the optical input, a USB port for the SmartThings dongle to connect to an existing smart home setup, and the power input.
• Design score: 4.5 / 5
The Samsung Music Frame looks lovely no matter where you place it (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Samsung Music Frame review: value
Retails for a price higher than several premium big-brand wireless speakers
You’d expect excellent performance at this price point
Falls short against the competition in both price and performance
With a retail price of $399.99 / £399 / AU$699, the Samsung Music Frame doesn’t come cheap. When discounted, though, it might be worth considering, provided the offer available at the time of purchase undercuts the competition significantly.
That said, if you’re an audiophile or, at the very least, a discerning listener, you might well be disappointed by the lack of detail from the Music Frame. In comparison, the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker with Sonos sound is only $199 / £179 / AU$249 and, while not as loud as its Samsung counterpart, offers a more balanced and dynamic soundstage that’s also bassier.
Even some of the other best wireless speakers that the Music Frame is contending with are cheaper at full price. In our Sonos Era 100 review, for example, we said you’d get sound quality with “lots of clarity and punch” for a list price of $249 / £249 / AU$399.
Perhaps if Samsung had added a digital screen with a SmartThings interface or even just made it into a digital photo frame, it might have been easier to justify the price. If the sound quality and functionality were to be improved, I think the second-generation Music Frame could likely give the likes of Sonos a run for its money.
• Value score: 2.5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung Music Frame?
Buy it if...
You want a wireless speaker for a small space
The Music Frame is a 2-in-1 device – you don’t need an additional picture frame for your memories, and you get a speaker too.
You own a Samsung The Frame TV
Setting it up as an additional speaker for a compatible Samsung TV will make the most of the Music Frame, offering you a more engaging home cinema experience.
Don't buy it if...
You’re an audio purist
If you’re after a speaker with excellent audio, you’ll need to forgo the good looks for a speaker that was made for a more dynamic soundstage.
You’re on a tight budget
It might be hard to recommend the Music Frame at its current retail price, but if you want a good speaker sans the frame, there are plenty of options that cost less.
Samsung Music Frame review: also consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Samsung Music Frame, the most similar ‘lifestyle’ or ‘arty’ product would be the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker, which is still available at most Ikea stores around the world. However, if you’re after better wireless speakers, consider the two options listed below.
JBL Authentics 200 If it’s detailed sound you’re after, the JBL Authentics range is where you should be focusing. While there’s an expensive model that would be out of reach for most people, the Authentics 200 balances price, features and sound performance marvelously well. While it costs less than the Music Frame, it does have a rather retro boxy look that may not be to everyone’s liking.
Sonos Era 100 For a smaller speaker that won’t look too out of place in most homes, consider the Sonos Era 100. It packs quite the mighty punch, though, with detailed sound and boosted bass, not to mention a plethora of sources available too. And it will cost you a lot less than the Samsung Music Frame too.
Listened to it nearly every day for six weeks in different rooms
Used AirPlay 2 on an Apple iPhone 13 Pro and cast using the SmartThings app on a Samsung Galaxy Flip 5
Predominantly streamed from Apple Music, but also tried Spotify and Tidal
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I’ve had the Samsung Music Frame in my apartment for about six weeks at the time of publication and, in that time, tested the speaker in various rooms, including an open-plan living and dining area. During this time, the Music Frame became my primary speaker, replacing the Ikea Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker. I also had the opportunity to compare the audio with two Bluetooth speakers – the 2024 Beats Pill and the JBL Charge 4.
While I predominantly listen to the blues, I played a wide variety of genres through the Music Frame, mostly via the Apple Music app on an iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. I also briefly streamed via the Spotify and Tidal Android apps.
I tweaked the settings in the SmartThings app – both on iOS and Android – across various genres to see how the audio changed, and even tried various bass and treble adjustments.
While I tried out as many of the features as possible, I didn’t use the built-in Alexa support very much, and there were a few other things I wasn’t able to test due to the lack of additional hardware, namely the SmartThings Dongle and a compatible Samsung TV. And due to restrictions placed on wall-mounting it in my home, I wasn’t able to test how the Music Frame sounds when hung up against a wall. I did, however, prop it up against a wall (without its stand) to emulate wall-mounting as best as possible.
Designed for desktop use, and living rooms where even bookshelf monitors claim too much space, this compact Bluetooth speaker package from Audioengine punches above its weight when it comes to versatility and design. But can the A2+ also hit the right notes when it comes to musicality?
I fostered a pair, eager to find out if pint-sized speakers really can deliver a reassuringly big sound to match the best stereo speakers.
The Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are tailored for near-field listening. Measuring a mere 152 x 101 x 134mm, these titchy enclosures offer a wealth of connectivity, including Bluetooth aptX-HD, USB, and analogue stereo input/outputs via RCA phonos and 3.5mm minijack. They lack a digital audio input though.
Available in a choice of matte (blue or black), and gloss finishes (red or white), build quality is excellent. My glossy red review set oozed premium appeal, their reflective glossy finish contrasting beautifully with the black drivers.
The cabinets themselves have decent heft. Made from MDF, they stand just slightly taller than a Snickers bar and should be easy to accommodate on untidy desks, or even as part of a minimalist Hi-Fi setup.
The left speaker is the active model, with connectivity, built-in amplification and volume control, while the right is its passive partner. The power supply is separate from the active enclosure, thankfully the brick isn’t too large.
Each cabinet houses a 70mm aramid fibre woofer and 19mm silk dome tweeter, with venting at the base to enhance low-frequency performance.
Unsurprisingly, given their size, these speakers are not volume monsters. The system is rated at 15W RMS per channel at 4 ohms, with a peak power output of 30W per channel.
When it comes to system configuration, there’s the option of USB audio, stereo RCA inputs, and a 3.5mm minijack input. There’s also a subwoofer output should you want to add extra bass, in the form of Audioengine’s S6 subwoofer.
(Image credit: Future)
Despite this versatility, I expect most buyers will probably do the majority of their listening via Bluetooth. Here, aptX HD ensures high-resolution wireless audio streaming (when connected to an aptX HD compatible smartphone), though there's no Wi-Fi, unlike most of the best wireless speakers. My system was ready to connect as soon as it powered up.
Also included in the box are 2m of connecting speaker wire, a minijack audio cable, plus a USB lead to connect your PC. All of this, plus the speakers, comes packed in microfiber cloth bags for protection. There’s no remote control included (although you probably don’t need one).
Setup is nice and straightforward: just connect the passive right speaker to the powered left with the included speaker cable, connect the power brick, and you’re good to go.
It’s worth noting that the A2+ is not a smart system; there’s no voice assistance from the likes of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
(Image credit: Future)
Straight from the box, the A2+ are an enjoyable listen, not least because they’re capable of true stereo imaging, something of a rarity in the predominantly one-box Bluetooth speaker market. Tracks like Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Seventeen showcase this well, with the choppy guitar riff anchored on the left and percussion neatly spread across the stage. Their spatial presentation is coherent and involving.
Clarity and detail are also good; the A2+ reward hi-res audio sources, finding subtle nuance in Pearl Jam’s Present Tense (24-bit/48kHz) and Radiohead’s sonically layered Burn the Witch (24-bit/48kHz). They definitely have a knack for detail retrieval.
Given their compact size, low frequency performance is understandably limited. Chase and Status’ thumping Baddadan lacks the visceral low-end thump associated with this drum and bass belter. If you want more slam, you’ll need to add that subwoofer.
The mid-range is the sweet spot here. From Dire Straits’ Sultans of Swing, where the interplay between tweeter and woofer handles intricate riffs effortlessly, to the soaring piano of In This Moment’s Into the Light, the A2+ system proves adept across genres – those treble highs always as clear as crystal.
I’d hesitate to call the A2+ speakers musical, though. I never felt myself carried away by its beats, and I was always aware sounds were emanating from the two shiny enclosures, rather than hanging in the air before me. That said, what the A2+ offers is precise and performative.
Loren Allred’s pleading vocals in Never Enough, from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, manages to elicit an emotional tingle, exactly as it should.
While 15W per channel is perfect for desktop use (Audioengine optimistically quotes 60W peak power output), these speakers struggle to serve larger rooms. They’re also quite directional, sounding sharpest when aimed squarely at eye/ear level, so position accordingly.
(Image credit: Future)
Audioengine A2+ review: Price & release date
£255 / $269 / AU$449
Launched August 2024
The Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are available now for £255 or $269 (US), which undercuts many of their main rivals, including the likes of the Kanto Ren, which are around twice the price.
The S6 subwoofer (£299 / $299) pushes up the system price quite considerably, though, and you certainly can find other Bluetooth stereo speakers for a similar price or cheaper, including from the likes of Edifier and Majority.
Audioengine A2+ review: Specs
Should you buy the Audioengine A2+?
Buy them if…
You want big sound from small speakers You’ll have no problem sitting them either side of a PC monitor, and they’ll look great in situ too. It’s worth springing for the bespoke stands from Audioengine, which help angle the drivers upwards.View Deal
You want multiple connectivity options Bluetooth aptX HD is the big draw, but there are plenty of other options, including USB for direct connection to a PC or laptop, and analog stereo for a turntable (if it has a built-in phono stage) or DAP (digital audio player).View Deal
You want premium design and build There’s nothing cheap looking about the A2+. The design is stylish and the quality of finish is high.View Deal
Don't buy them if…
You want big bass out of the box One inevitable consequence of the A2+’s diminutive design is a lack of bass. It’s not that they sound thin, it’s just that they can’t drop deep. For desktop use this shouldn’t be an issue, but for open space listening, adding a subwoofer makes sense.View Deal
You want advanced wireless features The inability to connect more than one wireless device at a time could prove an issue for households with multiple users, and there's no Wi-Fi streaming.View Deal
Audioengine A2+ review: Also consider
Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 Perennial favourites, these compact Ruark desktop speakers are known for both their clarity and overall musicality. They go surprisingly low, thanks to a canny bass reflex design, but can be augmented with an additional subwoofer if required. Bluetooth aptX is available for streaming, and there’s both analogue and digital audio inputs for local source devices. Read our full Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 review for more.View Deal
Kanto YU4 Active Bluetooth speakers Slightly larger than rivals, these well specified compact speakers are another strong compact hi-fi option. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, there’s a pair of optical digital audio inputs, as well as analogue phono (with ground) and a 3.5mm Aux minijack. The driver complement comprises silk dome tweeters and Kevlar mid-range woofers, and if the bass reflex cabinet design doesn’t go low enough for you, there’s also a subwoofer output.View Deal
How I tested the Audioengine A2+
Over the course of a week, I evaluated the Audioengine A2+ in various settings, focusing on near-field desktop use. Material was streamed via aptX HD Bluetooth and played through a wired high-resolution music player. Tracks ranged from classic rock to EDM and orchestral pieces, allowing me to assess tonal balance, clarity, and stereo imaging.
Speaker width was dictated by the supplied speaker cable which links the two enclosures, which were positioned at head height (or thereabouts) for optimal performance.
The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker aims to offer good vibrations, a pleasing design and stunning, portable build. Don’t worry, it’s only a Bluetooth speaker. And for the most part, this diminutive portable speaker achieves what it sets out to do. It has an eye-catching shape fit for fashionistas, decent all-round audio and impressive build quality. But unfortunately for the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker, it just falls short of its competitors in a couple of crucial areas.
Before we get into that, though, let’s start with a sound assessment. Due to its tiny size, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is pretty limited in terms of the quality and volume it can produce. It has a single 45mm, 5W full-range driver that produces typically clear, tonally-accurate audio. Some sounds can get a touch edgy at times – especially those in the treble range while listening at higher volumes.
But again, I still felt that the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker sounded fine given its intrinsic limitations. Specifically, I was surprised by the meatiness of the bass on offer. Next to the not-much-smaller JBL Go 4, I found the Joy speaker capable of dishing up superior low-end impact. You won’t find the extra serving of detail that some of the best Bluetooth speakers can deliver, though, with more subtle sonic ornaments often hard to uncover. It’s also worth noting that the speaker only harnesses the basic SBC Bluetooth codec, so you won’t be able to enjoy higher-quality aptX files at their very best.
Perhaps unconventionally, the draw of this speaker isn’t all too much to do with sound – it’s about style. Happy Plugs refers to the Joy Speaker as “fashion tech designed in Sweden”, giving it a real sense of identity. Its rounded look, attractive color options and lace attachment certainly give it that je ne sais quoi, something that can often be overlooked in a cheaper, more bare bones speaker such as this.
Speaking of price, this Happy Plugs product will set you back just $49.99 / £39.99. Realistically, that’s pretty standard stuff for a speaker in this weight class but still, it's a looker for the money. Competitors like the JBL Go 4 and Sony SRS-XB100 have very similar list prices. Other than its winsome design, the Happy Plugs Joy doesn’t really do enough to set itself apart from some pretty fierce competition, in my view.
That predominantly comes down to its disappointing feature-set. Sure, the built-in mic works to a commendable standard and the ability to pair another Joy Speaker for stereo sound is handy, but that’s about it as far as features go, bar the inclusion of an AUX port for wired listening. There’s no companion app or way to adjust EQ – something I’d expect for a speaker released in 2025.
Another issue is the poor dust- and waterproofing offered by the Joy Speaker. It is only IPX4 rated, meaning it can withstand some water splashes or rainfall, but little else. Given you see a whole bunch of competitors, like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, offering IP67-rated protection against dust and water submersion, IPX4 just feels a bit underwhelming, I’m afraid.
When you pair the fairly feeble protection against the elements with the speaker’s 5W maximum power output, it’s safe to say the Joy Speaker is better suited to bedroom use, rather than taking into the great outdoors or a party environment.
And if a small, personal speaker is all you’re looking for, the Happy Plugs Joy is still an OK option at a reasonable price. Its stylish edge will no doubt earn its fair share of plaudits, even if there’s a shortage of features and undercooked protection against the elements. Overall, I’d still say you’re better off with the JBL Go 4, or even one of the best waterproof speakers like the excellent Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 – both of which offer impressive audio in a similarly mini package, but one that can also be dunked fully in a pool and survive.
(Image credit: Future)
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: price and release date
$49.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80)
Launched in January 2025
The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker released at the beginning of 2025, carrying a very modest list price of $49.99 / £39.99 (about AU$80). That price applies to each of the four color variants this speaker comes in, namely: Black; Blue; Green; and Pink. The Happy Plug Joy Speaker’s main competitors at this price-point include the excellent JBL Clip 5 and supremely durable LG XBoom Go XG2T – more on those in the ‘Also Consider’ section.
(Image credit: Future)
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: specs
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: features
Lacks companion app and EQ adjustment
Middling battery life
Has effective built-in mic
I don’t like to do this, honestly I don’t – but I’m going to start on a negative note. The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker has a pretty limited set of features. For a speaker released in 2025, that’s pretty disappointing – even for a small one like this.
A lot of that stems from the omission of a companion app, which instantly restricts what this thing can do. You won’t find any ways to adjust EQ, view connected devices or get the visual on battery life, for example. That’s a bit of a let down when you consider that small options like the JBL Go 4 offer all of this and more (we’ll talk more about this little treasure later).
There are some features of note, though, like the inclusion of a built-in mic, stereo pairing and an AUX port for wired listening. Now, in fairness, the inbuilt microphone is above average – I found call quality to be slightly superior to my phone in speaker or earpiece mode. Similarly, when recording a voice note, I felt that my speech was clear at varying distances, even if there was a bit of feedback lurking in the background.
Stereo pairing is a handy inclusion, especially as this speaker can’t get too loud – more on that later. AUX is cool too if you’re into wired listening, but I suspect most will stick with Bluetooth. This uses version 5.3, which is plenty good enough – although some competitors are using version 5.4 as of the time of writing.
On top of this, you’re getting up to eight hours of playtime with the Happy Plugs Joy. That’s fairly average stuff. Sure, it’s superior to the seven hours offered by the JBL Go 4, but it’s vastly inferior to the fantastic 16 hours you’ll get with the Sony SRS-XB100. A strong battery life would’ve added some much needed credit into this speaker’s account, but ultimately it just feels a bit uninteresting, feature-wise.
Features score: 2.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: sound quality
Decently clear all-round audio
Surprisingly full bass output
Fairly weak power output
Sound-wise, I was left with conflicting thoughts on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. Right off the bat, I can tell you that the manufacturer’s claim of “high quality audio” is stretching the meaning a bit. When tuning into That Lady Pts. 1 & 2 by The Isley Brothers, I found some percussive elements to be a touch tinny-sounding at high volumes and side-by-side with the JBL Go 4, vocals occasionally lacked control.
But overall, I still felt that sound quality was solid for both its size and price. And in some areas it outclassed the Go 4. For instance, when bumping Dasha - Tour Mauborg Remix by Fusion Affair, the bass thump running throughout hit with significantly more impact and weight when listening via the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. Similarly, I was impressed by the depth of the drum machine in Black Eye by Allie X, even if the speaker wasn’t quite dynamic enough to replicate the bouncing effect of the bass bounding throughout the intro.
In addition, I sensed that the acoustic guitar running through Come sweet death, second impact by Megumi Hayashibara was fairly expressive and tonally accurate. It was also pleasantly forward until vocals entered the fray and deservedly assumed the limelight. I will caveat that with a note that densely layered tracks, such as I Want You by Moloko, aren’t expertly emulated, with synths, vocals, percussion, strings and more sometimes bunching up to create a slightly restricted-sounding result.
But much of that is down to the inherent limitations of speakers this small. You’re rarely going to be smacked by a majestically broad, nuanced soundstage or massively full-sounding profile from a model this mini – I have tested enough speakers of this size to know it. I wasn’t getting a huge dose of detail out of my favorite tracks either, with more granular sonic elements often left under wraps. That reminds me: this speaker only supports the basic SBC codec – no aptX or LDAC for less-compressed Bluetooth streaming this time out, I’m afraid.
Another issue that’s pretty typical of tiny speakers like this is relatively low power output. And the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker doesn’t look to buck that trend. It has a single 5W 45mm driver that can’t get all too loud. Sure, it will have enough power for solo bedroom listening, but if you’re turning up to the party with this, you’re going to be left wanting more. On that note, if you’re more of a party animal, it's well worth checking out our guide to the best party speakers.
So here I am, left with pretty mixed feelings. Overall, I’m leaning towards a positive outlook on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker – and not just because of the name. It offers generally clear audio, surprisingly attention-grabbing bass output and stereo sound – if you have two paired in stereo mode. But there are some imperfections, too, including occasionally tinny output, restricted volume potential and a lack of detail.
Sound quality score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: design
Small, stunning appearance
Outdated IPX4 waterproofing
Beautiful color options
But arguably the main strength of this lil’ speaker is its eye-catching design – after all, Happy Plugs itself describes the Joy Speaker as “a statement piece”. I’m not sure if it’s quite the fashion revolution that it's made out to be, but still, I really like the look of this speaker. (Is it worth mentioning that some of the TechRadar team call this review sample Grogu? I suppose I just have.)
The Joy speaker almost has a rounded trapezoid structure, with a classy-looking fabric speaker grille on its front and reverse side. It also has five small, easy-to-use button controls on the top, which subtly blend into the rubber casing that coats the edge of the device. These include play/pause, call and volume controls, as well as power on/off and Bluetooth. There’s a small LED that flashes to indicate if the speaker is charging or in pairing mode, which is a useful visual prompt as well.
On the side of the Joy Speaker, you’ll discover a tab, under which lies a USB-C port that can charge the speaker from 0-100% in two and a half hours, as well as an AUX port. This will let you play music via a wired connection, if you feel so inclined.
One more highlight – I’m a big fan of the color options available here. I tested out a broccoli-shade green model, but there’s also a dusty pink or blue and a deep black variant available. These colorways compliment the speaker’s “fashion tech” identity to a tee and make for a nice break from the plain, single color direction a lot of rivals go in.
This is all positive stuff so far, but when it comes to practicality, this speaker is a bit of a mixed bag. First, the pros. The lace attached to the side of the speaker looks sleek and is super effective for hanging it off a backpack or nearby attachment. There are also four mini rubber feet on the speaker that keep it in an upright position, even if it gets knocked a little. But I have one major gripe: the dust and waterproof rating.
The Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is only IPX4-rated, meaning it’s resistant to light rain and splashes of water, but little more. For a speaker in this age, that’s simply not cutting it. Almost every major manufacturer is putting out IP67 – or at least IPX7-rated speakers, which enables them to survive submersion under water for extended periods of time. IPX4 isn’t ideal for listening at the beach or in the shower, for instance, whereas a speaker like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll will easily be able to pull through.
Design score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: value
Price is in-line with competition
Sound is about what you’d expect in this range
But competitors offer superior feature-set and durability
At $49.99 / £39.99, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker very much blends in with rivals including the JBL Go 4 and Sony SRS-XB100. It’s by no means expensive, but not a crazy bargain either. Due to its age, you can occasionally find the Go 4 for less than $40 / £30, which is phenomenal value for money, so with time, I’d hope to see the Joy Speaker discounted to a similar level.
For a speaker of its size, the Joy Speaker does perform pretty well where it matters most – sound. Of course, you’re not going to get perfectly crisp, detailed or booming audio, but for the most part it's expressive and clear enough to keep you engaged and enjoying your queued tunes. And of course, it is very easy on the eye. There’s not a lot of power here and it's not so well protected against the elements, but if you’re just looking for a speaker to use in your bedroom, it will do the trick, no problem.
Ultimately, there are a host of better-value options out there. I mentioned the JBL Go 4 there, which can sound a little thinner through the low-end but does have EQ adjustment options, a useful companion app and superior protection against the elements. Even the LG XBoom Go XG2T – which I marked down for limited EQ presets – still had some… and it offered superior battery life.
In its own right, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is fine value-wise. It gets the basics right, but just skips out on a few too many niceties to outdo its rivals. Unless you’re a real lover of its design, I’d wager that you’ll be tempted to consider some of those other options.
Value score: 3.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker?
Buy it if...
You’re all about style If the most important thing for you is stunning looks, the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker is well worth considering. It comes in four neat colorways, has a mini, curved build and dons well-sized buttons to boot.
You’re on a budget The Happy Plugs Joy isn’t outrageously cheap for a speaker of this size, but it’s definitely not overly expensive either. At $49.99 / £39.99 it’s a nice option if you’re on a budget, although there are some small competitors, like the LG XBoom Go XG2T, that can be found at a similar pricepoint on sale, so make sure to weigh your options.
Don't buy it if...
You want top-tier sound quality Given that it’s a small-sized speaker, the Happy Plugs Joy sounds decent. But if you want a beautiful sonic experience for this size, you’ll be better off with an option like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 – more on that below.
You’re looking for a speaker that’s shower or beach-ready One of my biggest gripes with this speaker is its weak dust and waterproofing. It’s just IPX4 rated, meaning it can survive water splashes, but not submersion or anything. That’s not great considering a lot of competitors, like the JBL Go 4, can withstand being dunked a meter underwater for 30 minutes.
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: also consider
JBL Go 4 The JBL Go 4 is a diminutive, stylish and solid-sounding speaker that’s ideal for on-the-go listening. It offers pretty controlled audio given its size and surprising levels of loudness. On top of that, it has a superior IP67 waterproof rating, in-app EQ adjustment and cool color options to match. Read our full JBL Go 4 review.
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 Tribit has been putting out some amazing value audio tech over the past two years and the Stormbox Micro 2 is no exception. With excellent sound quality, fantastic protection against the elements, an awesome 12-hour battery life and the ability to charge your phone, there’s just so much to love here. Read our full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review.
Happy Plugs Joy Speaker review: how I tested
Tested for one week
Mainly used at our music testing space at Future Labs
Predominantly tested using Tidal
I spent hours playing music on the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker. I tried it out in a handful of environments, but mainly at our music testing room at Future Labs to best judge the audio quality in a quiet, controlled space.
When blasting tunes, I mainly took to Tidal using my Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, where I streamed tracks from our carefully curated TechRadar reference playlist, as well as my personal library. I also tested the Happy Plugs Joy Speaker alongside the JBL Go 4 to compare sound quality, design elements and loudness.
‘EAT’ = ‘European Audio Team’. ‘C-Dur’ = ‘C-Major’ in German. ‘Concrete’ = ‘a blend of aggregates bound together by a hydraulic binder’. Put the three together and you’ve one of the most individual and dramatic-looking record players around, not to mention one of the more expensive.
The C-Dur Concrete has the technical foundations to back up the asking price, though. The turntable itself, its ‘C-Note’ aluminum/carbon fibre tonearm and its ‘Jo No.8’ high-output moving coil cartridge are all painstakingly engineered and work together harmoniously – and the result is a record player that, in the right system, is a pleasure to listen to in many respects.
It’s a staggeringly insightful device, for starters, even among the best turntables – no detail of a recording is too fine, too minor or too transient to elude it. It’s organized, too, able to describe a soundstage with complete confidence and make the spaces on it just as significant as the occurrences. Low-frequency control is absolute, so rhythmic expression is utterly convincing. And when it comes to big dynamic shifts, it is just as accomplished as it is with low-key harmonic variations.
A lack of outright scale undermines the C-Dur Concrete, though – it doesn’t sound especially big, and although it’s organized and controlled, the soundstage it generates is undeniably positioned between the speakers you’re listening to. And when you’re talking about this sort of money for a record player, this has to count as a fairly significant shortcoming.
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Price & release date
The EAT C-Dur Concrete is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs £6,499. That’s the price for the turntable and its bespoke C-Tone tonearm – if you want to add the (recommended) Jo No.8 high-output moving coil cartridge (which is how this review is conducted), that price rises to £8,098. That’s because the cartridge costs £1,999 when purchased separately, or £1,599 if purchased at the same time as the turntable.
In America you’ll have to fork out around $7,499 for the turntable, plus an additional $2,495 for the cartridge – a discounted price for the pair is likely to be available, but there was nothing confirmed at the time of writing. No pricing is available for Australia as yet, but a quick look at today’s exchange rates suggests something like AU$12,999 plus AU$3,999 for the cartridge will be in order.
Not cheap, is it (he said helpfully)? And yet you’ve a stack of choice when it comes to alternatives. None of them is made of concrete, admittedly, but models from brands as credible as Linn, Pro-Ject and Rega (to name just three) are all available at comparable money.
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Features
33.3, 45 and 78rpm
254mm aluminum/carbon tonearm
High output moving coil cartridge
Undeniably, some of the ‘pull’ of the C-Dur Concrete is, well, the concrete that’s used in its construction. But this is no mere design exercise, this is a deadly series turntable with the feature-set to back up the giddy asking price.
For instance, the chunky (5.2kg) platter is internally damped with a thermoplastic elastomer that offers both density and stability. A 900g aluminum sub-platter gives the platter even more isolation from the motor. The bearing block adds another 1.8kg to the overall weight and uses a polished stainless steel spindle to support an inverted ceramic ball that functions as the main bearing. This pairs with a Teflon plate for even greater rotational stability.
The drive system, meanwhile, isolates the motor in a steel ring positioned in the concrete chassis itself, enhancing the platter’s chances of stable and uniform rotation. It also reduces resonance transfer (already extremely low, thanks again to all that concrete). The motor has two areas for connection to a drive belt – and the turntable is supplied with two different belts, both of anti-static polished rubber.
The first is relatively broad and flat, sits on the upper part of the motor and allows for 33.3 and 45rpm. The other is a ‘string’ shape and fits over the motor’s lower portion – this is the belt you fit if you want the platter to turn at 78rpm.
The pre-fitted C-Note tonearm is, at 254mm, longer than the norm, is made from aluminum and carbon fiber for maximum rigidity, and is internally damped with silicon grease for as much resonance rejection as is realistically possible. It’s a unipivot design, which ought to guarantee its cardan bearing is never overloaded – and the bearing itself is designed to offer minimum resistance and maximum stability.
The over-engineering of the tonearm makes a lot more sense when you get a look at the cartridge it’s designed to support. The Jo No.8 high-output moving coil cartridge features a nude Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever, with high-end copper windings (which is the sort of specification the asking price demands) – but it’s the 19.2 x 25.1 x 28.3mm (HxWxD) dimensions that are most immediately striking. ‘Oversized’ only begins to describe it.
So this is incredibly well-specced and thought-out when it comes to the functional features of being an impressive turntable – but it's very much just a core turntable, so don't expect any 'modern' features such as Bluetooth connectivity or USB output here.
Features score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Sound quality
Remarkable insight and detail retrieval
Organized, controlled and yet dynamic presentation
Sounds rather small-scale and confined
The ‘pros’ are more numerous than the ‘cons’ where the sound of the C-Dur Concrete is concerned – but the ‘cons’ are significant, so we may as well start there before moving on to the many ways in which this is a straightforwardly admirable player.
The sound of the C-Dur Concrete is on the small side. Everything that happens, happens within the confines of the outer edges of the speakers you’re listening to – and consequently it’s never easy to shake the idea of a ‘point source’ of sound.
The outer edges of the cabinets of your speaker define the outer edges of the soundstage the EAT can create – in this respect it sounds unlike any price-comparable alternative, and not in a good way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big ensemble (such as that involved in Miles Davis’ Concierto de Aranjuez) or just a voice and a guitar (like Nick Drake’s Parasite); the presentation is organized and controlled, but undeniably confined.
Get beyond this not-insignificant shortcoming, though, and the C-Dur Concrete is an extremely adept and accomplished device. Its facility with detail retrieval is approaching staggering – there isn’t a fleeting occurrence in a recording that’s too minor or too deep in the mix to evade it. And having teased out all these fine details, the C-Dur has absolutely no problem putting them into convincing context. Even if it’s the most transient harmonic variation in the strum of an acoustic guitar, this EAT turntable lets you know all about it.
The soundstage the turntable creates is believable, and it somehow manages to give elbow-room to every element of a recording even though the stage itself is nowhere near as expansive as it could (and should) be. Its tonality is carefully neutral, which allows the inherent sound of a recording to be expressed without any overt interference. And it balances the frequency range carefully, giving no undue prominence to any area.
Low-frequency information is robust and substantial, and is controlled with such certainty that rhythmic expression (often held up as one of the most obvious strengths of the vinyl format) is entirely natural. Midrange expression, too, is accomplished – the voice during I Kicked a Boy by The Sundays is intimate, immediate and direct. And the top of the frequency range has bite and brilliance in fairly equal measure, so treble sounds shine without threatening to become edgy or glassy.
Everything hangs together in an unforced and convincing manner – there’s a genuine sensation of singularity and unity to the C-Dur Concrete’s presentation that makes me want to reach for the dreaded word ‘musical’. And the spaces and silences in recordings are not only given their due emphasis, they’re as dark and as quiet as from any turntable I’ve ever heard. This inky backdrop from which sounds occur is one of the most gratifying things about this whole EAT listening experience.
Sound quality score: 3.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Design
170 x 496 x 396mm (HxWxD)
32kg in weight
Supported on three conical, height-adjustable, damped aluminum feet
If it’s a little visual drama you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. EAT will sell you a version of the C-Dur built of MDF and finished in black or plum for quite a lot less money than this – but once you’ve seen (and touched) this concrete version, it’s hard to resist from a design standpoint.
At 170 x 496 x 396mm (HxWxD) it’s fairly big, although not too big to be accommodated by a standard equipment rack. At 32kg with its platter in place, it’s heavier than the heaviest turntable you’ve ever encountered – and all of that weight is supported on a trio of pointed aluminium feet.
They’re ideal for isolating the deck from external vibration, and can help in getting the turntable absolutely level, but they concentrate the whole 32kg on to three tiny points, which means that an extremely robust and hard-wearing shelf is in order if the C-Dur Concrete isn’t just going to drive itself into the surface it’s standing on.
The standard of build and finish is, as seems only reasonable when you consider the asking price, basically impeccable. Any tiny flaws in the concrete (each plinth is unique, of course) only add to the character, and the tonearm feels as good (and as expensive) as it looks. Even the cartridge body – which is polished chestnut – offers a bit of pizzazz.
Design score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Usability & setup
Automatic speed change
Semi-balanced five-pin DIN to RCA cable
Optional (and cost-option) power supply upgrade
As with a lot of turntables, there’s a degree of fairly fiddly set-up required to get the EAT C-Dur Concrete ready for action. Unlike quite a few turntables, though, once you’ve been through the set-up process then operating the EAT is quite a painless process.
As usual, the counterweight and anti-skate setting need to be attended to. After that, though, it’s simply a question of fitting your preferred drive belt (which, let’s be honest, is going to be the broader of the two that lets you listen to 33.3 or 45rpm discs), connecting the semi-balanced five-pin DIN end of the cable to the deck and its left/right RCAs to your (pre)amplifier at the other, and plugging in the power adapter. Speed change is facilitated by two of the big buttons on the plinth – the other is used for putting the turntable into ‘standby’.
It’s worth mentioning that both the cable and the power supply can be upgraded. A fully balanced cable is (inevitably) a cost option (£175, or £499 for the silver alternative if you’re feeling super-flush), and EAT will also sell you a linear power supply (£1,349 if purchased individually, a trifling £1,079 if you buy it at the same time as the turntable).
EAT is confident the C-Dur Concrete’s AC generator, which uses the DC current from the power supply, generates an almost entirely clean AC signal for the motor – but if you want to make it as noiseless as possible then the linear power supply is what you need.
Usability and setup score: 5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Value
Requires add-ons to reach full potential
Not a class-leading performer for the price
But it's hard to argue with its physical impact
I almost wrote that it’s impossible to put a price on an aesthetic as striking and individual as this, but demonstrably it’s not. In the context of the sound it makes, the C-Dur Concrete is far from the last word in value for money (and becomes less so if you take the company up on its offer of an upgraded power supply), but that’s not the same as saying it doesn’t sound splendid in many ways.
And if you find yourself smitten by the looks, the areas in which it’s not a class-leading performer might be easier to overlook – but with my hardest ‘consumer advice’ head on, it’s hard to make a watertight case for this turntable representing authentic value.
Value score: 3 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the EAT C-Dur Concrete?
Buy it if…
You’re a fan of visual (as well as audio) excellence Once you get up to this area of the market, there are a few turntables that offer a bit of visual drama – but none of them makes use of concrete…View Deal
You value sonic detail and insight above all else Between them, the turntable, the C-Note tonearm and the Jo No.8 cartridge are capable of unearthing the finest of fine details and handing them over without fuss.View Deal
You have a system that justifies the outlay Don’t imagine you’ll hear the C-Dur Concrete at its best unless its partnering amplification and speakers are equally capable (and, inevitably, equally pricey).View Deal
Don't buy it if…
You’re expecting appreciable scale of sound For all its many talents, the C-Dur Concrete is far from the most expansive-sounding turntable around.View Deal
You don't like having to pay more to complete the set Paying big money for a cartridge is fair enough, but at this price, the EAT really should come with its optimum connection incuded and power-cable options as standard.View Deal
Your shelves are of soft (or even soft-ish) wood 32kg balanced on three tiny pointy points will damage a soft-ish shelf almost immediately.View Deal
EAT C-Dur Concrete review: Also consider
Rega Planar 10 The more money you spend on a Rega turntable, the less it seems to buy you – but never doubt that it’s buying remarkable audio fidelity. The Planar 10 (£7,395 with RB3000 tonearm and Alpheta 3 cartridge) is entirely lacking when it comes to visual drama, but most certainly has it where sound quality is concerned. It’s an open, revealing, wide-screen listen with an absolute stack of pertinent observations to make about both your recordings and the vinyl on which they are pressed. Unless you want your record player to be interesting even when it’s not working, the Planar 10 absolutely demands your attention if this is your budget range.View Deal
How I tested EAT C-Dur Concrete
I listened to the C-Dur Concrete for well over a week, with a variety of music on vinyl in a variety of conditions. It was positioned on the top shelf of my Blok Stax 2G equipment rack (which is how I know the weight of the turntable can damage wooden shelves), and connected via its supplied semi-balanced cable to a Chord Huei phono stage, which it turn was connected to a Naim Uniti Star acting as a volume control and pre-amplifier.
The Naim was connected to a Cambridge Audio Edge W stereo power amplifier, which drove a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature loudspeakers on their bespoke FS-600 S3 stands.
The Cambridge Audio Evo One is a high-end wireless speaker that's capable of playing audio at up to 32-bit/192kHz. But that’s really only part of the picture: it’s also a multi-room speaker, an internet radio, a soundbar, and a turntable phono stage. It’s almost quicker to list the things it can’t do. The Evo One packs a lot of skills into its substantial frame, making it a natural choice for anyone who wants to cover every base but doesn’t have the space or the cash to splash on buying a whole system of hi-fi separates.
Once the Cambridge Audio Evo One was optimized for my listening space – you can manually adjust its sound for the reflectivity of your room and its distance from the wall – it rewarded me with lush, well-rounded sound. The low end is warm and yet tight – there’s none of the unfortunate swampiness you get with cheaper, bass-heavy speakers. Meanwhile, trebles are well handled, neither succumbing to timidity nor becoming so strident that they grate. This means that rather than facing off aggressive overtures from above and below, the mids are allowed the proper space to express themselves, letting the harmonics of vocals and instruments shine.
The Evo One’s separation is right up there with the best wireless speakers on the market. Listening to Wasting My Young Years by London Grammar was a revelation – the strings are beautifully expressed, feeling vibrant despite their low volume, while the reverb on those gorgeous vocals is given plenty of room to breathe. Its soundstage isn’t quite as impressive though: it offers decent stereo spread without extending far beyond the bounds of the unit, but any single-unit speaker is never going to beat a true pair of the best stereo speakers.
Pitch-perfect streaming is just one of this speaker’s talents though: it offers a wide range of additional sources, from internet radio to TV audio via eARC. To test its mettle when it comes to movie audio, I hooked it up via HDMI and watched Ari Aster’s Midsommar – it expertly handled the swelling drone of its forbidding bass, while giving dialogue sufficient clarity and presence. Using its built-in phono stage, I also hooked up my turntable and span a selection of records – it did an excellent job with the likes of Black Sands by Bonobo and Kingdoms In Colour by Maribou State, expressing both with plenty of dynamism and clarity.
When it comes to design, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is hardly the kind of speaker you’ll want to hide away – its charcoal speaker mesh and smooth walnut surface make it an item of furniture you’ll want to show off, and I certainly felt that it earned pride of place in my living room.
Meanwhile, its front display gives you a stronger connection to the artist you’re listening to, although it’s not quite as bright as I’m used to in this era of ubiquitous 1,000-nit phone screens. However, let's be clear that you probably should think of it as an item furniture – it's big.
With its wide array of connectivity options, polished, poised audio and sophisticated looks, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is a worthwhile purchase, even taking into account its not inconsiderable price. Personally, I’m happy to give the Cambridge Audio Evo One a full-throated endorsement, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed with its performance or capabilities. If you want something that's also wonderful for sound but less expensive, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro is also a highly capable wireless speaker for nearly half the price.
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: price & release date
Released on August 9, 2024
List price is $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495
The Cambridge Audio Evo One was released on August 9, 2024. It retails for $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495 for this single unit – that's not exactly the cheapest price you’ll find a wireless speaker going for, but once you scratch the surface of the things this device can do, that asking price becomes much more reasonable. When a speaker is this capable, you really are paying for what you get.
(Image credit: Future)
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: specs
(Image credit: Future)
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: features
Multi-talented feature set
Crammed with well-amplified drivers
Manual room optimization
Given its bulk, you won’t be surprised to hear that the Cambridge Audio Evo One is absolutely crammed full of drivers. It has 14 in total: four one-inch silk dome tweeters, four 2.25-inch aluminum cone mid-range drivers, and an utterly absurd six 2.75-inch long-throw woofers. Each of those drivers has 50W of amplification behind it, so it’s reasonable to expect that this beast is going to have gargantuan sound.
Such a well-furnished setup makes sense when you see how Cambridge Audio has positioned the Evo One. While it’s nominally a wireless speaker, it has plenty more tricks up its sleeve than just cueing up tunes from your Roon. Designed to sit at the heart of your home audio ecosystem, it really is a renaissance speaker, able to tackle the vast majority of listening tasks you throw at it.
First off, as well as offering Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, it’s capable of streaming hi-res audio at up to 24-bit, 192kHz from streaming services, offering you significantly better quality than even CDs can muster. You can do this via built-in streaming services like Tidal and Spotify, or using its multi-room functionality to stream over Google Home, Apple AirPlay 2 and Roon. You can also stream radio over the internet, should you fancy letting someone else take over DJ responsibilities, or play direct via USB at the frankly ludicrous high quality of 32-bit/384kHz.
But its talents don’t stop there. Hook it up to your TV using an eARC cable and you can use it as a substitute soundbar – it won’t give you Dolby Atmos or height channels, but it will give your TV’s flimsy inbuilt sound a colossal boost. You can also hook up an external source through its RCA line-in, or plug one of the best turntables into its integrated phono stage and spin your records through it. It really does offer an astounding level of functionality that puts less gifted wireless speakers to shame.
Beyond sources, the Cambridge Audio Evo One offers some excellent functionality to help you polish the sound you’re getting. It offers a seven-band EQ to tailor its audio profile to your tastes – while this isn’t quite as versatile as the nine-band that some speakers offer, realistically it’s going to be plenty granular enough to tweak the sound balance.
Even more helpful are the Evo One’s room-calibration settings, which allow you to adjust its sound profile to account for how reflective your room is and how close the speaker is to a wall. I actually prefer this to the auto-calibration some speakers offer – it really allowed me to use my own judgement and knowledge of my space to get the sound just right, which I’m sure fellow audiophiles will appreciate.
All told, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is an incredibly well-specified speaker, offering a ton of functionality that even similarly high-end wireless speakers aren’t necessarily always capable of. If you’re just looking for a setup that allows you to stream hi-res audio, then maybe that will prove unnecessary window dressing, but if you’re looking for a Swiss Army Knife of a speaker that will sit at the heart of your home audio system, then it’s hard to argue with what’s on offer here.
Features score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: sound quality
Once calibrated, it sounds beautifully well balanced
Excellent separation
Not the widest soundstage
Hand on heart, I was a bit underwhelmed by the Cambridge Audio Evo One’s sound at first. Listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the saw-edged bass synth sounded full but a little swampy, and there was a slightly echoey vibe to the kick, while a lot of the mix sounded muddier in the middle. That’s when I realised I hadn’t adjusted its room-optimization settings…
And boy, did tweaking those settings make a difference. Lowering the setting for room reflectivity and increasing the slider for how far the speaker was from the wall tamed the boom back and upped the transients. The bassline was tight while still being deliciously warm, the detail of the percussion became much more crisp, and the vocal rose above everything without obscuring anything. Suddenly it was like hearing my favorite songs for the first time, and it rapidly transformed my opinion of what this speaker is capable of.
Once properly calibrated, it’s not just the bass that sings; the rest of the frequency range sounds great too. When I listened to I Want You by Moloko, everything was so tightly integrated in the mids; that tight funky guitar lick and the timbre of the strings rang through clearly, while Róisín Murphy’s voice glued the whole mix together, from the nice warm sub end of the funky bass to the transient bite of the snare hits. And it masterfully handles songs that can be make or break in terms of treble – it deftly handles the crisp harmonics of the strummed guitars and snare and tom hits on You Can Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, while giving them sufficient body to stop the whole mix feeling aggressively bright.
But the Evo One isn’t just great at balancing different frequencies; it has real poise when it comes to separation as well. I stuck on Claire de Lune by Kamasi Washington and the results were exquisite. Those honey-sweet horns feel so richly textured that you could almost take a bite out of them, while the pluck of the double bass feels like it’s almost it’s in the room with you. Even the piano, oft overshadowed when listening to this mix on weaker speakers, cascades out when appropriate – everything has a palpable sense of space that makes everything feel much more real and evocative.
The Evo One doesn’t just handle digital audio sources well. I hooked up my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT turntable to the speaker via its built-in phono stage and cued up Kingdoms In Colour by Maribou State. The overall sound was faithful and gave everything a sizable presence and, while it wasn’t quite as remarkable as its hi-res audio output, I put this down more to my budget deck than the Evo One’s innate capabilities.
One area where this wireless speaker doesn’t quite trounce the competition though is its stereo soundstage. Don’t get me wrong: firing up Daydreaming by Radiohead I could absolutely appreciate how the snatches of Thom Yorke’s vocal echoed to the left and right, while the guttural reversed strings that end the track swam convincingly from side to side. However, unlike some speakers, including the Sonos Era 300, the sound doesn’t extend much beyond the confines of the cabinet, and there’s no attempt to convince you there’s real height here. I’d argue that’s not really its whole vibe though – the Evo One aims for hi-res sound that’s very well reproduced, rather than high-tech trickery.
To test how the Evo One handled TV audio, I wired it up to my TV via ARC and settled in to watch Ari Aster’s hallucinogenic horror Midsommar. The Evo One delivered an appreciable improvement over the TV’s built-in speakers, giving the movie’s ominous soundtrack much more warmth and gravitas; Voice Clarity mode in particular helped the speech in the movie ring clear, while letting the droning bass continue to create suspense. While not a home theater soundbar replacement – you’re not going to get Dolby Atmos height channels or significant width here – it certainly represents an upgrade over TV sound alone.
Ultimately, the sound on offer here is impressive, particularly given how many tools it has in its box. If you’re wanting a premium, single-unit speaker that will cover all the bases, this is likely your best bet at this price range.
Sound quality: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: design
Elegant, high-end design
It’s a big fella
Display is a little dim
In light of its price and the brand behind it, I’m sure I’m not going to shock anyone by saying that the Cambridge Audio Evo One offers smart, premium design. Everything about it is designed to form a focal point in your home, from its FSC-certified walnut panelling to its charcoal-colored fabric speaker grille. It definitely looks suitably high-end – although an alternate color would have been a great option to include, as beige cloth and a lighter wood such as birch or beech would look amazing alongside airier interiors.
Naturally, with all the drivers, amplification and other sundries inside its frame, this isn’t a small unit – in fact, at 26.6 x 5.1 x 11.4 inches / 675 x 129 x 290mm and 32lbs / 14.5kg, it’s a bit of a beast. But there’s something dependable about its big frame – it makes it feel like a genuine item of furniture that you’re pleased to show off. The only caveat here is if you want to place it in front of your TV to really take advantage of its eARC connectivity: it's no small fry height-wise, and will likely block the bottom of your screen, so you’ll want an entertainment unit that can accommodate both.
The main focal point of its front is the 6.8-inch, 1280 x 480 LCD display. Offering a range of options from track information and artwork to a stereo pair of VU meters, the display offers an attractive way of connecting more closely to the tunes you’re listening to. It’s not a very bright display, though, but expecting the kind of 1,000-nit HDR displays that have become commonplace in phones and tablets was always going to be a stretch. It’s plenty bright enough to carry out its intended function, even if you’re not going to be reveling in sumptuous, vibrant colors.
The Evo One’s remote control is well designed, nicely balancing functionality with simplicity. Standard controls are all idiot-proof – you can play, pause, skip forwards and backwards, raise and lower the volume, and power the unit on and off – but there are also some convenient presets that allow you to fire up your favorite sources, stations or playlists at the press of a button. You can also adjust the display’s brightness and switch between its various screens. You’ll need to reach for your phone to do anything particularly complex, but it's nice to be able to use it like a hi-fi separate when you want some screen-free time.
All in all, the Evo One oozes premium style, without too many unnecessary bells and whistles piled on top. Sure, the display could be brighter, and you’re out of luck if you're not into the dark wood and charcoal upholstery Cambridge Audio has opted for. But make no mistake: this is a luxury speaker that feels like an item of furniture in its own right.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: value
On the one hand, the Cambridge Audio Evo One is unarguably expensive for a single-unit speaker – $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495 is not pocket change for anyone. On the other hand, this isn’t just a single-unit speaker. When you view the Evo One in terms of all of the gadgets it potentially replaces – wireless speaker, streamer, soundbar, phono stage – the value equation shifts significantly in its favor. For the price, it’s incredibly versatile, and is an excellent all-in-one option for someone who finds a whole range of hi-fi separates too extravagant an investment in terms of money and/or space.
And there are few rivals that can beat it for value. For example, while the Naim Mu-so 2nd Gen offers a premium, single-unit speaker for $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,299, it doesn’t have a screen, and nor does it offer eARC connectivity or a phono stage. Conversely, the gorgeous Ruark R410 does offer everything you can get here – wireless streaming, multi-room, Bluetooth, DAB+ radio, eARC input, built-in phono-stage – but it’s also just as pricey, coming in at $1,799 / £1,299 / AU$2,599.
Value score: 4/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Cambridge Audio Evo One?
Buy it if…
You want a feature-packed single-unit speaker The Evo One is an impressive all-in-one package, taking the place of four or five home audio separates. So if you want a set-it-and-forget-it sound solution that minimizes the cable chow mein choking up your living room, this is a very good option.
You want lush, confident sound When properly optimized and fed some hi-res material, the Evo One offers exquisite balance and impressive separation of different elements. It’s a polished and impressive performer that will happily sit as the jewel in the crown of your multi-room speaker setup.
Don’t buy it if…
You actually want a soundbar Stop the presses: the Evo One isn’t one. It’ll add some much-needed poise and gravitas to soundtracks, but if you’re expecting height channels and a wide soundstage, you really do need to invest in an actual soundbar.
You’re looking to save some cash No two ways about it: the Evo One is an expensive speaker. At $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,495, it’s more comparable to the Ruark R410 or the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A5 – you’re paying a premium price for a premium speaker.
Cambridge Audio Evo One review: also consider
Naim Mu-so (2019) If you love the form factor and are yearning for superlative-sounding, hi-res streaming without extra features such as a phono stage or eARC, but for a lower price in exchange, the Naim Mu-so 2nd Gen is an excellent choice. At $1,299 / £899 / AU$1,299, it's a powerful and impressive speakers, as our full Naim Mu-so (2019) review explains.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Following in the footsteps of the classic airship-shaped iPod dock from the 2000s, the Zeppelin Pro is a powerful wireless speaker capable of rich, hi-res sound. Admittedly it’s less talented than the Evo One – again, there’s no connectivity options like phono in or eARC and it has considerably fewer drivers. But it is much more affordable, coming in at just $799 / £699 / AU$1,349, and still sounds exquisite for the price, as we dig into in our full Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro review.
How I tested the Cambridge Audio Evo One
I tested it for a month
I used it for a wide range of audio, from hi-res streams to TV audio via eARC
I have decades of experience using and reviewing audio gadgets
I tested the Cambridge Audio Evo One over the course of a month. First of all, I used the TechRadar testing playlist, as well as many of my own standard testing tracks, to see how its sound stacked up. I listened to a wide range of different sources, from hi-res streaming on Tidal to Spotify’s lowest-quality tier to see how it coped with different audio quality.
I also tested all of its additional features. I listened to several vinyl albums, both via line-in and through its built-in phono stage, using my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT. I also connected it to my TV via eARC and tested its AV sound by watching multiple TV shows and movies. Finally, I tweaked its various sound optimization settings, and played with the EQ settings to test out how they impacted the sound balance.
I’ve spent many years covering audio gadgets, from headphones to speakers, and use a wide variety of sound setups at home, from Bluetooth speakers to my system of hi-fi separates. On top of this, I’ve spent decades making and producing music, which has given me a great deal of insight into how to assess the balance of frequencies and breadth of soundstage.
Since the early 1980s, Sonus Faber has been creating high-performance, high-end loudspeakers and charging a (generally perfectly justifiable) arm and a leg for them. But in a move not many people saw coming, the company decided to democratize its ‘Made in Italy’ cachet by launching a pair of speakers that sell for an almost-mainstream $1,499 / £999 /AU$2,200 per pair. They’re called the Sonus Faber Lumina II.
In many ways, the Lumina II are Sonus Faber business as usual. The standard of build and finish is impeccable, the materials are premium (although the company’s customary use of real leather will no doubt alienate as many people as it excites), the look is sophisticated and understated. And, sure enough, there’s a little ‘Made in Italy’ sticker on the cabinet's rear, just to let you know you're dealing with something a little special even among the heady brands that make the best stereo speakers.
In many ways, the Sonus Faber Lumina II sound like their money’s-worth, as well as looking and feeling like it. They’re a balanced, insightful and nicely detailed listen, are able to organize a soundstage well, and with unarguable talent where frequency response and tonal fidelity are concerned. No, they’re far from the punchiest speakers around – they run out of meaningful puff quite early in the bass frequencies – and they’re not enthusiastic about bigger volume levels, either.
But for some people, the fact that this is Sonus Faber we’re talking about will be enough to overlook these (admittedly fairly mild) shortcomings. The harder-headed consumer, though, knows that the Sonus Faber Lumina II are far from the only choice at this sort of money – the likes of the KEF LS50 Meta loom large.
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Price and release date
Released June 15, 2021
$1,499 / £999 / AU$2,199
The Sonus Faber Lumina II are on sale now, and in the United Kingdom a pair will cost you £999. In the United States, you’re looking at $1,499, while in Australia they’ll set you back AU$2,199.
Passive standmounting speakers at this sort of money are not exactly a rarity, of course. So, apart from the ‘handmade in Italy’ cachet, what does Sonus Faber have up its beautifully tailored sleeve?
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Features
29mm ‘damped apex dome’ tweeter
150mm pulp/fibre mid/bass driver
Front-facing bass reflex port
As a pair of small and (relatively) affordable passive loudspeakers, the Sonus Faber Lumina II aren’t exactly awash with features, but those they have are of high quality and are utterly fit for purpose.
So, reading from the top of the front of each speaker, there’s a 29mm tweeter of Sonus Faber’s own ‘damped apex dome’ design, which features a silk diaphragm and is mounted using a visco-elastic baffle to effectively isolate the vibration it produces from the cabinet. Below here there’s a 150mm mid/bass driver – a cone made from a combination of natural fibres and cellulose pulp. It sits in what Sonus Faber describes as an ‘ultra-free compression basket’, and the promise is of high linearity and dynamic performance.
The speakers stand on a little plastic plinth – there’s a little gap between the main cabinet and the plinth where a bass reflex port faces forwards. This makes the Lumina II nicely forgiving of positioning in your room, notwithstanding a few rather unusual positioning issues thrown up further down in the ‘design’ section.
The overall arrangement is good for a frequency response of 55Hz - 24kHz, according to Sonus Faber. Crossover is at an unremarkable 1.8kHz, sensitivity is an equally ordinary 85dB, and nominal impedance is four ohms. The manufacturer suggests that any worthwhile amplifier with 50 watts or more available should be able to drive the Lumina II without issues.
Features score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Sound quality
Detailed and spacious presentation
Organized and unflappable…
…unless you decide to listen at bigger volumes
If you’re familiar with any of Sonus Faber’s products from the turn of the century onwards, the overall emphasis of the Lumina II sound isn’t going to come as much of a surprise. No matter the sort of stuff you like to listen to, and no matter the source of it, these speakers are a balanced, naturalistic and periodically absorbing listen.
The tonal balance of the Lumina II is carefully neutral, so a nicely organic recording like Nico’s The Fairest of the Seasons enjoys a true-to-life depiction of the small string section, acoustic guitar, and expressive and unmistakable vocal. There’s plenty of detail revealed and contextualized at every part of the frequency range, and the Sonus Faber travel from top to bottom in a smooth and undemonstrative manner. No part of the frequency range gets overstated and, apart from the very lowest frequencies, no part is underplayed. The crossover between tweeter and mid/bass driver is all-but imperceptible.
The speakers do good work with harmonic variations, and are quite explicit where soundstaging is concerned, too. There’s a respectable degree of dynamic headroom available, and a willingness to track even the smaller changes in attack or intensity carefully.
Switch to a copy of Aw, Shoot! by CMAT and the Lumina II’s ability to open up a fairly compressed and dense recording is straightforwardly impressive. It can create appreciable space on the soundstage, and where less accomplished speakers present this recording as a sort of aural wedding cake, with element piled on top of element, the Sonus Faber bring some order to bear. Detail levels are good all over again, and the ability to tease out the finer, more transient occurrences in a recording and let them enjoy a little breathing space is not to be sniffed at.
There’s appreciable bite and shine at the top of the frequency range, but nothing too threatening or hard-edged – there’s real refinement to the treble response here. The midrange is eloquent and revealing, and – up to a point – low frequencies are just as substantial and well-resolved as everything going on above them.
The Lumina II don’t so much run out of extension at the bottom of the frequency range – not by the standards of reasonably compact standmounters, anyway – as run out of conviction. There’s a lack of power and drive towards the bottom of their frequency response which can make for a slightly lightweight rendition of whatever it is you’re listening to. Low frequencies are nicely controlled, so rhythmic expression is convincing, but outright ‘punch’ is in rather short supply.
It’s equally safe to say that volume is a factor in the Sonus Faber comfort zone. At moderate volumes the Lumina II are a composed, insightful and well-organized listen, with talents that extend well beyond ‘unflappability’. But if you up the ante, volume-wise, a fair bit of that composure deserts them, along with some of their powers of organization. The can begin to sound just fractionally two-dimensional and ever-so-slightly stressed. Dial the volume down just a little and normal service is quickly resumed.
Sound quality score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Design
Choice of three finishes
Leather-covered sides and top surface
304 x 180 x 263mm (HxWxD)
Obviously you’ll make up your own mind as to the decorative potential (or otherwise) of the Sonus Faber Lumina II. What can’t be argued with is the quality of construction or finish – these are impeccably made loudspeakers. The company’s ongoing determination to cover a good portion of its speakers in leather (both sides and the top of this model) won’t sit well for those who’d prefer a vegan option, but as far as ‘craftsmanship’ is concerned, the Lumina II have plenty in evidence.
Each speaker is a tidy 304 x 180 x 263mm (HxWxD), and if you choose either of the ‘walnut with maple inlays’ or ‘wenge with maple inlays’ the front baffle is of multilayered wood with real wood veneer. The piano black alternative is glossy, all right, and also built of multilayered wood but it’s quite reflective, so is not perhaps the first choice for those who may wish to use their Lumina II as part of a home theater set-up in a darkened room.
At the rear of each cabinet there are four nickel-plated speaker binding terminals that can be used with bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors. Biwiring or biamping is perfectly straightforward.
Although the configuration of the speakers makes them quite forgiving of room position, the liberal use of leather does not. The company is quite unequivocal: you should not position your Lumina II near windows or sources of heat, and they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Perhaps lots of leather isn’t such a brilliant idea after all…
Design score: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Value
‘Made in Italy’ seldom comes cheap, and in a market dominated by speakers that have been ‘designed and engineered’ in one place and then inevitably ‘made in China’, it’s quite a prestigious point of difference. And where materials, build quality and the standard of finish are concerned, it’s hard to argue that you’re not getting full value here.
And up to a point, that’s all true when it comes to sound quality, too. But a look at the ‘also consider’ section below lets you know that if you’re prepared to forgo a bit of the undeniable Sonus Faber cachet, better pound-for-pound performance is available…
Value score: 4 / 5
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Should you buy them?
Buy them if...
You’re a sucker for Italian design Like every Sonus Faber product, the Lumina II are a visual and tactile treat.
You enjoy open, detailed and naturalistic sound These speakers have a real talent for opening up a recording and peering deep inside.
You do your listening in a darkened room The leather finish means these speakers are more affected by sunlight than most.
Don't buy them if...
You’re vegan The leather finish might be a dealbreaker.
You like to listen loud The composure that’s such an admirable part of the Lumina II's sound can go astray at big volumes.
You consider ‘wallop’ to be a positive word Other speakers of comparable size and price can dig deeper and hit harder.
(Image credit: Future)
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: Also consider
KEF LS50 Meta All price-comparable speakers tend to look a bit agricultural next to the Sonus Faber Lumina II but KEF’soutstanding LS50 Meta have a strong look of their own and, most importantly, the sort of all-around excellence the Lumina II can’t quite match. The ever-expanding number of available colors and dramatic visuals of the driver array don’t do any harm, either…View Deal
Sonus Faber Lumina II review: How I tested
Connected to a Naim Uniti Nova, listening to Qobuz and Tidal tracks
Also hooked up a Rega Apollo for CDs; Cambridge Audio/Clearaudio for vinyl
During my spell listening to the Sonus Faber Lumina II, they were powered by a Naim Uniti Nova streamer/amplifier capable of delivering 70 watts of power per channel. I also used the Naim for listening to Qobuz and Tidal, as it is both a streamer and an amplifier.
I listened to compact discs using a Rega Apollo player, and vinyl via both the Cambridge Audio Alva TT v2 and Clearaudio Concept turntables.
The Lumina II remained in my listening space for the test's entirety – the area is nothing too sophisticated, it’s a fairly ordinary (though not particularly reflective) room that works excellently for my purposes. Using this disparate sources, I listened to myriad different recordings, from a plenty of genres, and from a wide range of eras.
