In our most recent run-down of gifts to give audiophiles
this Chrimbo, we took a look at some awesome new headphones. This time we're
cranking up the volume a bit and bugging our neighbours by inappropriately
playing White Christmas on Halloween, full blast. Its all for a worthwhile
cause though, as we test eight wireless speakers.
Edifier Bric Connect
The Bric Connect is an unassuming Bluetooth speaker from
Edifier with a toned-down, fade-into-the-background style. Perfect for behind a
computer monitor or up on a shelf out of sight, the Bric Connect boasts a 12
watt output, portability (by way of six AA batteries - not a USB charger) and a
remote.
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Although it might not impress with its looks, the Birc
Connect pumps out some clear, room-filling sound. It also features a pretty
sensitive microphone, making it a perfect smartphone loud speaker, aided by the
ability to answer and end calls with a button on the top. This would be a great
gift for someone quite practical who is looking for relatively close-set music
and call features for a home office or smaller space.
Around £80
Nakamichi Dragon
Lilly
Whereas the Bric Connect was subtle and practical, this
offering from Japanese firm Nakamichi is... well... not. The huge Dragon Lilly
is a Bluetooth speaker which certainly makes itself known in any room, with its
curious shape and terrific output.
Connection options with this include trusty Bluetooth, but
also WiFi, NFC and an auxiliary cable for you old-schoolers. There is a remote,
a touch-sensitive interface on top, and... well... big flowering sides that
supposedly help make the music sound better. The quality of sound is pretty
awesome, and the clarity and lack of distortion at high volumes is clearly what
your money is being spent on here. We'd get this for someone (that we really
like - see price) who appreciates odd, attention-snagging tech.
£239.99
Visit www.nakamichi.co.uk
Boompods Doubleblaster
One of the better performing 'small plastic and colourful
Bluetooth travel speakers', the Doubleblaster features a six-hour USB
rechargeable battery, a connection range of up to 10 metres, and a neoprene
carry pouch. We effing love carry pouches!
There are a lot of small Bluetooth speakers out there right
now, most of which will set you back about £30. The Doubleblaster stands out
from the crowd by having speakers on both sides, creating a pretty good depth
of sound which certainly helps to add feeling to just a 3 watt output. Great
for younger people or those on the go.
Around £39.99
Visit www.boompods.com
Ultimate Ears Boom
With stylish looks and its own dedicated app, the Boom from
Ultimate Ears is a fascinating device. Although weighing in at a similar level
as the Doubleblaster, the Boom will set you back more than £150 (depending
where you buy) - but we can really see why.
First up, this speaker can be paired to two Bluetooth
devices at once, allowing you swap and change music sources - great for parties,
or if you're a particularly argumentative couple. One Boom can also, by way of
the app, be linked to another, creating a stereo state of playback. There is
also an alarm function so you can wake up to your favourite tunes.
But the real investment is in the sound. This is one of the
best small Bluetooth speakers we've ever tested, and the depth of musical
reproduction and clarity is pretty amazing. Couple that with a water-proof and
dust-proof body and whoever you get this for should consider themselves very
luck indeed.
Around £160
Philips Wireless
Portable Speaker
We know, catchy name right? Although tech giants Philips
have opted not to bother naming their latest portable Bluetooth speaker, they
have managed to put together a pretty decent gadget, complete with some
intriguing style.
The most noticeable thing is that aluminium twist knob at the corner which controls volume and adds to the device's premium feel. Despite that, the sound quality wasn't that much clearer than the Doubleblaster (which is £15 cheaper) and the battery languished at around the 4-5 hour mark. Still, as portable Bluetooth speakers go this one has a good look and a kind of grown up feel about it. Like you'd get it for dad or something.
Around £45
Visit www.philips.co.uk
Cambridge Audio Go
The Go Bluetooth speaker from British company Cambridge
Audio is a mid-sized piece of tech with a large open faced grill and looks that
only a mother could love. Sure, it isn't the most attractive of speakers, but
check out Cambridge Audio's website and you'll discover that, to them, it's the
sound that matters most.
You can connect to the Go via Bluetooth or NFC, and the on-board
battery will keep the sounds blasting for up to 18 hours! And those sounds are
excellent, with reproduction at both high and low volume levels sounding absolutely
wonderful. The Go creates a warm and deep room-filling sound that seems as if
it is coming from a much bigger, more expensive, speaker. Get this for
yourself. Seriously, screw those "friends".
£119.95
Visit www.cambridgeaudio.com
Libratone Loop
Another wireless speaker to place heavy emphasis on looks
(and price!) the Loop from Scandinavian company Libratone looks, at first glance,
like a piece of soft furnishing. The circular shape, added to the front furry
grill, makes it an odd one to view, but that strange appearance has the
flexibility to be either propped up on a flat surface, or wall mounted.
Connections can be made to the Loop via Bluetooth, auxiliary
cable, USB, AirPlay (for you Apple-ites) and DLNA, so you're spoilt for choice.
The noise this thing can put out into a room is very impressive, and the 360
degree ability has been achieved well. As a feature piece in your living room
you might prefer this over the bizarre Dragon Lilly mentioned above, but buying
it as a gift would mean you've obviously got cash to burn.
£349
Visit www.libratone.com
Stellé Audio Pillar
Another tubular speaker, the Pillar from Stellé Audio is
sleek and minimalist, whereas the Boom was bright and funky. This is also much
bigger and heavier than the offering from Ultimate Ears, although you can also
purchase special Pillar carriers to help you lug it around.
Although primarily a desktop speaker, the Pillar comes with
a built-in battery that will last you up to 15 hours, and connects with
Bluetooth. The whole package, along with Stellé Audio's other products, is
aimed squarely at women; something further confirmed when you switch it on a nasally
Australian female voice greets you with "Hello". Once pumping out the
tunes the Pillar performed pretty well, but was unfortunately completely
outpaced by the uglier and cheaper Cambridge Audio Go. Although the sound
seemed a little too localised and not at all room-filling, perhaps those sexy
looks might be enough to sway you to buy it for, we don't know, a fan of
Neighbours maybe?
£249
Visit www.stelleaudio.com/uk