Getting into Orbit.
The last time we reviewed a speaker from Orbit was waaaaaay back in 2014 when we checked out the impressive (and compact) Spaced 360. Now they're back on this site with something a little bit bigger. Proving that awesome sounds can come out of unassuming packages, we check out the Orbitsound One P70W.
This hefty beast is essentially a soundbar-cum-speaker. By that we mean that it has multiple uses, from complimenting your TV, to acting as a standalone dedicated music speaker. Oh, and we say hefty because it is 70cm wide and weighs 5.1kg. So you're not going to lugging it around in your bag.
What you are going to do is either place it on a flat surface or shelf, or mount it on your wall as the Orbitsound One P70W works the same on either. In fact, it has been designed to still perform well in different orientations, and the boxy rectangle shape helps with that. However, thanks to the fine-level detailing and gently curved wooden edges, it is still a gorgeous thing to behold. Just not so gorgeous that you'll be gawking at it all day, distracting you from your tunes.
You're spoilt for choice in terms of connectivity. First and foremost is Bluetooth, meaning your mobile devices, and your TV if it can, can connect to it as if it was a smaller, simpler Bluetooth speaker. There are also wired connections in the form of AUX and Optical, so pretty much anything you have should be able to link up with it.
However, to take it to the next level, you can use WiFi. By downloading the Orbitsound app, you can total control over your One P70W, streaming directly to it from the likes of Spotify and Apple Music. WiFi can also be used to connect other speakers to the app, so you can have your music follow you around the house as you move, or have different rooms playing different tracks and genres. It wasn't something we could test, having just the one speaker, but its nice to know Orbitsound support it.
Right, tunes on. In use, connected using all the various ways, the Orbitsound One P70W was incredible. Although we said it was hefty, this thing isn't huge, yet the quality of the music, especially bass-heavy tracks, sounded as if it came from a far larger speaker. It possesses a 5.25 inch bass driver, and also two 2 inch Orbitsound MK4 drivers, which work together to create a very rich, deep, and strong sound.
But there is more to add to the mix. The One P70W uses Orbitsound's Airsound, whereby a single speaker can create impressive stereo sound immersion. It has been designed so that no matter where in the room you are, the music still comes at you in stereo. Whereas traditionally you need to position yourself exactly between two speakers to achieve stereo, the Orbitsound One P70W pumps out both channels from the same location, and augments the noise with a third speaker. We're explaining this terribly, aren't we?
Needless to say, the final effect is excellent - and somewhat unnerving to begin with, if we're being honest. With normal double-speakers you loose the stereo effect once you move out of that sweet spot, but with the Orbitsound One P70W that sweet spot follows you around. Accept that the technology just works, and your brain will adapt and enjoy itself.
So yes, this thing is pricey, and yes, it isn't much to look at, but the Orbitsound One P70W performs excellently, using technology we've never experienced before. It's been fun, and we're sure you'll enjoy it, too.
£399
Available from www.amazon.co.uk