Best (smooth and clear) sounding bluetooth speaker???

jriggy · « **on:** 18 Apr 2017, 04:27 pm »

Hey all,

I hope this Circle is good for this topic. Best I could think of, as it would ultimately be under $1k.

I am looking for a great or good sounding single box bluetooth speaker unit for the kitchen...

Something that is smooth and clear sounding. Good low bass would be great BUT I think smooth / low distortion is more important for this use.

Suggestions??

Thanks!
Jason

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 04:42 pm »

Maybe this one? (No personal experience)

http://www.hifizine.com/2017/02/benq-trevolo-portable-electrostatic-speaker/

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 04:55 pm »

This is WAY under your price range, but I bought the wife a JBL "Charge II" about a year ago.
The bass in incredible, and from an "audiophile" perspective, I'm very happy. Fill s the room with plenty of sound.
Work great outside too, but I do have boundary reinforcement in mind for placement location.
Heavy little unit too, feels like a brick.

usp1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 05:15 pm »

Checkout the Logitech Megaboom. you can buy two for stereo pair

jriggy · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 05:25 pm »

Some good suggestions so far... Ill look into all of these.

How bout the B&W Zeppelin? Is that one worth the coin?

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 05:26 pm »

The Peachtree Audio deepblue² will give you a smooth and clear sound along with good bass by virtue of its 5 driver array (1 x 6.5", 2 x 3" and 2 x 1" silk dome), 440W amplifier and sealed enclosure. The 6.5" woofer is run in mono and although 440W seems a bit like overkill, it also insures you will have enough amplifier headroom, which many Bluetooth amplified speakers don't.

It's being offered on special at $350 from its $500 MSRP.

If you're interested, you may want to read the Inner Fidelity review which explains the EQ curves designed into the volume control steps and how best to balance deepblue² volume and source volume for consistent frequency response.

Steve

TomS · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 05:27 pm »

I don't own this one, but all of my Audioengine products have been great.

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems/B2-Standalone-Bluetooth-Speaker

jriggy · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 07:35 pm »

Thanks JohnR and srb. The Peachtree and the trevolo are peaking some interest...

TomS,
I was first and foremost going for the Audio Engine B2. It is discounted right now through DedicatedAudio...but I am a little reluctant based on its mixed reviews. I have found my ears and 'mental state' do much better the more smooth and clear the sound is --less distortion.
(BTW, Ill email you tomorrow with confirmation on our plans)

~J

Armaegis · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 08:56 pm »

Riva makes some nice options as well: https://rivaaudio.com/

golfugh · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Apr 2017, 09:57 pm »

KEF Muo it's excellent, I have one
Mark

santacore · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 01:19 am »

The Riva is a fantastic option. Highly recommended!!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 02:11 am »

I'd love to hear the Riva against my JVC. Looks like a quality unit, and the price it right.

Just for grins, I'd be willing to do a video of the JVC on my iPhone.
I've never done a video, but I've been wanting to, and this might just be a good enough reason.
I've also got a GoPro, but I don't think the audio would be flattering for "audiophile stuff".

jriggy · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 02:59 am »

Go for it Bob!

I have to admit, I was a lil skeptical of that little JVC when first mentioned.

I look forward to looking into the Riva options...

Loud vol levels are not necessary for this application but smooth clean and clear sound is. Hence my interest in the Trevolo, that JohnR mentioned... Reviewed like that but with a lil bit better reviewed bass would be perf.

I should rally be thinking more about the new forthcoming listing room, but gotta have some tunes in the kitchen in the mean time!

~J

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 03:06 am »

Ok... Challenge accepted.

Can I have til the weekend?

decal · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 11:53 am »

Wow, the prices on these things seem to be neither cheap nor cheerful !!!!!

jriggy · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 01:36 pm »

Quote from: decal on 19 Apr 2017, 11:53 am

Wow, the prices on these things seem to be neither cheap nor cheerful !!!!!

I hear ya! In the grand scheme of audio systems, $500 or so is not that much. but when you look at the size of the hunk of metal or plastics you are getting, you are totally right!
Some of these options are only 200bux, so thats cheerful!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 01:47 pm »

Quote from: decal on 19 Apr 2017, 11:53 am

Wow, the prices on these things seem to be neither cheap nor cheerful !!!!!

I'd judge the cost based on the convenience and sound quality, not so much as the size.
I mean, they are supposed to be portable after all.
I'd encourage you to give one a try. I think you'd agree that they aren't "that bad" after all.

apstoltz · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 04:28 pm »

I have had a few bluetooth setup that included the Harman Kardon Onyx, a Bose Unit one of the originals and now have a unit from Brookstone called the Big Blue Party. I have been extremely impressed with the unit. The price is right, it has great battery life and is portable. Do a search on youtube and there are reviews on the unit and comparing it to others.

srb · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 04:41 pm »

Quote from: apstoltz on 19 Apr 2017, 04:28 pm

... it [Big Blue Party] has great battery life ...

4.5 hours?

kenreau · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 Apr 2017, 04:47 pm »

Based on similar prior recommendations, I'm (still) giving serious consideration Bluesound Pulse 2. Haven't pulled the trigger yet as the forthcoming next generation Oppo unit looks very promising.

Kenreau