Any Recommendations for Small to mid Bluetooth Speakers?

[Razzie.P]

I've been considering getting a set of small to mid sized speakers for bluetooth connections, but never pulled the trigger on it. However, I recently picked up Dropmix on the cheap and my kids love it, but seems pretty dependent on quality speakers, so I figure now's the time. But so far, the couple that I've tried sound like crap, so figured I'd see if you guys have any personal experience with a quality set and/or any recommendations.

 

I've tried a $20 set of "Black Web" from Walmart that sound awful. And recently picked up a $100 JBL Charge 4. It sounds better, of course, but still lacks a lot of clarity. The overall sound seems to be "bass, but stuck in a tube."

 

Thanks in advance!

[godslabrat]

Depends if you need a hat included or not.

[Flojomojo]

Anker makes some good ones for low prices. Look on Amazon.

[0078265317]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ultimate-Ears-UE-BOOM-2-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker/48104443?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4197&adid=22222222228035437044&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=75855960394&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-176157163474&wl5=9052566&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113929809&wl11=online&wl12=48104443&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw583nBRBwEiwA7MKvoFqdZejLqc1oe9iEJT4vhmI5yePYMuc8InDZlvBacemNGXQ25B75yRoCRsEQAvD_BwE Edited June 2, 2019 by 0078265317

[Reaperman]

I think I'm in the same place.

Do any bluetooth speakers or headphones actually sound good? Semi-serious question, because all the store demos I've tried, and all the low-end units I've purchased all have that kind of 'speakerphone' quality to them. (the 'stuck in a tube' comment may be even more accurate) Exaggerated mid-highs and muddy lows. (probably using the wrong words)

 

I know humanity didn't suddenly forget how to make speakers, so it must be something about the electronics or the signal involved, right? There are more expensive bluetooth units, but it's hard to find a place demoing them. The target display of the JBLs are the most expensive I've been able to listen to, and I think they went all the way to $150--that's about the cost of some absolutely stellar headphones, or really solid bookshelf speakers, but the big JBL still managed to sound worse than a $25 basic PC speaker set.

 

Either I'm shopping in the wrong places, or the perceived convenience has caused standards to drop.

 

If somebody has a modern stereo receiver with bluetooth--could you compare wired to wireless audio quality? That'd take a lot of the 'low end speaker' variables out of the equation and at least assure me that humanity hasn't lost its marbles. It could just be an issue of "discount" store electronics trying to make way too much profit from their devices.

Edited June 2, 2019 by Reaperman

[0078265317]

My echo dots sound pretty good.

[Tanooki]

Trust me for a bluetooth speaker you want this, this is it.

https://www.anker.com/ca/products/variant/classic-bluetooth-speaker/A7908013

 

I have this, I swear by it, and all the reviews and info about it are not exaggerated bs. That thing lasts on a 20+hour battery life. While it is small it has a huge presence with a wide range and oddly a very good bass/subwoofer speaker within that doesn't just drop off the beats or buzz away into some muffled mess like much other that size. I've had one for a few years and it's really astounding how well it works with bluetooth devices that cast out the music.

[Flojomojo]

That looks like a good one Tanooki, but I don't see it in stock on Amazon (their link brings up something else).

 

I have an earlier version of this, it's great for parties, and is under $30. Yes there's a bit of convenience over quality with any of this stuff, but this isn't bad at all.

[0078265317]

Went to gamestop today. Saw this 5 dollar no name speaker.

 

http://mvvg.blogspot.com/2019/06/gamestop-bluetooth-5-dollar-speaker.html?m=1

[Tanooki]

That looks like a good one Tanooki, but I don't see it in stock on Amazon (their link brings up something else).

 

I have an earlier version of this, it's great for parties, and is under $30. Yes there's a bit of convenience over quality with any of this stuff, but this isn't bad at all.

Ugh yeah, I don't think they make it anymore which is a crime in itself. This review is pretty on the nose about it though: https://www.soundguys.com/anker-mp141-review-1702/

 

Yeah it's ebay, but it's $15+9 shipping~ and it's NEW not used -- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Anker-Classic-Portable-Wireless-Bluetooth-4-0-Speaker-20H-Rechargeable/163677989256

[0078265317]

https://www.newegg.com/p/19S-01E9-000H6?item=9SIAAJ97A71775&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile-_-pla-DGDusb-_-Speakers-_-9SIAAJ97A71775

[Tanooki]

https://www.newegg.com/p/19S-01E9-000H6?item=9SIAAJ97A71775&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-Mobile-_-pla-DGDusb-_-Speakers-_-9SIAAJ97A71775

That's it alright, but their prices are annoyingly high.

[0078265317]

That's it alright, but their prices are annoyingly high.

47.89 is too high? How much should it be?

[Tanooki]

47.89 is too high? How much should it be?

Well borrowing from my post before yours there's an ebay link for $14.99+8.30 expedited shipping for a brand new one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Anker-Classic-Portable-Wireless-Bluetooth-4-0-Speaker-20H-Rechargeable/163677989256

 

I got mine on amazon when they were new-ish to the market and I think I paid around $30 shipped back in 2016 for it, so that ebay link is quite the deal. If I needed another right now I'd be already done ordering it from the first time I posted it.

[Lord Helmet]

I have a couple of these:

 

AOMAIS Sport II Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speakers Waterproof IPX7, 15H Playtime, 20W Bass Sound, Stereo Pairing, Durable Design Backyard, Outdoors, Travel, Pool, Home Party (Orange) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9NLCV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Pb09CbV50GWAP

 

You can pair them together to make a stereo pair. Plus they are waterproof!

 

 

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