UE has released its WONDERBOOM – a pint-sized and shaped, Bluetooth speaker that offers loud, 360° sound in an affordable package that is durable, tough, and water resistant. Actually it looks like a squashed UE BOOM.
UE has a fixation with the word Boom; BOOM, BOOM 2, MEGA BOOM and now WONDERBOOM. What is next, supersonic boom perhaps?
All these share UE’s, irreverent, highly millennial-oriented, attitude of playing music loud wherever you are, and whenever you want.
It helps to be IP67 rated (one meter for up to 30 minutes and able to float), have a virtually indestructible outer skin, battery life up to 10 hours (at 75% volume) pumping out clear, up to 86dB sound (roughly equivalent to a motorbike at 8 metres) and four times as loud as 70dB likely to cause hearing damage in eight hours’ exposure.
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I tested the speakers at Logitech’s funky Sydney office/warehouse and can confirm the sound levels – impressive and emanating from all sides (360°). They can also be paired although not for stereo (Left+Right) but for twice the coverage. Two Bluetooth devices can connect as well at up to 33 metres.
The sound was good – reasonable bass (from 80Hz), perhaps a tad less midrange, and good high-frequency response (treble) from two 40 mm active drivers and two 46.1 mm x 65.2 mm passive radiators. The output is surprisingly good for a small, Bluetooth speaker – these speakers are meant for fun. Using the standard audio signature, it is Balanced.
One of the impressive stats is the IP67 rating – a drop of up to 1.5 metres (5’) won’t faze it and it floats.
As is usual the Logo acts as the volume up and down controls and there is a top UE power/pairing/play/pause/skip button.
They come in six fresh colours: Stone (Grey), Phantom (Black), Fireball (Red), SubZero (Blue), Cashmere (Pink) and Lilac (purple). There is a lanyard for a secure connection.
Charging (not tested) is via a supplied microUSB-USB-A cable and any USB charger (not supplied) up to 2A is fine. UE claims 2.8 hours charge (battery and Amp hour unspecified).
Conclusion
At $129.95 it is a lot cheaper than the accomplished UE Boom 2 ($199) and Mega Boom ($299) so there are some compromises, not deal breakers, to bring it in at that price.
- It pairs, but not as a left and right stereo set – Boom 2 and Mega Boom are best for that
- Won't pair with other boom products or Party Up app
- No hands-free speaker phone
- You will need to supply a charger – 500mA or more
- The iOS and Android Boom apps don’t work with this speaker
- No aux in 3.5mm port
It is a good personal Bluetooth speaker – a compact travelling companion. Sound wise I like it – not quite up to the amazing Boom 2 but very good for what it is.
It is available from Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Apple Shop and UE online from early April.