Need help with what to look for - small bluetooth speaker

[JamesTheFirst]

Hey!
I know this isn't your typical post on a forum made for discussing very technical sound and music-related topics (thus me heading to the newbie section) but i'd love to have some recommendations for small Bluetooth speakers. Im in a very tight budget and would like to hear some recommendations from other people instead of just trusting video reviews.
So far i have looked at brands like JBL, Sony, Oontz, LG etc all the mainstream ones, however id love to know if anyone knows of any non-mainstream brands/models that can give something like a JBL go 3 or a Sony xb13 a run for its money

 

[staticV3]

id love to know if anyone knows of any non-mainstream brands/models that can give something like a JBL go 3 or a Sony xb13 a run for its money

Definitely the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 or Minirig 3.

I also really like my Soundcore Mini 3, but it doesn't play very loud without distorting.

Check Alan Ross Reviews on YouTube or Oluv's Gadgets on Patreon. They make good sound comparisons.

 

[JamesTheFirst]

Thanks! appreciate the help

 

[chelgrian]

Hey!
I know this isn't your typical post on a forum made for discussing very technical sound and music-related topics (thus me heading to the newbie section) but i'd love to have some recommendations for small Bluetooth speakers. Im in a very tight budget and would like to hear some recommendations from other people instead of just trusting video reviews.
So far i have looked at brands like JBL, Sony, Oontz, LG etc all the mainstream ones, however id love to know if anyone knows of any non-mainstream brands/models that can give something like a JBL go 3 or a Sony xb13 a run for its money

Sadly the go to option, the KEF Muo was discontinued some time ago. You may be able to find new old stock of it.

If I had to replace my Muo now it would have to be a Dali Katch G2 but they are hardly cheap.

 

[staticV3]

Sadly the go to option, the KEF Muo was discontinued some time ago. You may be able to find new old stock of it.

If I had to replace my Muo now it would have to be a Dali Katch G2 but they are hardly cheap.

Those are in an entirely different size class than what OP is looking for:

 

[JamesTheFirst]

Sadly the go to option, the KEF Muo was discontinued some time ago. You may be able to find new old stock of it.

If I had to replace my Muo now it would have to be a Dali Katch G2 but they are hardly cheap.

Thanks! i have never been able to experience any of those two and the Dali is definitely out of my reach money-wise. Appreciate the help anyways and you sure got me curious to what an expensive small speaker like that can do

 

[JamesTheFirst]

Those are in an entirely different size class than what OP is looking for:
View attachment 292074 View attachment 292075

That is true. However, i do like keeping my options open, so any help is appreciated for sure
Out of the two speakers that you showed, my favorite is definitely the sony. I have had a xb13 for a couple days (borrowed from a friend) and have tested the Go 3 at stores. I prefer the Sony by a long shot, cleaner sound when loud, richer low end and not such a v-shaped sound profile (things which i will willingly trade for the better mids and highs of the JBL). I also own an xb-30 which i really like and it has served me like a champ for the past 6 years, since i bought it close to its release date.
Either way, thanks for the help!

 

[staticV3]

Out of the two speakers that you showed, my favorite is definitely the sony. I have had a xb13 for a couple days (borrowed from a friend) and have tested the Go 3 at stores. I prefer the Sony by a long shot, cleaner sound when loud, richer low end and not such a v-shaped sound profile

Alan Ross' measurements show the XB13 already rolling off at just 170Hz, whereas the competition (Minirig 3, Stormbox Micro 2, UE Wonderboom 3, Soundcore Mini 3, Bose Soundlink Micro) can play substantially deeper, down to about 70-90Hz.


IMO, I see no reason why someone would choose the XB13 if sound quality is a major factor.

 

[antcollinet]

Anker speakers are worth a look at the budget end.

I also have an Ultimate Ears Megaboom which I quite like.

 

[Timcognito]

At holiday party at startup company where I worked I got one of these as a gift. It has nice full range sound (plenty of bass) missing in small speakers and 26 hour battery. Also you can turn it up and fill an outdoor party with plenty of sound.

Premium Wireless Bluetooth Speakers - RIVA Turbo X

RIVA Audio's Turbo X delivers best-in-class audio by combining our proprietary ADX Trillium technology for truly immersive sound. Shop online today. Official Site!

rivaaudio.com

 

[Kjasonl]

Hey!
I know this isn't your typical post on a forum made for discussing very technical sound and music-related topics (thus me heading to the newbie section) but i'd love to have some recommendations for small Bluetooth speakers. Im in a very tight budget and would like to hear some recommendations from other people instead of just trusting video reviews.
So far i have looked at brands like JBL, Sony, Oontz, LG etc all the mainstream ones, however id love to know if anyone knows of any non-mainstream brands/models that can give something like a JBL go 3 or a Sony xb13 a run for its money

As was mentioned earlier, Soundcore bt speakers do a pretty good job. I gave one away as a gift and the recipient was very pleased with it. I thought it sounded pretty good. Can't remember the model. I do remember it had the double up stereo option if you used a pair of them.

 

[JeffS7444]

If spoken word is a priority and need crisp, intelligible audio that can be heard clearly, even at low volumes, and at a distance, this silly little $15 RP Minis Mini Subwoofer could be your new best friend. Yes, saddle-shaped ~500 Hz - 8 kHz frequency response, but this works really well for vocal clarity. Sold in book shops like Barnes & Noble in the tchotchkies section, along with mini zen gardens and Star Trek tricorders.

 

[Kjasonl]

If spoken word is a priority and need crisp, intelligible audio that can be heard clearly, even at low volumes, and at a distance, this silly little $15 RP Minis Mini Subwoofer could be your new best friend. Yes, saddle-shaped ~500 Hz - 8 kHz frequency response, but this works really well for vocal clarity. Sold in book shops like Barnes & Noble in the tchotchkies section, along with mini zen gardens and Star Trek tricorders.

Too

 

[JamesTheFirst]

If spoken word is a priority and need crisp, intelligible audio that can be heard clearly, even at low volumes, and at a distance, this silly little $15 RP Minis Mini Subwoofer could be your new best friend. Yes, saddle-shaped ~500 Hz - 8 kHz frequency response, but this works really well for vocal clarity. Sold in book shops like Barnes & Noble in the tchotchkies section, along with mini zen gardens and Star Trek tricorders.

i had never heard of that! Even though thats not really what im looking for it looks really interesting thanks for sharing

 

[JamesTheFirst]

After looking for a while a friend recommended the fresh n rebel rockbox bold s and since it was on discount i ordered it. The reviews seemed very positive when it came to sound quality and battery life and for about 1 third of the retail price the deal looked pretty good.
Thank you all for your help and in case anyone wants some feedback on the speaker when i get it just lmk!

 

[pierre]

There is now new a new KEF Muo and it is really good. For a small thing I am impressed. Data thanks to KEF.