Stand-alone speaker recommendations

[nordstjarne]

Hi, I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I stumbled upon this forum while searching for a review of the BOWERS & WILKINS FORMATION FLEX, which I'm considering purchasing.

It seems like this community advises against getting one, so I would appreciate your suggestions for a small standalone speaker that can play music, such as

Currently, I don't own a speaker, and I haven't had the opportunity to explore the realm of audio technology, so your input would be valuable to me.

My requirements:
- I'll be using Spotify, so I need to be able to connect my phone to the speaker.
- Ideally, it should be small; the B&W Formation Flex seems like the perfect size, but I'm open to something slightly larger.
- Price-wise, it shouldn't exceed 5000 NOK, roughly equivalent to $500.
- It can be an older model; I'm willing to buy second-hand, although I won't be able to repair it if it breaks.
- I prefer a speaker with not too strong bass.
- It should play jazz and folk music well.

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[staticV3]

Would you like this speaker to be battery- or mains-powered?

 

[Timcognito]

Sonos Five Smart Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests, and detailed measurements of the SONOS Five streaming wired/wireless smart multi-room speaker. It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $549. The Five is solidly built and feels rather substantial in hand. Packaging is always is apple-like...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The 5 Best Sounding Bluetooth Speakers - Spring 2024: Reviews

The JBL Boombox 3 is the best-sounding Bluetooth speaker we've tested. Right out of the box, this premium speaker brings an impressive sound quality suitable for everything from classical music to EDM and hip-hop.

www.rtings.com

The 8 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers - Spring 2024: Reviews

The JBL Authentics 500 is the best home speaker we've tested. This premium device has a retro design inspired by some of the manufacturer's classic speakers, like the L100.

www.rtings.com

 

[terryforsythe]

Here's an option:

EDIT: These are only sold in pairs, at least at Sweetwater.com where I looked.

Kali Audio LP-UNF Ultra Nearfield Monitor System - Black (Pair)

4.5" Powered Studio Monitors with 1" Tweeter, 3D Imaging Waveguide, Boundary EQ, Bluetooth Connectivity, and Touch-sensitive Volume Slider - Black

www.sweetwater.com

 

[terryforsythe]

Another one, $199 each. Demos currently available for $169.15 each (if they ship to your country):

LP-6 V2 6.5-inch Powered Studio Monitor - Black - Sweetwater

Looking for Active Monitors? Sweetwater has Easy Payments, FREE Shipping, and FREE Sweetwater Support for Active Monitors!

www.sweetwater.com

 

[terryforsythe]

Hi, I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I stumbled upon this forum while searching for a review of the BOWERS & WILKINS FORMATION FLEX, which I'm considering purchasing.

It seems like this community advises against getting one, so I would appreciate your suggestions for a small standalone speaker that can play music, such as

Currently, I don't own a speaker, and I haven't had the opportunity to explore the realm of audio technology, so your input would be valuable to me.

My requirements:
- I'll be using Spotify, so I need to be able to connect my phone to the speaker.
- Ideally, it should be small; the B&W Formation Flex seems like the perfect size, but I'm open to something slightly larger.
- Price-wise, it shouldn't exceed 5000 NOK, roughly equivalent to $500.
- It can be an older model; I'm willing to buy second-hand, although I won't be able to repair it if it breaks.
- I prefer a speaker with not too strong bass.
- It should play jazz and folk music well.

Thank you for your suggestions!

I like that song. Thanks for sharing.

 

[terryforsythe]

I like that song. Thanks for sharing.

I like the entire album. Very nice.

 

[nordstjarne]

Would you like this speaker to be battery- or mains-powered?

A battery would be the best option.

 

[nordstjarne]

Sonos Five Smart Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests, and detailed measurements of the SONOS Five streaming wired/wireless smart multi-room speaker. It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $549. The Five is solidly built and feels rather substantial in hand. Packaging is always is apple-like...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The 5 Best Sounding Bluetooth Speakers - Spring 2024: Reviews

The JBL Boombox 3 is the best-sounding Bluetooth speaker we've tested. Right out of the box, this premium speaker brings an impressive sound quality suitable for everything from classical music to EDM and hip-hop.

www.rtings.com

The 8 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers - Spring 2024: Reviews

The JBL Authentics 500 is the best home speaker we've tested. This premium device has a retro design inspired by some of the manufacturer's classic speakers, like the L100.

www.rtings.com

Thank you. I will check that out!

 

[nordstjarne]

Here's an option:

EDIT: These are only sold in pairs, at least at Sweetwater.com where I looked.

Kali Audio LP-UNF Ultra Nearfield Monitor System - Black (Pair)

4.5" Powered Studio Monitors with 1" Tweeter, 3D Imaging Waveguide, Boundary EQ, Bluetooth Connectivity, and Touch-sensitive Volume Slider - Black

www.sweetwater.com

Thanks for the recommendation, I like the quality of the sound but I'm unfortunately discouraged by the look. Ideally, I would get something with a more modern design.

 

[staticV3]

A battery would be the best option.

Are you looking for a directional speaker that needs to be pointed roughly at the listeners, or something that plays in all directions?

Usually, the omnidirectional speakers come with a slight penalty to sound quality.

 

[nordstjarne]

Are you looking for a directional speaker that needs to be pointed roughly at the listeners, or something that plays in all directions?

Usually, the omnidirectional speakers come with a slight penalty to sound quality.

Good question that I have not considered. After looking at the previously recommended speakers I see Sonos Five as a decent option, I guess it is not an omnidirectional speaker though. But I will get a taste of it in a local store to see how I like it.

 

[staticV3]

Good question that I have not considered. After looking at the previously recommended speakers I see Sonos Five as a decent option, I guess it is not an omnidirectional speaker though. But I will get a taste of it in a local store to see how I like it.

The Sonos Five cannot be battery-powered. It needs to be plugged into the wall.

If you're looking for a speaker that can be used wirelessly, then take a look at the Sonos Move 2.