The days of bulky stationary music centers are a thing of the past. They were replaced by portable speakers – compact gadgets with loud clear sound. Unlike classic active speakers, they do not need an external power source. The built-in lithium-ion battery provides long-term operation without recharging.
Portable acoustics do not “tie” the listener to an apartment or house. With it, you can enjoy music in the country, at a picnic, or even while walking. Modern wireless technologies make it easy to transport, arrange and connect devices. A radio module, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth chip provides communication with the signal source. Bluetooth wireless speakers are the most widely used.
They provide high-quality sound and easily connect to tablets, laptops, or smartphones. In this case, the signal is not distorted under the influence of interference and interference from other sources of electromagnetic radiation. The range of stable communication via Bluetooth channels reaches 30 meters.
Additional functions
A variety of options help expand the capabilities of portable speakers:
- Adjusting the frequencies allows you to adjust the sound of your favorite tracks to your taste.
- FM tuner. A bonus for those who do not want to part with their favorite radio stations in any environment.
- The built-in microphone turns the Bluetooth speaker into a means for voice communication over the phone or Skype.
- panoramic audio. Devices with the acoustics of a special design create a feeling of volume. The sound in them evenly spreads over 360 degrees.
- Wireless charger. This option provides energy not only for the column itself but also for the mobile phone.
Some models of portable speakers are equipped with a large informative display that displays notifications from a tablet or smartphone. There are even smart speakers with built-in games.
Criteria for selecting Bluetooth speakers
When buying portable acoustics, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
Number of channels
Single-channel units provide mono sound, while two-channel units produce stereo surround sound.
Frequency range
For pure juicy sound, speakers with an operating frequency of 20-20000 Hz are enough. A higher upper bound is indistinguishable in practice. An ordinary person hears sounds in the range of 16-20,000 Hz; with age, the ability to distinguish high frequencies deteriorates.
Power
This indicator affects only the volume of the sound. Devices with 1.5-watt speakers play no louder than a good smartphone. For outdoor use, you need acoustics with a power of 16 watts or higher.
Weight and dimensions
For walking or cycling, light speakers weighing 200-300 grams are needed. However, the power of miniature devices is not enough for good sound at the apartment or picnic. Here you will need heavier and more powerful speakers.
Availability of additional connectors
In addition to the charging jack (round or micro-USB), the speakers can have a headphone port and a USB port that turns the device into a power bank. The presence of a USB port for connecting a flash drive or a microSD slot will allow you to listen to music without connecting to a phone or laptop.
Protection against dust and water
Protected devices are marked with the letters IP and a number from 1 to 10. Speakers with the IP3 index can withstand splashing water, and the IP7 marking means that the gadget will work even after immersion in the pool.
Battery capacity
The larger the battery, the longer the device will work without recharging. A high-capacity battery is also useful when using portable acoustics as a power bank.
Bottom Line
When buying Bluetooth speakers, you should not focus only on technical specifications. Requirements for acoustics and assessment of sound quality are always subjective. Therefore, they, like wireless headphones, should be tested before buying.
