Music, wire-free

Abhik Sen looks at some speakers that you could yoke to your mobile phone

Glued to their mobile phones, what do the youth of today do all the time? A dipstick survey among colleagues and relatives in the age group of 18-25 years revealed that they spend maximum time on social networks, followed by listening to music. And like most of them said, a Bluetooth speaker topped most accessory lists. Here are a few speakers to consider if you want to share the music on your phone with others.

JBL Pulse (Rs 14,990)
If ever there was a contest to pick the most popular product ever reviewed in office, the Pulse would win it hands down. The speaker is soft enough to use on your bedside and loud enough to rock any rooftop party (I did both!) and connects over Bluetooth or NFC seamlessly. Whether it was Rolling Stones or Zubin Mehta, both were equally enjoyable. The simple volume control knob is a distinct advantage. And of course, the LED lights. I’ve wasted hours checking out the different light themes, plus it becomes the conversation piece in a rooftop party on a dark night. It’s not too heavy, so one can just pop it in the backpack. Did I mention, the battery outlasts a party?

Jabra Solemate Mini (Rs 4,999)

If you want something smaller (and lighter), which you can pop into your handbag, the Mini is the one to go for. I had reviewed its ‘elder’ sibling and fallen in love with the features. Most of them are carried over (okay, the bass in the grunt was more pronounced in its sibling), the easy pairing and the superb battery life. The webbed design (like its sibling) of the bottom of the speaker ensures it doesn’t fall off its perch while you’re headbanging. The Mini also features connectivity over Bluetooth and NFC (and also has an aux cable to connect with sources which aren’t wireless). I found the highs in Mozart’s Ninth Symphony a bit too shrill for my liking but if you aren’t a big fan of classical, the Mini provides the best bang for the buck.

Rapoo A500 (Rs 7,149)
Road warriors will love the A500. Not only does it play music loud and clear, it also doubles up as a very capable speakerphone. With NFC and Bluetooth, the A500 is available in seven colours. The speakers are good for popular music and the limited amount of Rock and Classical I heard on it convinced me of its suitability at parties. I like the wide soundstage it delivers, but feel the volume shouldn't be cranked up to the highest level, as some notes became inaudible.

F&D W330BT (Rs 5990)
This is possibly the oldest pair in this round-up. But that doesn’t mean it’s long in the tooth. While this one isn’t portable, there are times when you’d want to play your favourite music loud and clear at home. The 2.1 speakers are an excellent choice for PC users with their superb clarity and tonal balance. They also come with add-ons like a memory card reader. Connecting over Bluetooth is fine but for the fact that the controls are placed on the back of the sub-woofer. But once you connect your phone to the speakers, try playing some heavy-duty games such as Real Racing 3 or Dead Trigger 2. It’ll be a brand new experience.