From JBL Flip 4 to Jabra Speak 710, five new devices you would love to have

Abhik Sen suggests five new devices for you to consider

While wireless speakers are a dime a dozen, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are five new devices for you to consider:

iBall Musi Poison
 

I was a bit confused when I saw this: was this a soundbar or a portable speaker? Turns out it is a portable speaker, which looks like a soundbar, and even has a remote. While it is light enough to be carried around, it should ideally be set on a base. I loved the multiple options this one provided, including an FM radio. While this one isn’t extremely loud, bass-heads will love it.  

Price: Rs 3,999

X-mini XOUNDBAR
 

I was listening to a classic recording of “The 3 Tenors”, and while I did find the soundstage limited, I was amazed at the clarity of this puny speaker, about the size of a solid-state dictaphone. This speaker looks sleek and classy with its metal finish and sounds like more expensive speakers. I also hooked up my iPhone and Android phones, and calls were quite easy. While not for bass-heads, this speaker steals the show for the rest.

Price: Rs 4,990

SoundBot SB571 Pro
 

This device is on the heavier side but feels solid. Playing some bass-heavy tracks, I liked the thump. I also liked the tapered edge to place the speaker, which claims to be shock-and-water-resistant. The speaker is quite powerful and so I tried some EDM tracks. I then played Hilary Hahn’s performance of Bach’s violin concertos, with quite satisfactory results. With decent call quality, this is a speaker good for mixed use.
 

Price: Rs 6,990

Jabra Speak 710
 

I have to holler during conference calls. But with this, I could speak at normal volume during FaceTime and Skype calls. Pairing with my iPhone and PC was smooth. The attached USB cable can also be used to connect to a PC for calls and charging. Music playback, while not too loud, is crystal clear. The battery easily lasts through the day.

Price: Rs 27,990

JBL Flip 4
 

For me, speakers from this company and parties have always gone together. This one’s no different. I loved the vocals on this speaker, especially on old Bollywood tracks, but the accompanying instruments do suffer. While the soundstage is nice, with the highs and lows performing beautifully, the mid-range is bland. Calls are great as well, as long as you’re near the speaker. And, you could accidentally drop it in the pool and it’ll keep working! This one’s for every occasion.

Price: Rs 9,999