Bluedio AS-BT Bluetooth Speaker Quick Review by mark2410

Bluedio AS-BT Bluetooth Speaker Quick Review by mark2410

Thanks to Bluedio for the sample.

Brief:  A curious looking up, grown up little speaker.

Price:  £46 or US$80

Specifications:  Bluetooth version: 4.1, Bluetooth transmission frequency: 2.4GHz to 2.48GHz, Bluetooth operating range: about 10 meters (free space), Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP, Frequency response: 10Hz-22,000Hz, Audio output power: 2*5W, Audio input: VRMS¡Ü1V, Audio resolution: 24 Bit/48KHz, SNR: 96dB, Dynamic range: 96dB, Standby time: 1000 hours, Music/talk time: 5 hours, Charging time: 3-5 hours for full charge, Operating temperature range: -10 ¡æ to 50¡æ only, Speaker dimensions: 249*74*69mm, Package dimensions: 280*160*95mm, Speaker weight: 702g, Package weight: 1381g

Accessories:  USB charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, Carrying bag, User manual

Build Quality:  Seems good, very solid, no flexing even when trying to and the grill likewise, rock solid.

Aesthetics:  Yeah, that design.  It’s the world as a map made up of the countries names.  So short name but big place Canada looks huge. The rest of the world, err mostly looks just a mess.  I’m told its cool but I can’t say I’m a fan.  I’d rather the whole thing was just black.

Battery Life:  I’m sure I got about 6 and half hours out of but it’s only quoted at 5.  Go figure.

Sound:  You would expect from a little speaker that it’s going to try it’s all to be a little bass monster.  Of course its “bass” would be entirely mid/bass humpyness but it would be chav pleasing.  However that is not what they do at all.  They don’t try to boost up the bass, try to force its output and give up any semblance of quality or dignity.  They gracefully accept they can’t do deep prolific bass and don’t try to.  They instead focus on the areas where they can shine, notable the mid-range.  It’s really rather good.  The tonality is very pleasing.  Acoustic heavy tracks sound really impressive on it, for such a little speaker, it does an exemplary job offering a sound like a mature speaker should.  Its treble, that can get a little bit hot if you’re on axis, i.e. if it’s pointing at your face, but otherwise its quite detailed and crisp.  Perhaps a little too crisp but if you are well off axis that melts away.  Acoustically this is a small, portable speaker that has been made for grownups with a more civilised musical repertoire.  You stick to vocal centric, acoustic, no artificial lows and highs, then you’ll get a really impressive little rendition while you relax in your soulless hotel room.  

Value:  It really is keenly priced and while I’d want its WiFi enabled sibling for the tiny bit extra, you can’t go wrong with this.  That is if you want a mature, grown up sounding product.  If you want “all of da bass” then this isn’t what you are looking for.

Pro’s:  Love the carry case.  Great value.  Mature sounding balance.

Con’s:  Err yeah that design pattern, it’s not doing it for me.