7 reviews for Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Rated 5 out of 5
Catalanotti –
Je recherchais une enceinte portable sur batterie pour sonoriser mes cours de musique dans une classe de relativement grande taille. J’ai vraiment trouvé avec ce modèle ce que je cherchais. A savoir : + une connexion bluetooth facile et rapide + une qualité sonore du grave à l’aigu, en passant par le médium (et oui les musiciens sont exigeants quand il faut entendre la partie du cor ou du violoncelle dans l’aigu…). les basses sont vraiment surprenantes pour une taille aussi petite ! On monte le son à fond, cela ne sature pas, et là on fait “wah”. + la taille est vraiment réduite, c’est presque surprenant + l’autonomie a l’air bonne, annoncée pour 7 heures, je n’ai pas encore vidé l’engin en deux semaines d’utilisation sporadique (allumage/écoute/extinction, etc.) + grande qualité de fabrication
Les moins peut-être à améliorer pour rendre ce produit parfait – le prix, mais à mon avis, c’est dans la norme des concurrents avec une excellente qualité, donc … – un étui de protection fourni avec serait un plus appréciable (disponible pour une quarantaine d’euros en plus …)
Rated 5 out of 5
gwidan –
Bought this speaker for my bedroom due to its small footprint and have so far been very impressed. I have ended up using it around most of the house and taking it travelling because of its easy portability and it sounds so good. I find that Bose usually make expensive things that many people would consider to be overpriced, but in this case I feel the Soundlink Mini is priced just right, and is probably the best in its class. FIrst of all, it is difficult to believe that such a small device can produce such rich sounds with clarity and very good volume. It is designed to go near a wall, so that the bass is projected from the back of the speaker and reflected off the wall into the room. I haven’t found that this is necessary, and the sound is perfectly adequate without any calibration in the room. Setup is simple – the first time it’s switched on, it will make itself available to Bluetooth devices. I selected it using my iPhone, and was playing music seconds later. The build quality is excellent, with a pleasant weight, and a lovely anodised aluminium finish, similar in texture to an Apple product. I was initially annoyed at what looked like the rubber foot peeling away – but it turned out that this is the access port to the replaceable battery. I have not found any situation yet where the speaker is not loud enough for my needs.
Having compared this bluetooth speaker with the bluetooth function on my Sony soundbar with wireless subwoofer, I think I prefer the sound generated by this tiny speaker – barely bigger than the palm of my hand – despite the additional bass which the soundbar will obviously have.
Negative points to some will be that there is no handsfree phone function – it will pause the music and allow you to pick up the phone on the handset itself – however I would have no interest in using it as a handsfree. The protective cases, while very nicely designed and attractive to look at are relatively expensive too, though no more so than an equivalent for say an iPhone. It also beeps quite loudly when powering on, for which I have yet to find an option to disable.
In summary, I cannot recommend this speaker highly enough, and would advise anyone considering buying it to make the leap. Perhaps try listening to one first in your nearest Bose retailer – you will not be disappointed.
Rated 5 out of 5
THEJOKRISHNA PAMMI –
great value for money. best part is its mic phone
Rated 5 out of 5
Pablo –
Overall Good quality product
Rated 5 out of 5
Marco –
Possiedo anche il JBL Flip, ottimo diffusore che non ha quasi nulla da invidiare a questo Bose, soprattutto se lo si valuta sotto il profilo strettamente economico. In tal caso JBL vince a mani basse. Ho scritto quasi. La qualità costruttiva ed i materiali utilizzati sono decisamente diversi a tutto vantaggio di Bose dopodiché, a livello di ascolto, la differenza timbrica è decisamente evidente. Mentre JBL pare (e sottolineo pare) più “naturale” e quindi si può già essere ampiamente soddisfatti per la cifra spesa, quando si ascolta questo Bose…devo ammettere che la “corposità” e “spazialità” di questo aggeggio è disarmante e, a mio modesto parere, più azzeccata per le destinazioni d’uso ed i luoghi di impiego rispetto al JBL (che, ripeto, è ottimo). Il suono emesso non è da “portatile”, bensì è qualcosa di serio e adatto allo scopo. Voglio ascoltare buona musica con quel basso “giusto” anche se sono in spiaggia o in albergo ? Eccoti servito. Voglio vedermi su IPad un film in streaming e sentire gli effetti surround mentre sono in giardino/piscina/spiaggia/campeggio ossia fuori casa ? Et voilà La purezza e nitidezza hi-fi sono decisamente altro pianeta (a casa ho 4 impianti stereo), ma sia il Bose sia il JBL non sono fatti e pensati per questo scopo e sinceramente faccio fatica a capire quelle persone che si comprano tutti sti robi per sonorizzare casa e pretendere di essere soddisfatti da un suono “MONO”. Rispetto ad altri aggeggi analoghi che ho ascoltato, entrambi sono un pelo sopra la media delle rispettive fasce di prezzo. Il costo (elevatissimo secondo me) del Bose è fondato sulla qualità dei materiali e delle finiture (oltre le aspettative) e, non ultimo, della tecnologia adottata ed è veramente difficile da capire come, da un robino così piccolo, possano uscire delle sonorità così profonde in basso. In una parola è più “coinvolgente” del JBL Flip. Se lo consiglierei ? Non so. A me piace ma perché l’ho comprato DOPO averne acquistati altri altrettanto buoni. Se avete il coraggio di spendere queste cifre e siete consapevoli di cosa si compra direi…si senza neanche pensarci un secondo. La qualità c’è tutta e senza compromessi. E quella si paga. E suona bene. Molto. Aggiornamento al 12/7/2014: Per chi fosse interessato…”ravanando” su altro sito famoso di acquisti on-line ho trovato una cover in similpelle nera a meno di 8 euro spedita. Se la volete colorata, basta cacciare i soldi e ci sono verde, rosa, pelle, bianca, rossa. Sebbene arrivi da lì non è una cineseria ed è fatta bene. Basta avere un po di pazienza perché ci mette quasi un mese ad arrivare, ma ne vale la pena visto il prezzo e l’utilità. Qualche problemino per installarla c’è perché “calza a pennello” ed una volta indossata si perde la possibilità di ricarica dalla basetta. E’ molto carina e protegge la struttura di alluminio di cui è fatto il ns. eroe (si riga in un attimo se non stai attento). Sul Bose riconfermo quanto scritto sopra e se vi comprate un cavetto, tramite l’ingresso AUX, potete collegarci anche il TV che avete nella seconda casa e gustarvi un mini home theatre. Praticamente me lo porto dappertutto. Aggiornamento al 30/05/2015: E’ quasi un anno che questo Bose mi tiene compagnia e sostanzialmente confermo tutto quanto sopra riportato. L’ascolto è veramente piacevole e la sua portabilità, sebbene piuttosto pesante, lo rendono estremamente accattivante. Grazie alla protezione acquistata il case di alluminio è ancora perfetto, solo che non lo si può apprezzare visivamente e la basetta di ricarica giace lì sola soletta inutilizzabile.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jaime H. –
Dejarlo sobre la mesilla de noche, poner la música a un nivel bajo y seguir disrutandola con nitidez no tiene precio. Es un placer que uno no entiende hasta experimentarlo.
Un altavoz que no necesita “chillarte” para emocionarte. Te sorprenderas bajando el volumen y sin embargo notando con nitidez como Nina Simone te pone la piel de gallina dandole una replica gloriosa al saxo en “I put a spell on you”. Podrías jurar que ambos están delante de ti en ese momento.
Los sonidos son redondos, precisos y llenos de texturas en los graves y en los medios. Que los agudos, sólidos como una roca, destaquen igualmente sobre esta profundidad y variedad de sonidos es una proeza igual o mayor que lo anterior.
Sonidos que no ahogan a otros, que se “retiran” cuando deben y vuelven con precisión cuando hacen falta para pellizcarte. Sonidos amables que respetan a la melodía y no la enmascaran con graves que rebotan o agudos enlatados.
Escuchar el contrabajo en “My Baby Just Cares for Me” y quedarte con la boca a abierta con el recorrido sonoro de cada nota de piano es toda una experiencia.
Prueba “Sunrise” de Nora Jones y acabaras de convencerte de su claridad y solidez.
Asombroso cuando tiene que crecer en espacios grandes. Mantiene el tipo sin desmoronarse en ningún registro. Es perfectamente capaz de llenar espacios abiertos al aire libre. Algo simplemente fuera del alcance para otros que se ahogan entre el tumulto.
La gente pregunta ¿Donde están los altavoces? y se sorprenden al ver un aparato más chico que un zapato emitir semejante sonido
Después de probar varios altavoces UE BOOM, Jawbone, Beats, con música de todo tipo, alternando entre unos y otros… Este es sin duda el mejor. Los demás no tiene “alma” en comparación. No hay nada en precio que juegue si quiera en la misma liga.
Acabé devolviéndolos todos.
Otras cuestiones que no deberían de importarte tanto: -La batería es normal (7h) más que suficiente para una “jornada” -Aunque cargador no es micro-usb estándar la base de carga está muy bien. De hecho es magnifica para coger y soltar el aparato sin tener que andar buscando el cable a un lado de la mesa -No tiene manos libres. Podrás vivir sin ello. -Es definitivamente chico, muy solido y pesado (como debe de ser cualquier buen altavoz). -Es bonito. Una pieza de diseño, robusta (aluminio) y agradable. Aunque diría que una caída sería algo desastroso para su cubierta tampoco está dentro de mis planes lanzar al suelo semejante obra de arte.
Como decía, es sin duda el mejor altavoz bluetooth en su rango. Se merece hasta el último euro de su precio.
Una pieza que sabes que te acompañará durante años por simplicidad, conveniencia y su asombrosa calidad.
Más allá de una lista de especificaciones técnicas…un objeto que te da razones para enamorarte al fin y al cabo.
Rated 5 out of 5
vk –
I have to say having had this speaker for several months now I am pleasantly surprised at just how good it is. I was, as I’m sure several others will be, quite hesitant at first about purchasing this despite the fairly reasonable price (by Bose standards!). I have purchased many Bose products over the years, as well as a few from other audio companies such as Sennheiser, Bowers and Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, Audio Technica etc. I have therefore developed a fairly good sense of expectation whenever a new audio product is released regarding just how good it will be. When I ordered this from amazon, I had fairly muted expectations, with the small size and lower price bracket in particular putting me off as I thought to myself, if Bose are still making a good margin on this, then just how much have they invested into the sound quality, build and features?
In general, Bose’s home audio systems of past is where I feel the company has been let down. While they have secured a good market for themselves with noise cancelling headphones, commercial speakers and home cinema systems – I feel the home audio systems such as iPod docks, Wave systems etc were vastly overhyped and overpriced. The Wave system in particular was a big disappointment for me, having purchased it a few years back for the steep price of over £500. Since then I have had little use for it beyond a clock radio, with the sound quality and technical features of many of my cheaper speakers outperforming the wave. The SoundLink Mini however is where Bose seem to have completely bucked the trend, and produced a rather exceptional speaker in all the categories I listed above. It seems as if for once, Bose have listened to the criticism of past and rather than releasing another overhyped, expensive system with unnecessarily complex ‘technologies’ (that they love describing in marketing pitches), they have focused solely on simplicity, quality and affordability. Those are three adjectives I never thought I’d associate with Bose!
When I received the delivery I have to say I was quite surprised at just how small the speaker was. As you open the box you are met with a well packed set of cables and leaflets, as is the Bose norm. Delving deeper, as I picked up the speaker it felt unnaturally small and light compared to my expectations from the preview shots I had seen online. What really surprised me however, was just how good the build quality was for Bose. Gone was the tacky and cheap plastic used on speakers in the past, instead the Soundlink Mini has a sleek aluminium casing with easy to access suppressed rubber dials. Despite being small and light, I felt confident that it was sturdy enough to last being kept on display, something I have been unsure of with previous products. In addition, the number of extras packed in was unusual for Bose and even more so noting this is one of their lower priced products. The speaker itself comes with a mains charging cable, but also a charging stand that you can simply place the system on to charge (which saves you plugging it in every time). Even for expensive wave systems Bose charges for almost everything extra except the product and mains lead, so this was a nice addition.
Onto the rather important issue of sound quality, I must say that the first time I turned the Soundlink Mini on and played some music I was extremely surprised at just how good the audio quality was for a speaker of this size. The entire range of my music could be heard, something I had usually come to expect from much larger and more expensive speakers. Unless you adjust the volume settings unusually high, the audio remains clear and crisp. The sound projection and volume is very good and can easily fill a common location you might use this in such as living rooms and bedrooms. Dare I say all these criteria were just as good if not better than the Bose wave system I had previously and the iPod dock – both of which were more than double the price of this. The small size has its advantages too, the set is incredibly portable and can be carried in a single hand, while the battery length is fantastic for once giving close to the promised 7 hours on full charge. So far I have even been able to enjoy this in the garden without worrying about setting it up or damaging the speakers.
Before ordering this one of the things I was particularly concerned about was just how efficient and easy the bluetooth connectivity would be, as in the past I have had quite a hassle setting up certain systems. I have to say within minutes of using the SoundLink all my worries went away, and so far it has always taken me just a few seconds to connect my device and start playing. The setup with PC’s, phones and apple devices in particular is very easy and you can stream pretty much any audio onto the speaker, whether that be from a movie, game or just music. Despite not having any digital dials, the SoundLink has a handy bluetooth memory which automatically recognises past devices with a blinking white light and starts playing straight away. For ease of use alone I would give this 5 stars, I can’t see anybody having problems setting it up.
So onto the final verdict, if you’re reading this you’re either wondering whether or not to make the leap and buy this or you’re simply gloating about how good the speaker you’ve just purchased is by reading all the glowing reviews. For those in the former category, I would say don’t let any prior perceptions of Bose hinder you on this one, branding aside this is one of, if not the best portable speaker you can buy for the money. From the build to the audio it just oozes quality and is extremely easy to use and set up. If you’re wondering whether or not you will have any use for a small speaker like this , then believe me when I say there are a dozen not to mention the others you’ll find when you discover just how good the quality is. In fact, bearing in mind it measures up to many larger speakers I have tested you may find you start using it in place of bigger systems and will start to appreciate it’s practicality as a result. Of course, this isn’t going to replace any complex audio system or home cinema setup you have so it’s wise to be realistic regarding expectations. However, for the size, quality and ease of use this is a real five star product that will be a welcome addition in any home, whether it be for diehard music fans or those who just want better audio when watching movies on the iPad.
Besides, how many other speakers of this quality can you whisk outside at a moments notice on a sunny day to enjoy a summer cocktail while some old school Otis Redding plays in the background?
Catalanotti –
Je recherchais une enceinte portable sur batterie pour sonoriser mes cours de musique dans une classe de relativement grande taille.
J’ai vraiment trouvé avec ce modèle ce que je cherchais.
A savoir :
+ une connexion bluetooth facile et rapide
+ une qualité sonore du grave à l’aigu, en passant par le médium (et oui les musiciens sont exigeants quand il faut entendre la partie du cor ou du violoncelle dans l’aigu…). les basses sont vraiment surprenantes pour une taille aussi petite ! On monte le son à fond, cela ne sature pas, et là on fait “wah”.
+ la taille est vraiment réduite, c’est presque surprenant
+ l’autonomie a l’air bonne, annoncée pour 7 heures, je n’ai pas encore vidé l’engin en deux semaines d’utilisation sporadique (allumage/écoute/extinction, etc.)
+ grande qualité de fabrication
Les moins peut-être à améliorer pour rendre ce produit parfait
– le prix, mais à mon avis, c’est dans la norme des concurrents avec une excellente qualité, donc …
– un étui de protection fourni avec serait un plus appréciable (disponible pour une quarantaine d’euros en plus …)
gwidan –
Bought this speaker for my bedroom due to its small footprint and have so far been very impressed. I have ended up using it around most of the house and taking it travelling because of its easy portability and it sounds so good. I find that Bose usually make expensive things that many people would consider to be overpriced, but in this case I feel the Soundlink Mini is priced just right, and is probably the best in its class. FIrst of all, it is difficult to believe that such a small device can produce such rich sounds with clarity and very good volume. It is designed to go near a wall, so that the bass is projected from the back of the speaker and reflected off the wall into the room. I haven’t found that this is necessary, and the sound is perfectly adequate without any calibration in the room. Setup is simple – the first time it’s switched on, it will make itself available to Bluetooth devices. I selected it using my iPhone, and was playing music seconds later. The build quality is excellent, with a pleasant weight, and a lovely anodised aluminium finish, similar in texture to an Apple product. I was initially annoyed at what looked like the rubber foot peeling away – but it turned out that this is the access port to the replaceable battery. I have not found any situation yet where the speaker is not loud enough for my needs.
Having compared this bluetooth speaker with the bluetooth function on my Sony soundbar with wireless subwoofer, I think I prefer the sound generated by this tiny speaker – barely bigger than the palm of my hand – despite the additional bass which the soundbar will obviously have.
Negative points to some will be that there is no handsfree phone function – it will pause the music and allow you to pick up the phone on the handset itself – however I would have no interest in using it as a handsfree. The protective cases, while very nicely designed and attractive to look at are relatively expensive too, though no more so than an equivalent for say an iPhone. It also beeps quite loudly when powering on, for which I have yet to find an option to disable.
In summary, I cannot recommend this speaker highly enough, and would advise anyone considering buying it to make the leap. Perhaps try listening to one first in your nearest Bose retailer – you will not be disappointed.
THEJOKRISHNA PAMMI –
great value for money. best part is its mic phone
Pablo –
Overall Good quality product
Marco –
Possiedo anche il JBL Flip, ottimo diffusore che non ha quasi nulla da invidiare a questo Bose, soprattutto se lo si valuta sotto il profilo strettamente economico. In tal caso JBL vince a mani basse.
Ho scritto quasi.
La qualità costruttiva ed i materiali utilizzati sono decisamente diversi a tutto vantaggio di Bose dopodiché, a livello di ascolto, la differenza timbrica è decisamente evidente.
Mentre JBL pare (e sottolineo pare) più “naturale” e quindi si può già essere ampiamente soddisfatti per la cifra spesa, quando si ascolta questo Bose…devo ammettere che la “corposità” e “spazialità” di questo aggeggio è disarmante e, a mio modesto parere, più azzeccata per le destinazioni d’uso ed i luoghi di impiego rispetto al JBL (che, ripeto, è ottimo).
Il suono emesso non è da “portatile”, bensì è qualcosa di serio e adatto allo scopo.
Voglio ascoltare buona musica con quel basso “giusto” anche se sono in spiaggia o in albergo ? Eccoti servito.
Voglio vedermi su IPad un film in streaming e sentire gli effetti surround mentre sono in giardino/piscina/spiaggia/campeggio ossia fuori casa ? Et voilà
La purezza e nitidezza hi-fi sono decisamente altro pianeta (a casa ho 4 impianti stereo), ma sia il Bose sia il JBL non sono fatti e pensati per questo scopo e sinceramente faccio fatica a capire quelle persone che si comprano tutti sti robi per sonorizzare casa e pretendere di essere soddisfatti da un suono “MONO”.
Rispetto ad altri aggeggi analoghi che ho ascoltato, entrambi sono un pelo sopra la media delle rispettive fasce di prezzo.
Il costo (elevatissimo secondo me) del Bose è fondato sulla qualità dei materiali e delle finiture (oltre le aspettative) e, non ultimo, della tecnologia adottata ed è veramente difficile da capire come, da un robino così piccolo, possano uscire delle sonorità così profonde in basso.
In una parola è più “coinvolgente” del JBL Flip.
Se lo consiglierei ? Non so.
A me piace ma perché l’ho comprato DOPO averne acquistati altri altrettanto buoni.
Se avete il coraggio di spendere queste cifre e siete consapevoli di cosa si compra direi…si senza neanche pensarci un secondo.
La qualità c’è tutta e senza compromessi.
E quella si paga.
E suona bene. Molto.
Aggiornamento al 12/7/2014:
Per chi fosse interessato…”ravanando” su altro sito famoso di acquisti on-line ho trovato una cover in similpelle nera a meno di 8 euro spedita. Se la volete colorata, basta cacciare i soldi e ci sono verde, rosa, pelle, bianca, rossa. Sebbene arrivi da lì non è una cineseria ed è fatta bene. Basta avere un po di pazienza perché ci mette quasi un mese ad arrivare, ma ne vale la pena visto il prezzo e l’utilità. Qualche problemino per installarla c’è perché “calza a pennello” ed una volta indossata si perde la possibilità di ricarica dalla basetta. E’ molto carina e protegge la struttura di alluminio di cui è fatto il ns. eroe (si riga in un attimo se non stai attento).
Sul Bose riconfermo quanto scritto sopra e se vi comprate un cavetto, tramite l’ingresso AUX, potete collegarci anche il TV che avete nella seconda casa e gustarvi un mini home theatre.
Praticamente me lo porto dappertutto.
Aggiornamento al 30/05/2015:
E’ quasi un anno che questo Bose mi tiene compagnia e sostanzialmente confermo tutto quanto sopra riportato. L’ascolto è veramente piacevole e la sua portabilità, sebbene piuttosto pesante, lo rendono estremamente accattivante. Grazie alla protezione acquistata il case di alluminio è ancora perfetto, solo che non lo si può apprezzare visivamente e la basetta di ricarica giace lì sola soletta inutilizzabile.
Jaime H. –
Dejarlo sobre la mesilla de noche, poner la música a un nivel bajo y seguir disrutandola con nitidez no tiene precio. Es un placer que uno no entiende hasta experimentarlo.
Un altavoz que no necesita “chillarte” para emocionarte. Te sorprenderas bajando el volumen y sin embargo notando con nitidez como Nina Simone te pone la piel de gallina dandole una replica gloriosa al saxo en “I put a spell on you”. Podrías jurar que ambos están delante de ti en ese momento.
Los sonidos son redondos, precisos y llenos de texturas en los graves y en los medios. Que los agudos, sólidos como una roca, destaquen igualmente sobre esta profundidad y variedad de sonidos es una proeza igual o mayor que lo anterior.
Sonidos que no ahogan a otros, que se “retiran” cuando deben y vuelven con precisión cuando hacen falta para pellizcarte. Sonidos amables que respetan a la melodía y no la enmascaran con graves que rebotan o agudos enlatados.
Escuchar el contrabajo en “My Baby Just Cares for Me” y quedarte con la boca a abierta con el recorrido sonoro de cada nota de piano es toda una experiencia.
Prueba “Sunrise” de Nora Jones y acabaras de convencerte de su claridad y solidez.
Asombroso cuando tiene que crecer en espacios grandes. Mantiene el tipo sin desmoronarse en ningún registro. Es perfectamente capaz de llenar espacios abiertos al aire libre. Algo simplemente fuera del alcance para otros que se ahogan entre el tumulto.
La gente pregunta ¿Donde están los altavoces? y se sorprenden al ver un aparato más chico que un zapato emitir semejante sonido
Después de probar varios altavoces UE BOOM, Jawbone, Beats, con música de todo tipo, alternando entre unos y otros… Este es sin duda el mejor. Los demás no tiene “alma” en comparación. No hay nada en precio que juegue si quiera en la misma liga.
Acabé devolviéndolos todos.
Otras cuestiones que no deberían de importarte tanto:
-La batería es normal (7h) más que suficiente para una “jornada”
-Aunque cargador no es micro-usb estándar la base de carga está muy bien. De hecho es magnifica para coger y soltar el aparato sin tener que andar buscando el cable a un lado de la mesa
-No tiene manos libres. Podrás vivir sin ello.
-Es definitivamente chico, muy solido y pesado (como debe de ser cualquier buen altavoz).
-Es bonito. Una pieza de diseño, robusta (aluminio) y agradable. Aunque diría que una caída sería algo desastroso para su cubierta tampoco está dentro de mis planes lanzar al suelo semejante obra de arte.
Como decía, es sin duda el mejor altavoz bluetooth en su rango. Se merece hasta el último euro de su precio.
Una pieza que sabes que te acompañará durante años por simplicidad, conveniencia y su asombrosa calidad.
Más allá de una lista de especificaciones técnicas…un objeto que te da razones para enamorarte al fin y al cabo.
vk –
I have to say having had this speaker for several months now I am pleasantly surprised at just how good it is. I was, as I’m sure several others will be, quite hesitant at first about purchasing this despite the fairly reasonable price (by Bose standards!). I have purchased many Bose products over the years, as well as a few from other audio companies such as Sennheiser, Bowers and Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen, Audio Technica etc. I have therefore developed a fairly good sense of expectation whenever a new audio product is released regarding just how good it will be. When I ordered this from amazon, I had fairly muted expectations, with the small size and lower price bracket in particular putting me off as I thought to myself, if Bose are still making a good margin on this, then just how much have they invested into the sound quality, build and features?
In general, Bose’s home audio systems of past is where I feel the company has been let down. While they have secured a good market for themselves with noise cancelling headphones, commercial speakers and home cinema systems – I feel the home audio systems such as iPod docks, Wave systems etc were vastly overhyped and overpriced. The Wave system in particular was a big disappointment for me, having purchased it a few years back for the steep price of over £500. Since then I have had little use for it beyond a clock radio, with the sound quality and technical features of many of my cheaper speakers outperforming the wave. The SoundLink Mini however is where Bose seem to have completely bucked the trend, and produced a rather exceptional speaker in all the categories I listed above. It seems as if for once, Bose have listened to the criticism of past and rather than releasing another overhyped, expensive system with unnecessarily complex ‘technologies’ (that they love describing in marketing pitches), they have focused solely on simplicity, quality and affordability. Those are three adjectives I never thought I’d associate with Bose!
When I received the delivery I have to say I was quite surprised at just how small the speaker was. As you open the box you are met with a well packed set of cables and leaflets, as is the Bose norm. Delving deeper, as I picked up the speaker it felt unnaturally small and light compared to my expectations from the preview shots I had seen online. What really surprised me however, was just how good the build quality was for Bose. Gone was the tacky and cheap plastic used on speakers in the past, instead the Soundlink Mini has a sleek aluminium casing with easy to access suppressed rubber dials. Despite being small and light, I felt confident that it was sturdy enough to last being kept on display, something I have been unsure of with previous products. In addition, the number of extras packed in was unusual for Bose and even more so noting this is one of their lower priced products. The speaker itself comes with a mains charging cable, but also a charging stand that you can simply place the system on to charge (which saves you plugging it in every time). Even for expensive wave systems Bose charges for almost everything extra except the product and mains lead, so this was a nice addition.
Onto the rather important issue of sound quality, I must say that the first time I turned the Soundlink Mini on and played some music I was extremely surprised at just how good the audio quality was for a speaker of this size. The entire range of my music could be heard, something I had usually come to expect from much larger and more expensive speakers. Unless you adjust the volume settings unusually high, the audio remains clear and crisp. The sound projection and volume is very good and can easily fill a common location you might use this in such as living rooms and bedrooms. Dare I say all these criteria were just as good if not better than the Bose wave system I had previously and the iPod dock – both of which were more than double the price of this. The small size has its advantages too, the set is incredibly portable and can be carried in a single hand, while the battery length is fantastic for once giving close to the promised 7 hours on full charge. So far I have even been able to enjoy this in the garden without worrying about setting it up or damaging the speakers.
Before ordering this one of the things I was particularly concerned about was just how efficient and easy the bluetooth connectivity would be, as in the past I have had quite a hassle setting up certain systems. I have to say within minutes of using the SoundLink all my worries went away, and so far it has always taken me just a few seconds to connect my device and start playing. The setup with PC’s, phones and apple devices in particular is very easy and you can stream pretty much any audio onto the speaker, whether that be from a movie, game or just music. Despite not having any digital dials, the SoundLink has a handy bluetooth memory which automatically recognises past devices with a blinking white light and starts playing straight away. For ease of use alone I would give this 5 stars, I can’t see anybody having problems setting it up.
So onto the final verdict, if you’re reading this you’re either wondering whether or not to make the leap and buy this or you’re simply gloating about how good the speaker you’ve just purchased is by reading all the glowing reviews. For those in the former category, I would say don’t let any prior perceptions of Bose hinder you on this one, branding aside this is one of, if not the best portable speaker you can buy for the money. From the build to the audio it just oozes quality and is extremely easy to use and set up. If you’re wondering whether or not you will have any use for a small speaker like this , then believe me when I say there are a dozen not to mention the others you’ll find when you discover just how good the quality is. In fact, bearing in mind it measures up to many larger speakers I have tested you may find you start using it in place of bigger systems and will start to appreciate it’s practicality as a result. Of course, this isn’t going to replace any complex audio system or home cinema setup you have so it’s wise to be realistic regarding expectations. However, for the size, quality and ease of use this is a real five star product that will be a welcome addition in any home, whether it be for diehard music fans or those who just want better audio when watching movies on the iPad.
Besides, how many other speakers of this quality can you whisk outside at a moments notice on a sunny day to enjoy a summer cocktail while some old school Otis Redding plays in the background?