The Bose Soundlink Max seems like an unassuming speaker, however it delivers in all the precise areas.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Bose Soundlink Max is out there now for $399.
- This unassuming Bluetooth speaker delivers the high-quality sound that Bose is thought for, with the battery life to maintain the get together going all evening.
- Its worth is perhaps a turn-off, given you may get completely succesful audio system for much less.
A long time in the past, once I was working for an audio set up firm, we used to have a saying: “No highs, no lows; it should be Bose.” Take into account that we have been coping with audio system that price tens of hundreds of {dollars}, so the thought of something consumer-grade was laughable.
Quick-forward to immediately, and it nonetheless holds true that Bose makes audio system, headphones, and earbuds which can be able to producing wealthy, elegant sound with extensive soundstages, punchy bass, and crisp highs. Such is the case with the Soundlink Max.
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When listening to the Soundlink Max, I am very a lot reminded of the unique Soundlink, an ideal speaker from a couple of decade in the past that I at all times felt was probably the greatest I might ever used. This new iteration is even higher, as it could push the amount to new heights with out the slightest little bit of distortion.
Though the sound won’t fulfill the ears of a discerning audiophile, its huge bass and highly effective quantity are definitely a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into it.
Bose Soundlink Max tech specs
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.73 x 10.42 x 4.13 inches
- Battery: As much as 20 hours
- Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm in
- Colours: Black, blue
- Buttons: Media controls alongside the highest
- Water and dirt resistance: IP67
- Value: $399 on Amazon
The very first thing I observed on this speaker was the everyday Bose processing, which makes the sound appear a bit ethereal. This pairs very nicely with audio from widespread genres that sometimes do not demand an excessive amount of from the {hardware} and is because of how Bose processes mid-range sounds for a stereo impact. Sadly, it could translate into imprecise mid-range sounds which can be barely off-color. I’ve skilled that with virtually each Bose speaker I’ve bought or examined.
It is not a nasty factor; it is only a Bose factor.
I additionally could not assist however discover this speaker’s lack of options. It permits two units to attach concurrently, has a three-band EQ (accessible from the minimal cellular app — Android/iOS), and features a play/pause button. That is it.
Here is the factor: a high quality moveable speaker does not want a deluge of options. I would like the machine to sound nice, have loads of battery life, and be easy to make use of. The Bose Soundlink Max simply checks all of these bins.
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After I began testing this speaker, I modified up my regular testing technique. Being conversant in the Bose sound, I made a decision to throw two completely different albums at it to see the way it fared. The primary was “Large Generator” by Sure. This album was recorded and mastered at a time that completely suited the Bose sound, and it sounded higher than I anticipated. The mids have been preferrred for Jon Anderson’s refrain, the guitars have been completely crunchy, and the soundstage was surprisingly extensive.
Subsequent, I opted for a style that is not fairly suited to the Bose sound: classical. I used to be greatly surprised by how George Frideric Handel’s “Wassermusik” sounded. It was wealthy, energetic, and in no way misplaced. In fact, no get together is full and not using a Baroque masterpiece.
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So far as the bass is anxious, the Soundlink Max does an ideal job to round 65Hz. Under that, the bass rolls off a bit, so you are not going to really feel the kick drum as you would possibly with an even bigger speaker. Given the dimensions of this machine, nonetheless, it holds its personal on the low finish.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Should you’re a fan of the Bose sound and desire a moveable speaker that may fill a room (after which some), the Soundlink Max is the apparent alternative. Should you’re iffy on the Bose sound, want to have extra EQ choices than three bands, or balk on the worth, then it’s best to take a look at the Anker Soundcore Motion X500, which sells for round $170.
In the end, followers of the Bose sound will get pleasure from this speaker, and on condition that it is constructed like a tank, you will not have to fret about it at a crowded get together.
