How a small subwoofer caught this audiophile off guard (and in the best way possible)

It shocks me how good Bluetooth audio system have come over time. I keep in mind once I purchased my first Bose Bluetooth speaker, pondering it had set the bar fairly excessive. However once I take heed to that speaker now — versus what has develop into out there over the past yr — it is put to disgrace; not solely in sound high quality however sheer quantity.

Just lately, I obtained a number of Bluetooth audio system to assessment. Some are single transportable audio system, whereas others are pairs. Then there’s the Artistic Pebble X Plus, which not solely features a matched pair of audio system but additionally the tiniest subwoofer I’ve ever seen.

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In fact, once I pulled the audio system out of the field, all I might assume was, “What an lovable little subwoofer… I guess it has an lovable little sound.” I used to be flawed.

A lot to my shock, this minuscule sub (6.14 x 6.16 x 6.24 inches) packs a critical punch. No, it does not ship almost the sound my SVS SB 1000 Professional provides, however given how small it’s, I used to be shocked at how properly it balances out the low finish for the Pebble X audio system. You would not assume such a small set of audio system might produce such a well-rounded, thrilling sound, however these definitely do.

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In fact, there may be an app you’ll be able to set up, which is the Artistic Labs App (Android/iOS), however I used to be stunned that the standard of sound produced by the Pebble X Plus did not want the eye of an EQ. Nonetheless, if you’re so inclined you’ll be able to set up the app, which provides you entry to controlling the Acoustic Engine (for various sound profiles), customization of the RGB lights, and carry out a firmware improve. 

My expertise

As I mentioned, proper from the beginning, these audio system impressed me. I made a decision to make use of them in my toilet as a result of I discovered it is a very dwell room, and I needed to check the readability of the sound, even once I was within the bathe. To my shock, these audio system carried out much better than I might have anticipated in a room with such excessive ceilings and only a few surfaces that take up sound. 

I began out with my go-to check album, “Alerts” by Rush. I needed to see if the sub might sustain with Geddy Lee’s bass on “The Analog Child.” I discovered the sound to be clear, punchy, agile, and never heavy-handed. In actual fact, the Pebble X Plus dealt with the music a lot better than I might have anticipated.

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I then moved to some ambient music, particularly Carbon Primarily based Lifeform’s newest album, “Seeker,” and located every monitor a delight. The complete soundscape of each music was extensive, brilliant, and wealthy. Kate Bush’s “Cloudbusting” was as stunning accurately.

It doesn’t matter what monitor I threw on the audio system, they delivered the full-bodied sound I would count on from one thing a lot bigger and dearer. The one monitor these audio system had even the slightest bother with was “Nessun dorma,” as sung by the nice one himself, Pavarotti. 

In protection of the Pebble X Plus, this monitor by no means fails to position the singer’s voice a bit too entrance and middle, narrowing the soundstage and making it sound a bit too skinny. Outdoors of that, these audio system carried out remarkably.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Straight up, the Pebble X Plus is an excellent set of Bluetooth audio system. The addition of the subwoofer offers them a depth of sound, with no need to punch up the quantity to uncomfortable ranges. 

I would suggest these audio system to anybody on the lookout for wealthy sound when area is a matter. The price is spot on for what you get, and irrespective of the style, you will be happy with how these audio system ship your favourite music.

Artistic Pebble X Plus tech specs

• RGB lighting
• Connectivity: USB audio/energy, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm AUX, 4-pole headphone jack, 3-pole mic jack.
• Energy output: As much as 15W RMS and peak energy as much as 30W.
• Drivers: 2.75-inch full-range speaker drivers and a 3.5-inch subwoofer with twin passive radiators.
• Excessive acquire mode: Auto
• Frequency response: 45-20,000 Hz
• Sign-to-noise ratio: > 93 dB
• Working vary: As much as 33 toes
• Value: $120