Final Ears Epicboom evaluation: Good sound, however costly | Digital Noch

It’s nearly unimaginable to debate moveable Bluetooth audio system with out mentioning JBL. With best-selling fashions like Flip, Cost and Xtreme, JBL is a pacesetter on this market phase. However in fact there are challengers; Sony and Marshall have a bunch of attention-grabbing fashions, whereas Bose is a number of notches up in value, adopted by Bang & Olufsen. Sonos also needs to be talked about, though the moveable Roam and Transfer audio system can be related to the house’s wi-fi community along with the Bluetooth connection.

Then there’s Final Ears, which has challenged the massive Bluetooth speaker producers through the years with Growth, Megaboom, and the smaller Wonderboom, and now it’s launching one other highly effective mannequin: Epicboom.

When it comes to dimension, the Epicboom is akin to the aforementioned Sonos Transfer 2. The Epicboom (6.4 x 4.7 x 9.5, LxWxH) is roughly the identical dimension because the Transfer, and each are designed to face up to mud, moisture, and shocks.

This evaluation is a part of TechHive’s in-depth protection of one of the best Bluetooth audio system.

Nonetheless, when it comes to sheer toughness, the IP67-rated Epicboom (which presents full safety from mud and could be immersed in a meter of water for half-hour) is the winner in comparison with the IP56-rated Transfer 2.

Fashionable design, sturdy development

Encased in a tricky, recycled polyester material, the Epicboom is accessible in two colours, black or white, and it stands firmly on a rubberized base. Positioned excessive on the again is a carrying strap for straightforward portability.

The Growth app permits you to set a wake-up alarm, activate the out of doors increase mode, pair the speaker with extra appropriate gadgets, and replace the firmware when accessible. The interface is neat, and there’s little to complain about when it comes to user-friendliness.

Andreas Bergsman

The Growth app additionally presents an equalizer with numerous pre-programmed modes, and you can even create your personal favorites, which may then be saved. Right here you can even activate a operate known as Adaptive EQ, which (with the assistance of an built-in microphone) will mechanically optimize the sound based mostly on the encompassing surroundings.

Adaptive EQ seems like an thrilling characteristic, however I didn’t expertise any noticeable distinction within the sound once I switched the setting on and off. There may be additionally no indication of whether or not or when the system is working to enhance the playback sound.

Easy operation

There are 4 operate buttons on the highest of the speaker: energy, play/pause, on/off, and one to activate out of doors mode. Quantity is adjusted through the 2 massive buttons on the entrance of the unit.

Andreas Bergsman

The unit consists of a 4.6-inch woofer and two mid- and high-frequency 1.7-inch drivers. When it comes to quantity, the Epicboom can get fairly loud with a peak of as much as 95 dB with the out of doors mode activated (in any other case 94 dB), and it sounds excellent with a excessive sense of presence. Nonetheless, at a sure level–near the utmost quantity–the bass begins to crackle.

With the out of doors mode activated, a lift within the treble and higher midrange is especially noticeable for a extra intense and wider unfold. It’s noteworthy that the equalizer is deactivated when out of doors mode is enabled.

Andreas Bergsman

An outside speaker mustn’t solely carry out when it comes to sound expertise, it also needs to have the ability to take action for a very long time, and Epicboom can deal with as much as 17 hours of steady playback, relying on the quantity degree.

However the Epicboom’s $349.99 price ticket is hefty. Add 100 {dollars} and you should purchase a Sonos Transfer 2, which has an even bigger battery and Wi-Fi help, and thus a wider vary of makes use of.

Specs

Mannequin: Epicboom
Examined: September 2023
Producer : Final Ears
Sort: Transportable Bluetooth speaker
Components: 1 mid woofer, 2 x midrange/treble parts
Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
Music providers: Amazon Music, Apple Music
Voice management: No
Spotify Join: No
Battery life: As much as 17 hours
IP class: IP67
Weight : 1.97 kg
Dimension: 241 x 162 x 119 mm
Value: $349.99

This translated evaluation of the Final Ears Epicboom initially appeared in our sister publication M3.