Small AirPlay speaker
Discussion
I'm in the market for a small AirPlay speaker to go on a shelf in our dining room. Although if it is portable that would be a bonus.
So far I have listened to the B&O one, which I liked but it was pretty expensive and the Bowers and Wilkins A5, which I was disappointed with (possibly due to the source files and the fact we were in a big shop).
Are there any others I should be looking at, or avoiding?
So far I have listened to the B&O one, which I liked but it was pretty expensive and the Bowers and Wilkins A5, which I was disappointed with (possibly due to the source files and the fact we were in a big shop).
Are there any others I should be looking at, or avoiding?
Any reason for AirPlay over Bluetooth? In my experience AirPlay can be very flakey, where Bluetooth just works and there is no noticeable sound difference.
Bluetooth also opens up a bigger range of speakers including the B&O A2 and S3 at £299 each. Both can also be purchased in pairs and treated as one speaker for proper stereo if required
Bluetooth also opens up a bigger range of speakers including the B&O A2 and S3 at £299 each. Both can also be purchased in pairs and treated as one speaker for proper stereo if required
BeoPlay A2 ain't too bad when it's cranked up a little or placed where the 360 degree sound design can do its stuff. It does seem to like being placed in strange places (well hanging on a door, in the middle of a room). I'm not so keen when it's on a table against a wall. I love its ease of use, portability and battery life. It's the first thing that goes into my suitcase along with the wash bag. Works well with the Deezer app of an iPhone where you can play about with the equalization.
However, the Beolit 15 is better sound wise - it has a bit more depth to it.
I've also been very happy with the Bose Soundlink Mini. It punches well above its size and weight. Charging base is ok for a semi-permanent placement as well.
In preference order for the dining room scenario I'd go Beolit, Soundlink, A2.
However, the Beolit 15 is better sound wise - it has a bit more depth to it.
I've also been very happy with the Bose Soundlink Mini. It punches well above its size and weight. Charging base is ok for a semi-permanent placement as well.
In preference order for the dining room scenario I'd go Beolit, Soundlink, A2.
I don't think any of those do AirPlay. The Beolit 12 did, but it seems to have been replaced by the Beolit 15, which is bluetooth only.
I've seen that Sony do some AirPlay speakers, including one which has a DAB tuner, which I didn't think existed. If that sounds half decent I'll get that, as we also listen to a lot of DAB.
I've seen that Sony do some AirPlay speakers, including one which has a DAB tuner, which I didn't think existed. If that sounds half decent I'll get that, as we also listen to a lot of DAB.
Edited by Craikeybaby on Saturday 5th December 09:49
deevee said:
Have you listened to the new B&W zeppelin wireless. Ticks all your boxes.
I have a Mk 1 zep - really nice sound, perfect on airplay - new one meant to be improved in all areas.
Not yet, I need to find somewhere I can listen to the B&W systems that isn't a massive/noisy department store.I have a Mk 1 zep - really nice sound, perfect on airplay - new one meant to be improved in all areas.
It seems like most brands are going Bluetooth only, even the Apple Store in Covent Garden didn't have any AirPlay speakers.
I preferred the sound of the A2 to the soundlink I listened to, although a docking station does sound like a good idea.
I preferred the sound of the A2 to the soundlink I listened to, although a docking station does sound like a good idea.
Edited by Craikeybaby on Friday 4th December 17:10
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