Are you looking for a fully connected, high-quality, yet affordable smart speaker? There are many smart speakers on the market today, and this article compiles the specifications and reviews of popular Bluetooth smart speakers under 1000USD
Table of content
Marshall Woburn III: Might not Worth the Price Drivers and specs Connectivity: Dimensions: 400 x 317 x 203 mm Weight: 7.45kg Main material of speaker box : Recycled plastic Multi-room: None 360-degree sound: N/A Voice control: N/A Other features: Price: Amazon Ratings: Pros and Cons of Marshall Woburn III Who should buy Marshal Woburn III? Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation: Excellent but Pricey Drivers and specs Connectivity: Dimensions: 210 x 218 x 212 mm Weight: 5.6kg Main material of speaker box: Aluminum Multi-room: 360-degree sound: N/A Price: Voice control: Other features: Amazon Ratings: Pros and cons of Naim Mu-so Qb2 Who should buy Naim Mu-so Qb2? Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless 5th generation Drivers and specs Connectivity: Dimensions: H210 x W650 x D194 mm Weight: 6.5 kg Main cabinet material: ABS plastic Multi-room: 360-degree sound: None Price: Voice control: Other features: Amazon Ratings: Pros and cons of B&W Zepplin Wireless Who should buy B&W Zeppelin Wireless? Aerix DUET MK3: The Best Speaker for High Note Lovers Drivers and specs Connectivity: Dimensions: W448 x D257.4 x H250.2 mm Weight: 10kg Main material of speaker box: MDF Multi-room: 360-degree sound: Price: Voice control: Other features: Pros and cons of DUET MK3 Who should buy the DUET MK3? Comparison Table for these Five Smart Speakers The Best Smart Speaker for People who Value Detailed Mids and Highs with Simplistic Look
Marshall Woburn III: Might not Worth the Price
The renowned Marshall brand needs little introduction. Marshall is highly popular in Taiwan and is one of the first brands many people think of when it comes to audio systems.
Drivers and specs
- 2 tweeters (15W Class D amplifiers)
- 2 mid-range drivers (15W Class D amplifiers)
- 1 woofer (80W Class D amplifier)
Connectivity:
- RCA
- HDMI
- Bluetooth
Dimensions: 400 x 317 x 203 mm
Weight: 7.45kg
Main material of speaker box : Recycled plastic
Multi-room: None
360-degree sound: N/A
Voice control: N/A
Other features:
- Room compensation
- Night mode
Price:
NT$ 23900
US$ 579.99
Amazon Ratings:
Pros and Cons of Marshall Woburn III
Pros
Iconic design, HDMI support for easy connection with computers, excellent bass performance
Cons
Slightly lacking in wireless streaming, no support for WiFi or AirPlay, only supports Bluetooth connection without AptX decoding
Who should buy Marshal Woburn III?
Considering its specifications, most audio reviews don't classify it as a Hi-Fi system due to its lack of lossless streaming support. It can only be considered a Bluetooth speaker with strong bass. It's suitable for those not seeking lossless audio quality, but prioritizing heavy bass and appearance.
Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation: Excellent but Pricey
Naim Audio was founded by Julian Vereker on June 4, 1973, and is a well-known British audio manufacturer that entered the digital streaming field early on.
Drivers and specs
- 2x 25mm soft dome tweeters
- 2x 64mm midrange drivers
- 1x oval woofer
Connectivity:
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Chromecast Built-in
- UPnP
- Spotify Connect
- Supports Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL
- Roon Ready
- Optical input
- Ethernet
- USB A
- Bluetooth (no AptX)
Dimensions: 210 x 218 x 212 mm
Weight: 5.6kg
Main material of speaker box: Aluminum
Multi-room:
Can connect up to five units
360-degree sound: N/A
Price:
NT$ 43900
US$ 999
Voice control:
- Google Assistant
- Siri
Other features:
- Alarm clock
- Volume control
- Room compensation
Amazon Ratings:
Pros and cons of Naim Mu-so Qb2
Most reviews give the Naim Muso Qb2 very high ratings, with ample sound width and volume, achieving almost lossless sound quality in limited spaces.
High price, front-facing speaker design resulting in non-360-degree soundstage, EQ settings are relatively complex and not suitable for beginners, second generation removes AptX, not suitable for Android users
Who should buy Naim Mu-so Qb2?
Those with a higher budget, preferring to listen to music in fixed positions, and seeking natural sound field.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless 5th generation
Zeppelin Wireless, evolving through five generations since its introduction 15 years ago, is one of Bowers & Wilkins' most iconic products and one of the earliest entries into the all-in-one streaming speaker market.
Drivers and specs
- 2x 25mm double dome tweeters
- 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers
- 1x 150mm subwoofer
Connectivity:
- AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
- Supports Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL
- Aux in
Dimensions: H210 x W650 x D194 mm
Weight: 6.5 kg
Main cabinet material: ABS plastic
Multi-room:
3 to 6 units, up to 10 units depending on WiFi conditions
360-degree sound: None
Price:
NT$ 26900
US$ 799
Voice control:
Alexa
Other features:
remote controller
Amazon Ratings:
Pros and cons of B&W Zepplin Wireless
Although not a 360-degree soundstage, the soundstage performance is quite broad and impactful, using the latest Bluetooth AptX Adaptive decoding technology, relatively newer.
Fewer Connectivity, some reviews found that at high volumes, there may be pumping phenomena, producing excessive bass.
Who should buy B&W Zeppelin Wireless?
Those with sufficient space, Android smartphone users, and those who seek a balanced soundstage but prefer a bit more emphasis on bass.
Aerix DUET MK3: The Best Speaker for High Note Lovers
Aerix is a new brand from Taiwan, with over 50 audio experience in audio agent, engineering and tuning. The previous generation DUET CD sold well in many countries such as Germany, France, and South Korea. In recent years, the brand's focus has shifted to the domestic market, focusing on bringing HiFi spirit into all-in-one audio systems.
Drivers and specs
- Patented conical tweeter 1.5 inches x2
- 5.25-inch woofer x1
Connectivity:
- Bluetooth 5.2 (AptX HD codes)
- AirPlay
- Optical input
- Aux in
Dimensions: W448 x D257.4 x H250.2 mm
Weight: 10kg
Main material of speaker box: MDF
Multi-room:
Can connect up to eight DUET MK3, compatible with HomePod
360-degree sound:
Exclusive 360-degree sound field
Price:
NT$ 34800 (original price)
Voice control:
Siri
Other features:
- Alarm
- audo wake and shutdown
- LED screen displays song names
- Metal full-function remote control
Pros and cons of DUET MK3
Danish patent dual-ring radiation diaphragm, crisp and full mid-high tones, dual cabinet design to avoid electronic component interference and harmonic sound, presenting a complete 360-degree sound field
Relatively insufficient bass attack
Who should buy the DUET MK3?
Those who enjoy classical music, high tones, vocals, and seek stereo sound. Especially suitable for iPhone users who prefer minimalist design and want to integrate speakers into interior design or commercial spaces.
Comparison Table for these Five Smart Speakers
Feature |
Mu-so QB 2 |
Woburn III |
Zeppelin Wireless 5 |
|
AirPlay |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
✔️ |
Bluetooth |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
✔️ |
Aux in |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Optical input |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Display screen |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
✔️ |
Remote control |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
❌ |
Alarm wake-up |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
✔️ |
Stereo |
✔️ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
360-degree soundstage |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
❌ |
Voice control |
Siri |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Dimensions |
W448 x D257.4 x H250.2 mm |
210 x 218 x 212 mm |
W400 x H317 x D203 mm |
H210 x W650 x D194 mm |
Main cabinet material |
MDF |
Aluminum |
Recycled plastic |
ABS plastic |
Speaker information |
Patented conical tweeter 1.5 inches x2, 5.25-inch woofer x1 |
2x 25mm soft dome tweeters, 2x 64mm midrange drivers, 1x oval woofer |
2 tweeters (15W Class D amplifiers), 2 mid-range drivers (15W Class D amplifiers), 1 woofer (80W Class D amplifier) |
2x 25mm double dome tweeters, 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers, 1x 150mm subwoofer |
The Best Smart Speaker for People who Value Detailed Mids and Highs with Simplistic Look
In summary, Bluetooth wireless smart speakers on the market vary in functionality and features. If you prioritize small size, modern appearance, and bass, the Phantom II is a suitable choice. The Mu-so QB 2 is an excellent all-in-one smart speaker overall, but its price may be prohibitive for some. The Zeppelin Wireless 5 also performs well overall but has fewer connectivity options and considerations for home size.
These bluetooth wireless smart speakers mainly focus on bass attack. Unlike most Bluetooth speakers on the market, DUET MK3 emphasizes on overall tuning harmony and lifestyle adaptability. Its dual speakers, complemented by an upward-firing design, Danish high-class twetter, and Bézier-curved horn, to achieve a genuine 360-degree soundstage.
If you are a high note lover, you must not miss DUET MK3
