Internally, there’s a 60-watt Class D (45-W woofer + 15-W tweeter) amplifier with a frequency response of 40 Hz to twenty kHz. Morel makes use of a personalized DSP with dynamic EQ, however there’s no smartphone app, no Wi-Fi streaming, no room calibration, no Dolby Atmos, no voice management, no EQ tweaking. And day-to-day I didn’t miss any of it.
The controls will really feel a bit antiquated to app-control lovers, with loads of press-and-hold choices to entry TWS and alter sources. However foolish battery degree indicator management apart (it’s a must to press and maintain each quantity buttons to mild up a share of mentioned buttons to indicate you the remaining juice), they’re straightforward to disregard.
Sound High quality
Setup was so simple as you’d count on from a Bluetooth speaker with out smarts, and remained rock stable all through many hours of testing. As a client tech journalist I do know I ought to be aghast on the lack of bells and whistles right here, however the mixture of stable audio efficiency and an entire lack of technological friction was a pleasure. Insert your personal Sonos joke right here.
The Biggie isn’t going to unearth sonic subtleties out of your favourite Blue Notice recordings, nevertheless it received’t offend you both. It’s an impressively punchy sounding mono speaker with actual presence and quantity. Provided that it weighs simply 5.7 kilos and measures a mere H7 x W7 x D4.5 inches, its room-filling skills are critically spectacular.
Listening to “The Look” by Metronomy, there’s an interesting crispness to the excessive finish, with a well-organized center that thrives on the observe’s enthusiasm. Bass is managed right here, too, however the speaker does favor decrease frequencies. Kick drums and bass guitars can sound a bit of too ahead within the combine, however it’s managed—helped, little doubt, by the standard cabinetry and drivers.
Courtesy of Morel
This profile sounded nice listening to the traditional rat-a-tat opening to Paul Simon’s “50 Methods to Go away Your Lover.” Nevertheless, with dance and hip-hop, it might really feel a contact thunderous in a small house. Take it exterior although and the punch works on the patio. It’s not IP-rated, thoughts you , so look ahead to pool events and showers.
Would a smartphone app with adjustable EQ assist right here? Possibly, however for those who like your bass ahead within the combine, you’ll in all probability love listening to “Juicy” on the aptly named Biggie.
Alternate options
The Biggie’s development is a revelation, providing traditional hi-fi bookshelf construct high quality in a compact Bluetooth design. That is the place your cash is being spent. It’s moveable, and the battery life is suitable, nevertheless it seems to be extra at residence on a desk than being carried round.
Whereas it lacks the bass-forward presentation, the fashionable Audio Professional T3+ ($200) presents a greater battery life and extra balanced sound high quality, plus it has Airplay for iPhone customers. This could be higher for those who’re in search of a extra nuanced efficiency and nonetheless wish to keep away from sensible options.
If portability isn’t a difficulty, the Sonos Period (9/10 WIRED Recommends) and JBL Authentics 200 (9/10 WIRED Recommends) take up the same quantity of house, sound very good, and are available stuffed stuffed with sensible controls. However if you wish to maintain issues easy and have a wholesome respect for each bass and construct high quality, you’ll love the Biggie.
