How does the Bose sound as compared to the Klipsch IGroove? I got the
Klipsch on Woot awhile back for around $70, which was half off of retail at
that time, if Klipsch even makes it any more, considering it only supports
30-pin and auxiliary. My original plan was to use this airplay to 30-pin
adapter I found, but I think the airplay services on it crash or are killed
almost immediately on audio stop, and getting it going again can require
several repluggings.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dane Trethowan" <[email protected]>
To: "PC Audio Discussion List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2014 3:38 PM
Subject: Full Review Of The Bose Soundlink Airplay System
THE BOSE
SOUNDLINK AIR
APPLE
AIRPLAY SYSTEM
A FULL REVIEW
BY
DANE TRETHOWAN
Apple Airplay systems have been with us for some time now and many models
have made their appearance. I’ve been left feeling somewhat disappointed
up until this point by the sound quality of what’s been available relative
to the cost.
The Bose Soundlink Air changes the balance here, yes you’re paying a fair
amount for this system but you certainly get what you paid for and that’s
quality sound in a medium-sized portable unit.
I did indeed say portable as that’s what the Bose Soundlink Air is and can
be used well away from an AC wall outlet so this unit is perfect for
outdoor entertaining or for those days when you’re lazing in the sun
listening to your favourite audio books etc.
DESCRIPTION
The Soundlink air measures 17.1CM high, 30.7CM wide and 10.3CM deep and
weighs 2.1KG without the optional rechargeable battery pack so as you can
see, this system is compact enough to pickup and put down just about
anywhere.
The front mainly consists of a wire mesh with a panel above made of
plastic, various LED indicators are displayed here which show the status
of the Soundlink air - if power has been applied, if the system is
connected to a Wi-Fi network, if the firmware is updating and so on. -
The sides and back are made out of hard glossy plastic, a handle can be
found in the centre on the top at the back.
On the right hand side are 2 depressions, these are actually volume “Up”
and “Down” buttons and they are touch sensitive but at least you can’t
trigger them by accident.
On the rear on the left is a Micro USB socket for setup and 2 sockets on
the right for Power and Line-in - the Soundlink Air can be switched
between Airplay and Line-In mode.
On the bottom are 5 rubber feet which are of ample size to hold the unit
securely on a bench top or table, a recessed button can be found on the
bottom left hand side which is used to either reset the system or to put
the system into “Alternate Setup” mode.
The system is powered by a large power supply that comes in the box or an
optional Rechargeable battery pack which screws onto the back.
The power supply - though it is large - incorporates a cord management
system, the cord can be wound up into the supply and a rubber flange
prevents the cord from unravelling so you only use the length of cord you
require from the supply to the soundlink air depending on your needs.
Like many power supplies these days the supply for the Soundlink Air is a
multi voltage model and thus comes with various adapters to suit different
power standards for different countries.
SETUP
Setup involves connecting the Soundlink Air system to a Wi-Fi network and
Setup can be performed using 2 methods, the first and recommended method
by Bose is to go to the Bose web site, download and install the Wi-Fi
setup software and configure the Soundlink Air via the USB cable supplied
using your computer.
The second method involves holding down the recessed button on the bottom
of the system for 5 seconds, this puts the system into “Alternate setup”
mode and activates the systems wi-fi network.
When the network is active you can use a web browser to configure the
system in a similar way as you would configure a router, the Soundlink Air
presents a HTML interface where you tell the system about the Wi-Fi
network you wish it to connect to, click on the the “Connect” button in
the Interface and the system establishes a connection.
TESTING AND STREAMING
Once the Soundlink Air was connected to my Network I had no problems
whatever in streaming audio from various Airplay compatible devices and
systems, I even tested an iPod Tough 4th generation which worked
surprisingly well! - when I’ve tested the iPod Tough 4th generation device
with other Airplay systems in the past I’ve found that the connection
would dropout over time but this did not happen in my present testing with
the Soundlink Air. -
There can be a considerable delay between pressing a button and hearing
the result on the Soundlink Air depending on the device or system you’re
streaming from, the delay doesn’t indicate there’s a problem or fault, its
an unfortunate characteristic of the Apple Airplay system and the delay
isn’t usually all that long, for example if you stop a track playing which
is streaming from the Airfoil software, there’ll be a delay of about 2
seconds. Sometimes when you change a track in iTunes, there will be a
delay of around 5 seconds whilst the next track is loaded, these delays to
me at least are a small sacrifice and small inconvenience given that you’re
hearing your audio in a “lossless” digital environment.
The Soundlink Air comes with a very nice remote control which sports only
8 buttons but 8 buttons are certainly enough to drive your Airplay
sessions, as well as track forward and back you have volume up/down,
pause, mute and power on/off buttons at your disposal.
CONCLUSIONS
The audio out of this system has to be heard to be believed but - if you
have a Bose system of some kine already - then you won’t have to stretch
your imagination to far to realise what I’m talking about when I speak of
“unbelievable audio”.
Volume can go very loud indeed so be warned! loud volume doesn’t
lead to audio distortion on this device, this unit performs well in a
small crowded area.
I’m somewhat puzzled as to why Bose gives the user two modes of “Setup”, I
would have thought that the “Wi-Fi Setup” or the “Alternative Setup”
method as the manual refers to it would have more than sufficed, the main
“Setup” method whereby software needs to be downloaded and installed just
seems to add extra complication to the task at hand.
I bought the option rechargeable battery pack for with my system and I’m
truly glad I did, I now have great sound in my back yard and full control
over it.
The Bose manual claims that battery life is around 3 hours when the system
is at maximum volume? Well I’m just not game enough to try that as I value
my ears but I can tell you that I’ve managed 10 hours out of the battery
pack at around 30% volume, no complaints there given the audio quality.
Some interesting features are provided which may help those without
vision, the system beeps when power is applied - whether from the battery
pack or mains power - and a higher pitched series of beeps sound when the
system has found and connected to a wi-fi network.
I found a feature not mentioned in the Soundlink Air User Guide, its not
necessary for the system to be connected to a home Wi-fi network for the
user to enjoy it, you can connect the Soundlink Air to your IOS devices
Wi-Fi network anywhere and enjoy your music library streamed to your
Soundlink air, just put the Soundlink air into “Setup” mode by holding
down the recessed button on the bottom for 5 seconds, select the
“Soundlink” Wi-Fi network in setup on your iOS device and “Airplay” is
ready at your command.
This system is extremely good value for money in my view and I’d be very
surprised if anyone was disappointed by what they hear come out of this
thing.
Bose here in Australia offer a 90 day trial period, if you’re not happy
with the unit after 90 days then Bose will come and collect the system
from you so check with your Bose web site for your particular country or
region.
There are plenty of videos which show you how the Soundlink Air works on
the web site so you may wish to refer to these whilst considering your
purchase.
Price of the Bose Soundlink Air system in Australia is $450.00
.
**********
Dane Trethowan
Skype: grtdane12
Phone US (213) 438-9741
Phone U.K. 01245 79 0598
Phone Australia (03) 9005 8589
Mobile: +61400494862
Fax +61397437954
**********
Dane Trethowan
Skype: grtdane12
Phone US (213) 438-9741
Phone U.K. 01245 79 0598
Phone Australia (03) 9005 8589
Mobile: +61400494862
faceTime +61400494862
Fax +61397437954
Twitter: @grtdane
