ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Pebble X Plus audio system can be found now for $120 on Amazon.
- The wealthy, deep bass completely matches the mids and highs delivered by the satellite tv for pc audio system.
- Nonetheless, they do not have built-in battery energy, so your portability is proscribed to an influence supply.
It shocks me how good Bluetooth audio system have come through the years. I bear in mind once I purchased my first Bose Bluetooth speaker, pondering it had set the bar fairly excessive. However once I hearken to that speaker now — versus what has turn out to be out there during the last yr — it is put to disgrace; not solely in sound high quality however sheer quantity.
Just lately, I obtained a number of Bluetooth audio system to evaluation. Some are single transportable audio system, whereas others are pairs. Then there’s the Artistic Pebble X Plus, which not solely features a matched pair of audio system but additionally the tiniest subwoofer I’ve ever seen.
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In fact, once I pulled the audio system out of the field, all I might assume was, “What an cute little subwoofer… I guess it has an cute little sound.” I used to be incorrect.
A lot to my shock, this minuscule sub (6.14 x 6.16 x 6.24 inches) packs a critical punch. No, it would not ship practically the sound my SVS SB 1000 Professional presents, however given how small it’s, I used to be shocked at how nicely it balances out the low finish for the Pebble X audio system. You would not assume such a small set of audio system might produce such a well-rounded, thrilling sound, however these actually do.
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In fact, there’s an app you may set up, which is the Artistic Labs App (Android/iOS), however I used to be stunned that the standard of sound produced by the Pebble X Plus did not want the eye of an EQ. Nonetheless, if you’re so inclined you may set up the app, which supplies you entry to controlling the Acoustic Engine (for various sound profiles), customization of the RGB lights, and carry out a firmware improve.
My expertise
As I mentioned, proper from the beginning, these audio system impressed me. I made a decision to make use of them in my toilet as a result of I discovered it is a very reside room, and I needed to check the readability of the sound, even once I was within the bathe. To my shock, these audio system carried out much better than I might have anticipated in a room with such excessive ceilings and only a few surfaces that soak up sound.
I began out with my go-to check album, “Indicators” by Rush. I needed to see if the sub might sustain with Geddy Lee’s bass on “The Analog Child.” I discovered the sound to be clear, punchy, agile, and never heavy-handed. Actually, the Pebble X Plus dealt with the tune a lot better than I might have anticipated.
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I then moved to some ambient music, particularly Carbon Primarily based Lifeform’s newest album, “Seeker,” and located every observe a delight. The complete soundscape of each tune was broad, brilliant, and wealthy. Kate Bush’s “Cloudbusting” was as stunning appropriately.
It doesn’t matter what observe I threw on the audio system, they delivered the full-bodied sound I might anticipate from one thing a lot bigger and costlier. The one observe these audio system had even the slightest hassle with was “Nessun dorma,” as sung by the nice one himself, Pavarotti.
In protection of the Pebble X Plus, this observe by no means fails to put the singer’s voice a bit too entrance and middle, narrowing the soundstage and making it sound a bit too skinny. Exterior of that, these audio system carried out remarkably.
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ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Straight up, the Pebble X Plus is an impressive set of Bluetooth audio system. The addition of the subwoofer offers them a depth of sound, with no need to punch up the quantity to uncomfortable ranges.
I might advocate these audio system to anybody searching for wealthy sound when house is a matter. The associated fee is spot on for what you get, and regardless of the style, you may be happy with how these audio system ship your favourite music.
Artistic Pebble X Plus tech specs
- RGB lighting
- Connectivity: USB audio/energy, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm AUX, 4-pole headphone jack, 3-pole mic jack.
- Energy output: As much as 15W RMS and peak energy as much as 30W.
- Drivers: 2.75-inch full-range speaker drivers and a 3.5-inch subwoofer with twin passive radiators.
- Excessive acquire mode: Auto
- Frequency response: 45-20,000 Hz
- Sign-to-noise ratio: > 93 dB
- Working vary: As much as 33 ft
- Worth: $120
