Braven has taken the wraps offits new SIX Series Bluetooth speaker range. Designed for smartphone users, the range comprises the Braven 650, 625S and the 600 and in addition to being to be daisy-chained to create a larger sound stage, the speakers can also double as a mobile charger over a built-in USB port as the video embedded below demonstrates. The speakers all have two extended range drivers with three-Watts of output each and the battery life of the devices range from 12 to 20 hours and they can charge USB devices. Other features include an internal duplex microphone for use as a hands-free voice calling system and they have a 3.5 mm headphone input and you'll have a choice between the aluminum-encased 600 ($150) and 650 ($190) models, while the 625 ($180) variant features a ruggedized, shock-absorbing enclosure and a water-proof bag for the more adventurous of you out there.
BRAVEN, a leading innovator in Bluetooth audio and charging solutions announced their sophisticated wireless speakers are now shipping. Weighing in at around 12 oz. and about 6 inches in length, these small speakers deliver room-filling high-fidelity audio for music on the go. The speakers also feature a built-in speakerphone, charging capability, and the option to combine multiple speakers together. The SIX Series includes the sleek aircraft grade aluminum 600 model available in Moab Red or Mountain Ash. The high-end 650 model comes in classic aluminum and features APTX for today's modern audiophile. The 625s is housed in a rugged shock-absorbent rubber that is built for durability and outdoor adventures. Originally only offered in Stealth Black, the 625s is now available in a new Summit Green. he Bluetooth speakers have two custom extended-range drivers, each with 3 watt speaker output providing high-fidelity stereo audio. Along with extraordinary battery life ranging from 12 to 20 hours, the speakers will charge USB devices while blasting music or movies. The internal duplex microphone also allows for hands-free speakerphone calls or chats via FaceTime, iChat, or Skype. For those who want even bigger output, multiple BRAVEN speakers can be daisy chained together or connected to other sound systems via 3.5 mm jack. With intense, powerful sound the BRAVEN speakers also improve the mobile gaming experience, bringing your favorite games to life. "These speakers are built for big audio in an attractive portable package," says CEO Warren Osborn. "They are so dynamic and versatile that they fit on a CEO's desk or a family's picnic table, a designer handbag or a teen's backpack." The BRAVEN 600 retails for $149.99, the 625s for $179.99, and the 650 for $189.99. In below you will find more information via tuaw.com :
Design:
The BRAVEN 600 is a multitasker. Not only is it a Bluetooth wireless speaker that can be daisy-chained to other members of the SIX series, but it has a built-in 1400 mAh battery pack for charging up your iPhone when it's running low. It's also a speakerphone, and it packs all of this functionality into a nice-looking anodized aluminum case.
That case can come in either mountain ash (kind of a nice silvery tone) or bright Moab red. On one end of the case is a USB port for powering your favorite electronic device, an audio out port, and a battery check button. At the other end is an audio in port (used in conjunction with the output port for daisy-chaining), a micro-USB port for charging the BRAVEN 600, and buttons for turning the volume up or down, enabling the speakerphone capability, and turning the speaker on and off.
Functionality:
Pairing the BRAVEN 600 with an iPhone is an easy process; you simply slide a toggle up to turn Bluetooth on, after which the speaker emits a rather impressive synthesized tone to get your attention (there's another tone indicating that Bluetooth has been turned off). Next, you press and hold the speakerphone button for five seconds. The BRAVEN 600 appears on the iPhone's list of Bluetooth devices, and you tap the device name to pair the two. The BRAVEN 600 also appears on the list of AirPlay devices. As expected, this Bluetooth device works well when paired with a Mac. It appears as both audio output and input devices.
After that, it's time enjoy your music, and you will enjoy it thoroughly. As opposed to many of the Bluetooth speakers I've tested over the year, the BRAVEN 600 actually sounds like an audiophile-quality speaker. There's a lot of depth to the sound from this device; the bass really kicks, yet treble tones don't get lost in the process. I listened to a variety of tunes from my iPhone, and all sounded great.
On the other hand, I wasn't as impressed with the speakerphone capability. According to my fellow TUAW blogger Erica Sadun, it sounded like I was talking with a bagful of cotton balls in my mouth. That was what she sounded like to me as well -- the iPhone's built-in speaker phone provides much better sound quality for phone calls. I also wasn't too happy with the BRAVEN 600's abrupt handling of the call. Many Bluetooth systems I've tested, both for cars and home, do a nice job of fading out of music that is playing when a phone call comes in. With this speaker, there was just an abrupt jump to the ringtone.
As I only had one BRAVEN 600 to play with, I wasn't able to test the daisy-chaining capability. However, I think it would be incredible to listen to music from a pair (or more) of these speakers. I liked the fact that I could press and hold the volume buttons on the speaker to have them act as previous / next buttons when shuffling through music or playing a playlist.
Conclusion:
BRAVEN's new SIX series of Bluetooth speakers looks like it will be a winner. The BRAVEN 600 is joined by the 625S (shock-resistant, has a built-in LED flashlight, made for outdoor use) and the 650 ($189.99, more capable than the 600). I'm actually sad that I have to give this away to a TUAW reader, but it's a product that I would happily spend $150 on.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and design
- Music / movie sound quality is impressive
- Built-in battery pack can charge mobile devices
- Speakers can be daisy-chained for even more volume
- Easy Bluetooth pairing process; no pairing code required
Cons
- Speakerphone capability is sub-par
Who is it for?
- Anyone who wants excellent music sound quality from a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Giveaway:
And now it's time to give TUAW readers an opportunity to win a BRAVEN 600. To enter, fill out the form below completely and if you're the winner, we'll notify you via email.
Here are the rules for the giveaway:
- Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
- To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button.
- The entry must be made before June 17, 2012 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time.
- You may enter only once.
- One winner will be selected and will receive a BRAVEN 600 Bluetooth speaker valued at US$149.99
Video:
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