Inateck Bluetooth 4.0 Portable Speaker with Stand for iPhone 7/7 plus/6/6s, iPad, iPod

Inateck BP2001 a Bluetooth 4.0 case that also acts as a tablet support that has Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5 mm jack, internal battery.

Amazon does not lack the Bluetooth speakers: they are for all tastes and all prices, among these there is also someone quite original as the Inateck BP2001 , an interesting, on paper , support for tablet that has Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5 mm jack, internal battery, all for 36 euros, shipping included. We tested it to see how it behaves on the field.

Inateck BP2001, as it is
The device arrives at home in a rather simple cardboard box in which we find a synthetic manual, a Micro USB cable for charging, a cable for the analog connection. The actual speaker is quite small, even if for obvious reasons (it must support a tablet) not very small: 28.2 x 10.6 x 7.2 cm. It is made largely of glossy plastic, although the top where the groove is located to place an iPad or any tablet and even Phablet (works perfectly from the dimensional point of view with an iPhone 6 Plus), is edged in rubber. The front grill is in metal; around we find a silver plastic edge. On the back there is a removable support, which must be used to give greater stability to the box when the cash is used, as mentioned, in support function. The general impression is that it is a product made with an eye to cost, but able to reduce the price by using a simplification of design and a careful eye on materials not too ambitious, but not low quality. Finally, stylistically, we are dealing with a device that is not too original, but still pleasant to see and also to be placed on a bedside table, a desk or in a room.

How it works
The Inateck Bluetooth 4.0 BP2001 is a Bluetooth accessory. Just put it in search mode and it will appear in the list of wireless devices and connecting it will be very easy. It is important to point out that it only remembers one device, so if we want to connect it, for example, to an iPhone and then to an iPad, we will have to search it every time. During our trial we connected it to our Mac, an iPad mini, an iPad Air, an iPad Air 2, an iPhone 5, 6 and 6 Plus without any difficulty whatsoever. However, it is free of controls for tracks and volume; in practice we can use the single key only to play the tracks or pause them. The same key also allows you to answer telephone calls.

On the back we also find an analog connector, a 3.5-inch jack, which will allow us to use it with virtually every single device that has an output of this type, although obviously it is designed to work wirelessly.

We tested the speaker as a support with an iPad Air 2 and in the "stand" function it is definitely stable, thanks to the arm that comes out from the back and, if necessary, it folds into the speaker body. Unfortunately it is not possible to adjust the inclination which is quite comfortable, but it may not be suitable for all situations or all tastes.

Inside we find a 800 mAh battery that allows it to work without being connected to the current. Hours of autonomy are not declared; we managed to make it sound for about 7 hours before seeing it go out. The charging is quite long: connected to a wall power supply requires a dozen hours before returning to the maximum capacity.

Inateck BP2001 as it sounds
Being an economic speaker it is basically useless to do very sophisticated tests to understand the musical performance. In any case, even without detailed analysis on the quality of the sound using the classic set of pieces of music that we use as a test bench, the impression is that this accessory does its duty, and is able to work in a more than decent tone medium-low and medium-high. It loses something on the two extremes of frequencies (the deeper bass is compressed and the highs are not too bright), but in relation to the cost there is little to say: the definition of the sound is generally discrete and in the central part of the arc frequencies, we have a rather pleasant sound. One of the advantages it offers is a generous amplification (Inateck, as 10W states) more than enough to listen to music in a room or, even better, to watch a movie or music videos using it as a stand and speaker together. In this perspective, the sound quality is certainly much higher, more airy and more enveloping, compared to what we can get from the integrated speakers of iPhone, iPad and a large number of mobile devices. Worth noting is a certain distortion, especially on bass, when the sound is maximized.

We also did a test during the telephone call. The speaker faithfully reproduces the voice of our interlocutor who, in turn, told us that the quality of our voice, thanks to the integrated microphone, arrived faithful and distinct.

In conclusion
The Inateck Bluetooth 4.0 BP2001 is an interesting product both for those who simply search for a Bluetooth amplifier, and for those who want a case that also acts as a support for watching movies or music videos. The quality and the power are more than good in relation to the cost and the form factor increases the value of the product; pity only did not have expected different inclinations for use as a video support. If you are looking for a cheap musical accessory, able to work reliably both via wireless and cable, the Inateck BP2001 is a product to be held in absolute consideration.

Pros
- Flexible, wireless and wired connectivity system
- Good materials and design in relation to price
- Sound satisfying, wide and airy
- Good output power
- Long battery life
- Also works as a stand for a tablet

Cons
- Unadjustable tilt
- Remember only one device
- Does not control tracks and volume

KEF MUO Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Review

KEF MUO Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Launched at the end of 2015, the KEF Muo is the first test of the "hifist" brand in the world of nomadic audio. Although it works wirelessly, this model promises both surprising power and precise and defined sound. Let us see what the expertise of the English manufacturer is worth in such an enclosure.

KEF Muo is an enclosure that remains massive despite its compact size. It is largely covered and protected by an aluminum part, complemented by two plastic parts. The assembly is harmonious, exudes solidity and no manufacturer defect is detected. During our trial period, the enclosure did not show any sign of weakness. A drop of about one meter on one of its corners only damaged it very slightly, without compromising its proper functioning.

Due to its size, weight and design, the enclosure is not designed for off-road trips, so it should be kept away from water points or sand, for example. In addition, no carrying case or case is provided to transport it more easily and protect it.

The KEF Muo has two small rubber pads that allow it to be laid and oriented slightly in a horizontal position, but also to reduce the vibrations a little. It is also possible to place it vertically so that the buttons are always accessible. In both orientations, the enclosure holds fairly well in place (however, beware of shocks in vertical position).

This loudspeaker offers a good experience of use. The list of controls is far from exhaustive - a multifunction button for reading management and navigation between tracks would have been welcome - but we appreciate the presence of many sound indications and some bright indications on the button d (Speaker status, pairing and four battery levels). The pairing is done fairly quickly and can be accelerated with the integrated NFC chip. If you decide to buy two, the manipulation to pair them is simple once you know the procedure: a passage to the notice or via the mobile application will still save you time. Once the manipulation has been carried out, Use two mono or stereo dual speakers wirelessly, regardless of whether the source is wired or wireless. A small tone sounds when the speakers toggle to indicate the switch in one mode or another. In terms of connectivity, the KEF Muo is simple: Bluetooth for the wireless (aptX), a 3.5 mm mini-jack and a micro-USB port for charging. In view of the size of the beast, a USB port for recharging would not have been too much, or even a microphone for the handsfree function. However, the USB cable for charging comes with an AC adapter and two different tips. For its part, the KEF Muo application does not add much in terms of ancillary functionality. Apart from the audio player, basic,

The KEF Muo promises 12 hours of autonomy, which is little given its size, weight and compared to what the competition offers. Unfortunately, it is difficult to reach this threshold in reality. At reasonable volume, I approach 9 to 10 hours of use. At extremely high volume, the service life drops to 6 hours. To save battery power, you can still count on the automatic power off function, which activates after 10 minutes of no signal. Another small point to know, it is possible to use the enclosure while it recharges (3 hours of recharging approximately on mains).

The KEF Muo is equipped with two 50 mm Uni-Q miniature speakers and a radiator for bass flattering. To maintain a certain sound quality, KEF immediately announces the color: the Muo only diffuses in mono, even in horizontal position. It is a particularly confusing choice that we have decided not to sanction too hard, as it is clearly specified and assumed by the manufacturer. In addition, this speaker sign a tour de force by proposing a very beautiful sound.

All in all, this portable speaker is obviously not at the same level as its big sisters, but for its size, we really must welcome the performance. The first striking element is the way in which the speaker reproduces the spatial depth, especially when one knows that the rendering is monophonic. Each stratum of the mix is ​​present, without artifice and it is possible to identify them quite easily. The room effects and the most discreet instruments are not forgotten. The whole remains legible that this is at a low or sustained level of listening,

As far as sound reproduction is concerned, the Muo is not the type to do in the higher bid, but keeps its small character in the low / mid-medium and in the treble. On the one hand, we have a low enough to bring a minimum of sound and sound heat while staying hard, even if we would like the speaker to tap lower. On the other hand, there is a very slight accentuation of the shine and the presence, but the Muo behaves well so as not to awaken sibilance or be aggressive, even on very sensitive pieces on this point. In between, we find a medium well balanced and defined. The different sources are naturally expressed and detached well between them. The voice also comes off very well and is rendered in a clear and perfectly intelligible way. In addition,It is by using two stereo speakers that the Muo expresses its full potential. The sound reproduction is simply amazing for speakers of this size, both by the detail and precision of the reproduction of the sound scene and by the frequency balance. We regain a little more depth in the low and the small bright trend is still current. Stereophonic depth and width are simply excellent, even in relatively narrow configurations. If this is not at all its primary use, this duo can clearly compete with the best PC 2.0 kits on the market.

The Muo offers an excellent size / power ratio, while mastery. The distortion is contained at an extremely low level. 70% of its maximum power is large enough to sound a room of a good size (about 20 m²). You can always push it even further if you want, but it will accentuate the shiny and sharp side in the optimal listening axis.

Let's conclude with communication latency in Bluetooth. This is about 150ms, which allows to follow a video without suffering too much of a discrepancy between the image and the sound. If you have the possibility, do not hesitate to compensate it again to be totally at ease.


STRONG POINTS
Very nice sound balance.
Very good accuracy.
Excellent size / power ratio.
Very low distortion.
The stereophonic rendering totally bluffing with two speakers.
Easy to use, numerous indications.
Careful manufacturing.

WEAK POINTS
No stereophony in horizontal position.
Low battery life.
No USB port for charging devices.
A little more depth in the bass would not have been too much.

My Rating: 4.5/5

CONCLUSION 
As much as prevent from the start: if you are already frustrated at the idea of ​​enjoying only a monophonic sound with a portable speaker of this type, think twice before you let yourself be seduced. If this is not a brake for you, you will enjoy the very beautiful sound performance of the Muo, especially given its format. Although some choices may seem strange, this model remains completely consistent in its approach and it shows a rarely observed control on a portable speaker, while remaining very easy to use. If for you nomad must above all rhyme with versatility, look rather on the side of the Zipp Mini . And for even more compactness, the Bose SoundLink Mini II is all designed.