Introduction
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II Speaker is a prominent name in the realm of portable Bluetooth speakers, known for its 360-degree sound delivery, portability, and durability. As the successor to the original Revolve+, the Revolve+ II brings a host of improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience. This review delves into the various aspects of the speaker, from its design and build quality to its sound performance and additional features.
Design and Build Quality
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II maintains the sleek, cylindrical design of its predecessor, which is both modern and practical. The speaker stands out with its flexible fabric handle, resembling a lantern, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. The build quality is robust, with the speaker boasting an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. This ensures it can withstand splashes and light rain, making it an excellent companion for outdoor activities.
The exterior is wrapped in a seamless aluminum grille, giving it a premium look and feel. The top and bottom are made of soft-touch plastic, which not only adds to the durability but also helps in absorbing shocks from minor bumps and drops. Overall, the design and build quality of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II are top-notch, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
Sound Performance
Balanced Sound Profile
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is engineered to deliver a balanced sound profile, suitable for a wide range of music genres. Its 360-degree design ensures uniform sound coverage, so you get the same audio quality regardless of where you are in relation to the speaker. This feature is particularly beneficial for gatherings where people are spread out, as everyone gets to enjoy the same sound experience.
Mid-Range Clarity
One of the standout features of the Revolve+ II is its mid-range clarity. The speaker excels in reproducing vocals and dialogue, making it ideal for listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and genres like pop and rock where vocal clarity is crucial. The balanced mid-range also ensures that instruments are well-represented, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
Bass Performance
While the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II offers a generally balanced sound profile, it does fall short in the bass department. The speaker struggles to reproduce deep, thumping bass, which can be a letdown for fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. The lack of a graphic EQ in the companion app means users have limited ability to tweak the sound to their liking. However, for most casual listeners, the bass performance is adequate and does not detract significantly from the overall sound quality.
Loudness and Soundstage
Maximum Volume and Compression
The Revolve+ II can get reasonably loud, making it suitable for small to medium-sized gatherings. However, it’s worth noting that at maximum volume, the speaker introduces some compression artifacts. This means that the audio quality may degrade slightly, with distortion becoming noticeable. This is a common issue with portable speakers, and while it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you plan to use the speaker at high volumes frequently.
360-Degree Soundstage
The 360-degree soundstage is one of the key selling points of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II. This design ensures that sound radiates uniformly in all directions, providing a consistent audio experience. Whether placed in the center of a room or outdoors, the speaker delivers clear and direct sound to everyone around it. This feature is particularly beneficial for parties and gatherings, where the speaker can be placed centrally to ensure everyone gets an optimal listening experience.
Battery Life
One of the significant improvements in the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is its battery life. The speaker offers up to 17 hours of playtime on a single charge, thanks to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is a notable increase from the original Revolve+, making it more reliable for extended use without needing frequent recharges. Charging is done via a Micro-B USB port, which, while not as modern as USB-C, is still widely used and readily available.
Connectivity and Features
Bluetooth and Pairing
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to pair with a wide range of devices. The pairing process is straightforward, aided by voice prompts that guide you through the setup. The speaker supports multi-connect, enabling you to pair two devices simultaneously and switch between them easily. This is a handy feature for shared use or when switching between a phone and a tablet.
SimpleSync Technology
Bose’s SimpleSync technology allows the Revolve+ II to pair with other compatible Bose products, creating a synchronized audio experience. This is particularly useful if you have multiple Bose speakers or sound systems in different rooms, as it enables a seamless flow of music throughout your home. The synchronization process is simple, involving just a few button presses.
Voice Assistant Integration
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II comes with built-in support for voice assistants. You can take calls and access your device’s default voice assistant directly from the speaker. Additionally, it can connect to an Amazon Alexa-enabled device, like the Echo Dot, for more hands-free control of your music and other smart home features. This integration makes the Revolve+ II a versatile addition to any smart home setup.
Durability and Portability
IP55 Rating
The IP55 rating of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II signifies its resistance to dust and water. This makes it a durable option for outdoor use, capable of withstanding splashes by the pool or light rain. However, it’s not entirely waterproof, so it’s best to avoid full submersion.
Fabric Handle
The flexible fabric handle adds to the portability of the Revolve+ II. It’s easy to grab and carry, making it convenient for on-the-go use. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a picnic, or just moving it around your home, the handle ensures you can do so with ease.
Speakerphone Functionality
The built-in microphone allows the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II to function as a speakerphone. This feature is particularly useful for taking calls hands-free. The call quality is clear, and the microphone is sensitive enough to pick up your voice from a reasonable distance. This makes the speaker a practical addition to your home office or a convenient tool for conference calls.
User Experience and Companion App
Easy-to-Use Interface
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II features a simple and intuitive interface. The buttons on the top of the speaker are easy to use, providing controls for power, volume, Bluetooth pairing, and more. The voice prompts are clear and helpful, guiding you through the setup and pairing process.
Bose Connect App
The Bose Connect app provides additional functionality for the Revolve+ II. While it lacks a graphic EQ for fine-tuning the sound, it offers features like Party Mode, which allows you to pair two Bose speakers for simultaneous playback. The app also provides firmware updates and other customization options, enhancing the overall user experience.
Recommendations
After a comprehensive review of the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II, it’s clear that this speaker excels in many areas, making it a solid choice for a variety of users. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Who Should Buy the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II?
Casual Listeners: The balanced sound profile and mid-range clarity make the Revolve+ II an excellent choice for casual listeners who enjoy a variety of music genres, as well as audiobooks and podcasts.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: With its durable build, IP55 rating, and portable design, the Revolve+ II is perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, going on a picnic, or lounging by the pool, this speaker can handle the environment.
Smart Home Users: The integration with voice assistants and SimpleSync technology makes the Revolve+ II a great addition to a smart home setup. If you already have other Bose products or Alexa-enabled devices, this speaker will fit seamlessly into your ecosystem.
Who Might Look Elsewhere?
Bass Enthusiasts: If deep, thumping bass is a priority for you, the Revolve+ II might fall short. Fans of EDM, hip-hop, and other bass-heavy genres might want to explore speakers with better low-end performance.
Audiophiles: While the Revolve+ II offers good sound quality, it may not meet the high standards of audiophiles looking for the utmost precision and detail in their audio.
Final Thoughts
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a well-rounded portable Bluetooth speaker that offers excellent portability, a balanced sound profile, and robust durability. Its 360-degree sound delivery ensures consistent audio quality, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. While it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts or audiophiles, it excels in delivering clear, mid-range sound and a user-friendly experience.
For most users, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II will be a reliable and versatile speaker that meets a variety of listening needs. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or enjoying the great outdoors, this speaker is designed to provide a high-quality audio experience that Bose is known for.
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