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This article was taken from the September 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
We audition five music-streaming speakers that rival cables for quality.
How we tested
We assembled five wireless speakers that promise hi-fi sound and cable-free connectivity. Then we asked professional audiophile Adrian Justins to judge them. He tested each one for compatibility with a variety of sources and measured their wireless range. "I awarded scores for design, ease of use and setup and, of course, sound quality," says Justins.
B&O Play Beolit 12
The Beolit 12 is part of B&O's Play sub-brand.
Behind the aluminium grill and coloured fabric underneath, it's plastic, so you're paying a premium for the name. But the elegant handbag design is undeniably practical - its recessed top is ideal for holding your music player. A built-in rechargeable battery gives you four hours' wireless use. AirPlay ensures your iOS device streams smoothly.
Wired: <span class="s3">Simple elegance; expressive sound
Tired: <span class="s3">Bass-heavy; expensive
7/10
£599
Jawbone BIG JAMBOX
Speakers, passive bass radiators and a modest amp are housed in this 25cm-long steel oblong, which also sports micro USB and headphone sockets. This is a quietish model, but even without the bass thump, it's a well-balanced sound that can be given a three-dimensional effect with in-built LiveAudio tech, and works well as a speaker phone. A nice touch is the female voice that advises you on your progress when you make a Bluetooth connection and also on the battery status.
Wired: Easy to use
Tired: <span class="s4">Lacks a deep bass thump
7/10
£260
Loewe AirSpeaker
The AirSpeaker's USP is that its shelf-like top is available in almost any colour. It packs a substantial 80W punch given its biscuit-tin dimensions. Mid-range clarity is marvellous, even at high volumes, but the emphasis on bass is the AirSpeaker's undoing - it often pulses almost painfully. Wireless installation could be rather taxing for non-experts.
Wired: <span class="s3">Powerful yet compact; attractive
Tired: <span class="s3">Challenging to set up; too bassy
5/10
£649
<span class="s1">Bose SoundLink
The Bluetooth-compatible SoundLink has an executive air about it. Its solid and serious look is reinforced by a leather grille cover, which folds back to form a stand. Setup is easy, requiring just one long press on the Bluetooth button. Bose doesn't reveal power output figures but sound quality is akin to a decent DAB radio: high on clarity but lacking in impact.
Wired: <span class="s3">Well-built
Tired: <span class="s3">Bluetooth is incompatible with iTunes
5/10
£250
Libratone Lounge
The metre-long Lounge is best sited under a TV, where it can function as a plugged-in surround speaker and wireless music player. Finished in cashmere, its simple Scandinavian design uses one function button that pulses various colours according to its status. Sound quality is superb and well balanced, with no sweet-spot restriction.
Wired: <span class="s3">Polished, natural performance
Tired: <span class="s3">Pricy; limited placement options
8/10
£1,099
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
