Categories: Mobile RelatedPeripheralsReviews

Eagle Tech Arion Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Today we will be reviewing Eagle Tech Latest Bluetooth Speaker. For those of you who are not familiar with the company here is a short description about Eagle Tech.

Eagle Tech is a manufacturer of innovative and high quality audio products with 17 years of experience. Eagle Tech started in 1993 with computer power supplies and accessories. We take pride in providing audio products that help people enjoy a better experience in the digital world by applying our expertise, technology, efficiency and outstanding craftsmanship. Since those days we have expanded our product portfolio to include PC peripherals such as our award-winning portable external hard drives with luxurious design and build quality. In recent years, Eagle Tech has expanded beyond hardcore computer DIY market to bring innovative and high quality audio products to the general consumer.

The Arion Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($99.99) is a compact and wireless speaker which can be connected to various gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, computers or any other devices with Bluetooth technology. The portable speaker also functions as a speakerphone.

Specifications

Bluetooth Version: 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless music streaming
Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for wireless playback control
Hands-free Audio (HFP) and Headset Profiles (HSP) for hands-free calling capability
Connects to non-Bluetooth enable devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack
Speaker Power Output: 3 Watt x 2
Frequency Response: 60Hz to 20kHz

Key Features

Delivers best-in-class wireless stereo sound without the hassle of cables and docking stations
Two 35mm full range drivers with passive radiator subwoofer
Built-in microphone with noise cancellation for clear wireless hand-free calling
Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery for up to 6 hours for music & talk time
Auto-search and auto-reconnect with compatible device

Design
The portable speaker is perfectly rectangular, the top and bottom of the speaker are plastic, a diamond pattern metal grill wraps all the way around the body. Both connectivity and controls are extremely simple. Besides Bluetooth, the speaker offers a 3.5-mm stereo audio port for wired devices and a mini-USB port for charging its built-in battery. The speaker buttons are locate on the top, two skip buttons, two buttons to adjust volume and a multipurpose button that answers and ends calls. On the side, there’s a 3.5mm audio input, a USB port for recharging the speaker or connecting to a computer. Beneath is the power switch.

At 5.59 by 2.48 by 1.37 inches (HWD), the portable speaker is a compact, and surprisingly light, weighing 9.3 ounces.

The Speaker is available in black and white. The version of the Portable Speaker which we review is completely black. The speaker includes a 3.5 mm audio cable and USB cable.

Performance
The sound is clear and gave surprisingly good bass for such a small device satisfying enough for most uses. However, keep in mind that it’s a portable speaker and won’t compare with more powerful (or larger) speakers.

During testing, we paired the Arion effortlessly with a Galaxy S3, a tablet and a laptop. Once paired, a female voice lets you know the connection has been made and you’re off and running.

I tested the speaker with some music over Bluetooth from my Galaxy S3. All the songs I played sounded clearly. I cranked up the volume on both the speaker and the Galaxy S3, and both songs blasted out with solid force. The audio quality is impressive considering the device’s size and it can easily fill the room with your favorite Artist songs… Adele.

Speakerphone call quality is good, but not great. In my test calls, both the speaker user and handset user could hear each other clearly, with only slight echo from the speaker. It wasn’t perfect, but for a speakerphone it sounded adequate enough for short conversations.

Battery life on the speaker is great. The built-in, rechargeable battery lasted a weekend in standby mode and still show at full charge when I got back to the speaker. According to Eagle tech, the Arion speaker can last up 6 hours playing music or serving as a speakerphone. That’s more talk time than most cell phones and Bluetooth headsets provide.

Conclusion

The Arion Portable Bluetooth speaker offers some great features, long battery life, solid and clear sound. If you really need a wireless speakerphone/music speaker in one product, the Arion speakers is a good choice. The Arion Portable Speaker is the most stylish portable speaker we’ve seen, with features and sound quality you won’t find in comparable compact Bluetooth speakers. Congrats to Eagle tech for pulling off something so un-expected, and earning our Editors Choice Award.

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