Stuff - UK (2020-02)

2

TESTED TRANSPARENT SPEAKER

1

Drivers 2x 3in, 1x 6.5in

Max output 100W

Connectivity Bluetooth, line in,

line out, USB power

Dimensions 431x333x118mm, 11 kg

STUFF SAYS ++++,

This is a magic modular

Bluetooth speaker, even

if its lack of connected

features will grate for

some potential buyers

Tech specs

Simplicity is the Transparent Speaker’s greatest

strength and its greatest weakness. There’s

something refreshing about unboxing a new

gadget that doesn’t need to be connected to

the Wi-Fi then have the firmware updated and

a companion app downloaded. Most importantly, it really

does sound as good as it looks. @james_a_day

Clear the air

Among the various

wireless upgrade

options, you can add

a Sonos Connect to

make this part of your

existing multiroom

setup.

Transparent Sound really

isn’t making much of an

effort with its product

naming policy. The Small

Transparent Speaker

is half the size and half

the price of its sibling.

You lose the subwoofer,

swap black components

for white and reduce the

stereo output to 30W, but

as a sensible Bluetooth

speaker it actually makes

more sense.

Perfectly sized for

bedside cabinets, kitchen

worktops, wall-mounting

or moving around the

house, it uses the same

aluminium uniframe and

tempered glass, and the

white components and

wires sit smartly in any

environment. It carries

the same modular options

hidden in the base, but

with one difference: you

can wirelessly connect

two Small Transparent

Speakers without a

multiroom upgrade.

We found it plenty loud

enough to fill an open-plan

kitchen diner, giving the

Apple HomePod a run for

its money in the sound

stakes, while the lack of

on-speaker controls is

easily remedied with your

phone’s EQ. And yes, you

still get the white gloves.

Stuff says +++++

More portable and more

palatable in price than

its big brother

Small Transparent Speaker

Or for half the price...

£450 / stuff.tv/Transparent