In many respects, a lot of the Bluetooth speakers on the market have similar features and capabilities. But when BlueAnt launched the X6 a few weeks ago, the specs and physical size were eye opening. When the offer came to review one, it didn’t take long to say yes.
Building on the already extensive range of speakers available from BlueAnt, the X6 is labelled a party speaker. It’s not a portable speaker, I liken it to the old “luggable” computers… You can do it, but it’s not super convenient and you’ll only do it if you need to. From a listening perspective though, you’re going to be glad you did.
What is it
Clearly, it’s a speaker…
But there’s a lot of features that this speaker has that most others don’t. Physically it’s an absolute monster, standing roughly thigh-high on me.
It will pump out 160W, is capable of delivering audio peaks of 110db and weighs just shy of 9 kilograms. It’s a pretty full-on piece of kit with some great capabilities and not just the audio output.
For starters, despite the physical size it’s got a pretty impressive battery life of 8 hours at 50% volume. During my testing, I got almost 3 full work days out of the battery. It can also run off of mains power if you have access to it, and will charge the battery — this takes about 5 hours to a full charge — during mains power use.
The speaker can be set up either standing up or lying down on either side, with the lighting providing some great ambience to the party.
On top of the device you’ve got inputs and controls for the speaker that include:
- A mode button to switch between the Bluetooth, MicroSD, USB and Auxiliary (including Mic and Guitar) inputs.
- Playback controls: Play/Pause, Advance track, Backtrack, repeat and bass boost buttons
- A volume dial that syncs volume with your phone when playback is via Bluetooth
- Duo Mode: Like other BlueAnt speakers, the X6 can be linked with another for Duo Mode to enjoy no-lag stereo audio.
- Controls for the guitar and Microphone throughput
- USB and SD card inputs for external music sources
On the rear, you’ve got the power input, a power selector (although it doesn’t seem to matter which you use when plugged in) and RCA outputs to link to other speakers, or to recording devices.
Given the intended uses of the X6, it’s perhaps a bit of a disappointment (compared to the specs of some of their other speakers) that there isn’t an IP rating. That being said, with the significant increase in power and other capabilities, it’s easy to understand why it’s not IP rated with the technical challenges and likely cost increases by pursuing it.
What’s it like to use?
Connecting a Bluetooth device these days is like unlocking a door, everyone knows how to do it; this was quick and simple. Once paired with your primary device, it’s easy to connect and switch modes to different inputs as you need. It’s worth noting that this is a party speaker, not intended to be a smart speaker, so there’s no Alexa or Assistant trigger.
I like my music to be reasonably loud, at a touch over 60% volume: My options were to turn it down or leave the room!
This isn’t a “portable” speaker, but it is transportable and it’s a beast. The 160W output is noticeable, even at low volume with the power, depth and clarity of sound really coming forward. While it is quite directional for the sound, you’ll get a lot of fill around the area; it really does fill a space with sound extremely well.
The balance of the audio is really pleasing and if you want that bit more boom in your tunes, the bass boost doesn’t overpower the rest of the sound; it just goes that bit harder.
Filling space with sound is pointless if the sound quality is poor, but — continuing form from previous devices — BlueAnt delivers consistent, solid, well balanced audio on a wallet friendly budget.
Adding in the capability to plug in a guitar and mic is a fantastic and relatively cheap way to mobilise for buskers, or musicians looking to get going in the world. I have zero musical talent, so I let my daughter — apologies to the neighbours — do some Karaoke and, while she does not need amplification to be heard, the audio quality was really good, particularly for the price.
Is the BlueAnt X6 a worthwhile investment?
There are a few factors at play here, particularly the physical size of the thing. It’s big and, if you’re not going to make use of a speaker this size on a regular basis; I’d say get something smaller, both in size and price.
The price is the next barrier to clear before I’d happily give someone a nod to purchase. $579.00 really isn’t a spur of the moment purchase, nor is it something you’d spend if you weren’t sure you’d use it…
But if you buy, you get a lot for your money!
The basics are that the setup is quick and easy, it’s transportable (vs portable) and delivers genuinely impressive sound.
The BlueAnt X6 is one of the loudest and clearest speakers; at low and high volume, that I’ve tested in the last couple of years. The power really does give you the capability to fill a space and make it a party.
You can pick one up through the BlueAnt site, or through Telstra stores and online.
Disclosure Statement
BlueAnt has not requested return of the item following review.
Discussion about this post