Libratone Beat wireless speaker review

Too frequently the phrase “wireless speakers” conjures up a vision of two very small, low-powered audio devices that are more likely to mangle your music than make it sing.

As if in response to those tinny, aural atrocities, Libratone has created what it boldly calls the “world’s first wireless high-end speaker” and the Libratone Beat should help shake off that image of poor performance.

Those lofty, high-end aspirations are immediately apparent from the specifications: the Libratone Beat is no Bluetooth device. Built using a patented 2.4GHz frequency that doesn’t apply as much compression to the audio stream, this is the wireless speaker your music has been waiting for.

And that proprietary streaming system isn’t the last of the impressive technology beating within it. The Beat’s amplified power includes two 25W portions in the tweeter/midrange and 50W bass output.

That’s created using a single five-inch bass driver, dual three-inch midrange drivers and two one-inch ribbon-based tweeters. The result is an impressive sound from a good-looking unit. Switching from bass-heavy hip-hop to classical piano to gentle acoustic rock helped put the speaker through its paces and the Libratone Beat passed with flying colours.

That passionate piano tinkling benefited from a fully rounded midrange, while the female voice accompanying the light guitar proved the dual ribbon-based tweeters can put the high into high performance.

What was also impressive was the ability to wirelessly unlock the other sound functions from your iPhone or iPad. For example, a racing game played by tilting Apple’s tablet computer took on extra life as the screech of tires and roar of engines boomed out from the wireless speaker.

One little niggle is that in order to stream your audio you’ll need to add a dongle. A 30-pin transmitter streams tunes up to 10m from your iPod or iPhone, while a larger USB connector can reach as far as 30m from your PC. And if for any reason you’re not able to make use of the wireless interface, there’s a 3.5mm analog input to connect a device.

If the inside has the wow factor when it comes to playing your music, then the outside is pretty swish too. Coming in four attractive colours, it looks like it’s been covered in high-quality carpet and even the carry handle jutting out of the back doesn’t seem out of place. Since the 47cm x 19.5cm x 15cm speaker weighs in at 6.5kg, it’s a handy addition.

Unfortunately, the high-end performance and good looks also come with a matching price tag. Available in mid-November in the Apple store, you’ll be parting with £500 to stream your tunes in style.