Input needed: Bluetooth speaker or something else?

[blownsi]

Our formal living room doubles as our library. There are no electronics of any kind in it and the Mrs has zero desire to add them. When she's not home I often sit in this room whether reading or just relaxing. The silence sometimes gets to me and I'd like to add some music. While I could use headphones, I choose not to use them in this case. Since I need this solution to be either hidden or portable would you suggest a portable bluetooth/airplay speaker? Do any of them actually sound good? Would something like a boombox or wave radio be a better sounding solution? Keep in mind that it must be able to be put away when not in use. The room is appx 14x18 but it's an open floor plan (multi-level home) that opens into our kitchen and dining room as well. I do not need to rock the house but would like the ability to hear music throughout the area. Just for reference any old school boombox would get more than loud enough to do the job.

[Audio_ELF]

How about a Naim MuSo or MuSo Qb?

[Melvin]

I recently added a Bluesound Pulse Flex and have been very happy with it. I'm using it primarily in my bedroom but I purchased it with portability in mind (along with several other factors). BTW, I also have a Bluesound Node 2 otherwise I may never have given the Flex a shot. Good luck with your search.

 

PULSE FLEX : Bluesound

[chilledbongo]

Audioengine has a very great Bluetooth speaker that would fit your needs. Seems portable enough. It's basically two of their small powered desktop speakers put together end to end.

Powerful sound would fill your space, plus it looks good.

 

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[Melvin]

Audioengine has a very great Bluetooth speaker that would fit your needs. Seems portable enough. It's basically two of their small powered desktop speakers put together end to end.

Powerful sound would fill your space, plus it looks good.

 

This was on my short list when I was looking and if I wanted a Bluetooth-only solution I would have jumped on it. As it was, I decided the additional wifi component on the Flex was important to me. The OP might also want to look at Sonos.

[blownsi]

Thanks all for your input and keep it coming. I've used Sonos in the past and think it's great but it requires something more than my iphone to serve it. So far the Audioengine seems to fill my wants nicely and it's decently priced too. I also like the headphone jack input so that I can adapt future technology or use an AE to add Airplay.

[Melvin]

@blownsi, I just saw this fairly comprehensive article on The Wirecutter and thought you might be interested (if you haven't already seen it):

 

The Best Home Bluetooth Speaker | The Wirecutter

[jcn3]

Thanks all for your input and keep it coming. I've used Sonos in the past and think it's great but it requires something more than my iphone to serve it. So far the Audioengine seems to fill my wants nicely and it's decently priced too. I also like the headphone jack input so that I can adapt future technology or use an AE to add Airplay.

 

actually, i think sonos is a good solution -- how recent was your experience? why do you think you need more than an iphone?

 

here's what i'm thinking: buy a sonos bridge ($49, now discontinued) or boost ($99) and connect via ethernet to your network. buy a play:3 or play:5 and control it via your iphone (streaming services, internet radio, and/or music residing on your phone or network) using the sonos app. you can move the play:3 and play:5 around easily -- they're around bose radio size.

 

note: it looks like based on the latest software that a bridge or boost may not be needed . . . .

[blownsi]

Thanks for educating me on the Sonos advancements. A buddy of mine bought it years ago back when you had to buy the really expensive remote control. I knew they added the ability to replace the remote with a cell app but I had no idea that it was compatible with streaming nor that you could do away with the bridge and even the "server" running 24 hours a day in your house. Whether I end up using one of their speakers or not I may revisit their technology for my main rig.

[GregWormald]

I can't add anything to the bluetooth discussion, but I do own the Audioengine 2 speakers and find them fine for "moderate level" use.

 

Greg

[One and a half]

I really like the KEF Muo, has bluetooth or 3.5mm connection. Use it for when away from home, like now.

 

Away system : PC Win10 HP Envy -> Grace Design m920 -> KEF Muo wired -> HD800S

[kingswindsor]

I've been impressed by the Monitor Audio Airstream S200 my son bought 2 years ago. It does airplay as well as bluetooth. I think there is now a cheaper version which has dropped the airplay. .

 

The only slightly peculiar point to mention is that the volume control (other than the one on your iPhone) are physical buttons, no software remote control.

 

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[kingswindsor]

Or, as it's a library, maybe some wireless bookshelf speakers like http://www.whathifi.com/dynaudio/xeo-2/review Can't vouch for this models sound quality but it's larger siblings are excellent.

 

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