The new SoundLink Max Portable Speaker adds a bit of heft and a bunch of powerful sound to the Bose line of SoundLink Bluetooth speakers, the company said Thursday.
“This all-new portable speaker has lasting power, rugged durability, and delivers incredible sound for its size,” Bose noted. “Now you can set the vibe with your favorite playlist no matter where you go.”
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
We first wrote about the new Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker in mid April, when a leak and an FCC filing predicted its imminent release. And the rumors turned out to be true, right down to the somewhat hefty price tag of $399. You can preorder SoundLink Max at Bose.com with shipping after May 16.
Bose said the new speaker takes great advantage of Bose technology and audio know-how:
The system leverages a Bose Articulated Array with three transducers across the front of the speaker to deliver a spacious stereo experience that goes beyond the speaker itself. Two custom-designed passive radiators are responsible for providing a level of bass performance that also defies the speaker size.
Using technology found in Bose soundbars and proprietary digital signal processing that dramatically minimizes distortion, the speaker reproduces full, natural sound regardless of what you’re listening to. The result is a system that allows you to hear every instrument, clear vocals, and the beat of your music, no matter where you’re listening or where the speaker is placed.
Using the Bose app, you can personalize your listening experience through adjustable EQ settings, including bass, mid-range and treble.
Built for durable portability
Photo: Bose
SoundLink Max’s design uses a powder-coated, silicone-wrapped steel enclosure for a premium look. And it’s also tough. Bose said it withstands bumps and drops and resists peeling, flaking and UV-light-related corrosion. An IP67 rating protects against water, dust, rust and shocks. Bose stopped short of saying it’s OK to drop it in the pool, however.
The device is a little bigger than others in its line, like SoundLink Flex, but it’s still compact for portability. It measures 10.42in wide, 4.73in high and 4.13in deep and weighes just under five pounds. Its integrated, removable rope handle makes it easy to carry around. And you can get a rope strap as an option to carry it over your shoulder. In addition, four optional color handle accessories can customize the speaker’s look.
The speaker’s playback time runs up to 20 hours on a full charge, according to Bose. And its USB-C port can charge your iPhone or other mobile devices (like the one transmitting tunes to the speaker via Bluetooth 5.3).
Hi-def and lossless audio
The new speaker supports SBC and AAC codec standards, so it works with most Bluetooth devices, including Apple’s.
However, the highest-quality sound is reserved for devices that support Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec (sorry, iPhone and iPad users):
For high-definition audio, it uses Snapdragon Sound with the latest Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec, which automatically adapts up to lossless quality. Snapdragon Sound technology allows for more seamless and robust connectivity with premium Android devices. The SoundLink Max also offers Google Fast Pair for added ease-of-use when pairing Android devices.
And the speaker isn’t just wireless. An AUX input lets you jack in via cable from sources like turntables and MP3 or CD players. And the speaker’s shortcut button can switch to or from AUX and enable Spotify Tap, Bose said.
The SoundLink Max comes in black or blue dusk colors. You can preorder now for $399 and it will ship after May 16, Bose said.
Where to preorder: Bose
Source: Bose