These days I really donβt pay attention to bluetooth speakers, unless thereβs something really unique about it. The BenQ treVolo S stood out due to itβs unusual βfoldingβ configurationβ¦ and electrostatic speakers?
What is it?
I know BenQ from their video products (I have two of their 4K displays at work), but not Bluetooth speakers. BenQ claims the treVolo S is the worldβs smallest electrostatic Bluetooth speaker. It features dual woofers and dual amplifiers, plus electrostatic speakers that unfold from the sides.
Hardware specs
Frequency Response: Β 60 Hz β 20 kHzβ
Bluetooth: Β Bluetooth 4.2
aptX Support: No
NFC: Β Yes
Input Types:Β 3.5 mm stereo input; USB audioβ (DAC)
Duo Mode: Β Yes (Stereo / Party mode)β
Sound Mode: Β Pure/3D
Playing Time:Β 18 hours (Dependence on user scenario)β
Keys: Β Power Key, BT Pairing Key, Volume Key (+-), 3D Mode Key, Play / Pauseβ
LED Indicator:Β Power key : Red LED x1; Green LED x1 ; BT Pairing Key : Blue LED x1β
Microphone: No
Battery:Β Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteryβ
IO Port:Β Micro USB x1 ; Line-in x1β
Input Power Rating: Β DC 5V 2Aβ
Temperature Range for Useβ: Β 0~40ΒΊ Cβ
Dimensionβ: 63.2Γ157.5Γ96.3 mm (Closed)β
Weight:Β 1kg
Whatβs in the box?
Speaker, mini USB charger with mains plug, instructions and drawstring bag.
Design and features
The treVolo S stands upright with a non-skid rubbery pad at the base. Β All controls are located at the top along two LED lights indicating charging, bluetooth status and 3D mode.
The white model is pretty hard to read and photograph. Β There are no markings on the rear for micro USB and the aux input. Β That micro USB is used for charging and for USB audio (DAC).
Hereβs the treVolo S with itβs two electrostatic panels unfolded. Β Note the perforated sides for the dual woofers inside the main body.
Setup
A companion app is available for the speaker, but is not necessary unless you have two treVolo speakers. Β If so, you can pair two in βDuo modeβ for a stereo pair, or as synchronized sets.
The only other control on the app is the β3D Soundβ, which can also be done from one of the six buttons on the speakerβs top panel.
BenQ describes 3D sound as a form of βspatial enhancementβ. Β The difference is subtle, but it did make music sound βwiderβ. Β I think itβs a matter of personal preference.
Performance
For better or for worse, many people wonder if speakers βsound like Boseβ. Β I put the two side by side and took a listen. Β (No, not like the photo above, positioned for artistic taste!)
As can be expected, the Bose Soundlink Mini II, which is roughly the same size (small) sounded stronger at the low end, which is what Bose is famous for. Β The treVolo S couldnβt keep up with the low end until I placed it in a corner. Β Placing speakers in a corner exaggerates the bass, and the treVolo S really came alive.
If youβre looking for raw power, the treVolo S couldnβt keep up with the Bose Soundlink Mini II. Β The Bose was louder at maximum βcan you please turn that down?β volume.
What I like
The treVolo S oozes with built quality. The speakers unfold smoothly, and thereβs a confident heft to the whole thing that inspires confidence. Β According to BenQ, the built-in DAC provides the cleanest listening experience, which is something the Bose Soundlink Mini just doesnβt have as an option. Audio sounded crisp and clean from the electrostatic speakers regardless of mode (3D or not).
What needs to be improved
If youβre a bass head, stick the treVolo S in a corner- otherwise, get the Bose. Β The treVoloβs maximum volume could be a little higher.
Final thoughts
If youβre a fan of electrostatic speakers, look no further! Β Solid build and clean looks make for a nice all-around package unless you demand ground-shaking bass.
Price: $199.00
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by BenQ.