REVIEW – Reviewing the new Tribit XSound Plus 2 has presented me with a dilemma. I’ve reviewed many Tribit speakers (and still use many daily) and I’m not sure I can be unbiased. Each speaker Tribit makes has proven to be a bargain that also sounds like it costs more. I keep waiting for them to mess up and create a disappointment, but they haven’t—yet. Darn it.
What is it?
The pill-shaped Tribit XSound Plus 2 is the latest in the XSound group of speakers. It is an upgraded successor to the MaxSound Plus. It sports newer Bluetooth, more power, longer playtime, and more.
The XSound Plus 2 utilizes the Tribit smartphone app. The app performs many functions including any firmware updates.
The case of the XSound Plus 2 is a rubberized surface with a coated, metal grill and a wrist strap for carrying or hanging from a hook or branch.
There are 7 buttons set along the top of the speaker: In/off, Bluetooth pairing, Volume down, Play/pause, Volume up, Pre-set equalizer (EQ), and totally wireless stereo (TWS) button (more on that later).
Two ports hide under a thick, rubber covering which helps give the Tribit XSound Plus 2 its IPX7 waterproof rating—up to 3 feet underwater for 30 minutes. A USB-C port is for charging and an AUX port allows for audio devices that depend on mini-plug connection. A USB-C to USB-A charging cable is provided, but not an AUX cable.
What’s included?
- XSound Plus 2 speaker
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Manual
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Power: 15W x 2
- Frequency Response Range: 50~20KHz
- Battery: 2400mAh x 2
- Playtime: 24 hours (60% volume with XBass off)
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Waterproofing Grade: IPX7
- Size: 7.8 in. x 2.6 in. x 2.7 in. (L x H x W)
- Weight: 1.76 lb
Design and features
The Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker is light enough to carry almost anywhere. The pill shape makes it easy to grasp, but a lanyard is also attached to wrap around the wrist freeing up a hand easily. The lanyard can also be used to hang the speaker on anything that can support its weight.
The buttons aligned on the top are raised to easily identify by touch. While they are not backlit as on some other Bluetooth speakers, tiny lights are next to each function button indicating whether they are active—or not.
Four small rubber nubs (feet) keep the XSound Plus 2 speaker from sitting directly on the surface. This bit of space allows the speaker to use its bass without vibrating or “walking” across a table. The grippy feet also help hold the speaker in place.
Both the charging and AUX ports are covered by a thick rubber door that keeps water out should the speaker fall into a pool. In my (unscientific) test, the speaker floats, but only a small section shows above the water line. If it falls into a lake, it may be difficult to find.
In typical Tribit fashion, the on and off buttons work immediately after pressing. They do not need to be pressed for a few seconds to activate. This is one of my favorite features of the Tribit speakers I’ve reviewed.
The Tribit app is not absolutely necessary, but does provide more choices and can perform software upgrades if available. Custom equalizer (EQ) settings can be named and saved. Note that the app only connects to later Tribit speakers and earphones, not earlier models.
So how does the Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker sound? Well, it is a Tribit. If you are familiar with their sound, you won’t be disappointed. Vocals are front and center—depending on the EQ. If the bass is accentuated or Xbass is activated, vocals can be pushed too far into the background resulting in a muffled sound. But I realize some prefer this EQ.
Fans of audiobooks are in luck. Tribit provides an Audioboom EQ setting that lowers bass and accentuates mid-ranges (where vocal frequencies lie). This results in super-clear vocals—perfect for audiobook reading or vocal podcasts.
Music can sound however you wish. Fans of the “V-shaped” or “smile’ EQ settings will love how their rock music sounds. I’m not a fan of this setting but to each his/her own. It works great.
I prefer slight bass and vocal accents with reduced treble. I’m not a fan of bright recordings. This EQ is perfect for my classic rock (Spirit, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd) and 80s analog electronic music (Ultravox, Brian Eno, OMD).
At the center of the Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker, sits a passive radiator (for bass) bordered by two drivers. This setup allows for a spacious sound grounded by solid bass—depending on how much bass you want to dial up in the mentioned EQ settings.
All in all, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker with its accompanying app, can give the listener what they want to hear.
Then there’s TWS or total wireless stereo. It may be a gimmick, but wow, what a gimmick! TWS elevates the XSound Plus 2 speaker into another realm. I’ve said it before, but TWS makes the speakers “disappear”, creating an invisible speaker with extreme soundstage. It has to be heard to be experienced—and appreciated. It’s well worth purchasing an extra speaker for TWS. The affordability of two XSound Plus 2 speakers—and the ease of Left/right stereo pairing—almost make this a no-brainer. Plus, newer different Tribit models can be paired via TWS to each other.
What I like about the Tribit XSound Plus 2 speaker
- It’s a Tribit
- Sound is customizable
- Helpful app
- Sounds better than its price
What needs to be improved?
- It could float better
Final thoughts
Tribit has done it again. The XSound Plus 2 speaker is affordable, carries well, sounds great, and has a good app to go with it. Yet, the speaker becomes another animal with a second speaker paired via TWS. Why am I not surprised?
Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Tribit and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Tribit. Tribit did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
