You’ve seen the gold lucky cat in a shop window, paw waving like it’s running a tiny side hustle. MEDICOM TOY and RINARO ISODYNAMICS took that familiar charm and stuffed it with a serious looking Bluetooth speaker called the BE@RBRICK AUDIO Maneki-Neko Edition. It’s an odd collision, and it’s a fun one.
Price: $499
Where to buy: BE@RBRICK AUDIO
The finish does most of the first impression work. It’s glossy metallic gold, it throws bright highlights, and it looks more like decor than hardware. That’s a smart move for something that’s meant to sit out in the open.
The scale matters, too, because it’s about 11 inches tall, which makes it feel like a centerpiece instead of a desk trinket. It reads intentional, not cute. That confidence is part of the appeal.
It also creates a simple tension. A collectible shape usually screams novelty, but the build language hints at real acoustic intent. That little contradiction is what keeps the story moving.
Why This Odd Speaker Exists
Most portable speakers try to disappear, and that’s fine. This one does the opposite and leans into being seen, which is a bold choice for audio gear. The look is the hook.
The collaboration isn’t brand new, either. The BEARBRICK AUDIO platform has been around, and this Maneki Neko edition feels like a design remix with a cultural wink. It’s a cleaner story than a random mascot shell.
If you put it on a shelf, you’ll notice it changes the whole corner. The gold surface catches light like a small trophy. That’s the point.
There’s also a practical upside to the sculpture approach. The larger body gives room for real driver placement and internal volume. That’s a welcome contrast to the tiny tube speakers that never stop sounding tiny.
The price makes the intent obvious. BE@RBRICK AUDIO Maneki Neko Portable Bluetooth Speaker is $499. It’s expensive, and it’s clearly not pretending to be a bargain.
So the real question is: is this a collectible that happens to play music, or a speaker that happens to look like art. That ambiguity is the whole flex.
What QUAD’360 Is Doing
Rinaro Isodynamics is the credibility engine here, because the company’s known for high end headphone engineering. The QUAD’360 pitch uses four drivers to push sound outward in a full circle, and it’s an ambitious claim in such a weird enclosure. It feels like a real attempt, not a lazy spec grab.
If you listen for it, the layout is trying to make the highs feel lifted and the lows feel controlled, not boomy. Two 20 mm tweeters sit in the ears and two 40 mm woofers live in the sealed head, which is a clever use of the shape. That sealed volume should help keep bass from turning into a hollow rattle.
Controls, Battery, and the Real World Stuff
The controls are the part that could’ve been corny, and they mostly come off as tactile and satisfying. If you’ve ever hated hunting for tiny buttons on glossy plastic, the arms as the interface is a good call. It keeps the surface clean and the gimmick under control.
Twisting a hand for track changes and using the other for volume feels deliberately physical. It’s a little theatrical. It also makes the speaker feel like an object, not a gadget.
Charging is via USB C and takes about 1.5 hours. That’s fast enough that charging won’t feel like a chore.
Battery life is rated around six hours. It’s fine, not heroic, and it covers a desk session or dinner without overpromising.
The replaceable battery is the quiet detail that makes the whole thing feel less wasteful. When the battery fades after years, it can be swapped instead of leaving a dead statue forever. That’s thoughtful engineering.
Release Details and Who It’s For
Shipping is scheduled for early February 2026, and the buying process leans into limited-drop energy. Buyers sign up for the newsletter, then jump on an email expected on January 30. Newsletter subscribers get 24 hours of early access, which is nice if you’re already in the loop.
Price: $499
Where to buy: BE@RBRICK AUDIO
If you want a stealthy speaker, this isn’t it. Anyone who wants a conversation piece that still feels real when you hit play will probably find the niche satisfying.
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