Voiz AiRadio Duo smart Bluetooth speaker review

REVIEW – The Voiz AiRadio Duo isn’t your typical speaker. It’s classy, high quality and meant to stay in one place.

What is it?

The VR-80 AiRadio Duo smart speaker pairs with a variety of streaming services, Alexa and it’s own app. In addition to playing music, you can use it with Alexa to set alarms or get the weather forecast, etc. 

What’s in the box?

• Speaker
• Charging cord
• Manual

Hardware specs

• WiFi standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 
• Bluetooth version: 2.1 enhanced data rate
• 3” full-range Neodymium driver
• Impedance: 4-ohm 
• Sensitivity: 81db
• Amplifier spec: Max power output: 10W x 2
• Streaming services: Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, iHeartRadio and TuneIn
• Cabinet material: Veneer on medium-density fiberboard
• Color: Bamboo or black
• Unit dimensions: 12 x 6 x 6.1 in / 306 x 153 x 155 mm 
• Unit + adapter weight: 4 lb 3 oz + 5 oz = 4 lb 8 oz / 2kg
• Package size: 17 x 7.32 x 8.2 in / 434 x 186 x 208 mm (W• H • D)
• Package weight: 6 lb / 2.72 kg
• UPC barcode number: (GS1 Registered) 8-60295-00255-0
• Warranty: One year

Design and features

Setup

Right out of the box, it’s clear this is a very attractive speaker, with smooth curved edges and a unique bamboo pattern (it also comes in black).

Be aware that this is not the type of speaker for teenagers to throw in their backpacks to listen to while skateboarding. Or even one for Mom to shove in her pocket to listen to her audiobook while cleaning bathrooms. Like old-timey radios, the AiRadio is a fixture, a nice one, that would go beautifully with mid-century modern furnishings or any tastefully decorated space. In a word, it’s classy.

Also, it needs to be plugged in to use. So, clearly, it’s not a portable speaker. It’s also fairly big, at 12 x 6 x 6.1 inches.

On the back panel, you’ll find the 3.5mm aux port, 3.5mm headphone output and power input for the included AC adaptor that plugs into the wall.

There are four ways to operate it: Alexa, the app, connect to your device with Bluetooth or connect to your device with the aux port.

Performance

The sound quality is excellent. It doesn’t get distorted at higher frequencies as cheaper speakers do. The sound is clear and crisp. The bass is nice and deep like it should be. We were very impressed with this speaker, the best we’ve heard for a speaker of this size. 

The AiRadio works with select streaming services: Amazon Music, Tidal, Spotify, iHeartRadio and TuneIn. We tested it with Amazon Music and Alexa, which Mason really enjoyed. He likes to call out for custom songs, as he wants to listen to them, as well as pairing it with playlists he’s previously created. It also serves as his new alarm clock.

The center power/mode button connects to wifi and Alexa if you press and hold for 3 seconds. Also, press it for Bluetooth and aux-in connections. Press and hold again for 3 seconds to power off.

The buttons surrounding the power button are for:

• Mute/unmute (left)
• Summon Alexa without saying it (right)
• Volume up (top)
• Volume down (bottom)

The Voiz Custom app (iPhone/Android) gives you the initial set-up instructions. It lets you set favorites and select streaming services. You can also use it to play a song or playlist onto multiple AiRadios, if you have more than one in your home or office. 

What I like

• Excellent sound quality
• Sophisticated appearance

What I’d change

• An option to use while not plugged in (battery)

Final thoughts

This is a high-quality, nice-looking speaker that makes a nice addition to any room.

Price: $299.00
Where to buy: Voiz website
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Voiz.