REVIEW – Back in 2016, I got to review the Teufel Raumfeld wireless speakers. Teufel—a successful European Audio company— was trying to enter the US market with the Raumfeld system. Their Stereo M speakers were some of the best I’ve ever heard. Unfortunately, the speakers only worked with Teufel’s Wifi system and not Bluetooth. As good as the system was, I boxed it up and gave it to my brother, who promptly jerry-rigged the speakers to accept Bluetooth. The lack of Bluetooth combined with the expense of Teufel’s system ended any chance of US success. Eight years later Teufel has re-entered the US by partnering with the iconic guitar and amp maker, Fender. The result is a trio of Bluetooth speakers under the Fender X Teufel name. This review is about their smallest speaker—the Rockster Go 2. Will Teufel’s second attempt be a success?
What is it?
The Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 is a small, portable Bluetooth speaker designed by Fender to mimic the vibe—not necessarily the look—of their guitars and amps. Even so, the design is unique with the speaker ends tapering a bit giving the speaker a perspective angle. It makes the speaker appear larger than it is.
The Rocker Go 2’s build is rugged. An easy-to-grip rubberized shell combined with a tough speaker grill provide protection for outdoor use. Fender’s design adds a bit of class for indoor use.
Audio consists of two aluminum-framed drivers with a large, passive bass radiator in the center. Power is provided by an integrated Class-D amplifier. Teufel has incorporated what they call “Dynamore”—tech that gives the audio a wider sounding soundstage than it has.
Teufel doesn’t state what version of Bluetooth the Rockster has, nor its amp power rating. But it may not matter (except to audio geeks) because the speaker gets plenty loud.
The Rockster Go 2 speaker has IP67 waterproofing. This means that the speaker can be submerged for 30 minutes at 3 feet with no damage. This rating also certifies the speaker to be dust-free as well.
Battery life is rated at 15 hours (at medium volume). Four small LED lights at the back indicate remaining battery power.
What’s included?
- ROCKSTER GO 2
- USB-C charging cable – Black
- Guitar pick
- Fender strap
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Dimensions: 8.3 in. x 4.3 in. x 2.4 in. (LxHxW)
- Weight: 1.6 lb.
- Bluetooth
- AAC
- USB-C charging
- Battery: 15 hours (medium volume)
- Amplifier: Class D
- Speaker drivers: 2 (wide band)
- Passive radiator
- IP67 Dust and waterproof
Design and features
Not too many speakers have the design ethos of the Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 speaker. It is unusual looking enough to garner attention even when turned off. The black rubberized shell with gray-colored cloth grill trimmed in white gives the speaker a fun, but not gimmicky look. There are no flashing lights or other silly add-ons. The only nod to flash is the chromed logos in the center of the round passive radiator at the speaker.
The Rockster Go 2 speaker weighs a hefty 1.6 lb. That’s not heavy, but it still feels substantial for an 8-inch speaker. If dropped, all of its rubberized coating should protect it from harm. Plus the IP67 waterproof and dust rating should keep it playing in the harshest environments. Bluetooth range is a standard but not impressive 30 ft.
Teufel included a strap that allows the Rockster Go 2 to be hung on a branch, nail, hook, or whatever can support its weight. The strap can also be tightly attached to the back which allows a hand to be strapped to the speaker itself—if a bit uncomfortable. The photo shows it better than I can explain it.
The Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 speaker is a powerful-sounding speaker (for its size) with impressive features it has—and doesn’t have. That may seem strange, but it appears that Teufel took the simple route by not including every digital audio trick available. The only Bluetooth codec used is AAC. That’s it. No LDAC, apt-X, or other codecs touted by every other Bluetooth speaker maker. AAC works with both iOS and Android—unlike aptX. As I said—it’s simple.
Using the Rockster Go 2 speaker requires no learning curve. The buttons on top are painted white on black. Easy to see and use. There are only two buttons on the back—On/off and Bluetooth pairing. Both buttons are circled by LEDs—white (On) and blue (Bluetooth).
The top buttons are (left to right) Volume Down, Play/pause, Volume Up, and the Dynamore On/off button.
Dynamore is interesting. Press it and it sounds like the Rockster Go 2’s speakers were moved farther apart. The soundstage “expands” giving music more room to fill. While music sounds more encompassing when on, turn Dynamore off and music collapses into a single, narrow source. This collapsing is much more noticeable than with Dynamore on. Once it’s on, it’s hard to turn off.
Audio quality is better than I expected for 2 reasons: Dynamore (as mentioned), and the fact that the Rockster Go 2 sounds better the louder it’s pushed. This goes against every other portable speaker I’ve reviewed. Yes, many speakers handle loud volume without distorting, but the Go 2’s audio improves as the volume is increased. At low volume, audio is meh, but when cranked . . .
Lorde’s classic “Royals” song has a low bass note that kicks throughout the song—when the volume is maxed. Those chromed logos mentioned earlier look positively blurred as the radiator vibrates.
Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” also has a deep bass line that sounds better at louder volume. Again, there’s no distortion and the audio can fill a medium-sized room, no problem.
Dynamore spreads the stereo effect of the Lorde and Eilish songs (or any stereo song as well)—hard to do from a single portable speaker. The Go 2 speaker also supports true wireless stereo (TWS). While I don’t have a second speaker to test TWS, it sounds glorious with other speakers I’ve tested. I can only imagine how it sounds with two of these speakers—with Dynamore on!
What I like about the Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 speaker
- Sounds great for its size
- Dynamore is impressive
- Stylish
What needs to be improved?
- Could sound better at low volume (I can’t believe I’m saying this)
Final thoughts
I’m impressed with the Fender X Teufel Rockster Go 2 speaker. Its size may cause you to think it’s a cute speaker. Don’t be fooled. This little monster rocks. It’s hard to imagine that it’s the smallest portable speaker Teufel offers. The larger Rockster Cross and much larger Rockster Air 2 are available with even more power and more tech for those who crave even more decibels. For what it is, the Rockster Go 2 speaker should satisfy most music lovers. A guitar pick is included in the box.
Price: $129.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Fender X Teufel. Fender X Teufel did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
