Hands on with the electrifying X-Mini II and X-Mini Max II capsule speakers
When I stood out to break open the box that carried these speakers from XMI Pte Ltd to me, I was thinking all the while, will these tiny things be worth a place here, where only hard core stuff finds place? And minutes later, when I had them playing Pink Floyd from my iPod, I wasn’t just taken aback by the mesmerizing sound these speakers managed but also found myself believing in the saying “looks are deceptive.”
The package contained 2nd generation range of X-mini speakers - the X-Mini II and the X-Mini Max II. A set of revolutionary innovation in portable audio technology, these speakers pack a real punch in terms of volume and sound quality, and when I write this as info, I actually mean it – they are real loud to fill the entire room, trust me for that.
The X-Mini II
Taking the speaker systems one at a time, let’s begin with discussing the X-Mini II. Striking a perfect balance between pocketsize portability and uncompromising sound quality, the single unit X-Mini Capsule Speaker II offers great audio with its 40mm driver, resulting in superior experience for user’s like me.
Compatible with all types of mobile devices like, mobile phones, music players, iPods, iPhones and laptops (few tried), through its built-in retractable 3.5mm audio cable, the speakers by twisting the top and the bottom and lifting it open reveals a cushion type spring area hidden behind the speaker to add to the sound quality. The X-Mini II also features a ‘Buddy-Jack’ design which allows the speaker to be connected in a chain of X-Mini IIs to muster jaw dropping audio quality.
To my excessive use of the speaker over the time I have used it, I found the X-Mini II’s rechargeable battery to live up to approx. 9.5 hours on a single charge, which may be slightly lesser than 11 hours that the manufacturer believes, but is pretty fine for the small yet dynamic speaker like this. So, is it too hard to be impressed with this plastic made, black colored speaker? At least that isn’t impossible for me, and if you take my word, I have been overwhelmed by it.
The X-Mini Max II
Next in what I received for testing are the X-Mini Max II speakers, which justify minimum design, maximum sound notion. With a simple twist and lift process I found the capsule speaker splitting into a pair of stereo speakers, while like the X-Mini, each speaker twists open to reveal the Base Xpansion System that provides the speaker with the additional sub-woofer-type feel, so the stereo sound wasn’t a concern for me.
Besides the ultra-portability and superior sound quality delivered by the 40mm driver, the magnetic enhancement to the bottom of the X-Mini Max II speakers made it fancier to my style. I stuck the pair of speakers to different surfaces, with no compromise in sound making though. Also accompanied with a 3.5mm cable and featuring a ‘Buddy-Jack’ design like the X-Mini, the X-Mini Max II can also be attached to a chain of similar speakers when ever more quality sound is required.
Coming to the speaker’s rechargeable battery, it somehow has impressed me deeply. Charged via USB, since I have received the set of speakers, I haven’t have had to charge it the second time. I must have used it over the specified 12 hours of playback time which the manufacturers boast, but for me the speakers are still playing fine.
It’s only praises that I can manage for these speakers that outrightly confirm “Sound Beyond Size”. Both speakers actually impress proving that good things really come in small packages. The sound quality and the operating time on a single charge do make the speakers perfect for outdoor as well as indoor use. Only if these speakers had a Bluetooth, wonder would have been beyond expression.
Thanks Darrelle
