By Joe Gulczinski
Manufacturer: Antec Mobile Products (A.M.P.)
Product Name: SPZero Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Model Number: SP ZERO BLK
UPC: 761345730099
Price As Tested: $48.91 (Amazon)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Antec Mobile Products.
Antec Mobile Products (A.M.P.) is a division of Antec, a market leader in PC hardware. A.M.P. designs devices that not only change the way people experience life through their mobile devices, but do it in a style that it is attractive and durable. Benchmark Reviews has recently had the opportunity to examine one of A.M.P.’s latest products, the SPZero: a Bluetooth portable speaker with it’s own proprietary speaker driver.
The main goal of this review is to not only test the ease of functionality of the SPZero, but to gauge the quality of the sound (taking the price point into consideration). Take a moment to view the highlights below before we take a closer look.
- Bluetooth HD Technology.
- dBs proprietary high-response driver technology.
- Water resistant and rugged construction.
- High capacity batteries allows up to 8 hours of continuous playback.
- Built in microphone to answer or place calls.
- Built-in daisy chain functionality gives ability to connect multiple speakers.
| Bluetooth Standard | Bluetooth V3.0 |
| Support Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Wireless Range | 10m |
| Battery Type | 750mAh Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery |
| Size | 86mm(L) x 57mm(W) x 94mm(H) |
| Weight | 218g |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20KHz |
| RMS | 3W (THD 10%) |
| Microphone | Built-in Omni-direction Microphone |
| Interface | Micro USB Power Port, Audio-In, Audio-Out |
| Controls | Talk/ Play/ Pause, Volume down/up |
The Antec SPZero comes in a small clear package with everything you need to get started right away. All the accessories are tucked away neatly at the bottom behind the white portion of the packaging.
On the side is the auxiliary input and output and a micro-usb port that allows for charging. The auxiliary ports enable multiple SPZero’s to be daisy-chained together via the supplied 1/8″ jack.
There is only 3 buttons on the top to control all the functions of the speaker including: power, Bluetooth pairing, volumes, and answering phone calls. The buttons are completely coated in rubber and have a firm activation feel to them. Note that the entire unit is coated in this thick rubber that not only provides excellent impact resistance but also adds some protection against the elements and splashes.
The Antex SPZero is rather attractive and is available in 7 different color combinations. The 2 bars on top are actually a nice touch if you care to use the optional clip fastener (included and shown on next page). Interestingly enough, the entire unit feels and weighs like a smaller version of a cowbell!
Interestingly enough the cables have been treated with same type of rubber coating that is on the SPZero itself; however, the ribbon wires are very thin so it’s really not a good idea to stretch them tight. The manual is multi-language and does an adequate job of explaining the basic setup and procedures, with the exception of one issue touched on later in the review. Naturally this stylish little cowbell would not be complete without the double-snap utility clip.
The schematic below illustrates the ports and buttons a little bit more clearly. One thing to note is that the LED indicator is not visible unless the unit is functioning. The LED is dual colored and changes dependent on function and flashes at different rates indicating battery charge or Bluetooth pairing.
One special feature this unit has is the unique ability to be daisy chained to multiple units to increase the sounds’ volume. Even though the 1/8″ cable and ports are designed for a stereo signal, we did not test two units simultaneously in this type of configuration; furthermore, there is nothing provided in the specs or manual to indicate that a stereo signal would be possible.
The Antec SPZero was tested for about 2 weeks with a variety of Bluetooth devices. Devices that were tested and paired with the SPZero included: Sony Xperia P, Samsung S3, Nokia E63, iPad (4th generation), and an older model iPod touch. To test the audio quality several genres of music were selected to delineate what type of dynamic range the unit could provide. It is important to note that the SPZero sounds best positioned parallel to solid reflective surfaces to enhance the low end more; however, please consider that the results are subjective.
Initial pairing of the SPZero was slightly baffling due to the fact that the power button (which you hold and depress until an audible voice proclaims that it is on) has to be held in an additional 5-8 seconds uninterrupted after the power up. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but may have been addressed a little more clearly in the manual. Once Bluetooth pairing has become initiated, the small white LED will pulse rapidly until an appropriate Bluetooth device is found and authorized. The distance is rather limited to approximately 10 meters (which fits the specs) and works best when the Bluetooth source is in the same room with in line of site.
The micro USB port allows for charging through a standard USB interface. When plugged directly into AC the initial charge took less then 2 hours and the playback exceeded the 8 hours listed at medium volume. This was a smart move by Antec due to the mere fact of charging versatility. If one chooses to use the wired auxiliary input instead of the Bluetooth interface, it may be even possible to squeeze another hour or two of playback time out of it.
The SPZero utilizes a proprietary driver for the speaker that provides excellent clarity at about 80% volume in the high and mid-range frequencies. It will provide some of the bass, provided it is right up against a wall or placed in a corner. At maximum volume harmonic distortion becomes very evident, so it is important to max or tweak the source first before adjusting the SPZero’s volume.
If the SPZero is paired with a phone, it can be used as a speaker phone to take incoming calls via its built in Omni-directional microphone. At best it is slightly better then a phone’s already built-in speaker, (when used in this way) but is convenient if the speaker is closer to you then your phone; just a press of a button allows a call to be passed through.
Many of the Bluetooth speakers on the market in this price range are just a slight improvement over the source’s built in speaker. The SPZero has managed to break through that barrier by delivering a product that is not only durable in many facets, but can also provide decent sound clarity in style. Antec further emphasized a sense of fashion by including a heavy-duty clip, to take the SPZero anywhere and show it off.
One particular issue that should be addressed in future iterations of this product would be the Bluetooth distance. Yes it does do 10 meters which is large enough to cover almost any average sized room, but if you move the audio source out of direct range of site a distinct crackling in the speaker is apparent. By direct contrast, there are many Bluetooth devices have no issues going through walls.
The Antec SPZero performance was found to be more then adequate concerning it’s main functionality. It exceeded expectations in battery life and was overall easy to operate. Sound quality was indeed very clear but definitely lacking in bass unless in a favorable physical location. Given how small the unit really is, one can’t really expect more.
The SPZero’s stylish appearance seems to be modeled after a cowbell! Whether done intentionally or not, it’s actually rather attractive and not gaudy at all. It is available in 7 different color combinations to accessorize your personality (or phone) which seems to be the latest trend.
Concerning the construction of the unit it is built pretty tough. Everything but the top handles (which are a type of plastic) are coated in a thick rubber, protecting the SPZero from accidental drops and moisture. It can definitely be taken pool-side or to the beach, but it isn’t designed to take full submersion.
There was only one issue with the SPZero concerning functionality, and that was just a small oversight in the pairing instructions. Otherwise all functions performed as they should. The smart design of having the buttons obviously accessible right on the top of the unit was refreshing.
As far as overall value is concerned, this product offers a bit more quality and above average sound then some other mobile speaker products in the same price range. For $48.91 (Amazon) you will be hard pressed to find an equivalent Bluetooth speaker.
+ Impressive battery life.
+ Above average sound quality provided the physical placement is correct.
+ Controls are easily accessible and intuitive to use.
+ Built durable: shock proof and water resistant.
– Needs direct line of site for no interference.
– Would prefer more low end frequencies and clip the higher slightly.
– Initial Bluetooth pairing can be tricky at first — user’s manual needs clarity.
– Daisy-chaining units together should provide a stereo sound vs. 2 mono channels.
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Performance: 7.00
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Appearance: 7.25
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Construction: 8.50
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Functionality: 7.75
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Value: 8.00
COMMENT QUESTION: What is the most important feature in a Bluetooth speaker to you?
