I had loads of optimistic issues to say about Bose’s SoundLink Max once I examined the moveable Bluetooth earlier speaker this 12 months, and that reward was common from different reviewers as effectively. However there was one major hangup: the value.
At its standard retail price of $399, Bose’s flagship Bluetooth speaker will get lumped into a really aggressive crowd and isn’t far off from extra superior merchandise just like the Sonos Transfer 2 and far bigger celebration audio system. Even for those who put these options apart, it’s a lot of cash to spend on a Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t provide any smarts, lacks audio playback over Wi-Fi, and has no AirPlay / Chromecast compatibility to talk of.
However as is commonly the case, while you slash the value by $100, it’s a lot simpler to make an argument for getting one thing. The SoundLink Max has dropped to $299 for Cyber Monday. That’s nonetheless under no circumstances low cost, however the Max’s highly effective stereo audio will blow away some other Bluetooth speaker within the $300 tier.
The SoundLink Max outputs surprisingly expansive and room-filling sound contemplating the speaker’s moveable dimension; by no means underestimate Bose’s magic sauce audio processing. It even bests the Sonos Transfer 2 at producing a large soundstage. Keep in mind that there’s additionally a 3.5-millimeter aux enter, in order that’s your greatest wager for lossless listening. The speaker’s battery lasts for as much as 20 hours on a cost at regular volumes, and the Max is rated IP67 for mud and water resistance, so you’ll be able to confidently use it in almost all situations.
It is a traditional scenario the place the sale value might be what Bose ought to’ve charged within the first place. The SoundLink Max is a steep funding at $399. However for $299, it’s price critical consideration for those who’ve been looking for the perfect take-anywhere speaker. December 2nd normally isn’t a time when individuals have these items prime of thoughts, however you’ll be glad you handled your self come {the summertime}.