The “portable” counterpart of Bose’s star nomadic speaker, the SoundLink Revolve+ II follows the same path as the Revolve II, bringing minor evolutions to its 4-year-old elder. This does not prevent it from being (almost) perfectly in tune with the times.
The passage of time has not affected the qualities of the SoundLink Revolve+ in 2021 – and in particular its sound qualities, at the top of which an absolutely admirable “bass control / bulk” ratio. This model “II” certainly brings to the original model only such minor evolutions that they even become marginal; we advise you, moreover, if you find said original model at a better price, to rather turn to it. All the same, it is in absolute terms one of the best mobile speakers on the market when it was launched, only truly surpassed by the much bulkier (and less elegant) Sony SRS-XB33 and SRS-XB43.
Strong points
- Remarkably controlled and defined bass.
- Musical and versatile sound.
- Omnidirectional sound distribution.
- Impeccable construction, IP55 certification.
- Full controls, multipoint connection.
- Presence of an analogue mini-jack input / Can be used as a USB audio device on a computer.
Weak points
- Small lack of precision in the treble.
- Sound reproduction greatly depends on the surface on which the speaker is placed.
- High streaming latency in Bluetooth (and not negligible in wired).
- A few anachronisms for a nomadic speaker from 2021 (recharging by micro-USB…).
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
Under the exuberance of its multicolored lights, the Sony SRS-XB33 hides a real artistic talent. It impresses with its sound reproduction of remarkable transparency and versatility, embellished with a stereophony that is simply unheard of from a portable speaker. And all this without forgetting to ensure a very robust construction. A great success!