May 2022 ertonline.co.uk


Below: JBL Partybox Encore. Right & below right: Transparent Light Speaker


Whenever, wherever Not content to rest on its laurels, JBL has even more outdoor kit on the cards, says Mr Jurgens. Upcoming is the JBL Pulse 5 portable speaker, with LED light show, ambient light and 360-degree JBL Original Pro Sound, and the JBL PartyBox Encore speaker. Te latter has a grab-and-go handle and splash-proof design. Te brand is also giving its JBL Boombox series an upgrade, with the Boombox 3. Te new model boasts better battery life (up to 24 hours), and improved subwoofer. Mr Jurgens says dealers can stock with confidence. “Te


IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating found on all of current JBL portable speakers means that they can be used just about anywhere. Consumers expect to be able to take, use and listen to their speakers anywhere and everywhere, and this enables them to do this, whatever the conditions. JBL has been producing award winning speakers for over 75 years, and our portable and PartyBox speakers embody all of this experience to produce an outdoor speaker that really performs, in any weather.” Back with Marshall… and it’s evident that size doesn’t


matter aſter all! Te Willen portable speaker features the brand’s signature sound, built with a two-inch full range driver and two passive radiators. Plugged as “the ultimate travel essential”, this IP67 dust and water resistant speaker offers 15+ hours portable playtime from a single charge.


And popular with eco-friendly music lovers, around


60 per cent of Willen’s build is made from post- consumer, recycled plastic – a more sustainable design for the brand, which still embodies its iconic rock ‘n’ roll look. For those that want designer style when out and


about, the Scandi look remains very much in favour, and the Beosound Explore is difficult to beat. Produced in Bang & Olufsen’s Factory 5 in Denmark


and offering a substantial 27-hour playtime, this posh portable sports a handy carabiner clip for backpacks and belts, and weighs just 631 grams; adventurers can take it into the wilds, confident they’re looking good. “Te Beosound Explore is the first of its kind to


feature a scratch resistant Type 2 anodised aluminium,” explains Michael Henriksson, Bang & Olufsen’s VP of Product Marketing. “Te anodisation is achieved by building up the aluminium oxide on the surface to allow for a more robust exterior, it also protects against corrosion.” Attention to detail has long been a B&O brand


strongpoint. Here, the grille is cut in 360-degree lines to ensure an omnidirectional soundstage, perfect for a creepy podcast around the campfire. “When it comes to design, speakers need to be small


and lightweight, so that they’re easy to transport,” says Mr Henriksson. “A durable and waterproof design is also important so that they know their product can withstand the elements without issue.”


Let there be light Taking a fresh approach to the outdoor living trend is the Light Speaker, from Stockholm-based Transparent. Tis inventive combi portable speaker and lantern creates a soſt evening glow, which can be tweaked to mimic the subtle burn of coals or a flickering candlelight, or switched right up to a bright white reading light.


It’s not just a sturdy aesthetic that this thing boasts,


with its durable borosilicate glass and aluminium grills, but also the IPX2 weather rating, 10 hours of battery life and detachable handle for easy transportation are convenient features too. As a music system, the Light Speaker delivers an


omnidirectional sound, with a 5W power output driving its 2.5-inch full range driver, and passive three-inch radiator. It also features the latest Bluetooth technology, as well as ‘True Wireless’ dual speaker streaming.


Wire-free The ever-buoyant headphone market is a solid summer bet, particularly when it comes to sports models. According to the latest quarterly tracker from Futuresource Consulting, the True Wireless headphones sector is a standout performer. Saranraj Mathivanan, Senior Market Analyst, says True Wireless now accounts for 59 per cent of the global headphone market in volume. “Tat’s 35 per cent year-on-year volume growth, with Apple’s AirPods 3 launch giving the category an extra boost.”


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