The Bose SoundLink Max is small and relatively light, but its sound is much louder than you might expect … [+]
So many great Bluetooth speakers have been released this year and it’s hard to choose which one to buy. Some of the budget models, such as the Tribit Stormbox 2, offer incredible value for money, but if you want something a little special with truly premium sound, then take a look at the new Bose SoundLink Max.
Bose is a brand that can divide a room. Some audiophiles are a little sniffy about the name. The company does not publish technical specifications for its products, preferring to let potential customers use their ears to decide for themselves. In my experience, music enthusiasts tend to love the big, powerful Bose sound that has been enticing listeners for more than 60 years since Dr. Amar Bose left MIT to start his fledgling audio company.
When Dr. Bose died in 2013, he donated his non-voting stock to MIT, and the institution now receives cash dividends from the company’s substantial profits. Dr. Bowes was clearly a grateful student, and his gift recognized how much MIT had taught him, especially Professor YW Lee, his thesis supervisor. Since then, Bose has built a stellar reputation for making great PA systems, superior noise-canceling headphones, and excellent Bluetooth speakers.
Controls for the SoundLink Max are located on the top of the unit and include a dedicated … [+]
The latest Bluetooth speaker from Bose is the new SoundLink Max, a compact model with a convenient carrying handle and sound that’s much bigger than you’d expect from such a compact size. It’s hard to understand how such a small box can produce such a big and clear sound, but Bose knows a thing or two about the physics of acoustics with its 60 years of experience.
Since Bose doesn’t disclose the exact audio measurements of its products, I can’t quote you the usual numbers like power output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So, for this review, we’re going to fly solely by my ears and the features included in this amazing little speaker.
Since Bose doesn’t disclose the exact audio measurements of its products, I can’t quote you the usual metrics like power output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So, for this review, we’re going to fly solely by my ears and the features included in this amazing little speaker.
The SoundLink Max has something called the Bose Articulated Array, which consists of three drivers located in the front of the speaker that project a generously wide soundstage with stereo imaging that’s impressive for such a small speaker.
The SoundLink Max has a removable rope handle that can be replaced with an additional shoulder strap.
Two specially designed passive radiators boost the level of bass frequencies in probably one of the most effective applications of passive radiators I have ever heard. There’s plenty of punch here, and if you want even more, there’s an EQ function on the Bose smartphone app that will pump it up even further.
The top plate of the SoundLink Max is where you’ll find the usual buttons for turning on the speaker, pairing with Bluetooth devices, adjusting volume and controlling music. There’s also a dedicated programmable button that can be set via the Bose smartphone app. The buttons are super soft and very responsive, which makes a difference. Most Bluetooth speakers seem to require a long hard press on the controls.
Currently, the dedicated programmable button toggles between selecting the 3.5mm AUX input or the Spotify Tap, but perhaps more features will be added in the future. The app also has several customizable features, including a setting for the amount of time that elapses before the speaker turns off to save battery.
Bose claims its proprietary digital signal processing dramatically minimizes distortion, allowing the speaker to reproduce a fuller, more natural sound, no matter what you’re listening to. I think they are right. You can turn up the volume on the SoundLink Max and it won’t break a sweat. There’s clarity and separation to instruments and vocals that sets this speaker apart as something special.
The Bose SoundLink Max isn’t cheap, but the sound simply has to be heard to be appreciated.
The SoundLink Max has a powder-coated silicone shell around its steel body, making the speaker durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs. Bose says the finish won’t peel or flake over time, which is reassuring, as some cheaper speakers don’t always have the sturdiest finishes. The speaker’s surface is also resistant to corrosion and UV light, plus its IP67 rating means it can protect against water, dust, rust and drops, making it ideal for taking to the beach, pool or out in the yard.
For the massive sound that the SoundLink Max delivers, it’s a pretty small package, weighing in at just 2.27kg. Its rope handle is removable and there is an optional rope strap that would be great for carrying the speaker to the beach.
SoundLink Max can provide up to 20 hours of playback time on a single charge of the built-in rechargeable battery. The speaker can be recharged via its USB-C port, which has a two-way function, so you can plug in your smartphone and charge your phone’s battery and keep streaming music.
In addition to the Bluetooth connection, the SoundLink Max has a 3.5mm stereo jack, so you can plug in a non-Bluetooth analog device like a Walkman and play it through the speaker. You can even plug in an AirPlay receiver like the Belkin SoundConnect if you want higher quality streaming or use it as part of a multi-room setup. The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC and AAC audio codecs. For high-resolution audio, the SoundLink Max also has Snapdragon sound technology with Qualcomm aptX An adaptive codec that automatically adapts to lossless wireless streaming.
The Bose SoundLink Max may be relatively expensive, but it’s a premium product with impeccable sound. … [+]
This is the first Bluetooth speaker I’ve reviewed with Snapdragon Sound Tbuilt-in technology for seamless and stable connectivity with compatible Android devices. SoundLink Max also includes support for Google Fast Pair for faster Bluetooth connection with Android devices.
Verdict: The sound produced by the Bose SoundLink Max is nothing short of amazing considering its size. The Bose brand isn’t everyone’s favorite, but if you listen to this stunning little speaker, you’ll be blown away. It does the job superbly, but comes with a pretty hefty price tag. The SoundLink Max is one of the most expensive Bluetooth speakers of its type, and you’re paying a premium for exceptional sound and extras like Snapdragon Sound Technology support. Listen to one and you’ll soon know if it’s the speaker for you. This is a very special speaker. Highly recommended.
Prices and availability: The Bose SoundLink Max is available in Black and Blue Dusk. The price is $399 / £399.95 / €399.95.
Technical specifications:
- Drivers: 3 x full range.
- Passive radiators: 2 x.
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive.
- Snapdragon Sound: Yes.
- Battery life: 20 hours on a single charge.
- Charging port: USB Type-C.
- Smartphone App: Yes.
