It might be a compact, portable speaker, but the new SoundLink Max leverages decades of Bose research in acoustics to deliver a level of performance that audiophiles would be quickly to disregard, but that will deeply impress the vast majority of consumers who have little to no reference of anything else but cheap Bluetooth speakers. Even when compared with all other portable speakers from Bose, the new SoundLink Max is the most impressive, even when compared with the Bose Portable Smart Speaker. But that model also has Wi-Fi and is voice-controlled, being more oriented to home use.
To bring a compact speaker to "the party level", the Bose SoundLink Max leverages a Bose Articulated Array with three drivers across the front of the speaker, creating a "spacious stereo experience" that goes beyond the speaker itself. Two custom-designed passive radiators are responsible for providing the extra level of bass performance impression that also defies the speaker size. Using technology found in Bose soundbars and proprietary digital signal processing that dramatically minimizes distortion, the SoundLink Max delivers full, natural sound that becomes impressive when the volume needs to go up.
The SoundLink Max also has a refined design with a powder-coated, silicone-wrapped steel enclosure for a premium look. Built to withstand bumps, drops, and bangs, it won't peel or flake, and is resistant to corrosion and UV light. An IP67 rating protects against water, dust, rust, and shocks, so users don't have to worry about where they take it or use it — by the pool, on the boat, at the beach or park.
Weighing just under five pounds, the SoundLink Max comes in Black or Blue Dusk finishes and has an integrated, removable rope handle so it's easy to pick up and carry. An optional rope carrying strap is also available if the user wants to throw the speaker over the shoulder for hands-free transport - but it looks a bit ridiculous, plus the rope is too thin to be comfortable. There's also four optional color handle accessories so users can customize the speaker's look.
More important for most users, the SoundLink Max can keep the music going from day to night with up to 20 hours of battery life. The USB-C port not only charges the battery but also lets users charge their mobile device. And there's an Aux input to connect any non-Bluetooth source. Important for some, Bose didn't include a microphone. So, no voice commands, but also no paranoia about privacy.
For those with premium Android smartphones and eventually some other home audio source, there's a Snapdragon Sound platform with the latest Qualcomm aptX™ Adaptive codec, which automatically adapts up to lossless quality and even delivers aptX HD for high resolution audio. More importantly for those Android users, Snapdragon Sound technology delivers robust connectivity with premium Android devices and offers Google Fast Pair for added ease-of-use.
Like other products from Bose, the SoundLink Max uses SimpleSync technology to connect to another SimpleSync-enabled Bose smart soundbar or Bose smart speaker to extend playback to other places in the room.
The SoundLink Max will be available on May 16 for $399.
www.bose.com
