The Bose SoundLink Max is small and relatively light, but its sound is much bigger than you might hear. … (+)
There have been plenty of quality Bluetooth speakers released this year and it’s hard to choose which one to buy. Some budget models, like the Tribit Stormbox 2, offer incredible value for money, but if you want something a little special with truly premium sound, then check out the new Bose SoundLink Max.
Bose is a brand that can divide a room. Some audiophiles are a little skeptical of the name. The company doesn’t release technical specifications for its products, preferring to let potential customers rely on their ears to decide for themselves. In my experience, music lovers tend to love Bose’s big, powerful sound, which has been wooing listeners for more than 60 years, ever since Dr. Amar Bose dropped out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to start his fledgling audio company.
Upon his death in 2013, Dr. Bose donated his non-voting stock to MIT, and the institution now receives cash dividends from the company’s considerable profits. Dr. Bose was clearly a grateful student, and his gift recognized all that MIT taught him, especially Professor Y. W. Lee, his thesis advisor. Since then, Bose has built a solid reputation for making excellent sound systems, superb noise-canceling headphones, and excellent Bluetooth speakers.
The SoundLink Max’s controls are located on the top of the device and include a … (+)
Bose’s latest Bluetooth speaker is the new SoundLink Max, a compact model with a neat carrying handle and a sound that’s much bigger than you’d expect from such a small package. It’s hard to understand how such a small box can produce such powerful, 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 precise audio measurements of its products, I can’t give you the usual numbers like power output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So for this review, we’ll be relying solely on my ears and the features included with this amazing little speaker.
Since Bose doesn’t disclose the precise audio measurements of its products, I can’t give you the usual metrics like power output, frequency range, or total harmonic distortion. So for this review, we’ll rely solely on my ears and the features included in this amazing little speaker.
The SoundLink Max features what’s called a Bose Articulated Array, which consists of three drivers arranged on the front of the speaker that project a generously wide soundstage with impressive stereo imaging for such a small speaker.
The SoundLink Max features a detachable rope handle that can be swapped out for an optional shoulder strap.
Two custom-designed passive radiators boost the low-end in one of the most effective passive radiator applications I’ve ever heard. There’s plenty of punch here, and if you want even more, there’s an EQ feature in the Bose smartphone app that’ll do it even more.
On the top of the SoundLink Max are the usual buttons for turning the speaker on, pairing it with Bluetooth devices, adjusting the volume, and controlling music. There’s also a special programmable button that can be assigned using the Bose smartphone app. The buttons are very soft and very sensitive, which makes a difference. Most Bluetooth speakers seem to require long, hard presses on the controls.
Currently, the dedicated programmable button allows you to select the 3.5mm AUX input or Spotify Tap, but more features may be added in the future. The app also has some custom features, including adjusting the time before the speaker turns off to save battery life.
Bose claims that its proprietary digital signal processing dramatically minimizes distortion, allowing the speaker to reproduce a fuller, more natural sound no matter what type of music you’re listening to. I think they’re right. You can turn the SoundLink Max up loud and it won’t cut out. The clarity and separation of instruments and vocals is what makes this speaker special.
The Bose SoundLink Max isn’t cheap, but sound has to be heard to be appreciated.
The SoundLink Max’s steel casing is covered in a powder-coated silicone coating that makes it resistant to scuffs and scratches. Bose claims that the finish won’t chip over time, which is reassuring as some cheaper speakers don’t always have the most robust finishes. The speaker’s surface is also resistant to corrosion and UV rays, and its IP67 rating means it’s resistant to water, dust, rust and drops, making it ideal for the beach, pool or garden.
For the massive sound the SoundLink Max produces, it’s a small package that weighs just 2.27kg. Its rope handle is removable and an optional rope shoulder strap is available, which would be ideal for carrying the speaker to the beach.
The SoundLink Max speaker can provide up to 20 hours of playtime 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 recharge your phone’s battery and continue streaming music.
In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the SoundLink Max has a 3.5mm stereo jack so you can plug in a non-Bluetooth analog device like a Walkman and stream 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-definition audio, the SoundLink Max also features Snapdragon Sound technology with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec, which 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 tested with Snapdragon Sound TEmbedded technology for seamless and robust connectivity with compatible Android devices. SoundLink Max also supports Google Fast Pair for faster Bluetooth connection with Android devices.
Verdict: The sound produced by the Bose SoundLink Max is simply astonishing considering its size. The Bose brand isn’t to everyone’s taste, but if you listen to this great little speaker, you’ll be blown away. It does its job wonderfully, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The SoundLink Max is one of the most expensive Bluetooth speakers in its class, and you’re paying extra for great sound and extras like Snapdragon Sound support. Give one a listen and you’ll soon know if this is the speaker for you. This is a very special speaker. Highly recommended.
Rates and availability: The Bose SoundLink Max is available in Black and Blue Dusk colors and is priced at $399 / £399.95 / €399.95.
Technical specifications:
- Drivers: 3 x full range.
- Passive radiators: 2 x.
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive.
- Snapdragon Son: Yes.
- Battery life: 20 hours on a single charge.
- Charging port: USB Type-C.
- Smartphone application: Yes.