Its shape may be unusual, but this battery-powered Bluetooth speaker from Denmark produces 80W. … (+)
Many companies advocate the environment and sustainability to improve their ESG scores, but how many lead by example? One part of the world still seems close to nature and absorbs many environmental lessons: it’s Scandinavia.
The Scandinavian approach to design, manufacturing and living is one of the reasons for the massive global success of hip brands like Ikea, Bang & Olufsen and Volvo. These companies are examples of Scandinavian living incorporating cool design, smart manufacturing and, above all, simplicity. As someone once said, “Keep it simple, stupid!” »
The Enkle Sound ES2 is a Danish-designed Bluetooth speaker that aims to make listening to music as easy as possible. The eco-friendly ES2 delivers crisp highs and stunning bass as well as clear mids.
It’s unusual and available in black, gray, white or green, as shown here. A full charge of the battery … (+)
The secret to the ES2’s clarity lies in its acoustic design. Enkl used a dedicated bass driver with a reflex port to create rumbling low frequencies. There’s also a mid-high driver for everything else. The speakers are powered by two digital amplifiers with 60W for bass and 20W reserved for midrange.
With a combined 80W of muscular sound, all housed in a sturdy enclosure made from recyclable plastic, this is one powerful portable speaker. The case is molded in two parts and sealed with Torx screws so there is no rattling or distortion, even at higher volume levels. The speaker is IP65 rated to resist splashes and rain, but due to the open bass reflex port, don’t throw it in the pool as it will leak.
Designed by Enkl Sound in Copenhagen, the ES2 reflects the philosophy of its inventors. The Danish word Enkl literally means “simple” and this is the guiding principle of its design and manufacturing. The ES2 is powered by a large rechargeable battery that can provide around 20 hours of playback at full volume. At lower volume levels, playback will last much longer, possibly up to 80 hours. At medium volume you can expect 36 hours. Having a battery this big means less frequent charging, which should extend battery life.
On the back of the ES2 are the four simple buttons for controlling the speaker.
A full charge of the ES2’s battery takes approximately two hours using a 5V PD fast charger via the USB-C charging port. You can still listen to music while the battery is charging. To reduce environmental impact, the ES2 doesn’t come with a charger, but you can use almost any 5V USB PD charger you have at home. The one on your phone will probably work just fine.
The battery is integrated into the ES2 and Enkl Sound claims that it is possible to change it yourself if you know how to use a screwdriver. It is also possible that a battery replacement program will be offered in the future. There is a 2 year warranty on the product and this includes the battery.
The speaker controls are located on the rear and are as simple as possible. There are four buttons: a power button, two volume buttons and a button to display the remaining battery charge. Press the battery button and nine blue LEDs on the back of the speaker will light up to indicate how much charge is left on board.
This is the sum total of checks. There are no Play, Pause or Skip controls and there is no dedicated remote control either. To control the music, you can download the free iOS or Android smartphone apps and use your phone as a remote control. The app is pretty basic but it offers firmware updates and an EQ feature so you can shape the tone of the music if you want more treble or bass.
The Enkl ES2 is available in four colors: green, white, black and gray.
The sound from this solid little audio quality triangle is superbly solid. It provides simple sound with great sound and plenty of bass. Either SBC or AAC Bluetooth codecs are supported, depending on the smartphone or tablet you’re using to stream your music from. There may not be much interest in this type of speaker having high resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD as it is an outdoor and portable speaker and not a high end audiophile product. range.
This is a muscular sounding speaker that can pump up the volume and keep a party going with excitement. It also has a 3.5mm stereo AUX input for connecting a radio or perhaps a CD player. This is a nice option, especially in situations where you don’t have an internet connection to stream music, but you have an FM radio on hand with headphones or an AUX output .
For those who want even more powerful sound or a wide stereo soundstage, the ES2 can be easily paired with a second unit using TWS. Then you have a perfectly synchronized stereo connection, ideal for parties. And with a total of 160W of power from two speakers, the Enkl ES2 has more power than many disco or PA devices.
Take your Enkl ES2 with you the next time you go out.
The ES2’s rotationally molded cabinet has a built-in handle that makes it easy to transport around the house or garden. At just 2.9kg, the ES2 is light enough to carry around the house, but I’d like to see some anchor points for a shoulder strap so it can be carried more easily to a picnic site or a campsite, leaving your hands free to carry something else.
One feature I’d like to see on this speaker is a USB data input so you can connect the ES2 to a computer or smartphone and play high-resolution audio directly. I’m not sure how difficult this would be to implement, but it would make this speaker even more attractive and would make a great high-resolution computer audio system.
Verdict: There’s a lot to like about the delightfully simple and industrially stylish Enkl Sound ES2 Bluetooth speaker. Some people will complain that it doesn’t offer AirPlay, Chromecast, or any other Hi-Res codecs, but the whole point of the ES2 is to keep things nice and simple. The sound quality is excellent for this type of speaker and it has a solidity that never weakens. If I have one complaint, it’s the auto power off feature. This happens a little too quickly when you’re not streaming. I would like to see a setting included in the smartphone app to adjust this time as I believe it currently turns off after 10 minutes. Enkl Sound says this could be included in a future update to the app, so watch this space. That aside, this is a sleek, sturdy, eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker that’s easy to use and capable of playing loudly for far longer than most portable speakers. If you like cool Scandinavian design, combined with solid acoustic engineering and build quality, the ES2 is a great investment for the garden, conservatory, campervan or summer house.
Price and availability: The Enkl Sound ES2 portable Bluetooth speaker is now available in gray, white, black and green. The price is 2,399.20 Danish crowns, which is around $350 or £279 at current exchange rates. Hopefully the company will sort out the distribution in local currency soon.
More information: enklsound.com
Technical specifications:
- Maximum sound volume (SPL): 103 dB at 1 m.
- Speaker units: Bass 60W, Mid-Treble 20W.
- Nominal impedance: Low 4 ±15%; Treble 8 Ohm ±15%.
- Principle of the speaker: Bass reflex.
- THD: ＜0.1% at 1W.
- SNR: >108dB.
- Battery: Built-in 27.7 Wh rechargeable Li-ion.
- Charging with USB-C: 5V/PD/QC.
- Fast charging with 2 hours of full charge.
- Full recharge: >24 hours of playback.
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 277 x 238 x 134 mm / 23 x 20 x 12 inches.
- Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.4 pounds.
- Audio input: 3.5mm line input and BT 5.3.
- Supported protocols: A2DP, AVRCP, AVDTP, HFP, HSP.
- Audio codecs: SBC, AAC.