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2024 smart speakers comparison

2024 Detailed Comparison of Four Wi-Fi Bluetooth Smart Speakers under $1000

Are you looking for a fully connected, high-quality, yet affordable smart speaker? There are many smart speakers on the market today, and this article compiles the specifications and reviews of popular Bluetooth smart speakers under 1000USD

Marshall Woburn III: Might not Worth the Price


The renowned Marshall brand needs little introduction. Marshall is highly popular in Taiwan and is one of the first brands many people think of when it comes to audio systems.

Marshall woburn III black

Drivers and specs

  • 2 tweeters (15W Class D amplifiers)
  • 2 mid-range drivers (15W Class D amplifiers)
  • 1 woofer (80W Class D amplifier)

Connectivity:

  • RCA
  • HDMI
  • Bluetooth

Dimensions: 400 x 317 x 203 mm

Weight: 7.45kg

Main material of speaker box : Recycled plastic

Multi-room: None

360-degree sound: N/A

Voice control: N/A

Other features:

  • Room compensation
  • Night mode

Price:

NT$ 23900

US$ 579.99

Amazon Ratings:

Pros and Cons of Marshall Woburn III

Pros

Iconic design, HDMI support for easy connection with computers, excellent bass performance

Cons

Slightly lacking in wireless streaming, no support for WiFi or AirPlay, only supports Bluetooth connection without AptX decoding

Who should buy Marshal Woburn III?

Considering its specifications, most audio reviews don't classify it as a Hi-Fi system due to its lack of lossless streaming support. It can only be considered a Bluetooth speaker with strong bass. It's suitable for those not seeking lossless audio quality, but prioritizing heavy bass and appearance.


Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation: Excellent but Pricey

Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation

Naim Audio was founded by Julian Vereker on June 4, 1973, and is a well-known British audio manufacturer that entered the digital streaming field early on.

Drivers and specs

  • 2x 25mm soft dome tweeters
  • 2x 64mm midrange drivers
  • 1x oval woofer

Connectivity:

  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Chromecast Built-in
  • UPnP
  • Spotify Connect
  • Supports Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL
  • Roon Ready
  • Optical input
  • Ethernet
  • USB A
  • Bluetooth (no AptX)

Dimensions: 210 x 218 x 212 mm

Weight: 5.6kg

Main material of speaker box: Aluminum

Multi-room:

Can connect up to five units

360-degree sound: N/A

Price:

NT$ 43900

US$ 999

Voice control:

  • Google Assistant
  • Siri

Other features:

  • Alarm clock
  • Volume control
  • Room compensation

Amazon Ratings:

Pros and cons of Naim Mu-so Qb2

Most reviews give the Naim Muso Qb2 very high ratings, with ample sound width and volume, achieving almost lossless sound quality in limited spaces.

High price, front-facing speaker design resulting in non-360-degree soundstage, EQ settings are relatively complex and not suitable for beginners, second generation removes AptX, not suitable for Android users

Who should buy Naim Mu-so Qb2?

Those with a higher budget, preferring to listen to music in fixed positions, and seeking natural sound field.


Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless 5th generation

zepplin Wiresless gen 5

Zeppelin Wireless, evolving through five generations since its introduction 15 years ago, is one of Bowers & Wilkins' most iconic products and one of the earliest entries into the all-in-one streaming speaker market.

Drivers and specs

  • 2x 25mm double dome tweeters
  • 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers
  • 1x 150mm subwoofer

Connectivity:

  • AirPlay 2
  • Spotify Connect
  • Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
  • Supports Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL
  • Aux in

Dimensions: H210 x W650 x D194 mm

Weight: 6.5 kg

Main cabinet material: ABS plastic

Multi-room:

3 to 6 units, up to 10 units depending on WiFi conditions

360-degree sound: None

Price:

NT$ 26900

US$ 799

Voice control:

Alexa

Other features:

remote controller

Amazon Ratings:

Pros and cons of B&W Zepplin Wireless

Although not a 360-degree soundstage, the soundstage performance is quite broad and impactful, using the latest Bluetooth AptX Adaptive decoding technology, relatively newer.

Fewer Connectivity, some reviews found that at high volumes, there may be pumping phenomena, producing excessive bass.

Who should buy B&W Zeppelin Wireless?

Those with sufficient space, Android smartphone users, and those who seek a balanced soundstage but prefer a bit more emphasis on bass.


Aerix DUET MK3: The Best Speaker for High Note Lovers


Aerix is a new brand from Taiwan, with over 50 audio experience in audio agent, engineering and tuning. The previous generation DUET CD sold well in many countries such as Germany, France, and South Korea. In recent years, the brand's focus has shifted to the domestic market, focusing on bringing HiFi spirit into all-in-one audio systems.

Aerix DUET MK3

Drivers and specs

  • Patented conical tweeter 1.5 inches x2
  • 5.25-inch woofer x1

Connectivity:

  • Bluetooth 5.2 (AptX HD codes)
  • AirPlay
  • Optical input
  • Aux in

Dimensions: W448 x D257.4 x H250.2 mm

Weight: 10kg

Main material of speaker box: MDF

Multi-room:

Can connect up to eight DUET MK3, compatible with HomePod

360-degree sound:

Exclusive 360-degree sound field

Price:

NT$ 34800 (original price)

Voice control:

Siri

Other features:

  • Alarm
  • audo wake and shutdown
  • LED screen displays song names
  • Metal full-function remote control

Pros and cons of DUET MK3

Danish patent dual-ring radiation diaphragm, crisp and full mid-high tones, dual cabinet design to avoid electronic component interference and harmonic sound, presenting a complete 360-degree sound field

Relatively insufficient bass attack

Who should buy the DUET MK3?

Those who enjoy classical music, high tones, vocals, and seek stereo sound. Especially suitable for iPhone users who prefer minimalist design and want to integrate speakers into interior design or commercial spaces.

Comparison Table for these Five Smart Speakers

Feature

DUET MK3

Mu-so QB 2

Woburn III

Zeppelin Wireless 5

AirPlay

✔️

✔️

✔️

Bluetooth

✔️

✔️

✔️

Aux in

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Optical input

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Display screen

✔️

✔️

✔️

Remote control

✔️

✔️

Alarm wake-up

✔️

✔️

✔️

Stereo

✔️

360-degree soundstage

✔️

✔️

✔️

Voice control

Siri

Dimensions

W448 x D257.4 x H250.2 mm

210 x 218 x 212 mm

W400 x H317 x D203 mm

H210 x W650 x D194 mm

Main cabinet material

MDF

Aluminum

Recycled plastic

ABS plastic

Speaker information

Patented conical tweeter 1.5 inches x2, 5.25-inch woofer x1

2x 25mm soft dome tweeters, 2x 64mm midrange drivers, 1x oval woofer

2 tweeters (15W Class D amplifiers), 2 mid-range drivers (15W Class D amplifiers), 1 woofer (80W Class D amplifier)

2x 25mm double dome tweeters, 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers, 1x 150mm subwoofer

The Best Smart Speaker for People who Value Detailed Mids and Highs with Simplistic Look

In summary, Bluetooth wireless smart speakers on the market vary in functionality and features. If you prioritize small size, modern appearance, and bass, the Phantom II is a suitable choice. The Mu-so QB 2 is an excellent all-in-one smart speaker overall, but its price may be prohibitive for some. The Zeppelin Wireless 5 also performs well overall but has fewer connectivity options and considerations for home size.


These bluetooth wireless smart speakers mainly focus on bass attack. Unlike most Bluetooth speakers on the market, DUET MK3 emphasizes on overall tuning harmony and lifestyle adaptability. Its dual speakers, complemented by an upward-firing design, Danish high-class twetter, and Bézier-curved horn, to achieve a genuine 360-degree soundstage.

If you are a high note lover, you must not miss DUET MK3

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