INTRODUCTION

   One thing that we all admit is that Bluetooth connectivity opened new horizons for many things related to wireless data transmission and although i do think it still has a long way to go before it's capable of doing things we only see in the movies it has reached levels we didn't really think possible a decade ago. One of the markets especially influenced by Bluetooth connectivity has been the audio electronics one since it (along with Wi-Fi in the case of Apple) allowed the design and manufacture of both wireless headsets and speakers just in time for the smartphone revolution. Granted at first the available products were not what one would call impressive and had numerous flaws (although back then they weren't really seen as such) but nowadays we see many decent offerings by a very large number of manufacturers established and not. ARCTIC may not new to Bluetooth connectivity since we've seen compatible headsets by them in the past but today is the first time we're taking a look at a portable wireless speaker by them the S113BT.

   The increasing heat emission of modern CPUs and graphics cards has gone beyond the capability of most manufacturers to design powerful enough yet quiet coolers. An increasing noise level was the result, which had a negative impact on productivity. A quiet computer is the basis for pleasant working conditions. ARCTIC initiated the trend towards quiet cooling systems for desktop PCs in 2001 and has given distinction to it ever since. Today ARCTIC is one of the leading manufacturers in computer cooling and has acquired profound knowhow in consumer electronics. ARCTIC is a privately-owned company with its headquarters in Switzerland and offices in Hong Kong and the USA. ARCTIC contributed significantly to the development of computer cooling solutions, created a number of patented technologies leading to greater efficiency and remarkable noise reduction. Within the cooling industry ARCTIC is recognized for offering innovative solutions with a fair price tag. Our products are sold in over 45 countries across the globe. Up until 2009, ARCTIC COOLING focused solely on cooling solutions. In 2010, we became ARCTIC with the additional aim to provide a comprehensive set of innovative consumer electronics and peripherals. ARCTIC's long term goal is nothing less than being present in everybody's home. Our philosophy is still the same since the very beginning - offering consumers value-for-money, innovations at affordable prices.

   Ever since i first heard about ARCTIC roughly 10 years ago (it was ARCTIC Cooling back then) I’ve known that their primary aim has been to bring affordable products to the masses and so if you're hoping to see something similar to the Jabra Solemate MAX or the A73 Boombox by TDK you will be somewhat disappointed since the S113BT is in the same league as the Solemate Mini and the A26 TREK. As you can see from the above picture it does have a more "pleasant" design than the other two largely thanks to the rubber bumper which i was surprised to see that it's actually available in 6 colors to cover both men and women of all ages (black, white, green, orange, blue and pink). The S113BT also comes ready with support for NFC (Near Field Communication) compatible devices and features several standards like Bluetooth 4.0 (with EDR, A2DP, AVRCP and Hands-Free support), aptX and AAC (for lossless audio streaming). It’s hardware specifications include two 1.5" full range drivers (frequency response of 30Hz-20KHz) with bass radiators (2x3W RMS), an Omni-directional microphone (-44 ±3dB sensitivity) and a Built-in 1200mAh lithium polymer (Li-poly) rechargeable battery which according to ARCTIC gives the S113BT up to 8 hours of playback. So after this detailed introduction let’s take it for a spin and see how it does.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The main product features are listed at the front of the box right next to a large product image.

Some of the features are also placed at the top of the box.

The features list is also printed at the bottom of the box in 12 different languages.

At the rear you will find the features list, specifications table, bundle contents and two product pictures used to point to the various buttons and connectors.

In the box ARCTIC has placed the S113BT, a nice looking (and quality) carrying pouch, USB to microUSB charging cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable and the user’s manual.

THE S113BT

The carrying pouch has room inside not only for the S113BT but also for the cables on both sides (you should be able to fit other small things there as well).

Measuring just 157mm in length, 46mm in width and 58mm in height (with a weight of just 290g) the S113BT is amongst the smallest portable speakers we've ever tested.

Of course it goes without saying that we've seen even smaller ones and much larger ones as well.

The answer/end/pair button is placed at the front right between the increase/decrease volume buttons.

A large ARCTIC logo is imprinted at the two of the rubber bumper (the NFC area is located there as well).

The on/off power switch is placed on the right side of the device next to the microUSB port and the 3.5" plug.

CONCLUSION

   Having already reviewed a large number of portable Bluetooth speakers (and used even more) i always look to find something special and although appearance-wise the S113BT is very nice (especially thanks to the orange color), it does manage to run up to roughly 6 full hours with the volume set all the way to the max and the build-in microphone works quite well but that's just about it. Unfortunately although the 1.5inch full range drivers do quite well in mids/highs they don't offer much in terms of volume (more than some similarly sized speakers but less than many others) and the two 1.5inch passive radiators simply can't produce a good amount of bass thus if you happen to be listening to jazz or heavy metal this just won't do. NFC did work after 3 attempts but since I’m not very fond of that technology i can't say that i care much about that feature (but yes in short it works as advertised).

   Although ARCTIC sells their products around using both distributors and online stores like Amazon currently you can find the S113BT portable wireless speaker for less on their website since it retails for just USD39.99 in the USA and for just 39.99Euros inside the EU (ARCTIC website - location changes according to your IP). Now although the price is right and it does have a few interesting features in the end we simply can't ignore the volume output (good but we've seen much better) and the low bass levels so if you're looking for a really good portable wireless speaker the S113BT by ARCTIC just isn't it. That being said for people who are not willing (or can't) to spend much and just want a good looking portable wireless speaker with relatively good volume levels but care not about bass then we strongly suggest taking a closer look since it might be exactly what you're looking for.

PROS

- Design
- NFC
- Bluetooth 4.0 + EDR
- Battery Life (Up To 8 Hours)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Volume Levels
- Bass Levels