CONCLUSION

   The thing that troubled me when i started testing the A34 TREK MAX was that it was classified as a weather resistant Bluetooth portable speaker which is quite different compared to the weatherproof classification of the A33. Luckily both speakers withstood water from light rain so this must be a different way of saying the same exact thing. With that out of the way the A34 performed the same and perhaps slightly better compared to the A34 since we did feel it reached higher volume levels. Bass was good just like with the A33 and it offers very good mids and highs even at maximum volume without even the slightest audio distortion. Of course the source and type of audio used plays a significant role in that but after listening to several tunes from heavy metal to pop, rock, jazz and R&B we didn't encounter anything strange so we really doubt you will. The new media navigation buttons are a very nice touch (wish other speakers had them too) although i can't say i care much for NFC since it's not always successful (besides i prefer the regular Bluetooth pairing). TDK claims that the new rechargeable battery pack they've used gives the A34 up to two hours of playback more compared to the A33 but our sample shut down shortly after reaching 6 hours of playback at almost full volume so best case scenario we got 1 hour more (still 6+ hours is more than sufficient). The microphone is also the same used in the A33 (we didn't spot any differences when on both ends) but much like most speakers out there are times during which your voice may sound very distant.

   TDK offers quality without asking for much in return (at least not compared to some other manufacturers out there) so we didn't expect the A34 TREK MAX to have a hefty price tag attached to it and it doesn't since you can currently find it for USD149.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 118Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Now this may sound strange but if you have no need for the IP64 certified housing of the A34 TREK MAX then you might want to scout around for the A73 which i consider slightly better in terms of volume levels (although the quality of its housing is not the same) and design since it can blend easier (for example under your TV set) and should retail for much less now (compared to back when we tested it). Overall however the A34 TREK MAX is an improved A33 and when you further improve something very good it becomes almost excellent and that's why it gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Size
- Weather Resistant Housing (IP64 Certified)
- Design
- Audio Clarity
- Volume Levels
- Bluetooth & 3.5mm AUX Input
- Previous/Next/Pause/Play Buttons
- NFC Compatible
- Volume LED Bar
- Speakerphone
- Rechargeable Battery (Lasts Well Over 6 Hours)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Bluetooth V2.1 (Effective Wireless Range Compared For Example To The A26)