Key Highlights from ZDNET
- The StormBox Flow is currently priced at $79.99 on Amazon.
- This Bluetooth speaker has the capability to fill a room with impressive sound, pair with another StormBox Flow, and endure until the last attendees depart.
- While the custom EQ feature is restricted to five bands, it serves its purpose well for adjusting frequency levels.
Having encountered numerous speakers over the years, it becomes challenging to recall my top choices. Nonetheless, the quality of a speaker, in my opinion, is primarily defined by its sound output. I have come across several commendable Bluetooth speakers, though not classified as audiophile-grade, which is not the primary focus for such devices.
The primary function of these gadgets is to facilitate the enjoyment of music, podcasts, or any desired audio content conveniently, whether for personal listening or in small group settings. Bluetooth speakers have accompanied me during yard work, teaching sessions, and times when my turntable was inaccessible.
When Tribit approached me to review its [ppp1], I was more than willing to oblige. Upon receiving the device, I found its appearance appealing but was skeptical about its sound performance meeting my preferences. To some extent, my assumptions were accurate. The StormBox Flow tends to emphasize midrange tones more than I prefer. However, considering its price point of $79 on Amazon, one cannot anticipate premium sound quality from such a compact speaker. Nevertheless, it proves to be an excellent choice within its price range.
After thorough testing of the StormBox Flow, my initial impressions evolved. Despite not delivering a rich, expansive, and seamless sound experience, it is capable of filling a room or outdoor space adequately. The Tribit app allows users to personalize the sound using a 5-band EQ, although a 10-band equalizer would have been a preferable addition.
Technical Specifications
- Battery life of up to 30 hours (reduced to 24 hours with Xbass enabled)
- 62 mm driver
- Three EQ settings (standard, audiobook, extended bass) customizable via the Tribit app
- Ability to sync with another StormBox Flow for “party mode”
- Bluetooth 5.3 with a range of 100ft
- USB Type C charging
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Adjustable lanyard
- Weight: 1.47 lbs
- Dimensions: 8.77 x 4.52 x 2.32 inches
- Input voltage: 3.7 Volts
- Maximum output power: 25 Watts
- Charging time: 4 hours for a full charge
Personal Evaluation
I subjected the Tribit StormBox Flow to my standard playlist, and here are my observations on specific tracks:
- Analog Kid by Rush – Despite the predominant midrange, the bass managed to keep pace with the masterful performance.
- And Dream of Sheep by Kate Bush – A captivating song that felt vibrant and engaging throughout.
- Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber – While the audio seemed slightly compressed on the StormBox Flow, adjusting the EQ improved the listening experience. Given my affinity for this classical piece, I tend to be discerning.
- Halcyon And On And On by Orbital – This personal favorite sounded dynamic and invigorating, striking a perfect balance.
- Kingdom by Devin Townsend – Known for its demanding bass elements, this track posed a challenge for the speaker, yet it handled Townsend’s vocals admirably.
Considering its sub-$80 price point, the StormBox Flow offers satisfactory sound quality. Notably, the convenient controls on the speaker allow for easy playback management, including pause, skip, and voice command activation by pressing the interactive button for two seconds.
I encountered a minor setback when attempting to play a specific song using voice command. Despite instructing the StormBox to play Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, Google Assistant initiated a search instead of playing the track directly. This issue is attributed to Google and Android functionalities rather than a fault of Tribit.
ZDNET’s Recommendation
With a plethora of Bluetooth speakers flooding the market, each presenting unique features and audio profiles, the StormBox Flow stands out as a commendable midrange option. Boasting ample sound output, a customizable EQ (albeit with limitations), user-friendly controls, and impressive battery longevity, it caters to music enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet reliable audio companion.
For individuals in search of a budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker that outlasts their phone battery, the StormBox Flow emerges as a compelling choice. While it may not deliver audiophile-grade sound, it excels in fulfilling everyday audio needs without disappointment.