Cambridge Audio Bluetone 100 -- not your average Bluetooth speaker [Review]
As Bluetooth speakers go, most tend to be small devices, easily transportable and charged via a micro USB port. That is largely what has made the peripherals popular -- portability and convenience. But there are manufacturers that take these things a bit more seriously.
Cambridge Audio aims to change perceptions of Bluetooth speakers, turning those small portable gadgets into something that is more home theater gear. One of its offerings is called the Bluetone 100 and, though it doesn't come cheap, it may satisfy the audiophiles out there by offering a bit more than average.
Tale of the Tape
Cambridge Audio promises a number of features, including the most prominent -- a 100 watt amplifier. The big sound is complimented by aptX Bluetooth and several convenient connections located on the back, including RCA jacks and a 3.5 mm input, as well as a port for plugging in the supplied power cord, as the speaker doesn't have micro USB charging, or any other form for that matter. If you care to forgo the Bluetooth, then plug your source in directly.
On top of the rather large device you'll find the controls, including power, forward and backward, Bluetooth connect and auxiliary. Bass adjustment, however, is located on the back panel -- it's a tiny dial that can be turned up or down.
Cambridge Audio promises that "The Bluetone 100 is packed full of technology which maximises the audio quality of the music you hear, from advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to squeeze the most out of music files, to ground breaking Balanced Mode Radi".
It's not that the speaker can't be moved, it does have a handle in the back, but you'll need a location with an electrical outlet in order to power it, and it isn't small either. The Bluetone 100 measures in at 13.9 x 4.6 x 7.2 inches and 9 pounds.
Sounding Off
The company doesn't lie about the sound. When playing music streamed from a Chromebook it had the capability to easily be heard in multiple rooms. It can do just as well if you prefer to utilize a smartphone or tablet -- any device that is able to emit a Bluetooth signal. At half volume you will fill much of a floor within your home.
And getting started requires nothing more than plugging it in, powering the speaker on and pressing the Bluetooth button, then letting your device hook up with it. In other words, it's no different than its smaller cousins, with the exception of the power source that is needed.
Where it differs is power and sound. But those certainly are not knocks against a speaker. In fact, most people would consider them benefits.
Conclusion
The Cambridge Audio Bluetone 100 became available a few weeks ago and it retails for $299. You can grab it from Amazon, or check the company site for other possibilities.
Included in the package is the power adapter, you will need to supply RCA and 3.5 mm yourself if you wish to go that route.
In the end, this is a high-end model and not exactly geared towards something such as a dorm room, or those who want to use it at locations like the beach. But if you are looking for build quality and big sound, and don't mind spending the money, then it may be what you want.