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Truffol DuraSound Bluetooth Speaker packs power and clarity in a rugged box
Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised by products that show up for review. That was the case with the Truffol DuraSound Bluetooth Speaker (US$44.99) that arrived recently. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much; this is a bargain-priced speaker from an accessory company that's better known for iPhone cases and iPad sleeves. But I was completely knocked off my feet by this speaker's sound volume and quality considering that it is priced at a fraction of what some other brands are asking. Specifications Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.17 x 2.44 inches (165 x 55 x 62 mm) Weight: 0.75 pounds (340 grams) Dual Speakers: 40 mm, 2.5W each, dynamic range 130Hz - 20kHz Colors: Black, blue, yellow Battery capacity: 1,200 mAh, 8 hour playback time Design Highlights I can't say that the DuraSound Bluetooth Speaker is the most exotic looking mobile speaker I've ever seen, but it's not bad. The front and back of the speaker feature ABS grilles, while the entire rest of the body is wrapped with a thick blanket of silicone to give it some protection from drops and bumps. That silicone also gives the speaker some isolation from hard surfaces so you won't get a buzzing noise when you've got the speaker volume cranked up. On top of the device are three buttons outlined in a metallic plastic. One's a volume down button, the other a volume up button, and between the two is a small round button that's used to start music play, pause it, answer a call or end a call. The volume down button is also used to return to a previous song, while the volume up button will skip to the next song in a playlist. On one end of the DuraSound is a button to turn the device on and pair it to your device. Unlike any other speaker that I've tested, the DuraSound not only pairs via Bluetooth, but also through Near Field Communications (NFC) for devices that have that enabled. While there are other speakers that use NFC for pairing, there aren't many at this price point. Next to the button is a micro-USB port for charging the 1,200 mAh battery, as well as a 3.5mm (1/8") line-in port if you have a device you'd like to connect to the DuraSound via a traditional cable. My only design beef with the DuraSound has to do with the silicone wrap, which seems to pick up dust and dirt easily. I don't think this would be as visible on the yellow or blue models, so you may wish to wait to pick up a DuraSound until those other colors are available. Functionality Highlights As I alluded to in the first paragraph of this post, this is a LOUD little speaker! In fact, I was quite surprised when I linked it to my iPhone 5s and pulled up my favorite iTunes Radio channel, because it immediately began blasting out music so loudly that my two kittens wondered what the heck was going on. A press-and-hold on the volume down button brought the volume down to a somewhat more tolerable level for their sensitive ears. Pairing was incredibly simple and fast, with voice prompts telling you what's going on during the process. The power button has a blue LED embedded in it so you get a visual indication of pairing status as well. The big reason people buy Bluetooth speakers is that they a way to wirelessly beam their favorite tunes to something that's louder than the speaker on their iPhone or iPad, and they want some quality to that sound as well. While this speaker's dynamic range is listed as 130Hz to 20kHz, it sounds much better than that. Bass sounds wonderful -- usually that's not an issue with Bluetooth speakers -- but I was surprised at how clear and well-amplified the high end was as well. The twin 40mm speakers really do a bang-up job of pumping out sound. I'm never pleased with the sound quality of Bluetooth speakers when they're being used as speakerphones. However, I found the DuraSound to have a surprising amount of clarity when in speakerphone mode. I had to control the volume of the speaker from the iPhone during calls, but once I was aware of that "inconsistency" (not using the physical controls on the speaker) it was not a problem. How good is the sound quality? I'd say it actually is as good or slightly better than the Braven 625S, a $139.99 speaker that also features a silicone wrap for outdoor use. So think of it this way -- you get a speaker that is equivalent in functionality for $95 less. That's a lot of beer money! Conclusion For $45, the Truffol DuraSound Bluetooth Speaker provides volume and sound quality that meets or exceeds many speakers that I've tested that are three to four times the cost. Build quality is good (not excellent) and the controls of the DuraSound are very usable and easy to understand. This speaker is perfect for the budget-minded iPhone or iPad owner who wants to save money, but not skimp on sound. Rating: 3-1/2 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway OK, you know that the sound quality from the DuraSound is pretty darned good. The battery lasted me through quite a few hours of listening (including one play of "Free Bird" on iTunes Radio). How would you like to win one? Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before August 15, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Truffol DuraSound Bluetooth/NFC Speaker valued at US$44.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Truffol's iPhone 5 cases prove that luxury doesn't need to mean expensive
I've probably seen every iPhone case in the world at one point or another. For every ten or twenty low-cost plastic cases I see, I might see a single luxury case. These cases are different from the rest, often showing better workmanship, materials like wood, leather, and steel, and a higher price tag. A new entry into the crowded iPhone case market is a company named Truffol, and it appears that they're off to a good start by offering luxury cases that won't empty your wallet. The cases won't be available until July, but I'm going to try to stir up your interest by reviewing the Truffol Signature line of cases. There's the Minimalist (US$60), a beautiful stainless steel "bumper" for your iPhone 5, and the Classic ($75, seen above), which adds Italian leather for good looks and additional protection. Design Let's start with a look at the Minimalist. It truly is a minimalist case, adding only a thin stainless steel frame around the iPhone 5. It adds just .9 mm (.03 inch) to the thickness of an iPhone 5, yet protects the sides from accidental scratches or nicks. The Classic adds a leather backing to the design of the Minimalist. For those who want a bit more protection and a whole lot more Italian leather, the Classic is perfect. Both the Minimalist and Classic cases come in silver and navy, with different colored leather backing (red and navy). %Gallery-192443% Truffol notes that their manufacturing process runs the CNC-cut stainless steel through a nylon brushing process that produces a smooth and beautiful surface. Each one of the cases arrives in a pair of boxes that is worthy of an expensive watch -- one half contains the stainless steel frame and a separate mute button, while the other contains a slender steel bezel and screen protector (Minimalist) or the leather backing (Classic). Functionality One thing I always tend to get irritated about with luxury cases is the need to the manufacturers to ship tools for installation. Sure, it adds a bit of prestige to a product to add a tiny tool set that you use to lock the iPhone into a case, but it also adds unnecessary cost and (in many cases) frustration. Fortunately, neither of the Truffol Signature cases require tools for installation. In fact, of all of the luxury cases that I've reviewed, the Signature cases are about the easiest to install an iPhone 5 into. Opening one of the boxes, you remove the small mute button "cover" and place it into the corresponding hole on the iPhone 5. Then you just take the iPhone, align the mute button on it with the mute button cover on the frame, and drop it in. Next, you open up the other box where the back of the case is located. It has six small metal "fingers" on it -- you drop the back onto the back of your iPhone, then push it down towards the bottom of the iPhone to lock it into place. Now your iPhone is securely locked in the case. It was a pleasure to not have to insert tiny screws or press down on levers that felt like they were going to crack open the iPhone. A big thumbs-up to Truffol for thinking through the installation process. As for the cases, I like the look of the stainless steel. It adds protection all around the sides of the iPhone, and the workmanship is flawless. The leather back on the Classic is also well done, and incredibly thin. Fans of "naked" iPhones will love the Classic, as it adds protection without adding any bulk at all. Conclusion Truffol's entry into the luxury iPhone case market may have a positive effect for iPhone owners. Not only is the company producing high-quality cases, but it is also entering the market at a price point that may force down luxury case prices across the board. Between now and July 10, 2013, Truffol is giving away five Signature cases as part of a pre-launch celebration. You can enter by simply submitting your email address on the Truffol website. TUAW will also be giving away a both a Minimalist and a Classic Signature case later this summer. Pros Very thin and lightweight, while offering good side protection to the iPhone 5 Low price point for a luxury offering Excellent craftsmanship Easy to install or remove without tools Both Minimalist and Classic designs include a clear screen protector Cons None Who is it for? The iPhone 5 owner who wants classy protection but doesn't want to pay the exorbitant amounts charged by others in the luxury case market
