Audio

Good sound quality but battery drains fast

Once paired, the Muvo 2 speakers can act as a portable stereo system with left and right outputs.
Once paired, the Muvo 2 speakers can act as a portable stereo system with left and right outputs. PHOTOS: CREATIVE

The Creative Muvo 2 and its fun- sized sibling the Muvo 2c are not your run-of-the-mill Bluetooth speakers. They are stereo-enabled waterproof devices that provide great sound quality on the go.

My favourite part about the Muvo 2 speakers is their stereo functionality. With two devices paired together wirelessly, they can function as a portable stereo system with left and right outputs.

The devices can be linked by pressing and holding the multifunction button on the top of each speaker. The first speaker that you activate will be your primary one, and will output the left channel sound; the second that you activate will be your secondary, right- channel speaker.

  • TECH SPECS

  • Muvo 2

  • PRICE: $109

    DIMENSIONS: 67 x 190 x 38 mm

    WEIGHT: 340g

  • Muvo 2c

  • PRICE: $69

    DIMENSIONS: 67 x 93 x 38 mm

    WEIGHT: 159g

  • RATING

  • FEATURES: 4/5

    DESIGN: 4/5

    PERFORMANCE: 4/5

    VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/5

    BATTERY LIFE: 3/5

    OVERALL: 4/5

After your speakers are linked, the primary one can be paired with your phone via Bluetooth.

It took under two minutes for me to set everything up, and after that I put the speakers on either end of my computer table.

I found that watching television shows or movies with the set-up was an immersive experience, and I also enjoyed the stereo experience when I listened to music.

But note that when the devices are paired, they will work with Bluetooth only, and not with the USB, SD card and auxiliary inputs.

I also enjoyed the speakers' portability - a hallmark of all Creative's Muvo devices. The Muvo 2c, the smallest Muvo yet, is handy. The palm-sized device weighs just 159g, and it fit easily in my bag when I want to carry it around.

For such a small device, the sound is quite punchy. When I placed the 2c at one end of my living hall and stood about 5m away, I could still hear speech and music from the device very clearly.

But as with all portable speakers, they cannot replace stationary ones. The sound on the Muvo 2s tends to lose details at higher volumes - but that is a problem common to many mobile speakers.

I also like that the Muvo 2 series is water-resistant, with a rating of IP66. This means it can withstand splashes and sprays, but cannot be submerged.

This is great news for bathroom singers, who need some music to accompany them as they hit the high notes in the shower.

I did find, however, that the battery life on the Muvo 2c was a little too short for me. Creative says the battery life on the speaker is up to six hours, but I found that after watching about four hours' worth of television at a reasonably high volume, my battery was drained.

Those keen on using the speakers for a longer time may want to plump for the bigger Muvo 2, which has 10 hours of battery life.

Lisabel Ting

• Verdict: The Muvo 2 and 2c are a pair of portable, water-resistant Bluetooth speakers with a very handy stereo function.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 05, 2016, with the headline Good sound quality but battery drains fast . Subscribe