Wireless Bluetooth speakers are the next step in speaker technology. The first change occurred when MP3s gradually phased out CDs. MP3s combine high quality with a small file size, making it an ideal format for storing and transferring music. In the late ’90s, Napster burst onto the scene and completely changed the way music was shared. Then the advent of quality MP3 players like Apple’s iPod further accelerated the disappearance of CDs. Today, Apple’s iTunes store sells billions of MP3 songs, bringing the company revenue of more than $2.5 billion a year. It can be said with great conviction that CDs are a thing of the past.
The advent of MP3 players also meant the development of speakers that can work with these players. Lots of people still use computer speakers with their iPods, but if you do, you’re not getting the most out of your MP3 player. The reason is that most modern MP3 players are Bluetooth enabled. If you plug it into a standard speaker, you’re not only confined by wires, but you’ll also have to get up and change a song or playlist. However, a set of wireless Bluetooth speakers completely changes the way you listen to music. Since the speakers are Bluetooth enabled, you are not limited by cables. If you want to change the playlist or song, you just have to press a button, without getting up from your comfortable position on the sofa/bed/etc.
Wireless Bluetooth speakers have a range of 15 to 35 feet. This is more than enough to cover a couple of rooms. Imagine sitting in your living room and controlling the speakers from the bedroom! With a set of Bluetooth speakers, you’ll have complete control over your entire audio system.
Also, wireless Bluetooth speakers work with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, be it MP3 players or phones. If you don’t like lugging around a separate MP3 device, you can simply use your phone to control music at home.
The downside is that any wireless audio system will never have the same sound quality as a wired system. If you’re an audiophile, you’ll be disappointed in a wireless Bluetooth system. But for most others, the drop in quality is barely noticeable.
In terms of cost, wireless Bluetooth speakers are a bit more expensive than their wired counterparts (just like any other wireless device). However, this higher price is easily offset by the great versatility of the speakers, which can be used with MP3 players, phones, and even Bluetooth-enabled computers. Also, Bluetooth speakers tend to be much more compact. Combined with the lack of cables, this small size makes them ideal for use outdoors.
Yamaha and Parrot make some high-quality wireless Bluetooth speaker systems. The Parrot Boombox and the Yamaha NX-B02 come highly recommended for their audio quality, as well as their compact size. The Creative D200 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is another very viable option that offers excellent performance at an affordable price.