Sudapop: Innovative Bluetooth Headset Review… or Just a Gimmick?
Sodapop Bluetooth Speaker: Innovative Design for Enhanced Bass
The Sodapop Bluetooth speaker is a portable speaker with a unique and innovative design, allowing users to attach it to any standard soda bottle to significantly enhance the bass sound. According to the manufacturer, this innovative audio setup can increase bass output by up to 10 decibels, equivalent to doubling the audible volume in the low and mid-frequency range. This audio enhancement relies on converting the empty bottle into an acoustic bass resonance chamber, which increases the speaker's effective internal volume and allows for a greater amount of air to be pushed. The speaker also benefits from the flexibility of the plastic bottle material and the air trapped inside, as the bottle walls act as an auxiliary diaphragm to produce deeper, more powerful, and warmer bass tones.
Sodapop Speaker Design and Key Features
Dimensions
3.8" length, 2.3" depth
Weight
10.5 ounces
Audio
2x 4.5W stereo + 10W subwoofer
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0, AUX 3.5mm
Battery
1600 mAh, 30 hours
Microphone
Built-in for calls
The Sodapop speaker's design is compact and elegant, with dimensions of 3.8 inches in length and 2.3 inches in depth, and weighing 10.5 ounces, making it highly portable. The speaker features two 4.5-watt stereo speakers, along with a 10-watt subwoofer for enhanced bass. It supports the latest wireless connectivity technologies via Bluetooth 5.0 and offers flexible wired connectivity through a 3.5mm AUX port. For user convenience, the speaker includes a built-in microphone for clear calls. It is powered by a powerful 1,600 mAh rechargeable battery, providing up to 30 hours of continuous music listening, making it ideal for extended use.
The Custom Bottle: The Sodapop speaker comes with a specially designed plastic bottle that acts as a bass resonance chamber, and is not intended for drinking. This innovative bottle features a small bass port and a diaphragm at its base, ensuring the best possible audio performance and perfect integration with the speaker's design. However, some critics argue that providing a custom plastic bottle with the speaker contradicts the product's original concept, which aimed to encourage the recycling of existing plastic bottles.
Sodapop Speaker Audio Performance Review
Without Bass Bottle
Sharp sound, completely lacking bass, negative listening experience.
With Bass Bottle
Significant bass improvement, depth and richness, much better sound balance.
Audio Performance Limitations
Bass distortion at maximum volume, and sharpness reappears.
Performance Test: During testing of the Sodapop speaker without using the bass bottle, the volume level was relatively high for its small size, but the sound quality was sharp and almost completely lacked bass, negatively impacting the listening experience.
Performance with the Bottle: In stark contrast, when the speaker was connected to the custom bass bottle, the low frequencies showed significant and noticeable improvement. The bottle added depth and richness to the mids and bass, resulting in a much-improved sound balance and a more impressive mix, transforming the sound from a disappointing experience to a much better audio performance.
Audio Limitations: However, when the volume is increased to its maximum, the bass sound in the Sodapop speaker tends to distort quickly, and the sharpness reappears clearly in the overall mix. Generally, the overall listening experience offered by the Sodapop speaker may not be entirely satisfactory or enjoyable when compared to available alternatives in the market.
Sodapop Speaker Alternatives: Comparison with Prominent Competitors
Anker Soundcore Motion 300
Clear bass and crisp sound even at highest volumes.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
Compact design, 360-degree sound, IP67 water resistance and floats.
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Excellent budget option at ~$35, comparable audio performance.
Available Alternatives: Many portable speakers are currently available on the market that offer superior sound quality and better value for money compared to the Sodapop speaker. Among the most prominent alternatives are:
- Anker Soundcore Motion 300: Known for delivering clear bass and crisp sound even at the highest volumes, providing an exceptional listening experience.
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4: A speaker characterized by its compact design, portability, and 360-degree sound. It also boasts an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it floats on water, a significant advantage over the Sodapop speaker, which only has an IPX65 rating for dust and splash resistance.
- Tribit StormBox Micro 2: An excellent budget option priced at no more than $35, offering performance comparable to the Sodapop in terms of bass depth and overall sound quality.
Final Conclusion and Sodapop Speaker Rating
Pros
- • Innovative idea and attractive design.
- • Effective bass enhancement when using the bottle.
Cons
- • Overall sound quality is not exceptional.
- • High price compared to alternatives.
Conclusion and Rating
Suitable for those seeking a unique and attractive design, but better alternatives exist for sound quality and price.
Final Conclusion: The Sodapop Bluetooth speaker offers an innovative idea and an attractive design, successfully enhancing bass effectively when using the custom bottle. Despite this, the overall sound quality is not exceptional enough to overcome other challenges it faces, such as its high price. If your priority is a distinctive Bluetooth speaker that stands out with its unique design, the Sodapop might be a suitable choice for you. However, if you are looking for superior sound quality and greater versatility at a reasonable price, the market offers many alternatives that provide a much better audio experience.