Best Portable (no subwoofer) BT Soundbar under $250?

[MonteMallin]

Hello all,

I'm looking to purchase a bluetooth soundbar almost exclusively for music. I have a limited budget. Portability is important so I am trying to avoid a subwoofer.

My dilemma is this: I am not an audiophile per se; but I do like good sound. I've listened to sound bars from Sonos, Jambox, and others and none thrill me. The Jambox just sounded boring and muffled.

I'd like as clear highs and mids as possible with a nice underlying bass. I DO realize the obvious limitations here. Limited separation; small speakers; limited bass; etc. But it would be great if you guys could share with me your thoughts on where I might want to spend my money, however limited it may be.

Is there one or two that really stand out, given that we're not talking about a major investment here? The ones on the attached list seem to come up the most; but they all seem relatively comparable to me. Tell me why I'm wrong - which one of these, or a different one, is the way to go. Thank you in advance! I really appreciate it.

http://heavy.com/tech/2015/01/best-bluetooth-wireless-portable-speaker-reviews/

 

[jennicalexica]

I would go for the bose soundlink. A buddy of mine has one and it sounds pretty decent.

 

[slipperybidness]

Hello all,

I'm looking to purchase a bluetooth soundbar almost exclusively for music. I have a limited budget. Portability is important so I am trying to avoid a subwoofer.

My dilemma is this: I am not an audiophile per se; but I do like good sound. I've listened to sound bars from Sonos, Jambox, and others and none thrill me. The Jambox just sounded boring and muffled.

I'd like as clear highs and mids as possible with a nice underlying bass. I DO realize the obvious limitations here. Limited separation; small speakers; limited bass; etc. But it would be great if you guys could share with me your thoughts on where I might want to spend my money, however limited it may be.

Is there one or two that really stand out, given that we're not talking about a major investment here? The ones on the attached list seem to come up the most; but they all seem relatively comparable to me. Tell me why I'm wrong - which one of these, or a different one, is the way to go. Thank you in advance! I really appreciate it.

http://heavy.com/tech/2015/01/best-bluetooth-wireless-portable-speaker-reviews/

I was really impressed with the Riva Turbo, heard it at RMAF. The turbo is the model that I heard, it's over your budget at $350.

They do have a smaller/cheaper version coming out in the near future.

http://www.amazon.com/Riva-Audio-Turbo-Black-Speakerphone/dp/B00IPSC6F6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444857655&sr=8-1&keywords=riva+turbo

I have not heard Audioengines, but they have a good reputation, and only $50 over budget.
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Bluetooth-Speaker-Walnut/dp/B00OZ7369Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1444857747&sr=8-2&keywords=audioengine+bluetooth

 

[SuperValue]

Old thread but I guess this is a slow forum.

You can't do better than the JBL Charge 2 with updated firmware (or Charge 2+ that has it already).

I can't post links yet but google for "oluvsgadgets JBL Charge 2 firmwarefix"

Full measurements and graphs on that page too. This is audioholics so objective = better!