Bang & Olufsen Explore: A Detailed Review

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Bang & Olufsen Explore: A Detailed Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Bang & Olufsen Explore, a portable Bluetooth speaker that's been making waves in the audio world. We're going to explore everything this speaker has to offer, from its rugged design and impressive sound quality to its ease of use and overall value. If you're considering adding a new portable speaker to your collection, or if you're simply curious about what Bang & Olufsen has been up to, you've come to the right place. Let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

So, you just got your hands on the Bang & Olufsen Explore, what's next? The unboxing experience itself is quite premium, as you might expect from a brand like Bang & Olufsen. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, giving you a taste of the speaker's design philosophy. Inside the box, you'll find the Explore speaker, a USB-C charging cable, a quick start guide, and some warranty information. The first thing you'll notice is the speaker's compact and rugged build. It feels incredibly solid in your hand, thanks to its durable aluminum construction. The speaker is also wrapped in a tough rubberized material, which gives it a good grip and protects it from bumps and scratches. This thing is built to last, guys. The design is classic Bang & Olufsen – understated elegance with a focus on functionality. It’s cylindrical shape makes it easy to hold and the carabiner clip is a nice touch, allowing you to attach it to your backpack, belt loop, or wherever else you might need it. The buttons are integrated seamlessly into the design, and they provide a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed. Setting up the speaker is a breeze. Simply power it on, pair it with your device via Bluetooth, and you're ready to go. The speaker also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which means a stable connection and a good range. The initial impression is that the Bang & Olufsen Explore is a premium product that's built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, while still looking stylish enough to use at home. This is a speaker that you'll be proud to show off, and the initial setup is so simple that you'll be enjoying your favorite tunes in no time. What's not to love about that, right?

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to portable speakers, design and build quality are key. You want something that not only sounds great but can also withstand the elements and the inevitable bumps and scrapes of everyday life. The Bang & Olufsen Explore truly shines in this department. The speaker's cylindrical shape is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also incredibly practical. It fits comfortably in your hand and can easily be placed in a cup holder or backpack pocket. The aluminum construction gives it a premium feel and a robust build that can handle a bit of rough and tumble. The rubberized coating adds an extra layer of protection, making it resistant to scratches and impacts. This attention to detail gives you the confidence to take it on any adventure, knowing it can handle the challenges. The IP67 rating is another huge plus. This means the speaker is completely dustproof and can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. So, whether you're caught in a rain shower, lounging by the pool, or even accidentally drop it in the lake, you don't have to worry about damaging your speaker. This level of durability makes it a perfect companion for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or beach trips. The integrated carabiner clip is a thoughtful addition. It allows you to easily attach the speaker to your backpack, belt loop, or even a tree branch, keeping your hands free while you enjoy your music. The buttons are also well-designed and easy to use, even with gloves on. They're slightly raised and provide a satisfying click when pressed, so you know your input has been registered. Overall, the design and build quality of the Bang & Olufsen Explore are top-notch. It's clear that Bang & Olufsen has put a lot of thought into creating a speaker that not only looks great but is also built to last. This is a speaker that you can rely on, no matter where your adventures take you.

Sound Quality: How Does It Perform?

Okay, let's talk about the most important aspect of any speaker: the sound quality. The Bang & Olufsen Explore packs a punch for its size, delivering a surprisingly balanced and detailed sound. It's not going to rattle the windows with earth-shattering bass, but it provides a rich and immersive listening experience that's perfect for a variety of genres. The Explore features two 1.8-inch full-range drivers that are powered by two 30-watt Class D amplifiers. This configuration allows the speaker to produce a clear and crisp sound with a good amount of volume. The sound signature is relatively neutral, which means it doesn't overly emphasize any particular frequency range. This makes it a versatile speaker that can handle everything from classical music to hip-hop without sounding muddy or distorted. The bass response is surprisingly good for a speaker of this size. It's not going to satisfy bassheads, but it provides a solid foundation for the music without overpowering the mids and highs. The midrange is where the Explore really shines. Vocals and instruments sound clear and natural, and there's a good amount of detail and clarity. The highs are crisp and well-defined, without being harsh or fatiguing. One of the things that sets the Explore apart from other portable speakers is its 360-degree sound dispersion. This means that the sound is projected evenly in all directions, so you don't have to worry about positioning the speaker for optimal sound. Whether you're sitting around a campfire or having a picnic in the park, everyone will be able to enjoy the music. At higher volumes, the speaker maintains its composure, without significant distortion. However, like most small speakers, it can start to sound a bit strained at maximum volume. But for most listening situations, the Explore provides more than enough volume. Overall, the sound quality of the Bang & Olufsen Explore is impressive for its size and portability. It delivers a balanced and detailed sound with good clarity and volume, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality listening experience on the go.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life and connectivity are crucial factors to consider when choosing a portable Bluetooth speaker. After all, what's the point of having a great-sounding speaker if it dies after just a few hours, or if you can't easily connect your devices? The Bang & Olufsen Explore offers a solid performance in both of these areas. Bang & Olufsen claims that the Explore can provide up to 27 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels. In real-world testing, this claim holds up pretty well. I was able to get around 24-25 hours of use on a single charge, which is quite impressive. Of course, battery life will vary depending on factors such as volume level and the type of music you're playing, but overall, the Explore's battery life is excellent. When the battery does run low, it can be easily recharged via the USB-C port. A full charge takes around 2 hours, which is pretty standard for a speaker of this size. The Explore also supports Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable connection with a good range. I was able to walk around my house without experiencing any dropouts or interruptions in the music. The speaker also remembers up to eight paired devices, so you don't have to go through the pairing process every time you want to switch between your phone, tablet, or laptop. The Explore doesn't have a 3.5mm auxiliary input, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer to connect their devices via a wired connection. However, Bluetooth is the primary way most people connect to portable speakers these days, so this isn't a major issue. The speaker also lacks support for multi-speaker pairing, which means you can't connect two Explore speakers together for stereo sound. This is a feature that's becoming increasingly common in portable speakers, so it's a bit of a disappointment that the Explore doesn't offer it. Overall, the battery life and connectivity of the Bang & Olufsen Explore are very good. It provides plenty of playtime on a single charge, and the Bluetooth 5.0 connection is stable and reliable. The lack of a 3.5mm input and multi-speaker pairing are minor drawbacks, but they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. This speaker is ready for your long adventures, guys!

Bang & Olufsen App and Features

To get the most out of your Bang & Olufsen Explore, you'll definitely want to download the Bang & Olufsen app. This app unlocks a range of features and customization options that enhance the overall listening experience. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it's free to download. Once you've installed the app and connected your Explore speaker, you'll have access to a variety of settings and controls. One of the most useful features is the ability to customize the sound profile. The app includes several preset EQ modes, such as Optimal, Party, Podcast, and Clear. You can also create your own custom EQ settings to fine-tune the sound to your liking. This is great for tailoring the sound to different genres of music or listening environments. The app also allows you to control the volume, skip tracks, and pause or play music. You can also use it to update the speaker's firmware, ensuring that you always have the latest features and bug fixes. Another handy feature is the ability to pair two Bang & Olufsen speakers together for stereo sound. While the Explore doesn't support multi-speaker pairing on its own, you can pair it with another compatible Bang & Olufsen speaker using the app. This can create a wider and more immersive soundstage, perfect for parties or larger gatherings. The app also provides information about the speaker's battery life, and it allows you to adjust the auto-standby timer. This setting determines how long the speaker will remain idle before automatically turning off to save battery power. The Bang & Olufsen app is well-designed and easy to use. It provides a wealth of features and customization options that enhance the overall experience of using the Explore speaker. Whether you want to fine-tune the sound, update the firmware, or pair two speakers together, the app puts you in control. It's a must-have for any Bang & Olufsen Explore owner. The app makes the experience even better, you know?

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the Bang & Olufsen Explore with a quick rundown of its pros and cons. This will give you a clear picture of what this speaker does well and where it might fall short.

Pros:

  • Rugged and Durable Design: The Explore is built to withstand the elements with its IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. The aluminum and rubberized construction adds to its durability, ensuring it can handle outdoor adventures.
  • Excellent Sound Quality: For its size, the Explore delivers a balanced and detailed sound with clear vocals and crisp highs. The 360-degree sound dispersion is a big plus for enjoying music in groups.
  • Long Battery Life: With up to 27 hours of playtime, the Explore can last through a weekend of camping or a full day of activities without needing a recharge.
  • Portable and Lightweight: The compact cylindrical shape and carabiner clip make it easy to carry around and attach to backpacks or other gear.
  • User-Friendly App: The Bang & Olufsen app provides useful features such as customizable EQ settings, firmware updates, and the ability to pair with other compatible speakers.

Cons:

  • No 3.5mm Auxiliary Input: The lack of a wired connection option might be a drawback for some users.
  • No Multi-Speaker Pairing (Without App): While you can pair with other B&O speakers via the app, the Explore doesn't natively support multi-speaker pairing.
  • Price: Bang & Olufsen products come with a premium price tag, and the Explore is no exception. It's more expensive than many other portable Bluetooth speakers on the market.
  • Bass Response: While the bass is decent for its size, it might not satisfy those looking for a truly booming low-end.

Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Explore is a fantastic portable speaker with a lot to offer. Its rugged design, excellent sound quality, and long battery life make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants a premium listening experience on the go. However, the price and lack of certain features like a 3.5mm input and native multi-speaker pairing might be a deal-breaker for some. Weigh these pros and cons against your needs and budget to decide if the Explore is the right speaker for you. You know what I mean, guys?

Final Verdict: Is the Bang & Olufsen Explore Worth It?

So, after spending some quality time with the Bang & Olufsen Explore, it's time for the final verdict. Is this portable Bluetooth speaker worth the investment? In short, the answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats. The Bang & Olufsen Explore excels in several key areas. Its rugged and durable design makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, and its IP67 rating provides peace of mind knowing it can withstand dust and water. The sound quality is impressive for its size, delivering a balanced and detailed audio experience with 360-degree sound dispersion. The long battery life ensures you can enjoy your music for hours on end without needing to recharge. And the user-friendly app adds a layer of customization and control that enhances the overall experience. However, the Explore isn't without its drawbacks. The price is definitely a factor to consider, as it's more expensive than many other portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. The lack of a 3.5mm auxiliary input might be an issue for some, and the absence of native multi-speaker pairing is a missed opportunity. The bass response, while decent, might not satisfy bass enthusiasts. But if you value premium design, build quality, sound, and portability, the Bang & Olufsen Explore is a top contender. It's a speaker that's built to last, sounds great, and is easy to take with you wherever you go. If you're willing to pay a premium for these qualities, the Explore is definitely worth considering. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone who wants a high-quality portable speaker that can handle the rigors of daily life. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities. But if you're looking for a top-tier portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bang & Olufsen Explore should definitely be on your list. You won't be disappointed, I promise you, guys!