As sleek as it is simple, the Minx Go from Cambridge Audio doesn’t try too hard and, as a result, is hard to beat. A five speaker array delivers huge, clean sound. Priced at just $149, this Bluetooth speaker offers up to 18 hours of audio per charge and doubles as a mobile charger. Get it.
The Minx Go is a small speaker that impressed me right out of the gate. It combines a simple design with huge sound that really surprised me. Measuring in at just 9.3″ x 4.8″ x 2.4″, the speaker weighs in at 2.4lbs.
The three buttons on the top turn the speaker on and off and allow you to increase and decrease the volume. The power button also controls the pairing process if you are connecting your device wirelessly.
It is worth noting that, unlike many of the Bluetooth speakers we are currently seeing, the Minx Go does not pack NFC Near Field Communication. Since NFC doesn’t do more than simplify the pairing process- not to mention the fact that no Apple devices currently include NFC- I don’t see this as a big deal. What is a big deal for me is the fact that the Minx Go remembers the last eight devices with which it is paired. As someone who used a number of different devices as my music source this is a great feature and one I personally appreciate.
On the back of the speaker you will find the power input into which the included wall adapter connects, the 3.5mm Aux-In input for making a wired connection and a standard USB port. The USB port is a neat feature since it will allow you to charge any mobile device from a smartphone to most tablets.
A flip-out stand gives the Minx Go stability without adding to its size. This is an especially nice design choice since the flip-out stand is quite solid and feels as if it will last the life of the speaker without becoming loose or flimsy.
Unlike many Bluetooth speakers the Minx Go is not a speakerphone. No, this is all about the music and, as such, Cambridge Audio left off the microphone. Once again I don’t see this as a big deal but if you are looking for a speaker that will also allow you to make calls or access Siri you will want to pass on this product.
Speaking of music this might be a good time to reiterate the fact that this speaker sounds impressive. The audio streaming from it is big . There’s plenty of bass but not too much and the sound is clean. The excellent audio is the result of the diminutive speaker housing two 50mm (2”) woofers, two 19mm (0.75”) titanium dome tweeters and a rear-firing bass radiator. Add in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and a high quality class-D amplifier and you get this speaker’s great sound. It is obvious that Cambridge Audio put the bulk of their design efforts into making sure the audio quality would be as good as possible.
The Minx Go gets an impressive 18 hours of audio streaming on a single charge. In addition, it has an Auto Power Down (APD) feature that shuts the speaker off after 30 minutes of inactivity. That’s a nice bit of extra technology that dovetails with the impressive battery life quite nicely and makes it so that you won’t have to remember to shut the speaker off when you are done. That’s a good thing if, like me, you have grabbed a Bluetooth speaker when heading out for the day only to find you left it on the last time you used it and it is now little more than a paperweight.
Available in gloss black and white finishes the Minx Go is as simple as it is simply impressive. If you want a Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a speakerphone this won’t be the product for you. If, on the other hand you want a portable speaker that will keep going and going and going and pumps out excellent sound for under $150 it is a product that is worth your consideration. Check it out here on the Cambridge Audio website.
MSRP: $149
What I Like: Small footprint, big sound; 18 hours of music per charge; Doubles as an external battery for mobile devices; Gets loud
What Needs Improvement: No Microphone; No NFC
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample