Summary: It's hard not to love a company that has an absolutely perfect product already, and they still find a way to make it even better. That's exactly what Bose has done with their Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker II.
I have the original Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker, which was introduced last year. It has the best sound of any portable wireless speaker, and I know because I listened to a lot of them before I chose this one. I honestly couldn't see how they could have improved the sound quality any. It has a richness of tones that other portible speakers can't compete with.
I am a musician and singer and like to think that I have a good ear when it comes to sound quality. So it is with unreserved enthusiasm that I say that they took already amazing sound and tone and actually made it even better. How did they do it? The Bose engineers explain it this way, in their press release:
"Bose engineers integrated new neodymium transducers and an updated digital signal processing algorithm into the acoustics package. Combined with the company's patented dual-opposing passive radiators, the SoundLink Mobile speaker II reproduces deeper low notes, and more definition and clarity across mid- and high-frequencies."
All this high tech improvement was done to keep the signature Bose sound that is described as lifelike and natural. I would have to agree with that. While other compact wireless speakers have a tinny, harsh quality and lack depth of bass and clarity of midtones, the Bose Soundlink has a smooth classy bass that is rounded instead of booming. The mid notes are defined and clear, and the treble is soft and clear without being grating. When I think of the treble on some of the wireless speakers I listened to I wince. Treble is a great thing to have in a speaker but it can get awfully shrill in very small speakers if the quality isn't there. To me, Bose gets it right on all fronts with this speaker.
So what have I noticed with this new Soundlink that is different? While I love the last version of the Soundlink since it blows away any competitors' offerings, I notice that the bass is more realistic in this new version. The bass in the last version was impressive, but it was definitely not natural. It was mellow and rich but on some of the jazz I love, it would sometimes overpower the rest of the music. It wasn't quite as balanced as it could have been.
Now, the bass, treble and everything in the mid ranges are exceptially well balanced. While the bass has an even richer more hushed sound, the treble has been brought out a lot. It sounds as if you are listening to a well mixed live group of musicians. The bass is there when it should be and in the background when it should be. There is a remarkable crispness in the upper frequencies and clarity in the mid tones.
The cover on the new Soundlink folds in the middle to make a smaller footprint as a stand under the speaker, unlike last years version.
This has a remarkably small size for such room filling sound. It's a simple, classy design, which has been extensively drop tested for durability. It has also been tested for dirt and fog resistance. This speaker was built to be taken outside. I've taken it to the beach, where it's been impervious to sand. It will also be nice for camping trips and times when I rent a boat without a sound system.
While I still love the sound of last year's Soundlink, this new version has more definiton and sounds even better. They took a perfect speaker and somehow managed to improve it. I loved last years version and wouldn't have thought it needed improvement but this new version is really incredible. If you have a choice, I say get the new version.
I have always loved every speaker Bose has ever made and would never consider any other brand of speaker. They have continued the Bose tradition of improving on perfection with this speaker, in my opinion. Lastly check for best price for the bose soundlink at: tvsoundsystemdeals.blogspot.com/p/bose-soundlink.html
Hope this review is helpful, good luck!
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Bose SoundLink Bluetooth mobile speaker II (nylon) 
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