With nearly all of us preferring to consume our music digitally via our phones or multimedia devices, its become a key feature for these devices to be able to play with other output peripherals such as speakers and headsets wirelessly thanks to Bluetooth and as smaller, portable speakers are getting much market, there are still people looking for power even if that comes with size. In today’s market, there’s not a lot of new speaker brands coming out and most of the names we hear are the familiar ones but there are still brands out there coming out that still stand out on their own ways and today we take a look at one of the new players in the local market for multimedia devices. In the lab we have the F&D F550X 2.1 stereo speaker system with built-in wireless multimedia playback via Bluetooth. Read on!
Specifications
Function
Standby, Source and Bluetooth button
Play/Pause/FM auto scan button
Previous/CH-, Next/CH+, Volume+/- buttonLoudspeakers
Satellite: 3″ full range driver
Subwoofer: 6.5″ bass driverParametric
Subwoofer Frequency response: 30Hz~110Hz
Satellite Frequency response: 130Hz~20kHz
Output power (RMS): 56W
Satellite: 14W×2
Subwoofer: 28WProduct Dimensions (WxHxD)
Subwoofer(WxHxD):
252x 252 x279mm
Satellite(WxHxD):
110x 118x 110 mmConnectivity
Cable length:
Satellite speaker: 1.5m
Audio input cable: 1.5m
Audio input cable:
RCA vs. 3.5mm stereo cable x 1pcs
RCA to RCA stereo cable x1pcs (optional)Power
Power input: AC 220V-240V~50/60Hz
Closer Look
TheF&D F550X Multimedia Speaker comes in a full colored print box with plenty of styling showcasing the highlights of the product including wireless connectivity and the actual look of the system. The speakers are protected with styrofoam during shipping and the accessories are kept in compartments in the styrofoam.
Inside the package are 2 satellite speakers, the main system / subwoofer, manuals, a remote and batteries.
Setup is pretty straightfoward, you’re providedn with an 3.5mm audio cable to connect the subwoofer to your audio device if you prefer wired via RCA. Connectors from the satellite speakers also connect to the back of the sub.
At the back of the unit we can see treble and bass knobs for adjusting the levels of those frequencies. An on/off switch is near the bottom where the power cable comes out. The device needs to be connected to a AC outlet for use. It is not battery operated. That loose dangling wire is the FM antenna and you’ll need to direct it at a place with the best signal if you want to use the FM radio function.
Going over to one side of the F550X sub we can see the control buttons for playback as well as a card slot and USB port. You can plug both at the same time and just select the source you want. The F&D F550X supports most general format audio files like WAV, MP3 and MP4. The Bluetooth button is also on this panel and you will need to hold it down while powered on until the display lights blink, connect your device to the FENDA F550X device on your other device and pairing should be successful.
The F550X features a notable X-theme on its speakers. These light up when powered on there is a display on top as we’ll see later.
The same X-motiff is also on the satellite speakers but these one are mounted on their corners so it appears to be a vertical cross rather than the X. You can wall mount the satellite speakers via screws (not included in the package)
One setup you have the system already to go. Just hit the power switch at the back on press the other power button to get started.
For NFC compatible devices, you can just connect via NFC with the F550X directly on the top of the woofer.
The system is connected via Bluetooth source as indicated in the top display and the LED lighting is visible.
User Experience & Conclusion
Most users will primarily want the F&D F550X as a speaker for their bluetooth devices like smartphones but since the phone also has FM radio, there’s also that possibility. To fully gauge performance, we’re sticking with our FLAC library on our LG V10. FM radio is heavily compressed but if you’re interested about signal performance, it will vary on your location otherwise the system is good and stores up to 100 stations that you can go through via the remote or the button panel.
The F550X has a volume range up to 20 and it is one powerful pair system. In our closed 3×3 room, the system was gut-punchingly powerful and we had to dial it down. If you’re playing this in a party with a larger space, the drivers and subwoofer will deliver greatly despite its size so its a great option for people looking to party in the outdoors provided you can power the thing.
On maximum gain, audio is good and isn’t distorted. Depending on your layout and room, the audio characteristic will vary but it is quite powerful and crisp in general. There’s really nothing to complain about in terms of audio quality, do note though that its garbage-in, garbage-out so if you’re playing highly compressed 60kbps MP3s, its pretty much gonna sound like its supposed to be: very degraded.
Ultimately, the F&D F550X 2.1 bluetooth speaker system provides a compelling choice for a Bluetooth capable media player that offers plenty of power for your home theater or living room parties. With a street price of Php3500, its heavily rivaled by smaller bluetooth portable speakers and a few similar multimedia players but as it is, the F550X can stand on its own and quality is pretty decent. Highly recommended if you want power and convenience at the same time.
