Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, but not every inexpensive option delivers audio you actually want to listen to. When I received theTribit XSound Plus 2 Bluetooth speaker, I immediately assumed the worst. Why? It's a fairly small device and costs only$70 on Amazon. How good could it sound?
Also: These speakers deliver impressively accurate sound for any style of music
My assumptions were almost confirmed after I connected it to my Pixel 8 Pro and cranked up my go-to test track, "Analog Kid" by Rush. I was not impressed. It sounded flat, tinny, and not at all premium. I set the speaker aside for a few days and forgot about it. Then just the other day, I decided to give it another go.
View at AmazonThis time, I installed the Tribit app (Android, iOS). The app had the usual collection of preset EQs (XBass Off, XBass, Audiobook, MaxSound Traditional, Rock, and Jazz) but also a custom EQ. Naturally (being the audio snob that I am), I tapped the Customized tab and dove in. Initially, I thought I was being treated to a five-band EQ (which would have been disappointing) but quickly realized it was a 9-band EQ.
Score! I dove in to create my usual EQ curve and replayed "Analog Kid", only to find the XSound Plus 2 come to life before my ears.
Per my usual testing process, I put the XSound Plus 2 through numerous genre tests. During the testing I did have to create new custom EQs for each genre, but once that was complete, listening to my go-to songs was a real treat (especially given the size of this speaker). Here's how the playtests came out:
Also: These desktop speakers upgraded my desk with a great look and impressive sound
Also: These wireless headphones with 'SMC drivers' have set a new standard for me
As I mentioned earlier, the sound stage of the Tribit XSound Plus 2 is a bit narrow, but that's to be expected from a small Bluetooth speaker. Ultimately, it didn't detract from how good the speaker sounds and you shouldn't consider it a dealbreaker. Most people will hear this speaker and find it to be surprisingly robust.
While it's not quite audiophile-level quality, you won't find a speaker at this price point that is. That being said, theTribit XSound Plus 2 is worth every penny, with the caveat that the Tribit app is a must. Without the custom EQ, this speaker can't live up to its potential.
If you're on the hunt for a small Bluetooth speaker that can fill up a room, has a long-lasting battery, and comes with plenty of EQ customization, you can't go wrong with this$70 gem from Tribit.