Victrola Music Edition 1 is ready to go into a backpack to liven up a study session or even a small get together. Or just use it in your home for better quality music or podcasts than an iPhone alone can provide. And it’s ready to be used indoors or out.
I tested the portable Bluetooth speaker in my house and at a gathering of friends. Here’s why I like it.
Victrola Music Edition 1 review
Your iPhone puts out surprisingly decent sound. iPad audio is even better. Still, neither is really all that good at being a stand-alone music player. Their built-in speakers are just too small.
You need something larger for decent audio quality. That doesn’t have to be something huge and expensive though, if all you need it music for yourself or maybe a couple of friends.
Victrola Music Edition 1 isn’t much larger than a soda can, but I found it puts out much better audio than your iPhone by itself.
- Bluetooth speaker ready for use on the go
- Victrola video
- Big sound in a small box
- Victrola Music Edition 1 final thoughts
- Pricing
Bluetooth speaker ready for use on the go
At just 5.4 inches by 3.25 in. by 1.75 in. and 1.1 pounds, Victrola’s Bluetooth speaker is easy to carry around in a backpack or other small bag. And much of the exterior is metal so it can take a bit of punishment.
That includes water. The Music Edition 1 has a IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, which means it’ll shrug off rain. It also won’t have a problem with moderate dust.
I genuinely like the look, with cutout triangles in rows. My review unit is black but the product is also available is silver. I usually keep mine in my kitchen for playing podcasts and music while I cook, and it looks great in there.
A strip along one side includes the power button, plus buttons for Bluetooth pairing, volume up, volume down and start/stop.
There’s a loop so you can attach a lanyard if you’re planning to go really portable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Big sound in a small box
I confess, I was skeptical about the audio quality of the Victrola Music Edition 1. But that went away as soon as I began testing the speaker. It sounds quite good, especially considering the size and price.
For additional opinions, I asked friends what they thought of the Bluetooth speaker. All the comments were positive, including that it had a surprising amount of bass. Not a huge amount, but more than one might expect.
I used the iOS NIOSH Sound Level Meter app to test the maximum volume. At 5 feet away from the speaker, I’m getting 77db to 88db. Of course, it’s even louder next to the speaker, but 5 feet is probably typical for this product. Considering the recommended maximum volume for music is 70db or below, the Music Edition 1 puts out enough sound to satisfy most people. That said, this is a speaker for individual use, or with small groups. It’s not right for a party.
Pairing it with my iPhone was a snap. In my weeks of testing, it never had connection problems. The range is all one could hope for, too: I can control the speaker in my living room from the back bedroom. That means you can stream music from your iPhone while it’s it’s in your pocket.
Victrola promises 12 hours of battery life. I agree – I’ve used this device on and off for weeks and I’m still on the first charge. When you do run the battery down, recharge through a USB-C port.
Victrola video
Victrola made a short video to show off the Music Edition 1, as well as the larger Music Edition 2.
Victrola Music Edition 1 final thoughts
The Victrola Music Edition 1 performs better than I expected. And it looks nicer than most small speakers. It could be just what you’re searching for to listen to music or podcasts around your home.
It’s not studio quality, no. But it’s decent and affordable.
★★★★☆
Pricing
Victrola is surely not the first name that leaps to mind when you’re thinking of iPhone accessories. But the company makes good audio equipment, even if it built its reputation on phonographs. If you want a portable Bluetooth speaker with more power, check out my review of the Victrola Music Edition 2.
Victrola provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
