Braven BRV-XXL

Really, what music or audio book is worth such over-the-top, extraordinary speaker treatment? Only your favorites, of course, as this wireless speaker forces a moral dilemma on its owner. Play it safe or push the boundaries. Create a place of enchantment or send vibrations through the ground in the spirit of the 1990 cult classic sci-fi movie, Tremors (can you spot actor Kevin Bacon in his nearly-adolescent phase?). Despite the relentless, two-sided output fueled by four HD drivers and a single, throaty subwoofer, the frequency response of Braven BRV-XXL carries a crisp, linear treatment that puts many artisanal Bluetooth speakers to shame. Testers bounced this durable system from home to campground to park, noting the acceptable range from the source (iPhone or iPad) exceeded the 10m rating in nearly every scenario. It’s no wonder that, at 18lbs, BRV-XXL is beyond a nominal carry weight for many expeditions. However, for the rest of life, including relaxing and celebrating at home, this input- and output-rich system is a triumph of engineering. All hail the decibels. All bow – or dance – before this pillar of unstoppable sound waves.

Best For: Upgrading or replacing any portable system for group use