Belkin SoundForm Elite HiFi Smart Speakers
“You can play music on the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi and charge your phone at the same time.”
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Provides convenient wireless charging
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Models support Alexa or Google Assistant
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Accurate speech recognition
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The bass overwhelms the tone
There is a great need for convergence in the smart home. A feature is expected, but I am thrilled when I come across a device that can do many things. An example of such a device is the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker, which has everything you would expect from a modern smart speaker. As a bonus, it is available in both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa variants.
The choice is appreciated because the smart home is sometimes a one-sided affair. But Belkin’s clever speaker is more than meets the eye – and that’s what caught my attention the first time I found out about its existence.
The added cost of convergence
Functionally, the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker offers everything that its colleagues can do. Whether it’s playing music or answering questions, there’s nothing it can’t do compared to speakers like Google Nest Audio or Amazon Echo (4th generation).
John Velasco / Digital Trends
I ended up looking at the Google Assistant version of the speaker. I wish it were like the Sonos One, which is available as a stand-alone version and gives users the option to use either Alexa or Google Assistant right away. Belkin’s speaker comes in two separate versions so you will get stuck with whatever you choose. It should be noted that the model that works with Alexa also supports AirPlay 2, while both support Bluetooth connectivity.
If there’s one thing about the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi that sticks out like a thorn, it has to be its $ 200 cost. Although there are currently sales dropping to $ 150, it’s still a small step over its direct competitor. There is an ace up its sleeve that I think adds value here, however, and that is the convenience of being able to charge your smartphone wirelessly.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Seriously, I’m a little surprised at how long it took to get something like this out, but here it is and I can’t tell you how excited I am with the additional utility. I put it on my desk within easy reach and I love how I can quickly charge my phones with the 10 watt charger – even with thicker cases.
A little heavy on the bass
The audio hardware of the loudspeaker with acoustics from Devialet is very colloquial. The hardware consists of a 35 mm full range speaker driver and two 70 mm woofer drivers. The end result is a speaker that favors low range audio so you can experience deep bass.
I’m a little surprised at how long it took for something like this to come out.
With this spherical speaker, the bass cannot be hidden. Even two steps away from its lowest volume, the bass is so pronounced that it overwhelms the mids and highs. I haven’t come across such a bass-oriented speaker in a while, but that doesn’t mean it’s a terrible speaker. Some people will enjoy the pounding heartbeats it generates. However, when you are listening to music where you want to capture the details of instruments or vocals it is hard to tell because the bass is so strong.
However, when using the Google Home app, there are settings for adjusting bass and treble. This helps a bit in reducing the overwhelming bass of the bass. Fortunately, the two far-field microphones on the speaker are sensitive enough to distinguish my voice from the overwhelming bass when the volume is very loud. Finally, touch controls are available on the speaker that allow you to adjust the volume, pause / play, initiate bluetooth and mute the microphone for more privacy.
Chunky design
Not much is going on with the design of the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi. In my opinion, it’s as general as they come, with a slightly spherical shape with the top cut off to accommodate the wireless charger. A mesh fabric cover wraps the entire speaker to give it a little bit of contrast. However, it’s hard to tell how well it will hold up against dirt over time.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
While the design doesn’t attract as much attention as that Nest Audio’s bean-shaped appearance or the mesmerizing, dazzling glow of the LED ring on the Amazon Echo (4th generation)I am willing to compromise because of its multifunctionality. It can still sit very well on its own in an entertainment center as it goes with almost any decor.
Our opinion
The Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi has a lot to offer. I’m most excited about the fact that wireless charging is in place as it means one less cable that clutter my desk and take up space on my power strip with another charger. However, it is more expensive than its direct competitors. At $ 200, it’s hard to justify paying the premium for effective wireless charging. Well worth it if you can find one for $ 150 though.
If you’re looking to add something, the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi is worth considering.
How long it will take?
The only questionable material is mostly tough plastic and is the mesh that covers the speaker. It’s just as heavy as the Nest Audio at 2.8 lbs, so it’s a good idea to keep this away from edges. A two year limited warranty is included with your purchase that covers defects.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes, both Google Nest Audio and Amazon Echo (4th Generation) offer superior audio performance at a lower cost.
Should you buy it?
Yes, especially now when there are sales going on for $ 150 instead of the normal $ 200 price. If you don’t want to pay full price, you might be better off getting one of the direct competitors and a wireless charger, but that means more clutter.
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