Belkin recently introduced a beautiful, high quality smart speaker with wireless charging: the SOUNDFORM ELITE Hi-Fi Smart Speaker+Wireless Charger.
Now available in the US and later this summer in Canada, the first thing I notice out of the box is its sleek and rounded design.
The SOUNDFORM ELITE ships with an AC adapter and quick start guide (however much more detailed user info can be found on Belkin’s product support page).
[What’s in the box]
Devialet produced the patent technology behind the SOUNDFORM ELITE. In case you’re not familiar with Devialet, they’re the French audio tech company behind Expert Pro amplifiers, connected Phantom Premier speakers and the Phantom Reactor.
Plugging in and pairing the SOUNDFORM ELITE with Bluetooth (and Google Assistant) is all that’s needed to start enjoying high-fidelity sound, all within a footprint of just under 16.5 cm (6 1/2”) all around and 1.25 kg (2.8 lbs.).
Being detail-oriented, I also noticed how nicely designed the AC plug fits into the form of the speaker. Belkin has created a beautiful piece of tech in the SOUNDFORM ELITE and I was excited to get it out of the box and plug it in.
While I don’t normally use Google Assistant to voice-command my needs around the home or office, I did set it up to get acquainted with how it responds to the speaker. It took some effort (when pairing it with Spotify, the voice kept referring me to my settings to complete the task) but eventually I got it to work.
Vibration-cancelling technology built into the speaker ensures that your device will fast charge steadily without interruption. Listening to Instagram stories from one level downstairs, the sound still came out of the SOUNDFORM.
A big selling feature is its fast wireless charging capability. Just set your Qi-enabled iPhone, Samsung or Galaxy in the slot and you’re good to go.
The sound experience, together with fast wireless charging and smart home capability makes this perfect for dorm rooms, home offices and most home spaces with a wall outlet nearby.
You can control the SOUNDFORM ELITE either via Google Home or via the speaker’s physical controls. From left to right, the control panel buttons are: Bluetooth, Volume down, Play/Pause, Volume up, Microphone status.
A row of four status lights are found under the control panel; they light up according to whether you’ve just turned on the speaker, have the mic muted, are changing volume, setting up the system or engaging Google Assistant.
If no lights shine, that means the speaker is functional and listening for (eventual) commands. A reboot sets off Google’s logo colours of blue, red, yellow and green lights, also shown when first setting up Google Assistant.
If you’d like to operate the SOUNDFORM ELITE without Google Assistant, just turn off the mic. The speaker lights up orange to confirm. A simple tap of the mic button restores the Google Assistant option. You can also opt out of Google Assistant voice controls via the app.
Finally, on the bottom of the unit is a reset button.
Key Features
– Impressive sound quality and acoustics from a compact device
– Vibration-cancelling dual woofers for deeper bass and stable charging
– Crystal clarity at any volume
– Speaker Active Matching (SAM®) technology invented for absolute fidelity
– Two far-field microphones for voice control
– Can pair with other Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers
Tech Features
– Full Range Driver Size: 35mm
– Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000Hz
– SPL Max: 90 dB SPL +/- 3dB
– Sound Stage: Mono with SAM® by Devialet
– Frequency Response: 40 – 20,000Hz
– Accommodates up to a 10-watt charge
I’m impressed with how far Bluetooth speaker tech has come along. This smart speaker produces a deep, clear sound that adds a high-level sound quality to our music and podcast enjoyment. For Google Assistant users, it’s well-integrated for all-around use while the fast charging is icing on the cake.
Be forewarned though that neither Airplay nor Apple Music are integrated into the system and if you find the bass too heavy (as we and many reviewers did), the Bass (and Treble) can be adjusted via sliders in the Google Home app.
Belkin’s SOUNDFORM ELITE comes in black with charcoal grey or in white and grey, carries a two-year limited warranty and retails for USD $299.99 (Belkin also ships to Canada). In August, it will be sold at Canadian retailers for CAD $399.99.
