HIFI test: Connected and smart speakers Amazon Echo Studio

Amazon Echo Studio test : The larger Alexa model designed by Amazon, the Echo Studio is the rather enticing promise of a smart speaker with more than 330 W of power and Dolby Atmos compatibility, all for only 200 euros. Is this enough to make it an audio product, or even Hifi, of reference?

In this article, we share with you the Amazon Echo Studio test, Connected and smart speakers to shop for better audio quality.

Full Amazon Echo Studio review

Specifications

• Connected speaker with Alexa assistant
• Operation on setctor only • Power: 330 W • 3-channel topology
• Speakers: 1 5,25 ″ woofer, 3 2 ″ midrange speakers, 1 1 ″ tweeter.
• Audio input: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, analog and optical digital mini jack, micro-USB
• Dolby Atmos compatible
• Self-calibration according to the acoustics of the room
• Dimensions: 175 mm x 206 mm (diameter x height)
• Weight: 3,5kg
• Link

Our Opinion: 4/5

Construction: 4 / 5

Ergonomics: 4/5

Equipment: 3,5 / 5

Musicality: 4/5

Writing REviews

Almost ideal dimensions, monolithic discretion

Aesthetically, we can not say that Amazon is taking a risk, yet the Echo Studio does not lack charm. Its construction combines solid plastic and good quality fabric cover.

The only real downside on this point remains the small visible plastic ring, housing the control buttons and microphones. This simple area is indeed very messy and immediately less classy despite its matte finish. The assembly, however, is flawless.

Read also : Bose Portable Home Speaker test, HYPE connected speakers!

Amazon Echo Studio: Awe-inspiring possibilities, more measured reality

Such a large enclosure would theoretically have allowed for many more controls and possibilities than other Amazon Echo models.

In practice, we are a little unsatisfied. If the presence of seven microphones on the product ensures better voice capture compared to other models, that's about all in practice.

• The button controls are rather strange. We only find the volume control, the activation / deactivation of the microphones, and a button to activate Alexa directly (without voice command). Contrary to what many smart speakers offer, it is not possible to manage audio navigation (play / pause, skip a track). The latter must imperatively go through the smartphone or voice commands. Likewise, the Echo Studio is a bit stingy in wired connectivity.
• It has only one analog input on mini-jack (which can also operate in optical digital audio via adapter not supplied) and micro-USB port. The network possibilities of the speaker remain confined to its Wi-Fi module, there is no Ethernet socket. Finally, note the presence of a Bluetooth connection. The installation of the product is very simple: it is done via a simple passage in the smartphone application Alexa.
• The setup went smoothly and without any bugs during our testing, which is already a good surprise.
• The Alexa application is relatively complete, because it allows you to configure the speaker within a multiroom audio system, but also in stereo mode (by pairing it with a second speaker of the same type), with or without a subwoofer. external.

B&O Beosound Balance review: Astonishing connected speakers!

Alexa, just a little bit more

The voice capture is almost perfect, only a few rare pitfalls cause it to stumble. A voice that is a little flickering or a little covered in noise can cause the Echo Studio to struggle, but on a really occasional basis.

Let us also recognize that the principle of omnidirectional capture (via the seven microphones) is fully developed. It works regardless of the placement of the speaker in the room.

Difficult to accuse the Echo Studio in particular, but the Alexa system is not yet as developed as Google Home in musical use. The voice commands and basic questions do not pose a problem for the assistant, but it is clearly less thorough on the details, especially for navigation in audio streaming services.

To read : The Best Heat Presses for Printing Your Textile Products and Gadgets

Echo Studio Amazon: A powerful sound, convincing enough but not really Atmos-spherical

Not using the term “audiophile”, Amazon nevertheless puts the package on the technique through a three-way topology and an arrangement with five speakers.

In addition, the use of its microphones makes it possible to analyze the acoustics of the listening room in order to calibrate the sound of the speaker. On paper, this makes it possible to create a 3D sound effect, with support for the Dolby Atmos.

Musically speaking, the Amazon Echo Studio is doing pretty well. Its power handling is indeed admirable for a product of such a small size. The sound signature is fairly balanced, bringing out the bass and treble slightly.

Bass reproduction is quite deep and controlled, far superior to that of other Amazon Echo products. On this point, the Echo Studio can largely compete with conventional speakers, at least in terms of size and power.

Only the responsiveness and dynamics are not so impressive. The mids are not off, but somehow wiser, less expansive than the rest of the spectrum.

And yet, the result is also interesting, without too much coloring. On the other hand, it is difficult to put the Echo Studio against a Hifi speaker of the same price as regards the quality of the tones.

If the comparison is a bit unfair, let's just say that it doesn't yet have the overall sound consistency of a HiFi-oriented speaker. The treble extension is quite convincing for a monoblock smart speaker. This frequency range is provided by a 25 mm (1 inch) dome tweeter rising high enough in frequency, without any aggressiveness. A slightly artificial shine can however be felt.

Read also : The Best Western Digital External Hard Drives

While 330W probably means peak power and not RMS continuous power, the Echo Studio can sing loudly and without exploding distortion. Finally, note that the Alexa application gives access to a graphic equalizer (a little sketchy), leaving the possibility of slightly adapting the sound rendering to the user's preferences.

The sound calibration and the architecture of the speaker make it possible to give a certain amplitude to the listening, some small projection effects allowing to get out of a too monophonic listening.

But from there to feeling enveloped in the music, there is still a step. The surround effect is quite convincing, which is already remarkable, but the Atmos (verticality of sound) representation only works through a few rare effects. So the notion of 3D sound is there, but not consistent in all circumstances.

Our Opinion: 4/5

Construction: 4 / 5

Ergonomics: 4/5

Equipment: 3,5 / 5

Musicality: 4/5

Writing REviews

Si The Echo Studio can be improved, it is much more than a simple auxiliary speaker. Not intended to replace an audiophile speaker, it is one of the very good connected students, offering the best for such a price. There remains a lack of advanced settings which is still a little detrimental, preventing it from really being in the very top of the basket.