This Minirig system review is an extension of a review we did on the Minirig Bluetooth speaker some months ago. We loved the single speaker so much the company went ahead and sent along the whole system for review. This was one we weren’t expecting as it just showed up at my doorstep with no prior notice. I knew what to expect from one speaker but was really very excited to see what the whole Minirig system could do. Read on to find out why the Minirig system takes a Techaeris 2016 Top Pick award.
Minirig System Specifications
Minirig Bluetooth Speaker
- Weight – 435 g
- Driver – 3” (76mm) with neodymium motor system
- Frequency response – 75 – 20,000Hz
- Battery life – 50 hours (low volume) – 30 hours (average use) – 10 hours (maximum volume)
- Input power – USB (5V DC @ 500mA)
- Output power USB – (5V DC @ 500mA)
- Bluetooth – 4.0 with APTX and wireless stereo
- Bluetooth Range >10-50 meters line-of-sight
- Charging time – 6 to 8 hours
- Audio input/output – 2 x 3.5mm mini jack socket
- Construction – Anodised aluminium and polycarbonate
- IP rating – IPX4 – Air tight enclosure with waterproof cone
- Maximum peak output >100db
Minirig Bluetooth Subwoofer
- Dimensions (h x d) – 213mm x 101.6mm
- Weight – 875g
- Driver – 3” (76mm) long-throw subwoofer with neodymium motor
- Frequency response – 48Hz – 150Hz (+/- 3db within this range)
- Battery life – 50 hours (low listening level) – 20 hours (medium listening level) – 6 hours (maximum listening level)
- Input power – 5V to 12V DC @ 500mA
- Charging time – 5 to 11 hours (depending on input voltage)
- Audio input/output – 2 x 3.5mm jack socket
- Construction – Anodised aluminium and polycarbonate
- Features – RGB LED providing status and battery level – On/off switch – Inbuilt low distortion limiter – Air flow optimised folded port – Dual gain levels
Design
In my review of the Minirig single speaker I called the design a little tank and that continues to be the case here. We covered the design in our previous review and the subwoofer is no different here. The materials used here are superior and high quality, craftsmanship is stellar and attention to detail is obvious. On the top you’ll find one button which serves as the power, Bluetooth pairing and gain button. On the side you’ll find two AUX inputs and a barrel power connector. You’ll have to plug into a smartphone wall wort to charge up the internal battery as there is not one included. All speakers come with a very nice well made carrying case to keep them from getting scratched. The design is tough looking yet elegant at the same time and it’s really very well made.
Ease Of Use
The system is simple to pair via Bluetooth and you’re able to daisy chain speakers together, along with the subwoofer. There is an included app you can use to control some aspects of the Minirig system, but it isn’t necessary and I never used it much. Pairing the Minirig to your smartphone or tablet is simple, if you’ve paired any Bluetooth device you will be able to pair with the Minirig. The power button/Bluetooth button also acts as the gain button which makes the Minirig system even beefier. All of the units ship with the gain on low so you’re not rattled right off the bat. So if you feel the volume isn’t quite there, just press that button and the gain will go to high. Pairing and use of the Minirig system is really very easy and shouldn’t pose an issue for any user.
Sound
I was very impressed with the sound of the Minirig single speaker but oh my… hooking two of these up with a subwoofer is stunning. The sound is deep, rich and full not to mention LOUD. At high gain these things scream and they will do you just fine in any outdoor situation and should be more than enough for indoor parties. For the size of these speakers, subwoofer included, the sound is amazing. The one thing I do wish was here was separate volume control. Volume is controlled through your device and I wish there were a master volume on the speakers or subwoofer separate from the device volume. I really like being able to have control over both ranges, though it is in no way a deal breaker here. Overall, these are the loudest and smallest speakers I’ve heard or used and every form of music sounds amazing here.
Battery Life
The Minirig system has stellar battery life, and you’ll get 50 hours easily on low volume levels. You should remember that battery life will vary on how loud you like your music. I did find the subwoofer didn’t last quite as long as the small speakers but not by much.
Price/Value
The whole Minirig system is going to set you back around $489USD or £369.99GBP, but you might find them on Amazon for cheaper. This is a lot of cash to pony up for Bluetooth speakers and I can understand some people being hesitant about such a purchase. While the price is high, I think the value is here. Not only are these speakers well built with high quality materials and craftsmanship. They just sound amazing!
Wrap Up
The price is on the higher end, but you could potentially use these speakers not only as a portable system, but as a main system for your devices at home. We think the price to value ratio is here and if you have the money to spend, the Minirig system is something you should consider.
[rwp-review id=”0″]*We were sent a review sample of the Minirig system for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on January 23, 2017.
