ZEALOT S76 50W True Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker Product Review

ZEALOT S76 50W True Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A Comprehensive Review

The ZEALOT S76 50W True Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker aims to deliver a powerful audio experience. Boasting a 50W output, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) functionality, a long-lasting battery, and a water-resistant design, it seems poised to be a versatile Bluetooth speaker for both indoor and outdoor use. This review will delve into the core features of the ZEALOT S76, analysing its performance and weighing its pros and cons to determine if it lives up to its promises.

Core Features and Performance:

• Robust 50W Sound Output: The heart of any speaker is its sound, and the ZEALOT S76 promises a powerful 50W output. In practice, the speaker does deliver a substantial volume, easily filling a medium-sized room or providing ample sound for a small outdoor gathering. The bass is noticeably present, providing a good foundation for music. However, the quality of the bass is somewhat dependent on the volume level. At lower volumes, it is reasonably defined, but as the volume increases, it can become a bit overpowering. The highs are generally clear, but at maximum volume, they can sometimes sound a little harsh or tinny, particularly in tracks with complex instrumentation or high-frequency elements. Overall, the sound leans towards a consumer-friendly V-shape, emphasising bass and highs for an engaging, if not entirely balanced, listening experience.

• True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Functionality: The TWS functionality is a welcome addition, allowing users to pair two S76 speakers for a true stereo experience. Setting up the TWS pairing is relatively straightforward, and once connected, the speakers create a wider soundstage and a more immersive listening experience. The stereo separation allows for a better perception of instrument placement and adds depth to the music. This feature elevates the S76 from a simple portable speaker to a more compelling audio solution for larger gatherings or for creating a more engaging listening environment at home. However, it's worth noting that purchasing two speakers essentially doubles the investment, which might be a deterrent for some.

• Long Battery Life: Battery life is a crucial factor for portable speakers, and the ZEALOT S76 claims to offer 12 hours of playback. In real-world usage, this claim holds up reasonably well, although it depends heavily on the volume level. At moderate volume levels (around 50-60%), the speakers can indeed achieve close to 12 hours of playback. However, at higher volumes, the battery life decreases significantly, potentially dropping to around 8-9 hours. This is still a respectable figure, making the ZEALOT S76 a suitable choice for extended outdoor use or all-day events. The 8000mAh battery also allows the device to be used as a power bank, to charge other devices such as phones. This is a great feature and certainly adds to the versatility of this device. The speaker takes around 4 hours to fully charge, which is a fairly long time in comparison to other devices.

• Water-Resistant Design: The IPX7 waterproof rating is a significant advantage, making the S76 suitable for outdoor adventures and environments where splashes or light rain are a concern. While it's not designed for complete submersion, the IPX7 rating provides peace of mind when using the speaker by the pool, at the beach, or during a light drizzle. This feature significantly enhances the speaker's versatility and makes it a more robust option for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Compact and Lightweight: Despite its powerful output, the ZEALOT S76 maintains a relatively compact and portable design. While not the smallest speaker on the market, it's still easy to carry in a backpack or large tote bag. The weight of 1680g, whilst not super heavy, it maybe a consideration for some people. The cylindrical shape makes it easy to position on various surfaces.

• Bluetooth 5.0 Technology: The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable and reliable connection with compatible devices. Pairing is quick and easy, and the connection remains strong within the specified range of approximately 10 meters. Bluetooth 5.0 also offers improved power efficiency compared to older versions, contributing to the speaker's long battery life.

• Versatile Playback Options: In addition to Bluetooth, the ZEALOT S76 offers USB and AUX inputs, providing flexible playback options. The USB port allows for playing audio files directly from a USB drive, while the AUX input enables connection to devices that don't have Bluetooth capabilities. This versatility makes the S76 a useful speaker for a wider range of scenarios.

Pros:

• Powerful and loud sound output: Delivers ample volume for indoor and outdoor use.
• True Wireless Stereo (TWS) functionality: Allows for a wider and more immersive soundstage when paired with a second speaker.
• Long battery life: Provides up to 12 hours of playback at moderate volume levels.
• IPX7 water-resistant design: Suitable for outdoor use and protection against splashes and light rain.
• Compact and portable: Easy to carry in a backpack or tote bag.
• Stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection: Ensures reliable wireless streaming.
• Versatile playback options: Includes USB and AUX inputs for flexible connectivity.
• Sleek and modern aesthetic: Complements various settings.
• Can be used as a power bank.

Cons:

• Bass can be muddy and overpowering at high volumes: May overshadow other frequencies.
• Highs can be a little harsh at maximum volume: May sound tinny or shrill with certain tracks.
• Battery life decreases significantly at higher volumes: May not achieve the 12 hours at high volumes.
• Purchasing two speakers for TWS can be expensive: Doubles the investment - but is it worth it?
• Charging time is quite long.
• Weight of 1680g could be a consideration for some.

Final Thought:

The ZEALOT S76 50W True Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers a compelling package for those seeking a powerful and versatile speaker. Its 50W output delivers ample volume and the TWS functionality allows for an enhanced stereo experience. The long battery life and water-resistant design make it suitable for outdoor use, while the compact size and sleek aesthetic make it equally at home indoors.

However, the speaker is not without its flaws. The bass can be muddy and overpowering at high volumes, and the highs can sometimes sound a little harsh. The battery life also decreases significantly at higher volumes.

Ultimately, the ZEALOT S76 is a good choice for those who prioritise volume and portability. It's a great option for parties, outdoor gatherings and general use where a durable speaker is needed. However, music lovers seeking a perfectly balanced and refined sound signature might want to consider other options. The ability to pair two speakers together for true stereo sound and the power bank functionality makes this an appealing device. Weighing its pros and cons, the ZEALOT S76 50W True Wireless Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers a good value proposition for its price point, making it a worthwhile contender in the crowded portable Bluetooth speaker market.