X-mini Clear: X-mini Upsized

When I mention X-mini, what comes to mind?

Small, cute little round speakers which look like this right?:

Singapore-based audio brand X-mini is known for their great compact capsule speakers. In fact, the name “X-mini” has become the generic name for any speakers which look like a compact capsule.

I was talking to one of colleague at work who used to cover the technology beat as a journalist and she mentioned casually that one of the most common door gift she got at tech events were “X-mini speakers”. She wasn’t referring to just X-mini branded compact capsule speakers, but also to the tons of made-in-China knock-offs which you can easily find in any corporate gift catalogue.

For a brand this well-recognised for it’s iconic product, what’s next?

Enter the X-mini Clear:

The nice folks at X-mini delivered a set to my office for review.

At first look, I find the retro-designed speaker quite a beauty to look at. It will fit nicely on my work desk or my bedroom. The packaging is exquisite as well, making it a delight to unbox:

Priced at US$199 the X-mini Clear is available via the company’s website.

Product Highlights: 

• Custom 2.1 Audio System with 70mm active subwoofer delivering crisp low frequency reproduction
• Signature Ceramic Drivers creates clearer and cleaner mid and high frequencies through 40mm Ceramic Drivers.
• Clear Back Design with 3-mode Mood Lighting aesthetics designed to accompany quality audio experience.
• Bluetooth & NFC enabled for One-touch seamless Wireless Connectivity of up to 10m.
• Noise-cancelling Microphone to filter background disturbances for phone calls.
• Smartphone Charging capabilities with high-capacity 6600mAh Li-ion battery.

Technical Specifications: 

• Dimensions : 218mm x 89.5mm x112mm
• Net Weight : 920g
• Speaker : Magnetically Shielded 40mm (3.3Ω) x 2
• Subwoofer : Magnetically Shielded 70mm (4.0 Ω)
• Loudspeaker Output : 20W
• Frequency Response : 40Hz – 20 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise : ≥89dB
• Distortion : ≤1.0%
• Playback Time : Up to 10 Hours
• Battery Capacity : 6600mAh
• Battery Charging Voltage : 15V (Adapter)
• Battery Charge Time : Minimum of 3 hours

To be honest, I am not a hardcore audiophile and I am not in the position to discuss at length, the sound quality. From the aesthetic point, I left it at my work desk for the past weeks and it did garnered a lot of attention because of it’s sleek design. The touch-sensitive buttons weren’t the easiest to use and my colleagues and I did have some trouble figuring it out at the beginning. The transparent back and the LED mood lights available in different modes were fun to play around with.

For control, there’s bluetooth and if you own an Android device, you can use the X-mini Clear’s NFC feature. There’s also a USB port for charging your device while you stream music.

I am assuming the target consumers for the X-mini Clear are the designer type, the same kind who will drive a Mini Cooper or Volkswagen Beetle, choosing aesthetic first before functionality.

Verdict: it will make an awesome decorative furniture piece.