Budget Bluetooth speaker with incorporated ambient illumination surpasses Sonos, sparking my desire for acquisition
Introducing the Pure Classic Aura: A Unique Bluetooth Speaker
The UK brand Pure has entered the Bluetooth speaker market with a bang, introducing the Classic Aura. This new portable speaker offers a unique blend of features that set it apart from competitors like Sonos.
The Classic Aura boasts a 40W output with a two-way sound system, delivering a rich, balanced sound experience. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and includes an auxiliary input for wired devices. One of its standout features is an ambient lighting system with ten lighting patterns, including music-synced effects, designed to enhance the sensory experience.
The speaker has a replaceable battery that provides up to 30 hours of playback and an IPX2 rating for splash protection. The compact retro design, complete with a radio-like aesthetic in its carry handle, allows for portability, and it also features a USB-C port for charging smartphones.
In comparison, the Sonos Roam 2 is a smaller, very portable speaker with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into Sonos multi-room systems and support smart home voice assistants (Google Assistant and Alexa). However, it offers only about 10 hours of battery life, notably less than the Pure Classic Aura.
The Classic Aura speaker from Pure is available in two wood-finished styles: Coffee Brown (similar to Walnut) and Cotton White (closer to Oak). Both styles are IPX2 water-resistant. It's worth noting that the Classic Aura does not support Wi-Fi or multi-room functionality.
Priced at £119.99, the Classic Aura undercuts the price of Sonos' Roam 2, which costs £179. This makes it an affordable alternative to other Bluetooth speakers on the market.
The speaker also offers three equalisation (EQ) options for adjusting sound to your preference. Its built-in ambient lighting comes in ten different options, providing a versatile lighting experience.
In summary, the Pure Classic Aura emphasises long battery life, rich sound with EQ options, and an ambient light experience, while the Sonos Roam 2 focuses on versatility with Wi-Fi, smart features, and ecosystem integration, though with shorter battery life. The Classic Aura is a new addition to the Bluetooth speaker market, offering a unique blend of features that make it a compelling choice for music lovers.
This unique Bluetooth speaker, the Pure Classic Aura, not only provides a rich, balanced sound with its 40W output and two-way system, but also includes a USB-C port for charging smartphones, showcasing the versatility of its technology. Unlike the Sonos Roam 2, the Classic Aura focuses on long battery life and ambient lighting as key features, while the Roam 2 stands out for its Wi-Fi connectivity, smart home voice assistants, and integration into Sonos multi-room systems, albeit with less battery life.
